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.
Councilor Tina Frankenberger expressed the sentiment that this action is a true representation of their identity and aligns with their historical treaties. The resolution draws from tribal teachings, science, and treaty rights, potentially fortifying environmental protection efforts in legal settings.
Elder Thomas Peters Binesiwegiizhig, who contributed to drafting the resolution, emphasized the Anishinaabe’s strong bond with nature, seeing the Creator within it and recognizing humans as part of a larger circle of life, not at its center. The resolution aims to vocalize and protect the needs of all life forms within the community.
This initiative is part of a larger movement that has seen similar legal rights for nature established by tribal nations across the U.S., as well as countries like Ecuador and New Zealand. A notable case involved manoomin (wild rice), which, after being granted legal standing by the White Earth Nation in Minnesota, brought a lawsuit against the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2021. Although the case was dismissed due to jurisdictional issues, it marked the first time a natural resource initiated legal action, made possible by the rights granted to it.
Read more at Grand Traverse Band could be first Michigan tribe to give nature legal standing, by Ellie Katz, Interlochen Public Radio, April 23, 2024.
