Rebecca Nagle, an Indigenous journalist, discusses Brackeen v. Haaland, Indigenous issues being under covered, Landback, and more. The hosts also explore the surprising involvement of law firm Gibson Dunn in pro bono cases, the relationship between big corporate law firms and attorneys general, and the political influence of the Republican Attorneys General Association. They touch on the search for perfect plaintiffs, the movement of Landback, indigenous stewardship, and land management.
The outcome of the Brackeen v. Haaland case could impact tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, and industries like gaming and oil that frequently face tribal challenges.
The close relationship between Gibson Dunn, the Texas Attorney General's office, and RAGA highlights the influence of corporate interests and political groups in legal challenges against tribes, showcasing the need for improved reporting.
Major news outlets' inadequate coverage of Native communities perpetuates anti-Indigenous racism and misinformation, emphasizing the urgency for accurate, respectful, and inclusive reporting on Indigenous issues.
Deep dives
The Supreme Court case challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act is discussed
The podcast episode delves into the details of a Supreme Court case that challenges the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The ICWA was enacted in 1978 to prevent the removal of Native American children from their families and tribes. The case being discussed involves non-Native foster parents who argue that the ICWA discriminates against them. The outcome of this case has the potential to impact tribal sovereignty and federal Indian law. It could also have implications for industries such as gaming and oil that frequently come up against tribes. The episode explores the legal arguments being made, analyzes the potential beneficiaries, and highlights the importance of accurate and proper coverage of Native communities in the media.
The concerning alliance between corporate law firm Gibson Dunn and political group RAGA is revealed
The episode exposes the connection between Gibson Dunn, a corporate law firm, and RAGA (Republican Attorneys General Association), a political group. Gibson Dunn, which represents industries like oil and gas and gaming, has filed a case seeking to overturn the ICWA on behalf of non-Native foster parents. The close relationship between the law firm, the Texas Attorney General's office, and RAGA is evident in their legal strategy and venue shopping tactics. The potential beneficiaries of the ICWA being overturned are revealed, including the gaming and oil industries. The episode sheds light on the influence of corporate interests and political groups in legal challenges against tribes and advocates for improved reporting on such issues.
The episode criticizes media's poor coverage of Native communities
The episode highlights the inadequate and often biased coverage of Native communities in major news organizations. It emphasizes that this is not merely a diversity problem, but a journalism problem. Native communities are systematically erased from the news, perpetuating anti-Indigenous racism. Major news outlets fail to invest resources in proper coverage, timely reporting, and accurate contextualization. Instances of misinformation and false narratives regarding Native communities are cited, pointing out the need for a journalistic approach that includes knowledgeable reporters, proper fact-checking, and active engagement with Native journalists and communities. The episode calls for a shift in media's approach to Indigenous coverage, aiming for accurate, respectful, and inclusive reporting.
The importance of recognizing the origins of the climate crisis in Indigenous genocide and colonialism is emphasized
The episode acknowledges the intrinsic connection between the climate crisis and the historical injustices of Indigenous genocide and colonialism. Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of the climate crisis, and their experiences and perspectives are crucial in addressing it. Recognizing and respecting Indigenous sovereignty and rights is essential for climate action. The episode highlights the need for major news organizations to give more prominence to Indigenous voices and stories, to better understand and address the root causes of the climate crisis, and to support Indigenous communities in their fight for environmental justice.
Land Back and Indigenous Sovereignty
The podcast episode discusses the concept of 'land back' and the importance of indigenous sovereignty in land management. The host highlights the need for indigenous nations to have a say in the management of public lands, which often contain sacred sites and significant cultural heritage. The episode explores the impact of colonization on land practices and the importance of restoring indigenous land rights. It also touches on the role of tribes in stewarding biodiversity and forests, showcasing their knowledge and expertise. The discussion emphasizes the connection between fighting climate change and respecting the rights of indigenous peoples.
California's Land Management Policy
The podcast mentions a recent policy in California that grants five tribes the right to manage and protect 200 miles of coastland, which was part of their ancestral lands. This example is presented as a model for giving tribes more control over land management. The episode acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in restoring and repairing the damage done to indigenous lands by colonization. It raises the question of why US government agencies should continue to be involved when tribes have the knowledge and capability to steward their own lands. The discussion highlights the need for policy changes that recognize indigenous stewardship and cultural practices.
This week, Amy and Mary chat with Rebecca Nagle - an Indigenous journalist, host of This Land, and long-time friend of the show. They discuss Brackeen v. Haaland (a legal case threatening Indian Law), why Indigenous issues are so under covered, Landback, and more. Follow us on twitter @RealHotTake
