News of Note 2/13/26: Open Letter for Indigenous Leader’s Freedom in Russia, 100+ Reject Amending BC’s UNDRIP Act, Gwich’in Lawsuits to Protect Caribou
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Indigenous Peoples Open Letter to President Putin to Release Daria Egereva (Indigenous caucuses comprising the seven UN socio-cultural regions via Cultural Survival)
“We are aware that Ms. Egereva is currently held in custody in connection with criminal proceedings in the Russian Federation. We express our concern that Ms. Egereva was detained by Russian authorities within days of her return to Russia from the UNFCCC COP30 in Belém, Brazil. Her detention undermines confidence that Indigenous Peoples are able to fully participate in recognized international and United Nations processes without fear of retribution.”
More than 100 First Nations Leaders Object to Amendments to the Declaration Act; Call for Province to Work Together with First Nations to Advance Reconciliation (Union of BC Indian Chiefs)
“British Columbia is facing real economic challenges, and First Nations are essential partners in addressing them. Our Nations are drivers of the provincial economy, supporting local communities and helping to close economic gaps through responsible projects and developments in our territories. These projects depend on the certainty provided by the Declaration Act, which offers a clear, principled pathway for First Nations, governments, and industry to work together [...] The Declaration Act was developed collaboratively with Indigenous peoples and passed unanimously by all parties in the Legislature, with the support of industry, business, and labour. It establishes minimum standards of survival and dignity for Indigenous peoples and has contributed to greater trust, stability, and economic certainty across the province.”
Gwich’in fight to protect caribou from Alaska oil development (Grist)
“The Bureau of Land Management opened nominations last week for the first-ever oil and gas lease auction in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR, setting the stage for development that three Gwich’in governments are now suing to stop.” Related:
Alaska Native group [Nuiqsut] sues Trump administration for nixing North Slope caribou protections (Alaska Beacon)
Gwich'in Tribal Governments Submit Comments Challenging Fish and Wildlife Service's Inadequate Environmental Review of Arctic Refuge Snow Road (Native News Online)
More News
Indigenous rights should be at the heart of climate commitments (Dialogue Earth)
Green or not, US energy future depends on Native nations (The Conversation)
Where Spirits Guard the Forest: A Journey Through Uganda’s Indigenous Landscapes (United Nations Development Programme)
Northeast Investment Plans Revive Land Grab Fears for Indigenous Community (Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association)
Banks decline to finance LNG project in Papua New Guinea (Mongabay)
First national plan to address violence against Indigenous women and children (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Australia’s green bank backs Indigenous-owned reforestation project (ImpactAlpha)
New Zealand celebrates national day with call to support Maori and preserve unity (Reuters)
Indigenous protests force Brazil to suspend Tapajós River dredging plan (Mongabay)
Colla Community Appeals to United Nations Against Rapid Consultation Closure for Maricunga Park, Accusing Environment Minister Maisa Rojas of Severe Rights Violations (Eluciudadano.com)
Rappahannock Tribe Challenges 9M-Gallon Water Plan (Native News Online)
Bison’s ‘livestock’ status in Wyoming inflames tensions over tribal rewilding (WyoFile)
NAFOA Testimony, Oversight Hearing on “Making Federal Economic Development Programs Work in Indian Country” (Native American Finance Officers Association)
Washoe Tribe buys 10,000 acres in one of California’s largest ever land returns (The Guardian)