NARF Blog

Celebrating 25 Years of the Tribal Supreme Court Project: Join Us in Washington, DC

In 2026, the Tribal Supreme Court Project commemorates a quarter-century of service to Indian Country and envisions the next 25 years of protecting and furthering the interests of Tribal Nations at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Tribes Forced to Re-argue their Successful Challenge of Discriminatory Map

Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Spirit Lake Tribe, and individual Native American plaintiffs in North Dakota continue the fight to protect their voting rights.

Tribes and Students Sue Bureau of Indian Education Over Cuts to Staff and Services

Tribal Nations and Students File Amended Challenges to Federal Changes to Indian Education Three Tribal Nations (Pueblo of Isleta, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation,

New data: Native voters hit roadblocks at every stage of election process

Native Americans continue to experience significant, compounding barriers to voting at every step of the election process, from registration to ballot counting, according to a new report from the Native American Rights Fund.

Tribes Slam US Army Corps for Approving Line Five Tunnel

Enbridge still needs a new permit from the Michigan Public Service Commission The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued a record of decision approving Canadian company

The Voting Rights Act Protects Native Democracy

The Voting Rights Act was signed in Aug 6, 1965 (VRA) is one of the nation's most important civil rights laws. Enacted to prohibit racial discrimination in voting, the VRA has helped millions of Americans challenge barriers to the ballot box and protect their right to participate equally in our democracy.

Farewell to 2026 Summer Law Clerks

Thank you to our summer law clerks for your exceptional service this summer. Your hard work, dedication, and fresh perspectives have been invaluable to our team. The NARF Summer Law Clerk Program is vital to our mission, bringing in new talent and energy that drives our success in Indian Country. We appreciate all you’ve contributed and look forward to seeing the incredible impact you’ll continue to make in your legal careers and your communities.

Tribes Celebrate as MI Supreme Court Nixes Line 5 Permit Victory

Enbridge must re-do its application to build an oil tunnel below the Straits of Mackinac In a major victory for Tribal nations in Michigan, the state’s Supreme Court has

Wearing a ‘Native Vote’ shirt at the polls

In past elections, some Native voters were told they couldn’t vote while wearing “Native Vote” shirts. That’s not correct. These shirts are generally permitted in polling places because they are nonpartisan, although election rules vary by state.

Field Notes from The Headwaters Report

Tribal sovereignty is a long game. In meeting with federal or state officials, Tribal leaders often proclaim that the Tribes were here first and they will be here after everyone else is gone. Our stewardship will last beyond the decisions of today. It is easy to get caught up in the concept that the sky is falling, but it isn’t — at least not everywhere. However, what is happening in some cases, like in the Line 5 pipeline, could bring irreversible damage to Tribal and non-Tribal communities. Today’s decisions will significantly impact our shared ability to live on this land in the right way in the future, at least until we can right today’s wrongs.

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