New Books Network Rebecca Nagle, "By the Fire We Carry: The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land" (Harper, 2024)
Sep 16, 2025
Rebecca Nagle, an award-winning journalist and Cherokee Nation citizen, delves into the landmark McGirt v. Oklahoma case that reshaped the legal landscape for Native tribes. She discusses the historical roots of Indigenous sovereignty and the profound impact of treaties still in force today. Nagle explores the 1999 Patrick Murphy murder case, emphasizing how past injustices continue to challenge Native rights. With her compelling analysis, she highlights the resilience of Indigenous communities and the importance of reclaiming their narratives in the face of ongoing legal hurdles.
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Murder That Sparked A Legal Cascade
- Patrick Murphy murdered George Jacobs after a jealous confrontation on a rural Oklahoma dirt road in August 1999.
- The murder and Murphy's death sentence sparked appeals that ultimately raised the question of Muscogee Nation's reservation status.
Removal History Powers Modern Claims
- Cherokee and Muscogee Nations were forcibly removed from southeastern homelands in the 1830s, including the Trail of Tears.
- That removal and treaties form the legal foundation for reservation claims in Oklahoma today.
Attorney's Investigation Unearthed Jurisdiction
- Federal public defender Lisa McCallum re-examined Patrick Murphy's case and discovered a location discrepancy at the crime scene.
- That discovery led her team to research jurisdiction and the surprising argument that Muscogee Nation still had a reservation.
