Native American Rights Fund
@nativerights.bsky.social
1.5K followers 9 following 160 posts
Native-led nonprofit that holds governments accountable & protects Native rights, resources, and lifeways through litigation, legal advocacy, & expertise.🪶#NARF #NativeRights
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nativerights.bsky.social
In Alaska, Native communities continue to face unique barriers to the ballot box—from lack of Native language access to systemic obstacles that make registering and voting more difficult. Our new video highlights these ongoing struggles: vote.narf.org #VoterEducationWeek

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Native Voices, Native Vote: Protecting Our Way of Life in Alaska
YouTube video by Native American Rights Fund
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nativerights.bsky.social
The right to vote is under constant attack in Indian Country. Today we will look at some of the cases making their way through the courts right now. From the undermining of the Voting Rights Act in TMC v. Howe, which currently is heading to the Supreme Court. Read more:
Native Vote Week - Native American Rights Fund
In honor of Voter Education Week (October 6-10, 2025), the Native American Rights Fund is holding a Native Vote Week to focus attention on Native voting rights and to uplift Native power at the…
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Yesterday, the SCOTUS denied cert in RunItOneTime LLC v. U.S, bringing a conclusive end to Maverick Gaming’s baseless attempt to dismantle Tribal gaming compacts in WA. This decision rejects Maverick's attack on Tribal sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and self-governance: buff.ly/jiQHhKt
nativerights.bsky.social
This week, in honor of #VoterEducationWeek, we’re celebrating #NativeVoteWeek. We’re kicking it off by shining a light on the barriers that continue to block Native communities from the ballot box. Check out some of the top barriers identified in our report Obstacles at Every Turn: buff.ly/7E2m2xy
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NCAI and NATHPO are standing with the San Carlos Apache Tribe to defend Chi’chil Biłdagoteel (Oak Flat). Sacred places are vital to Tribal Nations’ cultures and religions, and federal agencies must meaningfully consult with Tribes before making decisions that could destroy them: buff.ly/IZHlLjW
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We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and former NARF Board Member, Chairman Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens, Jr. Chairman Stevens was not only a national leader through his work with the Indian Gaming Association, but he was also a dedicated member of the NARF family.
nativerights.bsky.social
As we acknowledge #OrangeShirtDay, we remember that every child matters—including Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago boys who never returned home from Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Earlier this month, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska stood before the 4th Circuit: buff.ly/4mUKnBE
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Line 5 threatens Tribal homelands, water, and treaty rights. NARF stands in solidarity with the Bad River Band and allies challenging Wisconsin’s approval of Enbridge’s proposed reroute: a project that would cut through wetlands, streams, and cultural resources. Read more: buff.ly/B19AxY5
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Law students: Ready to put your skills to work defending Tribal sovereignty and Native rights? NARF is now accepting applications for our externship and volunteer law clerk program! Apply by 10/15 to join the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit law firm advancing Indian law: buff.ly/snt7Kd4
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The Michigan Supreme Court will hear Tribal Nations’ challenge to Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Bay Mills Indian Community and allies argue the project threatens treaty rights, clean water, and the Great Lakes. Read: buff.ly/bSI9aGh
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On Sept. 10, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska urged the Fourth Circuit to enforce NAGPRA and bring home the remains of Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago children taken to Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 125 years ago. The Tribe continues its fight: buff.ly/4mUKnBE
Winnebago goes to appeals court to bring children home - Native American Rights Fund
The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska urged the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit to hold the U.S. Army accountable to its legal obligations under the Native American Graves Protection and…
narf.org
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Alaska holds over 40% of the nation’s surface water, yet Tribal water rights here look very different from the Lower 48. With so much unappropriated water, the state has a unique opportunity to protect Tribal resources, salmon habitat, and future generations: buff.ly/05OrnAf
Protecting Tribal Waters in Alaska - Native American Rights Fund
With a wealth of unappropriated water, Alaska is uniquely situated to protect Tribal water resources and avoid over allocation mistakes made by states in the western United States. Because of the…
narf.org
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A new bill in the U.S. House seeks to abolish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni–Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The monument honors Tribal Nations, protects sacred lands, and reflects the will of the people: thttps://buff.ly/yTVYymT
nativerights.bsky.social
Line 5 threatens Tribal homelands, water, and treaty rights. NARF stands in solidarity with the Bad River Band and allies challenging Wisconsin’s approval of Enbridge’s proposed reroute: a project that would cut through wetlands, streams, and cultural resources. Read more: buff.ly/AwOKgZh
Support for Bad River Band's Line 5 Challenge - Native American Rights Fund
Native American Rights Fund (NARF) applauds Bad River Band and green groups fighting to stop the new oil pipeline. NARF, which represents the Bay Mills Indian Community in challenging the…
narf.org
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Update: A win for Tribal Nations! The Ninth Circuit reversed and remanded Pakootas v. Teck Cominco, affirming that damages for lost use of natural resources—including cultural impacts—are recoverable damages. Learn more:
Decades of unmitigated pollution caused losses that Teck Cominco should compensate - Native American Rights Fund
Columbia River Treaty Tribes filed a Ninth Circuit amicus brief in support of the Colville Tribes compensation for service loss...
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We’re excited to be a #NationalVoterRegistrationDay Premier Partner this year! 🎉
On 9/16, communities across the country will come together to get #VoteReady for 2025. Join us in making sure every eligible voter has a voice: bit.ly/NVRDPartner25
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Law students: Apply now to join NARF’s school year programs! Gain hands-on experience in Indian law, work for pay, credit, or as a volunteer, and make a real impact for Native communities. Positions available in Colorado, DC, and Alaska.

#LawStudents #IndianLaw

Learn more: buff.ly/8awkxGw
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Forced haircuts have long been used as a tool of assimilation against Native people. Today, prison officials are still using them to strip incarcerated Native people of their identity and religious freedom. That must end. Read more: buff.ly/aii1l1b
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The fight for fair maps is now at the Supreme Court.

Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Native voters are challenging North Dakota’s discriminatory maps—and an Eighth Circuit ruling that stripped voters of the power to enforce their rights:
Native American Voters Bring Voting Rights Act Case to the Supreme Court  - Native American Rights Fund
The Spirit Lake Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, and several individual voters filed an en banc petition urging the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit to reconsider a…
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Join The Implementation Project and esteemed speakers, Judge Greg Bigler and Fmr. President Walter Echo-Hawk, on 9/16 from 12:00 to 1:30pm (MT) for the next TIP Quarterly Meeting, focusing on Tribal consultation and consent laws and educating the next generation of lawyers: buff.ly/ZEZsrd2
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As water scarcity grows across the West, Tribal Nations must be able to protect their resources and rights—not just on-reservation, but against off-reservation threats as well. A new article explores how Tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction can be exercised: buff.ly/KsXWXZ2
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On August 22, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s summary judgment in favor of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation in their challenge to a land exchange authorized by the Bureau of Land Management. Read more: buff.ly/DCucD31