Native Americans Seek Wolf Protection

“Secretary Haaland, please return Endangered Species Act protections to the wolf,” is the closing message of a powerful new film, “Family", that ends with the stark warning, “Before it’s too late.” So begins the coverage by Native News Online of the film and the national wolf delisting controversy. “Family” is directed by critically-acclaimed filmmaker Rain and narrated by award-winning actress Crystle Lightning. 

The 3-minute film reveals how important wolves are to Indigenous cultures and how the Trump Administration’s removal of federal protections from wolves severely undermines tribal rights.

That particular undermining occurred after 120 Tribal Nations signed “The Wolf: A Treaty of Cultural and Environmental Survival” in 2019. The treaty urges the U.S. government to protect wolves from extinction. But the Trump administration declined to receive the treaty or even meet with a delegation of some of the tribal presidents, chairpersons, councilpersons, and prominent water and earth protectors that had signed the treaty. The administration’s action—or lack of it—is contrary to the law on federally mandated tribal consultation. 

Of course, the ill-advised delisting opened the door for a killing spree that took the lives of hundreds of wolves in no time. And the slaughter will surely continue.

That senseless killing is more than just a wildlife issue. Crystle Lightning told Native News Online: “We must not let state, provincial, and federal governments continue to define issues as ‘environmental’ or ‘wildlife’ when they are cultural. These are social justice issues. What is happening to the wolf is a social justice issue for Indigenous people. The wolf has a vital role in so many of our cultures - in our clans, our songs, our ceremonies. Yet, our voices are ignored. Whenever the voices of any people are silenced, it is suppression. We are the first people of this land but always the last to be heard.”

The producers of “Family”, the Global Indigenous Council, want to be heard by one person in particular: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland. Their hope is that the film will encourage Haaland to meet with a tribal delegation to receive the treaty and discuss concerns on the wolf crisis.  

Partner organizations that supported the project and want Haaland to meet with a tribal delegation and restore protections include: the Sierra Club, the Center for Biological Diversity, WildEarth Guardians, Western Watersheds Project, the Endangered Species Coalition, and the Animal Welfare Institute. 

To date, Secretary Haaland has declined to meet with tribal leaders or receive the Wolf Treaty.

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE TODAY

Ask Secratary Haaland to meet with a Tribal delegation regarding the wolf treaty 

Learn more about the Wolf Treaty 

Watch “Family” 

Join Rick in his latest writing adventure, a free weekly letter to subscribers entitled Love the Wild

Photo Credit: Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. One of first wolves to reach Oregon.

Rick Lamplugh writes, photographs, and speaks to protect wildlife and wild lands. His bestselling In the Temple of Wolves; its sequel, Deep into Yellowstone; and its prequel, The Wilds of Aging are available signed. His books are also available unsigned or as eBook or audiobook on Amazon.

Signed Sets Available

Signed Copy

Signed Copy

Signed Copy