Water Rights Symposium Registration Open Now
Since 1991, the Native American Rights Fund and the Western States Water Council (WSWC) have sponsored a biennial symposium to discuss the settlement of Indian reserved
A Headwaters Report Interview with John Echohawk
In this interview, John discusses why water rights and water issues have been a mainstay of NARF’s work since 1970, and how the first NARF directors...
Tribes Blow Whistle on Line 5 Tunnel Federal Fast-Tracking
Six Michigan Tribes withdrew from Line 5 federal discussions after learning that the US Army Corps of Engineers will likely fast-track its approval for Enbridge...
Field Notes from The Headwaters Report
By: Daniel CordalisMay 21, 2025Published as part of The Headwaters Report
The first 100 days of the second Trump administration have been very busy. The president has
Tribal Interests in the Future of the Colorado River
The Colorado River Basin is home to thirty federally recognized Tribal Nations, each with unique histories, cultures, and relationships to the Colorado River and its tributaries.
Waters Under Threat: Efforts to narrow the reach of the CWA
The Clean Water Act is controversial not because of its overarching goal–clean water–but because achieving that goal requires impeding development along waterways and placing limits on industry that discharge pollutants into water bodies. Recent activity seek to narrow protections that impact Tribal waters.
Tribal Nations Take Line 5 Tunnel to Michigan Supreme Court
The Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi filed notice on December 22, 2023, that they will appeal the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) recent approval of a permit for Canadian oil giant Enbridge to build the Line 5 tunnel project beneath the Straits of Mackinac.
World Water Day: Introducing the Headwaters Report
Launching the Headwaters Report to Strengthen Tribal Water Sovereignty
Water is life—Mni Wiconi. On this World Water Day, we recognize the urgent need to protect tribal
An Introduction to the Clean Water Act
Tribes use the CWA to safeguard water quality for ceremonies, fisheries, and other Tribal needs as an act of governance and sovereignty. This overview covers the Act, its programs, Tribal delegation of authority, and how Tribes can protect reservation waters.
Welcome to The Headwaters Report!
Welcome to The Headwaters Report – a new digital blog site, bulletin, and source for Tribal water law information and resources. Every Tribal Nation should have free access to information necessary to advocate for and protect its water resources. Through The Headwaters Report, NARF intends to provide that to Indian Country.
