ICYMI: John Echohawk's decades of leadership continue to inspire generations of Native advocates. In a feature originally published by the Natural Resources Defense Council we reflect on more than 50 years defending Tribal sovereignty, protecting treaty rights, and more: buff.ly/qvBrcpb

Thank you to our 2026 summer law clerks for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to advancing Tribal sovereignty this summer. Your passion and fresh perspectives have contributed to NARF's mission. We're excited to see the impact you'll continue to make in Indian Country: buff.ly/MHZLJs3

Great news! The MI Sup Court just revoked the Public Service Commission’s permit for the Line 5 tunnel project and told the commission to review the project again and consider the way it “may pollute, impair, or destroy public trust resources.” Congratulations to Bay Mills Indian Community!

Election rules vary by state, but in most states you can wear a "Native Vote" shirt while voting because it is a nonpartisan message. If a poll worker tells you otherwise, request a provisional ballot if needed, and call 866-OUR-VOTE. Say you are an Native voter to be connected with a NARF attorney.

NARF was honored to host former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar for a conversation with NARF Executive Director John Echohawk about Salazar's new book, Borderlands and the enduring legacy of Elouise Cobell.

NARF’s Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative joined more than 1,700 restorative justice practitioners at the National Association of Community and Restorative Justice conference earlier this month. Advisory Circle member Natasha Gourd and Staff Attorney Brett Lee Shelton attended: buff.ly/FVtPxsO

We recently saw major setbacks for Tribal Nations, from the reduction of Bears Ears National Monument to the approval of the Line 5 tunnel permit and rollbacks to Endangered Species Act protections: buff.ly/RKxpJCf

Field Notes from The Headwaters Report - Native American Rights Fund

By: Daniel CordalisJuly 22, 2026Published as part of The Headwaters Report A Bad Week for Tribal Nations What a bad week last week was. Despite an ongoing cacophony of proposed environmental…

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In case you missed it: Last week, Michigan approved key permits for Enbridge's proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. NARF, alongside the Bay Mills Indian Community and Earthjustice, continues to oppose the project because of the threats to Tribal treaty rights: buff.ly/s6yWUZf

Welcome NARF Boulder Law Clerk Stephanie Brown! Stephanie is a rising third-year law student at Stanford Law School and a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. With a background in urban planning, land use, and public sector strategy, she is focused on federal Indian law and Tribal land rights. Welcome!

Last week, President Trump issued a proclamation attempting to revoke Bears Ears National Monument and terminate the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Commission, which was established to help guide the monument's management through Tribal leadership. Learn more: buff.ly/qJ1bfgb

For 25 years, the Tribal Supreme Court Project has helped defend Tribal sovereignty and protect the rights of Tribal Nations before the U.S. Supreme Court. Explore the newly released 25th Anniversary Report to learn more about the Project's impact over the past years: buff.ly/90n2W5k

Meet David Song, a third-year law student at the University of Washington School of Law and a 2027 summer law clerk at our Alaska office. With experience as a legislative aide in the Alaska State House, David is committed to advancing Tribal sovereignty, protecting Indigenous cultural resources.

Today, Michigan approved key permits for Enbridge's proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac, despite the serious risks it poses to Tribal treaty rights, sacred waters, and the Great Lakes. NARF stands with the Bay Mills Indian Community and Earthjustice: buff.ly/vUys4CX

Yesterday, President Trump revoked the Bears Ears National Monument and purported to terminate the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Commission — the body of Tribal representatives established to help guide the monument’s management. Read more: buff.ly/qJ1bfgb

Tribes Stand Strong for Bears Ears National Monument

The Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, and Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, represented by the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) continue to fight to protect the invaluable Bears Ears National Monument; protections…

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Meet Erica Mendez, a third-year law student at the University of Wisconsin Law School, a member of the Quinault Indian Nation and a summer law clerk at NARF. She is committed to advancing Tribal sovereignty and plans to continue serving Tribal Nations through a career in Indian law.

For more than five decades, John Echohawk has shaped the field of federal Indian Law and advance Tribal sovereignty through landmark legal victories. NRDC looks back on his remarkable career, the founding of NARF and the lasting impact of his work protecting Tribal Nations: buff.ly/2wHmPJ0

FEATURE: A Trailblazer for Tribal Sovereignty - Native American Rights Fund

NRDC Board member John Echohawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation and Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, has devoted his career to asserting the legal and civil rights of Native…

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The National Indian Law Library is dedicated to federal Indian and Tribal law. As part of NARF, the library serves both NARF attorneys and the public by maintaining a unique and valuable collection of Indian law resource. Find all your Tribal Water Resources here: buff.ly/AXzCNwW

Interested in advancing Tribal sovereignty and Native rights through the law? The Native American Rights Fund is now accepting applications for Fall 2026 law student externs and volunteer interns. Learn more about the opportunity and how to apply by July 15: buff.ly/JosmxRe

Join the NARF team - Jobs, Clerkships, Fellowships, and Volunteers - Native American Rights Fund

Learn about current opportunities to join the NARF team. In addition to employment opportunities, NARF also has clerkship, fellowship, & volunteer options.

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A victory for Native voting rights! The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee upholds state laws that allow ballots cast by Election Day to be counted after Election Day when they arrive on time under state law. Learn more: buff.ly/kMxn0iV

The newest issue of the NARF Legal Review is here. Inside, you'll find updates on NARF's recent legal work, important developments in federal Indian Law, and a look back at 25 years of the Tribal Supreme Court Project and its impact on strengthening Tribal justice.

Most recent Legal Review features the Tribal Supreme Court Project 25th Anniversary - Native American Rights Fund

The NARF Legal Review is published semi-annually and provides updates on NARF’s cases and information on other timely Indian law topics. NARF's cases featured in this edition of the Legal Review…

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As many celebrate the Fourth of July, it's also an opportunity to recognize the unique political status of Tribal Nations. DYK? Reflective of their sovereign status predating the United States, Tribal Nations have government-to-government relationships with the federal government: buff.ly/XhpjpiF

Meet Christian Skunk, a third-year law student at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and a citizen of the Kul Wicasa Oyate (Lower Brule Sioux Tribe). Recently named one of the USD's 30 Under 30, he has built a strong foundation in Tribal government and public policy.

The Implementation Project attended the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from April 20 to May 1, to support Tribal leaders in ensuring attention to Indigenous Peoples’ issues arising in the United States and abroad. Read more: buff.ly/arLh2V5

The Implementation Project at the 25th Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues - Native American Rights Fund

The Implementation Project (TIP) attended the 25th Session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues from April 20 to May 1, 2026, to support Tribal leaders in ensuring attention to…

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A win for Native voting rights! Today, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld longstanding protections for absentee voters in Watson v. Republican National Committee, allowing ballots cast on time to be counted after Election Day when state law permits. Read more: buff.ly/q6SSP5l

Looking for Tribal Water Law resources? The National Indian Law Library (NILL) maintains a robust collection of materials dedicated to federal Indian and Tribal law, including codes, case files, law review articles, and current legal updates. Need help? NILL librarians are here: buff.ly/iGBXE00

Please join us in welcoming summer law clerk Damon J. Clark (Diné) to NARF. Damon is a J.D./M.B.A. candidate at the University of Arizona and serves as national president of the National Native American Law Students Association. We are excited to have him on our team this summer!

Tribal Nations have long warned that the proposed Line 5 tunnel project threatens the waters, fisheries, and natural resources that sustain Tribal cultures, lifeways, and treaty-protected rights throughout the Great Lakes. Public comments are open through June 30: buff.ly/NtjGsbF

Michigan Accepting Public Comment on Line 5 - Native American Rights Fund

Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities have long warned of the risks that the proposed Line 5 tunnel project poses to the waters, fisheries, and natural resources that sustain Tribal cultures,…

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The latest edition of the NARF Legal Review is here. This is a chance to see the difference that your investment is making. This issue highlights 25 years of the Tribal Supreme Court Project, efforts to support Natives facing unlawful ICE enforcement actions, and ongoing litigation: buff.ly/E3x1kfV

As Tribal Nations work to protect the waters that sustain their communities, questions of jurisdiction remain at the forefront. This article explores the growing conflict over who has the authority to regulate water use. Read more: buff.ly/G3k4vQw

Juneteenth serves as a reminder of the ongoing work to achieve freedom and equality for all, starting with the foundation of our democracy: our freedom to vote. For democracy to work, it must include us all.