Cherokee youth secure legal rights for sacred river

A group of girls aged 10 to 17 from the NAIWA Daughters, the youth wing of the North American Indian Women’s Association, have achieved a significant milestone in environmental advocacy by leading an 18-month campaign. Their efforts culminated in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Council unanimously passing a resolution on January 8, 2026, granting inherent legal rights to the Longperson river system, also known as Ganvhidv Asgaya. This river system is vital to the Cherokee community and recognized for its ecological importance. The campaign began when the girls noticed disruptions to the habitat of the eastern hellbender salamander while tubing on the Oconaluftee River. This observation sparked their interest in advocating for the protection of the river and its inhabitants. Inspired by other Indigenous groups, the girls decided to embark on a broader mission to protect the Longperson, which stretches approximately 790 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico.

The resolution recognizes five inherent rights of the river, including the right to exist, flow unobstructed, and be free from pollution. Throughout the campaign, the girls organized community dinners, conducted polls among tribal members, and engaged with tribal council members to gather support for their cause. Their efforts were bolstered by attorney Britt Gondolfi and the Bioneers Indigeneity program. The girls demonstrated remarkable dedication, often sacrificing their personal time to advocate for the river's rights. Jasmine Smith, chair and founder of the NAIWA Daughters, praised their commitment, emphasizing their emotional investment in the campaign.

The resolution passed by the Tribal Council not only signifies a victory for the NAIWA Daughters but also sets a precedent for Indigenous youth-led environmental initiatives in the United States. It reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect natural resources and acknowledges the rights of nature within tribal law. This effort is particularly timely, given the increasing environmental challenges faced by the Cherokee people and their lands. Moving forward, the NAIWA Daughters plan to continue their advocacy by proposing additional measures to protect the Longperson river system. They aim to establish a tribal task force to monitor the river's health and work on removing the decommissioned Ela Dam, which currently obstructs fish migration. Their initiatives highlight the importance of community involvement and the role of youth in environmental stewardship, serving as an inspiration for other Indigenous communities to take similar actions.