The Take Tribal nations are getting their land back. Now what?
Nov 26, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Rebecca Nagle, a Cherokee writer and journalist, dives into the significant movement of Indigenous nations reclaiming their lands across the U.S. She clarifies the concept of 'Land Back' and its ties to culture, language, and stewardship. Nagle unpacks the complexities of land ownership versus legal jurisdiction, reveals the implications of landmark cases like McGirt v. Oklahoma, and critiques the Thanksgiving narrative's role in American identity. Her insights underscore the broader effects of land restoration on Native sovereignty and environmental stewardship.
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Land Back Is More Than Property
- Land Back means restoring land plus culture, language, sacred sites and sovereignty to Indigenous nations.
- Rebecca Nagle argues stewardship by Indigenous nations benefits biodiversity and climate resilience.
Ownership ≠ Tribal Jurisdiction
- Owning land and having legal jurisdiction over it are distinct under U.S. law.
- Trust or reservation status, not mere ownership, enables tribes to exercise special legal authority.
Jurisdiction Gaps Fuel Violence
- Tribal courts generally cannot prosecute non-Natives for crimes committed on tribal land.
- Rebecca Nagle links this limitation to high rates of violence against Native women and jurisdictional gaps.
