Indigenous-directed Short Film Asks Interior Sec. Haaland to Return Fed Protections to Gray Wolves

The Global Indigenous Council today released “FAMILY,” a short film highlighting the deep cultural connection Indigenous Nations share with wolves and the major threats currently facing imperiled wolves in the lower 48 states. Watch “FAMILY” on the Global Indigenous Council YouTube page here.

“FAMILY” appeals to Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to reverse President Trump’s decision to remove federal protection from gray wolves in the lower 48 states and to relist the wolf under the Endangered Species Act. Leaving the Trump Administration’s wolf delisting rule in place contradicts President Biden’s Jan. 26 “Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships,” as the vast array of tribes impacted by the former administration’s decision were never consulted.

In a recent interview on “Brave Wilderness,” President Biden said “I’m in” when asked about protections for wolves. The president also articulated the message conveyed by “FAMILY.”

Over 120 Tribes and numerous highly respected Indigenous spiritual leaders, authors, orators, and water protectors have signed “The Wolf: A Treaty of Cultural and Environmental Survival.” Contrary to the law on federally mandated tribal consultation, the Trump administration declined to meet with tribal government signatories or even accept receipt of the treaty. Echoing “FAMILY,” Tribal leaders are calling on Secretary Haaland to meet with a Tribal delegation regarding the Treaty and to reinstate protections for wolves.


https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/07/07/indigenous-directed-short-film-asks-interior-secretary-haaland-to-return-federal-protections-to-gray-wolves/