Native groups push for equal standing in appellate courts

Native American rights groups are urging a federal appellate rules committee to recognize tribal nations as sovereign governments in court proceedings. The Native American Rights Fund, National Congress of American Indians, and Northern Plains Indian Law Center are calling for federally recognized tribes to be exempt from seeking court approval to file amicus briefs—just like states and the federal government. Advocates say the current disparity limits tribes' ability to weigh in on cases that affect their rights.