The Native American Rights Fund on Friday filed a lawsuit seeking to protect the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives.

The lawsuit was filed against the Interior and Agriculture departments. It is meant to counteract a similar suit filed by Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) against the federal government.

Interior assumed control of 60 percent of Alaska's waterways in response to a landmark court decision named for Athabascan grandmother Katie John. John is a plaintiff in the new suit.

Alaska's lawsuit claims the government hasn't followed proper procedure in controlling certain waterways. Republicans in the state have objected to federal control.

Get the Story:
Native group sues U.S. agencies over water rights (AP 1/8)
State will sue feds over water rights, governor says (AP 1/5)

Relevant Links:
Native American Rights Fund - http://www.narf.org

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