Guest Opinion. The Trump campaign’s proposal to address the housing shortage crisis by seizing federal lands for development poses an extreme risk to Tribal sovereignty, Tribal lands, and sacred sites.
In last night’s remarks, JD Vance suggested that we "have a lot of federal lands that aren’t being used." This is a dangerous view of our precious natural resources. As Native peoples, we don’t see our lands, waters, and wildlife as something to be “used,” but nurtured, protected, and managed sustainably for generations to come.
Many Tribal lands are held in federal trust. What would stop the administration from seizing our lands for their for-profit developments? We’ve seen time and time again, our Indigenous lands and resources developed, destroyed, and extracted for corporate profit. It is the right of sovereign nations to determine the future and use of our lands. Enacting a policy of seizing federal lands for development ignores the federal government’s obligation to consult and coordinate with our Tribal nations on land management.
Our National Parks and National Monuments are also federal lands which were forcibly taken from Tribal nations. Tribal nations and Native communities have made progress in re-indigenizing National Parks to restore the history and caretaking of those sacred places. Great strides have also been made in the last four years in federal-Tribal co-management of federal lands, waters, and other resources. This federal-Tribal partnership has strengthened protections of sacred places for the benefit of everyone. This should be the future of all federal lands management.
It is an overreach of the federal government and a violation of our treaties and Tribal agreements to enact a policy of seizing federal lands for development.
Judith LeBlanc (Caddo) is the executive director of Native Organizers Alliance and NOA Action Fund.
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.