Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Deb Haaland (NM-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus, released the following statement on today’s Supreme Court ruling to affirm Tribal treaty rights today. The McGirt v. Oklahoma decision asserts that large portions of Eastern Oklahoma are a part of federally-recognized, sovereign Nations’ land because Congress never changed the terms of longstanding treaties.

“This country was founded on indigenous land and the United States government signed binding treaties with Tribes, but the federal government’s actions demonstrate a lack of respect and breach of those agreements made with Native Nations. Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms the obligation to honor treaties and sets an important precedent to affirm the rights Tribes have to lands that belong to them.

“As we move forward addressing longstanding broken promises, this decision will serve as a marker to ensure the federal government honors its promises to Native Nations.”

Full McGirt v. Oklahoma decision is available here.