Indigenous

Displacement of Indigenous Bajau Laut Sparks Outcry as Malaysian Government Uses Colonial Laws to Silence Critics

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — In June, the Malaysian government faced backlash after authorities destroyed the homes and boats of the Bajau Laut, an indigenous group in Borneo dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. The actions displaced families, leaving them without shelter or means of support. The destruction drew widespread criticism, particularly after videos of the incident circulated on social media. In response to the public outcry, the government arrested Mukmin Nantang, a human rights advocate who highlighted the plight of the Bajau Laut, charging him with sedition under a colonial-era law from 1948. Sedition … Read more

Bridging Cultures: Judge David Avraham Voluck Harmonizes Indigenous Justice with Environmental Law in Alaskan Tribal Courts

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Sitka, Alaska – David Avraham Voluck, a distinguished member of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, serves as Chief Judge of the Sitka Tribal Court, where he facilitates dispute resolution among the Tlingit and Haida nations. His reputation for wisdom and fairness has led him to be invited as a judge for various other tribes, including the Unangan Aleuts of St. Paul Island and the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. Voluck’s commitment to the cultural integrity of Alaskan Natives is evident in his work. With a background in environmental law, he often finds himself in a unique position … Read more

Celebrating Design with a Heart: ArchitectureAu Awards Recognize Innovative Solutions for Homelessness and Indigenous Injustice

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Sydney, Australia – The ArchitectureAu Award for Social Impact has reached its third edition, highlighting projects that exemplify the concept of “good design, doing good.” This initiative seeks to curtail the ongoing challenge of measuring social impact while showcasing the powerful ways architecture can contribute to societal advancement. This year’s awards saw two joint winners addressing significant social issues: Habilis, designed by Collins and Turner, focuses on chronic homelessness, while the Munarra Centre for Regional Excellence, crafted by ARM Architecture, aims to confront historical injustices and current inequalities affecting Indigenous Australians. Both projects underscore a … Read more

University of Colorado Law School Welcomes New AILP Fellow, Hannah Ahders, to Champion Indigenous Rights

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Boulder, Colorado – The University of Colorado Law School’s American Indian Law Program (AILP) proudly announces the appointment of Hannah Ahders, a second-year law student, as its fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. In her new role, Ahders will collaborate with faculty, students, and community members to advance the rights of American Indian and Indigenous Peoples. Kristen Carpenter, the Council Tree Professor of Law and the AILP’s director, expressed excitement about Ahders’ appointment, noting her impressive contributions as a law student. Carpenter stated that Ahders’ dedication aligns perfectly with the program’s mission and initiatives. The … Read more