In the heart of Mashpee, a group of determined Wampanoag youths are championing a cause that is both a return to their ancestral stewardship and a step forward in environmental activism. Their focus is on the herring, a fish that is not only crucial for their tribe’s diet, fertilizer, and bait needs but also holds profound spiritual and ecological significance.
The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is poised to become the first tribal nation in Michigan to formally recognize the legal rights of nature. This groundbreaking resolution would grant legal standing to non-human entities such as water, land, plants, and animals, reflecting the tribe’s deep-rooted beliefs and connection to the environment.
In a compelling blend of ancient wisdom and modern legal frameworks, the Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction, inspired by Indigenous principles. A recent article highlights how this movement is taking shape in North Carolina and beyond, with a focus on the Haw River.
In a landmark decision, whales and dolphins have been recognized as “legal persons” in a new treaty formed by Indigenous leaders from the Pacific. This historic treaty, known as He Whakaputanga Moana, is a declaration that acknowledges these majestic creatures of the sea as legal entities, allowing humans to take legal action on their behalf.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Indigenous leaders from New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Cook Islands have come together to sign a treaty granting legal personhood to whales. This historic move, led by the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative, aims to provide whales with rights that include freedom of movement, natural behavior, and a healthy environment.