Summary
In 2017, the Ponca Nation passed a resolution recognizing rights of nature and creating penalties for crimes against nature. The resolution says the protection of nature is a major issue that affects the well-being of people throughout the world and cites growing evidence of human-made harm in nature as part of its motivations. It also acknowledges that one of the largest oil companies in the world began in the heart of the Ponca Tribe and that Poncas feel it necessary to take every step possible to ensure prudent care for nature. The resolution declares that “each being has the right to a place and to play its role in nature, which may include the responsible and ethical taking and consuming of living beings as is traditional, ethical, just and proper for sustenance and the perpetuation of life” and “every being has the right to well-being and to live free from torture or cruel treatment by human beings.” The resolution also details misdemeanor and felony crimes against nature and says the Ponca Tribal Prosecutor shall prosecute all crimes against
Suggested Citation:
Kauffman, Craig, Catherine Haas, Alex Putzer, Shrishtee Bajpai, Kelsey Leonard, Elizabeth Macpherson, Pamela Martin, Alessandro Pelizzon & Linda Sheehan. Eco Jurisprudence Monitor. V2. 2025. Distributed by the Eco Jurisprudence Monitor.https://ecojurisprudence.org/initiatives/ponca-nation-statute/.
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