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The Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe of Texas and its leader Juan Mancias have established themselves as leaders in environmental causes including the DAPL pipeline protests and another oil and gas pipeline in Texas. Mancias is recognized by the U.N. and has worked hand-in-hand with several established environmental organizations. Along the way, the tribe has brought in more than $5 million in philanthropic and other funds. But an investigation by the online outlet Grist finds the tribe’s status, including what its leaders point to as founding documents are suspect. Publicly available geneological documents contradict Mancias’ own tribal lineage claims. Along the way, Grist exposes a flawed system in which funders and government entities eager to support Indigenous organizers have no way to adequately discern between legitimate tribes and those with questionable origins. We’ll find out about the growth of the Carrizo/Comecrudo Tribe and some of the concerns that have surfaced.
GUESTS
Tristan Ahtone (Kiowa), editor-at-large for Grist
Dr. Kyle Whyte (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), professor at the School for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan
Andrea Carmen (Yaqui), executive director of the International Indian Treaty Council
Dr. Kim Tallbear (Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate), professor of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota
Break 1 Music: Sewa Ania (song) Gabriel Ayala (artist) Shades of Blue (album)
Break 2 Music: With My Son (song) Vincent Craig (artist)
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