Native America

Planet Watch

Victory for Inuit sea rights in Canadian high court

The Supreme Court of Canada ruled unanimously in favor of the Inuit community of Clyde River, Nunavut, which has for the past three years fought to stop seismic testing in their Arctic waters. The Court found that the Inuit were not properly consulted on the oil exploration project off Baffin Island. The decision nullified a seismic testing permit issued by the National Energy Board.

Planet Watch

US signs Arctic climate declaration —with caveats

Under diplomatic pressure, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed the Fairbanks Declaration on Arctic climate—but with caveats about how the US will not "rush" to change policy.

North America

Trump lifts restrictions on offshore drilling

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to lift restrictions placed on offshore oil drilling by the previous administration, opening vast areas to exploitation.

North America

Trump admin approves Keystone XL pipeline

An Under Secretary of State issued a permit for the Keystone Pipeline, after State Department chief and ex-Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson recused himself from the decision.

North America

UN calls for indigenous land policy in United States

UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz called for the US to adopt a legally consistent approach to indigenous land rights in pipeline projects.

North America

Trump approves pipelines, withdraws from TPP: contradiction?

Trump's approval of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines comes just as he has withdrawn the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a seeming contradiction in his agenda.

Watching the Shadows

Obama’s final year: a CounterVortex scorecard

With a Trump despotism looming, CounterVortex offers its final assessment of Barack Obama's record in addressing the oppressive legacy of the Global War on Terrorism.

North America

New pipeline showdown brews in New Jersey

The Ramapough Lunaape tribe in Mahwah, NJ, is protesting the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline that would carry shale oil down the Hudson Valley through their lands.

North America

Dakota Access pipeline blocked —for now

After weeks of protest, the Army Corps of Engineers denied approval for the last remaining easement needed for the Dakota Access Pipeline—but the company pledges completion.

North America

UN: Dakota pipeline protesters face excessive force

US authorities are using excessive force against protesters in North Dakota who are trying to halt a proposed oil pipeline project, according to a UN human rights expert.

North America

Dakota Access CEO cheered by Trump victory

Trump has holdings in the company building the Dakota Access pipeline, whose CEO says he is "100%" confident construction will be completed under the new administration.

Planet Watch

Police repression at Dakota Access protest camp

More than 140 were arrested as over 300 riot police backed up with armored vehicles and helicopters cleared the camp erected to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.