Tribal Courts

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Tribal courts generally hear cases about divorces and custody hearings. The minnesota department of natural resources is arguing that the case should not be heard in white earth tribal court at all. Because line three doesn't technically pass through the reservation, they argued that the white earth band had no say in what went on - even if it can be seen on the reservation. Frank has asked the appeals court to reconsider and they're now waiting on that decision. It's worth considering what would happen next, because the implications would be beg well, first, it's possible that there could be even more appeals that drag on longer.

The Ojibwe name for wild rice is Manoomin, which translates to “the good berry.” The scientific name is Zizania palustris. It’s the only grain indigenous to North America, and while it might be called rice, it’s actually not closely related to brown or white rice at all. It has long played an important role in Ojibwe cultures, but last year, Manoomin took on a new role: plaintiff in a court case. Last August, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources was sued by wild rice. The case of Manoomin v Minnesota Department of Natural Resources alleges that the Minnesota DNR infringed on the wild rice’s right to live and thrive. But can wild rice sue a state agency? The short answer is: yes. This is the story about what might happen if rice wins.

The Rights of Rice and Future of Nature

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