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.

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.

The Columbia River Treaty and Tribal Nations: Lessons in Resilience

A Columbia River Treaty was reached and ratified in 1961 and it continues to provide flood control and coordinated upstream storage for downstream hydropower. Today, there is opportunity to address past wrongs through the current renegotiation of the treaty.

Tó éí ííná (water is life)

In celebration of World Water Day 2026, NARF Staff Attorney Daniel Cordalis shares recent water work, including case work highlights, the Tribal Water Institute story, and key issues we are tracking for Tribal Nations this year. NARF is privileged to be supporting Tribal Nations in their pursuit to protect and assert their water rights.

Tribal Engagement in FERC Hydropower Licensing

Although hydroelectric energy has long been touted as a “clean” energy, hydropower projects have devastated Tribal Nations’ treaty-protected rights and resources—particularly salmon and other endangered fish species runs. This overview provides a starting point for Tribal Nations seeking to engage.
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