gaining back our minerals and our lands: a road map

Indigenous peoples around the world are engaged in a contemporary struggle for sovereignty and self-determination, which includes reclaiming control over their ancestral lands and the resources they contain. This is a continuation of a historical "war for our minerals" where colonial and state entities have consistently sought to extract resources from Indigenous territories, often in violation of treaties and human rights.

The "Land Back" movement is a modern expression of this fight. It seeks to return control of land and its resources to Indigenous peoples, not just for economic benefit, but also to restore a fundamental connection to the environment and to practice traditional stewardship. This movement is gaining momentum, and its principles are supported by international legal frameworks, such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which affirms the right of Indigenous peoples to their lands, territories, and resources.

The contemporary relevance of this struggle is underscored by the global demand for critical minerals—like lithium, cobalt, and copper—that are essential for the green energy transition. A significant portion of these minerals are located on or near Indigenous lands. This new wave of resource extraction presents both a threat and an opportunity for Indigenous communities. It is a threat because it can lead to further dispossession and environmental damage. It is an opportunity because it highlights the strategic importance of Indigenous land and can empower Indigenous nations to assert their rights and demand a seat at the table in decisions about resource development.

While I cannot provide a specific "road map" for a particular group or organization, as that would require a deep understanding of your specific legal, cultural, and political context, I can outline a general strategic approach based on the successful efforts and legal frameworks used by Indigenous nations globally. This would be a high-level overview of the types of strategies that are often employed, and should not be considered legal advice.

A Strategic Framework for Indigenous Resource Reclamation

A potential framework for a group like the White Pine Republic could involve a multi-pronged approach combining legal, political, and economic strategies.

1. Strengthen Legal and Political Foundations:

   • Document and Assert Sovereignty: Continue to build a strong legal case for the nation's inherent sovereignty, drawing on historical treaties, oral traditions, and international law. This involves meticulously documenting traditional land use and occupation.

   • Engage with Legal Systems: Utilize existing legal systems—both domestic and international—to challenge the authority of state and federal governments to grant mineral rights on traditional lands. This could involve litigation, filing land claims, and participating in legal and regulatory processes related to mining permits and environmental protection.

   • Advocate for Legal Reform: Lobby for the full implementation of international agreements like UNDRIP, particularly the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), which gives Indigenous peoples the right to consent to or refuse projects on their lands.

2. Establish Economic and Governance Structures:

   • Build Economic Self-Sufficiency: Explore the creation of tribally-owned corporations or resource management bodies that can directly engage in resource development, rather than ceding control to external companies. This allows the nation to control the pace and methods of extraction and ensure that the profits benefit the community.

   • Develop Resource Management Policies: Create and enforce the nation's own environmental and resource management codes, which may be more stringent and culturally appropriate than state or federal regulations. This demonstrates responsible stewardship and reinforces the nation's role as the rightful steward of its lands.

3. Engage in Strategic Partnerships and Community Mobilization:

   • Forge Alliances: Build partnerships with environmental organizations, non-profit groups, and other Indigenous nations to amplify your message and share resources and legal expertise.

   • Mobilize the Community: Educate and engage community members, including youth and elders, in the "Land Back" movement. This is crucial for maintaining a strong, unified voice and ensuring that all actions are aligned with the community's values and long-term vision.

   • Raise Public Awareness: Use public education and media campaigns to raise awareness about the injustices of historical and ongoing resource extraction and to garner support from the broader public.

This multifaceted approach allows Indigenous nations to assert their rights, protect their lands, and ensure that any future development on their territories is done in a way that respects their sovereignty, culture, and future generations. join us