FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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​WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL LAW?
Environmental and agricultural law is a field of law that focuses on the relationship between human activity and the natural environment. It encompasses a wide range of legal issues, including pollution control, land use planning, water rights, and endangered species protection.
HOW CAN AMERICAN-INDIAN OWNED BUSINESSES PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
American-Indian owned businesses can promote environmental justice by incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, advocating for environmental policies that support Native communities, and working to protect natural resources such as water and land. They can also engage in community outreach and education to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote environmentally responsible behavior.
​HOW CAN AMERICAN-INDIAN TRIBES UTILIZE ENVIRONMENTAL AND AGRICULTURAL LAW TO PROTECT THEIR NATURAL RESOURCES?
​American-Indian tribes can utilize environmental and agricultural law to protect their natural resources by developing and implementing their own environmental laws and regulations. They can also work to enforce existing federal and state laws and regulations, and engage in collaborative efforts with other organizations to advocate for stronger environmental protections.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL CONCEPT KNOWN AS THE RIGHTS TO NATURE?
Currently, a river or its watershed does not have the same status of personhood as do American corporations since the fallout from Citizens United v. FEC. We believe there are legal strategies that we have developed that can and will facilitate the process of firmly establishing the rights to nature. Contact us for more information.
​HOW DOES CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT AGRICULTURE?
Climate change can have a significant impact on agriculture, including changes in precipitation patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events, and changes in temperature and humidity. These factors can affect crop yields, soil health, and water availability, among other things.
​HOW DOES AMERICAN-INDIAN OWNERSHIP OF BUSINESSES IMPACT ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
American-Indian ownership of businesses can help to promote environmental justice by providing economic opportunities and creating jobs within Native communities. This can help to reduce poverty and provide resources to communities that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental issues. Additionally, American-Indian owned businesses may be more likely to incorporate sustainable practices into their operations and advocate for stronger environmental protections.
​WHAT ROLE DO WATER RIGHTS PLAY IN AMERICAN-INDIAN TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY?
​WHAT IS ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE?
Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.
​I AM THE HEIR TO AN INDIAN ALLOTMENT THAT SHOULD STILL BE IN THE FAMILY BUT ISN'T. HOW CAN YOUR BUSINESS ASSIST ME?
It is a case-by-case analysis. Indian land is unique because the status of the land and whether it loses the status is determined based on federal law and the facts in your specific situation. In the case that the federal law that applied/applies indicates the federal interests were not legally separated, Helen has devised a unique legal strategy to update the heir's title. Contact us to create an initial 30-minute consultation to determine whether we can help you and what legal public documentation you can provide. After which the normal consultation fees apply.
HOW CAN AMERICAN-INDIAN TRIBES ADDRESS THE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THEIR COMMUNITIES?
​American-Indian tribes can address the impacts of climate change on their communities by developing adaptation strategies, such as building infrastructure to protect against sea level rise and flooding, implementing water conservation measures, and developing new agricultural practices that are resilient to changing climate conditions. They can also work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by promoting renewable energy and sustainable transportation options.
Water rights are a key component of American-Indian tribal sovereignty, as access to water is essential for maintaining traditional cultural practices and economic development. Many tribes have treaty rights that guarantee them access to water resources, and they may also have regulatory authority over water resources within their reservation boundaries. Ensuring equitable access to water resources is essential for promoting environmental justice within Native communities.