New legal resource aims to help tribes protect water rights

The Native American Rights Fund’s Tribal Water Institute has launched The Headwaters Report, a free online legal resource aimed at helping tribal nations protect their water rights. According to staff attorney Daniel Cordalis, tribes often spend thousands of dollars a month for access to similar legal updates through third-party firms. This new tool provides guidance on tribal water law, tracks court and congressional developments, and highlights emerging water issues. Cordalis emphasized that the goal is to eliminate financial barriers and strengthen tribal sovereignty, particularly in the western U.S., where drought, wildfires, and population growth are placing increasing strain on water resources.

This story was originally reported by the Mountain West News Bureau.