Nick Estes, an expert on Indigenous sovereignty and land back, joins the podcast to discuss the complexities of the land dispute case between the Sioux Nation and the United States. They explore the violent dispossession of native lands, the failures of the Supreme Court in addressing tribal sovereignty, and the methods of organizing and resistance employed by the Great Sioux Nation to reclaim their land.
The Sioux Nation rejected a cash settlement and demanded the return of their land as a demonstration of their commitment to Indigenous sovereignty.
Efforts for land back and tribal rights involve grassroots organizing, legislation, policy approaches, and the rehabilitation of indigenous lands.
Deep dives
The United States v Sioux Nation and the debate over compensation for land
The Sioux Nation, in 1980, was granted a cash settlement for the land they had treaty rights to, but they refused to claim the funds, arguing that they wanted the land back, not money.
The inadequacy of existing laws and the federal government's unwillingness to address colonialism
The United States v Sioux Nation case highlights the limitations of the law and the government's failure to comprehensively address the colonization of tribal lands.
The historical context of violent dispossession and genocidal policies
The history of federal Indian law is intertwined with the violent dispossession of native lands, often effectuated through explicit genocidal policies. The Supreme Court's decisions, such as the Marshall trilogy, have subjugated tribal claims to land in favor of the federal government.
Challenges and strategies for tribal rights and land back movements
Current efforts for land back and tribal rights include grassroots organizing, legislative and policy approaches, rehabilitation of indigenous lands, and co-management of federal lands within the Black Hills. These movements require long-term strategies, alliances, and concerted efforts to challenge the existing legal framework and advocate for justice and autonomy.
We're joined by Nick Estes, of The Red Nation podcast to talk about Indigenous sovereignty, land back, and how stupid Mount Rushmore is.
You can find Nick's work at www.therednation.org.
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