The Daily Spark

Enbridge Energy has asked a Michigan judge to delay a decision on the state's lawsuit over the Line 5 pipeline, urging the court to wait for U.S.-Canada treaty talks to progress. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's lawsuit challenges the pipeline's easement through the Straits of Mackinac, citing safety concerns. Enbridge argues the dispute is under federal jurisdiction and should be resolved through diplomatic negotiations. The judge has not yet issued a ruling.

The National Marine Fisheries Service is defending its decision to restrict a proposed tide gate replacement project in Washington state, citing threats to Puget Sound Chinook salmon and endangered Southern Resident killer whales. Skagit County Dike District 12 argues the agency misapplied scientific data in its biological opinion. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, whose fishing rights and traditions rely on salmon, was denied intervention in the case. A court ruling could impact future infrastructure projects in tribal waters.

The Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations are seeking to support the U.S. Department of Justice in lawsuits against two Oklahoma district attorneys, arguing the state lacks authority to prosecute Native Americans for crimes committed in Indian Country. The DOJ asserts such prosecutions violate federal Indian law, reaffirmed in the 2020 McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling. Tribal leaders say the district attorneys’ actions undermine tribal sovereignty and public safety.

Pipeline companies have urged the D.C. Circuit Court to uphold the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's (FERC) approval of a natural gas pipeline project between West Texas and Mexico, asserting that FERC's review and authorization were lawful and should be affirmed.

This case highlights ongoing legal debates over energy infrastructure developments that may affect Native American lands and interests. Tribal communities are encouraged to stay informed about such projects due to potential environmental and cultural impacts.

Sean Sherman, founder of The Sioux Chef and executive director of the North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), served as the keynote speaker at the Tribal Econ Summit in Bismarck on Jan. 24. Sherman, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota tribe, discussed the importance of revitalizing Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty. He highlighted initiatives like the Indigenous Food Lab and Owamni by The Sioux Chef, explaining how these efforts are addressing economic and health challenges, creating wealth and empowering American Indian communities through the reclamation of traditional foodways. #IndigenousFood #NativeSovereignty #TribalEconSummit

Waukegan Potawatomi Casino LLC lost its bid to challenge the denial of a casino license after the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the tribe did not have standing to sue. The court upheld a lower court's decision, emphasizing that the tribe lacked a vested legal interest in the licensing process. The ruling also confirmed that the licensing process had concluded with another casino receiving the license, making the challenge moot.

The casino had sued Waukegan, claiming discriminatory practices and violations of the state’s Open Meetings Act. However, the high court found that the legal arguments were without merit, dismissing the case.

President Donald Trump dismissed over a dozen inspectors general on January 24, 2025, including some of his own appointees, raising concerns about violations of federal law. Among those fired were Mark Greenblatt, the Interior Department’s IG, and Christi Grimm of Health and Human Services. Both Democrats and Republicans condemned the firings, with Senate Minority Leader Schumer calling it a "chilling purge" and Rep. Connolly decrying it as an attack on accountability.

The move reignites fears about political interference in oversight agencies, with some Republicans urging further clarification from Trump. The firings highlight ongoing concerns about transparency and the independence of government watchdogs.

The Cottonwood Environmental Law Center is calling for the reopening of a case related to bison management near Yellowstone National Park. The group argues that federal agencies, including the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, have failed to fully comply with a 2020 court order to conduct necessary analysis under the National Environmental Policy Act. The lawsuit highlights concerns over the confinement of bison to small areas, causing safety issues from hunting and the enforcement of arbitrary boundaries set to prevent brucellosis transmission. Cottonwood is pushing for bison to roam freely on public lands, challenging the long-standing restrictions.

#BisonRights #Yellowstone #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #WildlifeManagement #BisonConservation

President Donald Trump’s "Unleashing American Energy" executive order is causing disruption in major ongoing litigation regarding the National Environmental Policy Act and the executive branch’s power to implement its regulations. The order, signed on January 20, rescinds a 1977 executive order issued by President Jimmy Carter and directs the White House Council on Environmental Quality to propose rescinding its NEPA regulations. This move has unsettled legal challenges in both the U.S. Supreme Court and the D.C. Circuit, especially in cases involving the Surface Transportation Board’s approval of a crude oil rail transport line and environmental groups’ challenges to federal agencies' actions. The Justice Department is reevaluating its stance in light of Trump’s order, adding further complexity to the legal landscape surrounding NEPA.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is appealing a lower court's decision that ruled the U.S. Army doesn't have to repatriate the remains of two Indigenous children buried at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School cemetery in Pennsylvania. The tribe argues that the Army is exploiting the cemetery by conducting research and other activities that do not respect the sovereignty and traditions of Indigenous people.

The remains of Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, among at least 180 children buried there, were disturbed during construction of the Army War College after the school closed in 1918. The tribe is pushing for the return of the children's remains under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). The Army, however, claims the site is exempt from the law.

Cedric Cromwell, the former chair of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe in Massachusetts, has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a federal appeals court ruling that reinstated his extortion convictions. Cromwell argues that federal extortion laws have never been applied to tribal officials and that Congress has not clearly included tribal leaders in the scope of the Hobbs Act.

The convictions stem from allegations that Cromwell solicited gifts, including a $10,000 check and an exercise bike, tied to a $1 billion casino project.

In Standing Rock, tribal leaders from across the country gathered to voice their opposition to the controversial pipeline projects that threaten Indigenous lands. The gathering focused on the ongoing fight to protect sacred sites and the environment from the potential damage caused by pipeline construction. Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Mike Faith emphasized the importance of unity in resisting projects that disregard Native sovereignty. The event highlighted the continued efforts by Native communities to safeguard their land, culture, and resources amid ongoing external pressures.

The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe has announced a new policy to increase accessibility to tribal identification cards, responding to concerns about Immigration and Customs Enforcement actions. The tribe is waiving fees for issuing or replacing IDs for a limited time and implementing expedited services for out-of-state members. As part of this initiative, the tribe encourages all members to carry their Tribal IDs and provides alternatives like a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood (CDIB) for those without immediate access to official IDs.

For more information, contact the Tribal Enrollment Office at (605) 698-3911.

The Montana American Indian Caucus has outlined its legislative priorities for the 2025 session, focusing on issues critical to Native American communities. Key areas of emphasis include enhancing tribal sovereignty, improving healthcare access, and addressing economic disparities. The caucus aims to collaborate with state lawmakers to advance policies that support the well-being and rights of Indigenous peoples in Montana.

​​Montana State University Billings hosted its second annual "No More Stolen Sisters" night to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). The event highlighted the crisis impacting Native American communities, with players and fans showing support by wearing red and displaying tribute posters. MSUB's efforts, sparked by former player Kola Bad Bear, continue to amplify voices advocating for justice and recognition.

North Dakota tribal lawmakers are advocating for legislation to form a task force dedicated to addressing missing Indigenous people. The proposed task force would work with local law enforcement and tribal communities to improve investigations, share resources, and offer support to families. Supporters hope the bill will improve efforts to locate missing Indigenous individuals and provide stronger community engagement.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in collaboration with Native American tribes, is working to restore Arctic grayling to Michigan rivers. This effort, starting with the release of 400,000 eggs in May, aims to reestablish self-sustaining populations of the fish, which vanished from the state in 1936.

The Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center, based in Seattle, is one of the local changemakers honored by Microsoft. The center plays a pivotal role in uplifting and preserving Native cultures and traditions in the Puget Sound region. It provides a space for Indigenous people to gather, learn, and celebrate their heritage. Microsoft’s support highlights the center’s continued efforts to foster cultural awareness and community empowerment.

The American Philosophical Society is accepting applications for its Phillips Fund for Native American Research program. Grants of up to $3,500 are available to support research on the history and cultures of Native American peoples. The application deadline is February 15, 2025.

For more information, read the full article at https://philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp17436-american-philosophical-society-invites-applications-for-native-american-research.