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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.

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.

FEATURE: A Trailblazer for Tribal Sovereignty

NRDC Board member John Echohawk, a member of the Pawnee Nation and Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, has devoted his career to asserting the legal and civil rights of Native Americans.

Water Resources at the National Indian Law Library

The National Indian Law Library is dedicated to federal Indian and Tribal law. As part of NARF, the library serves both NARF attorneys and the public by maintaining a unique and valuable collection of Indian law resources and providing specialized research assistance on Indian Law topics.
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