Earthjustice Welcomes New Director of Tribal Partnerships

Last month, Earthjustice welcomed Gussie Lord as Director of Tribal Partnerships, a new position dedicated to deepening the organization's partnerships with tribal and Indigenous communities.

Earthjustice has been privileged to represent many Tribes and tribal groups, including:

• Standing with the Sioux Tribe at Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline;
• Currently representing the Menominee Tribe in litigation who are challenging the Back Forty Mine in Wisconsin;
• Working alongside Tribal governments within Alaskan Native communities to stop mineral extraction; and
• Working alongside multiple Pacific Northwest Tribes on issues involving salmon, water quality, and opposition to fossil fuel infrastructure.

"Native American communities are on the front lines of many of the nation's pivotal environmental fights, and they are leading many of the most successful efforts to protect people and the planet," said Earthjustice President Abigail Dillen. "We are excited to welcome Gussie Lord to Earthjustice to grow our capacity to represent and partner with tribes and native communities, building and deepening relationships that are rooted in respect and understanding."

Lord comes to Earthjustice with broad experience representing tribal governments in environmental matters. Originally hailing from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Lord is a member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin. After witnessing the election of the first two Native American women to U.S. Congress this past year, Lord was inspired to seek out greater opportunities to support grassroots tribal environmental efforts.

"Native Americans always have been leaders in the fight for environmental protection," Lord said. "There is so much work to be done and I am pleased to join Earthjustice in their efforts to ensure these protections remain in place for current and future generations."