The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has launched The Headwaters Report, a new digital platform dedicated to providing Tribal water law information and resources. This initiative is part of NARF's Tribal Water Institute (TWI), which was established in early 2024 to enhance the capacity of NARF and Tribal Nations in addressing water law issues and policy reform.
Daniel Cordalis, a staff attorney at NARF, emphasized the importance of accessible information for Tribal Nations: "Every Tribal Nation should have free access to information necessary to advocate for and protect its water resources." The Headwaters Report aims to fulfill this need by offering comprehensive coverage on foundational Tribal water law concepts, current legal cases, legislative activities, and emerging water-related issues.
The inaugural post features an article on the Clean Water Act, authored by TWI Legal Fellow Ashley Anderson. It explores how Tribes can administer various programs under the Act and discusses the potential impact of changes proposed by the Trump Administration. Future updates will continue to address significant developments affecting Tribal Nations.
In addition to articles, The Headwaters Report includes slide decks on topics such as Tribal water rights and Indian water rights settlements. While these materials are not legal advice from NARF, readers seeking further assistance can contact NARF attorneys through the site or via email at water@narf.org.
The platform's name pays homage to late-NARF attorneys David Getches and Charles Wilkinson's book "Searching Out the Headwaters," which examined western water law's origins and relevance today. Cordalis invites contributions and feedback from readers to better serve Indian Country.
The TWI trains early-career attorneys in Tribal water law issues and fosters collaboration among various stakeholders. Generous funding from several foundations enabled NARF to expand its team significantly over the past year, doubling its case work capacity and enhancing partnerships across different sectors.
For those interested in supporting TWI financially, contact details are provided on their website.
