Sault Tribe Resolution Recognizing Rights of Nature
The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in northern Michigan passed a resolution in defense of the tribe’s first family: its natural resources.Read More →
North America
This page identifies ecological jurisprudence initiatives that exist in the United States, Canada, and Greenland. While we acknowledge that Mexico is geographically part of North America, we include Mexico in the Latin American category.
City of Everett, Washington (USA) municipal law on the rights of the Snohomish River
In November 2024, voters in Everett, Washington approved a ballot initiative that grants the Snohomish River legal rights to “exist, regenerate, and flourish”.Read More →
Rappahannock Tribal Constitution recognizing the rights of the Rappahannock River
On October 2024, the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia became the first tribal nation in the U.S. to adopt a Tribal Constitution recognizing the rights of nature.Read More →
Black Mountain U.S. Town Ordinance for Rights of the Swannanoa River
In 2024, residents of Black Mountain, North Carolina drafted a proposed amendment to the Town Charter to recognize the rights of the Swannanoa River.Read More →
North Carolina U.S. Rights of the Dan River Ecosystem Act
May 1, 2024, a bill was introduced in North Carolina’s state legislature to grant legal rights to the Dan River, including the right to be free from pollution.Read More →
Minnesota U.S. Resolution for the Rights of Manoomin/Psíŋ
On April 4, 2024, a resolution was introduced in Minnesota state legislature to recognize the inherent rights of Manoomin/Psíŋ (Wild Rice).Read More →
Hawaii U.S. Bill on the Rights and Legal Personhood of Watersheds
In January 2024, Hawaii introduced a bill to recognize legal personhood and rights of watersheds, in reflection of native Hawaiian traditional beliefs.Read More →
Grant Township U.S. Home Rule Charter 2015
Grant Township's Home Rule charter declares that all residents, natural communities and ecosystems in the town "possess the right to clean air, water, and soil"Read More →