The Daily Spark

The Payne Institute for Public Policy launched the Native American Mining and Energy Sovereignty (NAMES) Initiative in 2023. Focused on supporting Native sovereignty, the initiative aims to foster collaboration between Native nations and the energy sector. NAMES seeks to improve decision-making and create opportunities for research, development, and STEM education relevant to Native communities. Industry partners, including Ivanhoe Electric and Resolution Copper, have joined the effort. For more information, visit payneinstitute.mines.edu/names.

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians recently participated in a program focused on educating the community and testing for lead contamination. Lead, a naturally occurring element, becomes harmful when human activities cause it to contaminate the environment, affecting air, water, soil, and indoor dust. Lead exposure can cause severe health issues, especially in children, including learning and behavior problems and damage to the brain and nervous system. The tribe is partnering with the National Indian Health Board, Badlands, Inc., and others to conduct testing for lead in water, soil, and paint.

The Ninth Circuit Court reversed portions of a lower court's decision regarding the controversial Black Ram logging project in Montana’s Kootenai National Forest. While it upheld the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s grizzly bear analysis, the court found that the U.S. Forest Service failed to meet motorized vehicle access standards and improperly assessed unauthorized road use, violating the National Environmental Policy Act. The project, which includes commercial timber harvesting, is paused pending further review.

The U.S. government is moving to dismiss the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s lawsuit seeking to block operations of the Dakota Access Pipeline. According to court documents, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers argues the tribe’s claims are too vague and that the court lacks the authority to enforce the requested actions. Fourteen Republican-led states, including North Dakota, support this position. The tribe contends that Energy Transfer LP is operating without a valid easement, violating environmental laws.

Two Oklahoma district attorneys are challenging efforts by the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations to intervene in federal lawsuits over state prosecution of tribal citizens in Indian Country. According to court documents, DAs Matthew Ballard and Carol Iski argue the tribes are adequately represented by the U.S. government. The DOJ supports tribal intervention, citing violations of the McGirt v. Oklahoma ruling, which limits state jurisdiction over crimes involving Native Americans on tribal lands.

More than 245 conservation, sporting, cultural heritage, and tribal groups are urging Congress to reject bills that would strip the president’s authority to designate national monuments under the Antiquities Act. The proposed legislation, led by Republican lawmakers, seeks to shift that power exclusively to Congress.

Opponents argue the law has safeguarded historic sites like the Grand Canyon and supports a $1.2 trillion outdoor economy. Tribal organizations, including the Eastern Shoshone Tribal Historic Preservation Office, emphasize its role in protecting Native lands and cultural heritage.

Energy Transfer has filed a $300 million lawsuit against Greenpeace, accusing the environmental organization of inciting violence and defamation during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. The case, which revolves around the company’s claims of criminal activity linked to the protests, has raised concerns about free speech rights and activism. Greenpeace defends its actions as peaceful and lawful, calling the suit a strategy to silence dissent. This case follows years of protests led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian has introduced an online lesson for students to explore California Native American survival and resilience during the Spanish mission period. This resource offers students an opportunity to analyze primary and secondary sources, focusing on how Native people resisted and adapted through adversity. The lesson is available for grades 4-12 and aligns with national education standards.

Tucson's Christopher Columbus Park has been renamed Danny Lopez Park in honor of the late Indigenous leader. Lopez, a respected elder of the Tohono O’odham Nation, was a teacher and cultural advocate. The renaming effort, led by Azul Navarrete-Valera, highlights Lopez's contributions to cultural preservation and community leadership. The Tucson City Council unanimously approved the change, which includes park improvements funded by Proposition 407.

The Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation invites visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the Three Affiliated Tribes on the Fort Berthold Reservation, spanning nearly 1 million acres across six North Dakota counties. Attractions include the MHA Interpretive Center near New Town, offering exhibits, guided tours, and cultural experiences like earth lodge stays and storytelling. Other highlights include the 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, scenic byways, and annual powwows from May to August.

Learn more through MHA Nation Tourism and the MHA Interpretive Center.

A coalition of 15 Democratic senators and one independent is urging the Department of Homeland Security to clarify that tribal identification is valid proof of U.S. citizenship. The push follows reports of Indigenous citizens being stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, causing fear among tribal communities. Lawmakers are demanding guidance for ICE on lawful engagement with federally recognized tribes and clarity on accepted forms of ID. They also seek details on ICE actions within tribal lands and training for agents.

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Diné Citizens Against Ruining Our Environment, and other conservation groups have filed to intervene in a lawsuit challenging the Biden administration’s decision to end new coal leasing in the Powder River Basin. Wyoming and Montana filed the suit to revive the coal industry. The groups argue the ban protects public lands, water, and communities from mining impacts, while supporting a shift toward renewable energy. The region supplies over 40% of U.S. coal production.

Brenna Clani-Washinawatok, a member of the Navajo Nation, will become the first Native American to serve as a judge for New Mexico’s Eleventh Judicial District, covering San Juan and McKinley counties. Appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, she will succeed Judge Daylene Marsh. Clani-Washinawatok, a fifth-generation Diné weaver, has previously served as a child support hearing officer and domestic violence commissioner.

A Rhode Island federal judge is questioning the Trump administration's authority to freeze obligated funds across federal programs. The temporary restraining order will remain in place as 22 states and the District of Columbia seek a preliminary injunction. According to court documents, Judge John McConnell noted the administration has not provided evidence of compliance with constitutional requirements. The case raises concerns about executive power over funds appropriated by Congress.

U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, led 13 Democratic colleagues in urging the Department of Homeland Security to end what they call wrongful Immigration and Customs Enforcement searches and interrogations of Tribal members. In a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers said ICE’s actions since President Donald Trump’s executive order challenging birthright citizenship have stoked fear among Native communities and violate federal trust and treaty responsibilities.

The senators requested that DHS issue clear guidance and training for ICE agents on acceptable forms of Tribal identification, consult with Tribal governments, and provide answers by March 4, 2025. They noted that Native citizens may carry only Tribal identification, which should be recognized as valid proof of U.S. citizenship, and raised concerns about agents’ lack of understanding or respect for Native rights. The letter highlights the potential impact on Tribes whose lands cross international borders and emphasizes Congress’ authority and Supreme Court rulings affirming the citizenship status of Native Americans born in the United States.

Recent layoffs at the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service are raising concerns about the protection of culturally significant Native sites. The cuts impact about 1,000 NPS employees and 3,400 Forest Service staff, affecting park maintenance, educational programs, and conservation efforts. Sites like Effigy Mounds National Monument and Yellowstone National Park are already feeling the effects. Tribal leaders warn that reduced staffing could harm partnerships and preservation efforts.

Jesse Laslovich has stepped down as U.S. Attorney for Montana after nearly two years in office. Appointed by President Joe Biden, Laslovich focused on prosecuting drug and violent crimes, including major cases in Indian Country. His office worked with tribal and federal partners to combat trafficking and protect civil rights. Under his leadership, firearm prosecutions increased, and initiatives addressing hate crimes and fraud were launched. His departure leaves the position open as federal law enforcement efforts continue.

The Native Village of Eklutna has asked a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Anchorage residents seeking to block its 58,000-square-foot casino. The tribe argues it has sovereign immunity and is a required party that cannot be sued without consent. The lawsuit challenges the tribe’s legal status and claims the land is not eligible for gaming. Eklutna officials say federal law recognizes their sovereignty and economic interests. The case raises broader issues of tribal self-governance in Alaska.

Energy industry leaders and legal experts are seeking clarity after former President Donald Trump issued an executive order limiting the independence of federal agencies like the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The order subjects FERC’s major rules to White House review and could allow presidential override of legal decisions. Critics argue this threatens regulatory stability, impacting long-term energy investments, including projects affecting tribal lands. FERC’s response is expected at its next meeting.