California tribe sues for destruction of cultural sites

For many American Indian tribes, gaining federal recognition can be a Catch 22. Without this status, tribes lose federal benefits, and some of the ability that comes with them to protect their lands from government projects. With federal recognition comes the risk of getting mired in issues of sovereignty. Many tribes and the Government Accountability Office have criticized the recognition criteria for being too inconsistent and unclear. One tribe not recognized by the fed is the Winnemem Wintu of Shasta County, California. The tribe says that despite what their federal status may be, they're simply tired of being ignored. This week, the tribe's lawyers filed a lawsuit accusing six federal agencies and two agency heads of damaging or destroying numerous cultural sites near Mount Shasta. The suit charges that the agencies' actions amount to what they say is "cultural annihilation." The lawsuit isn’t demanding recognition outright, but that status may be necessary if the Winnemem are to have a voice in their future. Without a voice, they say, their way of life could soon cease to exist. From Sacramento, FSRN’s Marc Dadigan reports.