First Nations Journal

First Nations Journal as published has recognized that Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) is a federal institution created, controlled, operated and fully funded by the federal government.  The Haskell Wetlands lie within the original federal tract set aside for the Haskell Institute in the late 19^th century.  The Haskell Wetlands have hydrological connection to the Wakarusa River basin.  The Haskell Wetlands are on federal acreage.

That acreage: 

• Is owned by the United States
• It is administered through the Department of the Interior (DOI)
• It is part of the Haskell campus land base
• The Haskell Wetlands has never been transferred to the state of Kansas or the city of Lawrence

This means the Haskell Wetlands are not “city property” not “state property”, and not tribal trust land.  They are federal property held for the benefit of Indian education treaty trust responsibility.  This gives DOI jurisdictional responsibility. 

The Haskell Wetlands sit on federally owned trust land, and portions qualify as “waters of the United Sates” under federal law.  The federal Haskell Wetlands are in a state of wetland degradation and violation of federal trust responsibility.   

Water is life and connects all creation, nourishes life, and must be protected for future generations.   Water signifies responsibility to be stewards of land and water. 

The Haskell Wetlands are part of a federally designated educational and cultural resource.  The Haskell wetlands are used for Haskell environmental science programs, cultural practices, and federal educational mission—all of which strengthen federal stewardship obligations.  Traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) is a cumulative body of knowledge and beliefs, handed down through generations and closely linked with Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM) education.     

https://www.bia.gov/service/fuels-management/traditional-knowledge#:~:text=TEK%20is%20also%20inclusive%20of,respected%20place%20in%20land%20management

The Haskell Wetlands federally designated educational and cultural resource aligns with the Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act introducedby Senator Jerry Moran (R-KAN) and Representative Tracey Mann (R-KAN).   Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act, Section 2. Findings: Establishes findings related to the need for a culturally relevant education for Indians, the historical context behind the formation and evolution of Haskell Indian Nations University, and neglect of governing duties from the Bureau of Indian Education.    

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2140

First Nations Journal for the record looks forward to the passage of the proposed Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act’s Section 2. Findings and Section 3. Purposes to fulfill the Federal Government’s trust and treaty responsibility to Native Americans and clarifies the University’s charitable organization tax status and independence from the Bureau of Indian Education. 

                                                       FIRST NATIONS JOURNAL

M’gwitch, 🪶

Steve Cadue

Kickapoo Nation Kansas