Frank LaMere Presidential Forum: August 19-20

The Native American Rights Fund is proud to be co-hosting the nation’s first-ever presidential forum focusing entirely on Native American issues, the Frank LaMere Native American Presidential Forum. In addition to co-hosting, NARF Executive Director John Echohawk will be participating in the forum as a panelist. Over the two-day event, each candidate will make an individual appearance and respond to questions from panels of tribal leaders and Native American youth. The forum will be held August 19-20 in Sioux City, Iowa. Get the event schedule and information on how to watch live.

ICWA Reaffirmed as Constitutional

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently published its decision in Brackeen v. Bernhardt, the federal court challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The court’s decision affirmed the constitutionality of ICWA, recognizing the unique political status of tribal nations and upholding the federal law that is so critical to safeguarding Indian child welfare. It is a resounding victory for the law and those who fought to protect it. Find out more about this important case.

5G Cell Construction Must Follow Federal Laws

On Friday, August 9, the DC Circuit Court of Appeals struck down an order issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would have exempted construction of the 5G cellular network from laws that protect Indian sacred sites, cultural resources, and the environment. The FCC's 2018 order essentially was a gift to industry saying ‘build anywhere you want, no questions asked.’ The DC Circuit’s decision effectively tore up that pass. Learn more about the decision.