“Most Important Indian Law Case in Half a Century”: Supreme Court Upholds Tribal Sovereignty in OK

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has ruled that much of eastern Oklahoma, constituting nearly half the state, is Native American land, recognizing a 19th century U.S. treaty with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Justice Neil Gorsuch, a Trump nominee, joined the court’s liberal wing in a narrow 5-4 ruling that found state authorities cannot criminally prosecute Indigenous peoples under state or local laws. The court’s bombshell decision — which also impacts the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw and Seminole Nations — is a major victory for Indigenous sovereignty and treaty rights. “It’s a landmark case, and probably the most important Indian law case in the last half a century to come down from the court,” says lawyer Sarah Deer, a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma and a professor at the University of Kansas. “The language of the decision itself goes far beyond Oklahoma.”

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[lovely-mkrt]

I’m so happy that the Native Tribes finally got a positive outcome 🌺

[starcrib]

Sarah Deer is exceptionally well informed- what a Terrific segment...!! this feels exceedingly right. 👁

[bookaholicblue]

So can the tribes seek restitution since half of Oklahoma sits on treaty approved tribal lands?

[TheTwick]

“...as long as the grass grows and the river flows.”

[dreamingrightnow]

This is fascinating.. What about The First Treaty of Prairie du Chien 1825 which "gave" all of North and South Dakota and part of western Minnesota to the displaced tribes of the Great Lakes region? The US government broke that and subsequent treaties once gold was discovered in The Black Hills. How could that effect the status of DAPL and what about Mt. Rushmore? What about the 38 Dokota prisoners Lincoln had executed as punishment for U.S.-Dakota War of 1862, which was brought on by US' continued infringement of native sovereignty? When are we going to recognize that as a war crime? The time has come, the chickens are coming home to roost.

[kwennemar]

Non-native americans should have to pay special property taxes to the reservation.

[johnk]

It's a good decision for the Muscogee Nation!

It is a surprise that Neil Gorsuch wrote the majority opinion re-establishing Native American sovereignty in this particular case.

However I must say that I do hold Supreme Court Justices to a high moral standard, and frankly appreciate the fact that Neil Gorsuch saw to it that he would uphold Muscogee sovereignty in this instance is a reflection of that higher moral standard then I think we expected to see possibly another decision all together given the makeup of the Supreme Court.

The history of the federal government in relation to Native American First Nations early in the history of the United States, and specifically the Trail of Tears is extremely dark tap chapter revealing the imperialist in colonial mentality of the United States government throughout much of the 18th and 19th century. U.S. government policies amounted to genocide generally and little more!

[luzmartinez]

Thank you.
There appears a faint light amidst these goings on.

[rebeccagrotta]

Right on! Gov Stitt thot he could 'own' indian casinos. Sovereign nations, dude. Proved. Rightonrighton

[jossdionne]

The whole of the AMERICAS shall be Reclaimed, sooner the better! "Trail of Joy, now..."
"Native Lives Matter"!

[blirdy]

Rosewood. Tulsa. Native Americans are not the only citizens entitled to land reparations. After seeing too many videos of police brutality and Karen harassment, we are owed. The Supreme Court can keep that same energy with FBA.

[njosborne]

How can we forget?
One of the very first stories
We are told as children in school
Is about a juvenile Aboriginal girl.
Who is viciously raped by Captain, John Smith!
Her father, the chief of the tribe, wants to kill the son of a bitch.
She pleads for his life and her father cannot stand the pain.
His daughter, now dead to him as she, Leaves then.
For he knows she, will never be seen by him again!
Today, Her bones are on display,
Another skull of humanity, stuck on their bloody wall.
Like, What?
Some kind of Great Trophy over Aboriginals, everywhere!
They don’t get to.
The people want Her back‼️
Nothing can be healed until
The bones of “Pocahontas”
Are RETURNED to her People.

[j.m.]

My big brother had a document entitling him to 165 acres of land from the government treaty.

He never collected on that can you imagine !

It is a sore spot between governments, Sooners, & the five Civilized tribes....

Love is the greatest force on Earth

love is the only Force,
that can turn an enemy
into a friend,

love one another .

[wallaceahtone]

The court ruling does not necessarily mean that state and county authority is nullified. It means that legal jurisdiction will switch from state to federal in cases involving indigenous folk either as victims or perps. The state and county services will still be operational. I'm personally hoping to be exempt from state property taxes, because of the ruling. There is also an effort to take down the oklahoma land run monument, I hope that succeeds as well. It will be a real can of woop *as for the racists in this state!

[marienadinepierre]

Jah and Jahnes love. This was a great segment. Great questions from Amy Goodman, and Professor Deer spoke solo eloquently. I learned a lot. Blessed love.

[nthal]

Excellent source of information and presenting the perspective from this side of the fence.

[Soularddave]

wish these dialogues were longer. I learned so much.

[stevenhollis]

What happened to the "Black Indians" !!

[lenapettay]

She said... tribal government... So their is nothing to stop them from eminent domain and take your house.

[heavymetalpermaculture]

That's not India...you'd think Europeans would know where they are after all this time...