IT’S ROOTED IN THE LAND: HOW MANAGING NATURAL RESOURCES LEADS NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES TO SOVEREIGNTY

Author

Nicky Ouellet, The University Of MontanaFollow

Year of Award

2016

Document Type

Professional Paper

Degree Type

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Name

Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism

Department or School/College

School of Journalism

Committee Chair

Jule Banville

Commitee Members

Jason Begay, Martin Nie, Henriette Lowisch

Keywords

Native American, environment, religion, tribal sovereignty, natural resource

Subject Categories

Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Law | Environmental Monitoring | Indigenous, Indian, and Aboriginal Law | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Water Law

Abstract

Tribal management of land and natural resources within the boundaries of Native American reservations is often superseded by state and federal policy. But control of land and resources is, ultimately, what makes a nation a nation. The three stories in this portfolio depict tribes establishing control of natural resources to various degrees of success. Chapter one is a narrative outlining the stories, my reportage and plans for publication. Chapter two: Members of the Northern Cheyenne seek to establish a medical marijuana program after the federal government relaxed enforcement of cannabis bans. Chapter three: An activist on the Fort Berthold reservation turns to tradition in the face of adverse impacts of oil and gas development. Chapter four: The Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes enter uncharted territory in becoming the first tribes in the country to take over operation of a major hydroelectric facility.

Recommended Citation

Ouellet, Nicky, "IT’S ROOTED IN THE LAND: HOW MANAGING NATURAL RESOURCES LEADS NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBES TO SOVEREIGNTY" (2016). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 10689.
https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/10689