Native American Natural Resources Law 518-1I
October 30, 2015
Text: Royster, Blumm & Kronk, Native American Natural Resources Law (3d ed. 2015)
This course examines the unique body of law governing “Indian country,” those geographic areas recognized by the federal government as homelands of sovereign American Indian tribes. Topics include the history of federal-tribal relations, tribal property rights, and the balance of governmental power between tribes, states and the federal government. Particular attention will be devoted to understanding the legal framework that supports the tribes’ role as proprietors and regulators of natural resources, including powers derived from the tribes’ inherent sovereign authority and rights stemming from treaties and federal statutes. The course will include close examinations of tribal water rights, fishing and hunting rights, and federal environmental statutes that accord tribes a significant regulatory role in the implementation of federal environmental programs like the Clean Air and Water Acts. Evaluation is based on class participation and a take-home examination.
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