WHITE EARTH — The White Earth Nation will join other tribal nations and environmental groups in a federal lawsuit defending a new Environmental Protection Agency rule mandating states to consider the treaty rights of water-dependent tribal nations.
The new EPA rule went into effect in June and set up a specific process for states to consider the vested rights of tribal members in water management decisions.
Attorneys general in a dozen states — including North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa — filed the lawsuit earlier this month, claiming the EPA’s rule oversteps its authority to administer the Clean Water Act.
The reserved rights of tribal members include the rights to hunt, fish and gather on ceded territories outside reservation boundaries, including wild rice waters off-reservation.
The new EPA rule now requires states to include tribal input on water management decisions on ceded territories.
“Our treaties are not just historical documents; they are living agreements that must be honored in today’s policies and practices,” said Michael Fairbanks, chairman of the White Earth Band, in a news release.
Funding for this environmental story was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
-
Plus: Minnesota nonprofit offers $25K reward for information on Wadena disappearance; and Bemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepts award for disaster leadership. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEBemidji Mayor Jorge Prince accepted the Tommy Longo Disaster Leadership Award from LeadersLink during the Bemidji City Council meeting on June 15, 2026. -
Contributed/Minnesota Bureau of Criminal ApprehensionCarla Beth Anderson, a 23-year-old woman, was last seen nearly 40 years ago at her Wadena apartment. Despite hundreds of leads and interviews, no arrests have been made in her disappearance. -
Contributed/Nicole Neri | Minnesota ReformerThe charges come months after Immigration and Customs Enforcement's "Operation Metro Surge," when thousands of federal agents were stationed in the Twin Cities. -
Plus: Itasca County reuses flag poles to fly new and old state flags; Crow Wing County adds 10 license plate readers to Flock Safety network; and Red Lake County takes 2nd in state baseball tourney.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe county avoided buying new flag poles by flying the current and former Minnesota flags on poles that were previously used for a memorial. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe formal move on June 8, 2026, follows discussion on the perpetual vacancies and rising costs of operating a rural police force. -
Contributed/Eagle Rebel Activities on XThe Rebels entered the tournament as the No. 2 seed and defending champions. South Ridge, Grand Rapids and Aitkin also competed in the tournament. -
Contributed/St. Louis County Sheriff's Office Facebook pageThe St. Louis County Sheriff's Office identified William Helgemoe, 56, as the rider killed on Industrial Road on June 12, 2026. -
Malachy Koons/KAXEThe KAXE Music Team on new music from Duane Betts, LOV, Bella White, Greg Mendez, Molly Brandt, Sosyete '25, Crooked Fingers, and Blondie's debut from '76.
