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One of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s last U.S. Supreme Court votes was to re-affirm the Muscogee Creek Nation’s reservation boundaries in McGirt v. Oklahoma. But her record for recognizing tribal sovereignty remains mixed. Now, there’s a rush to fill the late justice’s seat. Several names are reported to be on President Donald Trump’s short list of potential appointees. Do any of them have a track record for Indian law? What do Native Americans look for in a Supreme Court justice?
Guests:
Joel Williams (citizen of the Cherokee Nation) – senior staff attorney at the Native American Rights Fund
Matthew Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) – law professor at Michigan State University’s college of law and author of the “Turtle Talk” blog
Rob Saunooke (citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee) – former president of the National Native American Bar Association Foundation, law professor and attorney who’s practiced Indian Law for the last 30 years
Stacey Leeds (Cherokee nation) – dean emeritus and professor of law at the University of Arkansas
Break 1 music: Biioo pahna (Healing Song) (song) Judy Trejo (artist) Circle Dance Songs of the Paiute and Shoshone (song)
Break 2 music: Badger Boogie (song) Arvel Bird (artist) Animal Totem 2 (album)
