If you’ll be at the #NCAIAnnual, please join us for Rising Waters: Celebrating and Honoring Our Connection to Water, hosted by NARF and the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. Let’s honor our shared responsibility to protect and celebrate water. #NCAI #ATNI #RisingWaters

Tribal Nations are sovereign govt's with inherent authority over their lands and citizens—a political status that predates the U.S. and continues to be recognized today. Understanding Tribal sovereignty, citizenship, and the U.S. trust responsibility is essential to justice:

Tribal Nations in Oklahoma face many water quality and quantity issues. Not only is the state coming off a five-year drought, but flooding is also frequent. Surface water quality is poor because of agricultural runoff and algal blooms. Read more:

Today we honor all who have served—and recognize the extraordinary contributions of Native veterans. Native peoples have served in the U.S. Armed Forces at higher rates per capita than any other group, carrying forward generations of courage, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting their homelands.

Seventeen Native children taken to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in the late 1800s have finally returned home. Read about this important step toward truth, justice, and healing after the devastating legacy of the federal boarding school era: buff.ly/N1zhl15 #BoardingSchoolHealing

Last week, NARF’s Tribal Water Institute was honored to host Protecting Tribal Waters, a symposium that brought together Tribal leaders, advocates, and legal experts to discuss the impacts of recent court decisions and ongoing efforts to protect clean water and Tribal sovereignty. #CleanWaterAct

Oklahoma’s Tribal Nations are standing up for their right to protect the waters that sustain their people, lands, and ways of life. As the state tries to limit Tribal authority, communities face droughts, floods, and contamination: challenges that threaten sovereignty and survival:

How can Tribal Nations assert sovereignty and ensure development aligns with their values? The Implementation Project, a partnership between NARF and CU Boulder, created a new Tribal guide to applying Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in conservation and development: buff.ly/EWrqTaF

November is Native American Heritage Month! Take time to learn about the histories, rights, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. Get the latest news on the fight for Native rights at buff.ly/D4SU86y We celebrate the deep roots, resilience, and self-determination of Tribal Nations.

ICYMI: The Liquid I.V. x NowThis series highlights leaders and organizations working to expand clean water access – and we’re honored to be part of it. Our episode showcases the heart of our water work and the impact we’re striving to make every day. Watch now:

Election Day is almost here! If you experience any issues while voting, from registration questions to polling place problems, help is just a call away. 📞 Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Save this number in your phone so you’re prepared and protected at the polls.

Tribal Nations in Oklahoma are confronting drought, flooding, and contamination — all while the state continues to block their authority to protect water on their own lands. Water is not only a resource; it’s a matter of sovereignty, health, and survival. Read more: buff.ly/nNOOcMF

It’s #VoteEarlyDay! Native voices are powerful—and every early ballot strengthens our say in the future of our Tribal Nations and communities. 🗳️ ✅ Visit voteearlyday.org to find when and where you can vote ✅ Cast your ballot early ✅ Celebrate your voice in action!

Five Tribal Nations have announced the formation of the new Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission: a historic step in ensuring that the management of these ancestral homelands reflects Indigenous leadership, values, and stewardship. 🔗 Learn more: buff.ly/2xtBIAf

On this #UnitedNationsDay, we invite you to check out our new resource! The Implementation Project, a partnership between NARF and CU Boulder, just released The Tribal Guide to Implementing FPIC in the Context of Conservation and Development. Read the guide here: buff.ly/8jMT3St

Earlier this month, NARF attorneys joined partners and advocates at the Democracy Reform Summit in Phoenix, Arizona. Hosted by the Brennan Center for Justice, ASU Law Indian Legal Clinic, and NARF, the events focused on removing barriers to Native political participation and advancing strategies.

Recently, we were honored to meet with the Urban Native Education Alliance to share stories, lessons, and reflections on NARF’s work across Indian Country. The visit was filled with heartfelt conversation, laughter, and inspiration. Thank you for your visit and the meaningful exchange!

With a wealth of unappropriated water, Alaska is uniquely situated to protect Tribal water resources and avoid over-allocation mistakes that Western states often make. Because of the abundance of water, fights over the amount of allocated water in Alaska rarely occur:

Chi’chil Biłdagoteel (Oak Flat) is sacred to the Apache people—a place of creation, prayer, and connection. Last month, NCAI and NATHPO filed a joint brief supporting the San Carlos Apache Tribe’s fight to protect this sacred place. Read more:

Our thoughts are with the communities across Western Alaska—from Kwigillingok to Kotzebue—that are dealing with the devastating impacts of Typhoon Halong. The unprecedented storm resulted in record flooding and has destroyed homes, displaced families, and damaged infrastructure: bit.ly/47lXrBd

Join us Wednesday, October 15, 9–11:30 AM ET at the U.S. Supreme Court as @NAACP_LDF fights to protect the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais. Fair maps = fair representation. Watch the livestream: buff.ly/W5nsHjZ

The Supreme Court’s refusal to hear RunItOneTime v. United States marks a victory for Tribal sovereignty and the integrity of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The denial ensures that Tribes in Washington retain control over their gaming compacts and economic self-determination: buff.ly/fICsSlZ

Today and every day, NARF honors the First Peoples of this land: sovereign Nations whose wisdom, resilience, and rights continue to guide our shared future. Our work to defend Native lands, languages, and lifeways is rooted in the truth that sovereignty is not a gift. It is inherent.

In Alaska, Native communities continue to face unique barriers to the ballot box—from lack of Native language access to systemic obstacles that make registering and voting more difficult. Our new video highlights these ongoing struggles: vote.narf.org #VoterEducationWeek youtu.be/o3FMgBpzWag?...

Finding accurate, Native-focused voting information can be difficult, but we’ve made it easier! From voter registration and ballot access information to advocacy tools that help protect the Native vote, everything you need is in one place: buff.ly/F9m0Ul7

The right to vote is under constant attack in Indian Country. Today we will look at some of the cases making their way through the courts right now. From the undermining of the Voting Rights Act in TMC v. Howe, which currently is heading to the Supreme Court. Read more:

Yesterday, the SCOTUS denied cert in RunItOneTime LLC v. U.S, bringing a conclusive end to Maverick Gaming’s baseless attempt to dismantle Tribal gaming compacts in WA. This decision rejects Maverick's attack on Tribal sovereignty, economic self-sufficiency, and self-governance: buff.ly/jiQHhKt

This week, in honor of #VoterEducationWeek, we’re celebrating #NativeVoteWeek. We’re kicking it off by shining a light on the barriers that continue to block Native communities from the ballot box. Check out some of the top barriers identified in our report Obstacles at Every Turn: buff.ly/7E2m2xy

NCAI and NATHPO are standing with the San Carlos Apache Tribe to defend Chi’chil Biłdagoteel (Oak Flat). Sacred places are vital to Tribal Nations’ cultures and religions, and federal agencies must meaningfully consult with Tribes before making decisions that could destroy them: buff.ly/IZHlLjW

We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and former NARF Board Member, Chairman Ernest L. “Ernie” Stevens, Jr. Chairman Stevens was not only a national leader through his work with the Indian Gaming Association, but he was also a dedicated member of the NARF family.

As we acknowledge #OrangeShirtDay, we remember that every child matters—including Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago boys who never returned home from Carlisle Indian Industrial School. Earlier this month, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska stood before the 4th Circuit: buff.ly/4mUKnBE

Line 5 threatens Tribal homelands, water, and treaty rights. NARF stands in solidarity with the Bad River Band and allies challenging Wisconsin’s approval of Enbridge’s proposed reroute: a project that would cut through wetlands, streams, and cultural resources. Read more: buff.ly/B19AxY5

Law students: Ready to put your skills to work defending Tribal sovereignty and Native rights? NARF is now accepting applications for our externship and volunteer law clerk program! Apply by 10/15 to join the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit law firm advancing Indian law: buff.ly/snt7Kd4

The Michigan Supreme Court will hear Tribal Nations’ challenge to Enbridge’s proposed Line 5 tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Bay Mills Indian Community and allies argue the project threatens treaty rights, clean water, and the Great Lakes. Read: buff.ly/bSI9aGh

On Sept. 10, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska urged the Fourth Circuit to enforce NAGPRA and bring home the remains of Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago children taken to Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 125 years ago. The Tribe continues its fight: buff.ly/4mUKnBE

Alaska holds over 40% of the nation’s surface water, yet Tribal water rights here look very different from the Lower 48. With so much unappropriated water, the state has a unique opportunity to protect Tribal resources, salmon habitat, and future generations: buff.ly/05OrnAf

A new bill in the U.S. House seeks to abolish the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni–Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The monument honors Tribal Nations, protects sacred lands, and reflects the will of the people: thttps://buff.ly/yTVYymT

Line 5 threatens Tribal homelands, water, and treaty rights. NARF stands in solidarity with the Bad River Band and allies challenging Wisconsin’s approval of Enbridge’s proposed reroute: a project that would cut through wetlands, streams, and cultural resources. Read more: buff.ly/AwOKgZh

Update: A win for Tribal Nations! The Ninth Circuit reversed and remanded Pakootas v. Teck Cominco, affirming that damages for lost use of natural resources—including cultural impacts—are recoverable damages. Learn more:

Native organizations are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the religious rights of incarcerated people in Landor v. Louisiana DOC. Forced haircuts violate Native identity, culture, and religious freedom. Read more: buff.ly/waAr6eB #NativeRights #ReligiousFreedom

We’re excited to be a #NationalVoterRegistrationDay Premier Partner this year! 🎉 On 9/16, communities across the country will come together to get #VoteReady for 2025. Join us in making sure every eligible voter has a voice: bit.ly/NVRDPartner25

Law students: Apply now to join NARF’s school year programs! Gain hands-on experience in Indian law, work for pay, credit, or as a volunteer, and make a real impact for Native communities. Positions available in Colorado, DC, and Alaska. #LawStudents #IndianLaw Learn more: buff.ly/8awkxGw

Forced haircuts have long been used as a tool of assimilation against Native people. Today, prison officials are still using them to strip incarcerated Native people of their identity and religious freedom. That must end. Read more: buff.ly/aii1l1b

NARF is defending Tribal court jurisdiction, Tribal sovereignty, and the rights of Native families in the Eighth Circuit. Read more: buff.ly/1wtoEgT #TribalSovereignty #NativeRights #IndianLaw #EighthCircuit

The fight for fair maps is now at the Supreme Court. Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Native voters are challenging North Dakota’s discriminatory maps—and an Eighth Circuit ruling that stripped voters of the power to enforce their rights:

Join The Implementation Project and esteemed speakers, Judge Greg Bigler and Fmr. President Walter Echo-Hawk, on 9/16 from 12:00 to 1:30pm (MT) for the next TIP Quarterly Meeting, focusing on Tribal consultation and consent laws and educating the next generation of lawyers: buff.ly/ZEZsrd2

As water scarcity grows across the West, Tribal Nations must be able to protect their resources and rights—not just on-reservation, but against off-reservation threats as well. A new article explores how Tribal sovereignty and jurisdiction can be exercised: buff.ly/KsXWXZ2

On August 22, the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed the district court’s summary judgment in favor of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation in their challenge to a land exchange authorized by the Bureau of Land Management. Read more: buff.ly/DCucD31

Native voices matter in democracy. Join NARF, Brennan Center, and ASU’s Indian Legal Clinic on Oct. 3 for the Democracy Reform Summit—a day of solutions to expand Native political representation and protect voting rights: buff.ly/3eFo3s2

HAPPENING NOW: Native American voters are taking their fight for representation to the Supreme Court. Spirit Lake Nation, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Native voters are challenging North Dakota’s unfair voting maps and defending the Voting Rights Act: buff.ly/YF5fBGt #NativeVote