Tribal Justice. What does that phrase mean to you? For most Americans, it means very little. We're taught at a young age to "pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all"…
Imagine an alternate history where you and your family were one of the millions of indigenous people who resided in North America, in established Native nations, for generations before the arrival of European Settlers in the late 1400s. Gradually your countries rights, liberties, traditions, and eventually land are eroded so severely that your community is forcibly removed and forced to relocate to a new land.
Tribal Justice premiered Tuesday, November 29, on the BBC World Service as a part of The Documentary heard from 4 to 4:30 am weekdays on KRPS. Emmy-nominated Indigenous Affairs reporter Allison Herrera based in Oklahoma City takes us back to July 9, 2020, and the US Supreme Court's ruling in McGirt v. Oklahoma. UK-based freelance producer Steve Hankey pitched the idea of Tribal Justice to the BBC and worked through various project drafts for two years from start to finish.
Herrera takes us to the heart of Native Sovereignty and how it has dramatically changed and continues to evolve over the past two years. She takes the listener back to the New Echota Treaty of May 1836 and highlights why it's as relevant today. And how the Cherokee Nation is actively working to have their Congressperson seated nearly 200 years after US officials agreed to it.
You can hear Tribal Justice wherever you get your podcasts. Click this link to be taken to the episode on the BBC website.
What's next for Allison and Tribal Justice?
Hear the extended interview where Allison reveals where she believes the the next boundary of contentions for State, Federal and Tribal Nations.
