Thursday, September 18, 2025 – Tribes look to modernize the traditional practice of banishment

The Gila River Indian Community in Arizona is considering a new law to banish tribal members convicted of violent crimes. A bill awaits a signature from the New York governor that aims to strengthen the Seneca Nation’s ability to enforce tribal laws, which includes removing people convicted of drug trafficking and other crimes. Those are among efforts by tribes to formalize the traditional practice of banishment as tool to combat crime, but such efforts sometimes conflict with modern legal systems. In Alaska, the Native Village of Togiak faces a legal challenge after tribal members forced a man suspected of illicit alcohol sales onto an airplane to another city. We’ll get insights from tribal leaders and Native legal experts on how banishment fits in with modern justice.

GUESTS

David E. Wilkins (Lumbee), professor at the University of Richmond

Matthew Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians), law professor at the University of Michigan Law School and author of the “Turtle Talk” blog

J.C. Seneca (Seneca), president of the Seneca Nation

Anecia Kritz (Yup’ik), president of Togiak Traditional Council

Alex Cleghorn (Tangirnaq Native Village), chief operating officer for the Alaska Native Justice Center and Tangirnaq Native Village council member

 

Break 1 Music: This Land (song) Keith Secola (artist) Native Americana – A Coup Stick (album)

Break 2 Music: Capoeirablues (song) XOCÔ (artist) XOCÔ (album)