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NOOKSACK 306
Converge Media’s latest film, Nooksack 306, dives into the struggle faced by Indigenous people who are being disenrolled by tribal politicians and threatened with losing their homes and being exiled from their homelands. Filmmakers spoke with members of the group known as the Nooksack 306, who shared the story of their family’s twelve-year political persecution and proclaimed their will to keep fighting.
LATEST NEWS:
Feds, the state should help keep former Nooksack members in their homes
October 2, 2024 The Seattle Times - Editorial Board
[The homeowners] need action by Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, who herself is a member of
the Pueblo of Laguna. Political circles have said Haaland is eyeing a run for governor of New
Mexico after she leaves President Joe Biden’s administration. If she doesn’t have the political
will to do what’s right as the cabinet member in charge of Indian affairs, then Biden himself
should intervene.
Failed federal housing commitments leads to evictions for Native families
September 21, 2024 - Indian Country Today - Luna Reyna
Those families urged Secretary Haaland to halt the evictions. She possesses complete authority
over domestic Indian affairs and Tribal lands. In January, the families wrote her office: “With
The federal family is looking to the Interior Department for leadership on this domestic Indigenous
human rights issue, and our clients are looking to America's first Indigenous cabinet Secretary for
morality. We hope Secretary Haaland will bravely answer the call.” The families also asked for a
meeting with Secretary Haaland.
WATCH NOW
Following a lack of federal support spanning both the Trump and Biden administrations on the federal level across several administrations, the United Nations has twice intervened, raising concerns about the unlawful disenrollment of the Nooksack and related ejectment of several Nooksack families from federally subsidized homes they are entitled to own, without any legal protections.
The protracted legal and political battle has ramifications across generations, as grandparents, parents, and children have been catapulted into the fight to remain in their community and keep their homes, many of which have been in the families for decades. This film tells the story from the perspective of those whose voices have been stifled, sharing their Indigenous traditions and amplifying their pleas for support.
“We have always been Nooksack and will always be Nooksack. We have no intention of abandoning our homes or homelands. We belong, our ancestors belonged, and we are staying put.”
Michelle Roberts, Producer, Nooksack 306 Spokesperson
“We are proud to be able to help tell this story and share the message of the challenges that are facing the Nooksack 306. This film highlights Converge Media’s dedication to uplifting the voices of those who’s stories need amplification and we hope it will raise awareness and make a difference.”
Alaia D’Alessandro, Head of Production, Converge Media
“Having been denied access to the courts and any human rights protection from this country, the Nooksack 306 have taken their fight to the United Nations and the court of public opinion. This is an existential fight for the ages.”
Gabe Galanda, Indigenous Rights Lawyer, Nooksack 306 Legal Counsel
