Tribal leaders and indigenous activists are urging the federal government to reverse a decision by former president Donald Trump to remove gray wolves from the endangered species list. In their effort to pressure President Biden and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American cabinet member in history, the Global Indigenous Council (GIC) released a short film entitled Family to bring awareness to the issue (via Cache Valley Daily).
“What is happening to wolves is a social justice issue for indigenous people,” Crystal Lightning, a Native actress who appeared in the documentary said. “The wolf has a vital role in so many of our cultures – in our clans, our songs and our ceremonies,” she added. “Yet our voices are ignored. Whenever the voices of any people are silenced, that is suppression. We are the first people of this land, but are always the last to be heard.”
According to the publication, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana have proposed laws to systemically wipe the gray wolf population with Idaho’s Gov. Brad Little allocating funds to reduce the 1,500 gray wolf population by 90%.
