A Tribal Lawyer Who Champions the Rights of Nature

Frank Bibeau’s life as a member of the Anishinaabe or Ojibwe people in northern Minnesota has largely been governed by his reservation’s tribal laws and customs. And manoomin—or wild rice—plays a central role in his culture as a primary food that requires protection. But what happens when the tribe’s right to manoomin is threatened by state and federal laws or industry? Another sticky lawyer is born.

After years as a state employee and journalist, Frank earned a law degree to find novel ways to help indigenous people maintain their rights. Thinking outside the box, he focused on creating written tribal codes and rights of nature that could be examined in U.S. courts and influence how environmental practices are managed. Listen as he tells his fascinating tale of taking on big government and corporations.