Let me be a free man—free to travel, free to work, free to follow the religion of my forefathers, and I will obey every law or submit to the penalty.
-- Chief Joseph, Nez Perce.
Indigenous rights are never freely given—they must be demanded, wrested away, then vigilantly protected. That is the essence of freedom.
-- Walter Echo-Hawk, Pawnee.
NAWA! Walter Echo-Hawk (Pawnee) is a Native American speaker, author, and attorney. Throughout his distinguished legal career, he has worked to protect the legal, political, property, cultural, and human rights of Indian tribes and Native peoples. An articulate and versed indigenous rights activist, Echo-Hawk delivers keynote speeches and lectures on a wide variety of indigenous topics, involving Native arts and cultures, indigenous history, federal Indian law, religious freedom, environmental protection, Native American cosmology, and human rights.
He makes keynote appearances at important events throughout Indian Country and around the world. Over the years, he has offered major speeches in South Africa, Turkey, Egypt, Philippines, Canada, and throughout the United States. He is currently on a book lecture tour for his groundbreaking book, In the Courts of the Conqueror: The 10 Worst Indian Law Cases Ever Decided (2010). In June, his new book, "IN THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE," will be available on this website. This Site introduces this Native American Speaker, profiles his unique career, and provides Contact Information for your event. WELCOME!
Film about Walter Echo-Hawk, produced and directed by leading Native American film maker, Sterlin Harjo (Seminole/Creek) (Sterlinharjo@gmail.com)
Elijah Harper, Iconic Aboriginal Leader Who Scuttled Meech Accord, Walks On
Condolences have poured in for revered aboriginal leader and politician Elijah Harper, who walked on at age 64 from heart failure induced by diabetes complications on Friday mor...
To Book Walter Echo-Hawk
Email: booking@walterechohawk.com
Tuesday June 4th, 2013
Northern Quest Resort & Casino, Airway Heights, WA
01:30pm to 02:45pm
Lecture, "United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: A Primer to understanding Indigenous Aspirations," delivered as part of the Federal Indian Law Immersion course at the Society of American Indian Government Employees' (SAIGE) 10th ANNUAL NATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM in Spokane, WA.
Wednesday June 12th, 2013
Hyatt Regency Tamaya Spa and Resort, Bernalillo, NM
12:15pm to 01:15pm
BOOK LAUNCH EVENT at Santa Ana Pueblo!!
Echo-Hawk & James Anaya launch their new book in a KEYNOTE at ATALM's "International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries and Musuems":
"IN THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE: The Rise of Human Rights in Native America and the UN Declaration of the Rights oIndigneous Peoples" (Fulcrum Publishers, 2013)"
Author Book Signing will follow. (Conference Registration at: www.atalm.com)
Saturday September 21st, 2013
Western State Colorado University, Gunnison, CO
07:00pm to 08:00pm
KEYNOTE ADDRESS, 24th Headwaters Conference: "The Need for an American Land Ethic"
"How the UNDRIP can provide a stronger foundation for Indian rights in the United States"
By Walter Echo-Hawk
Posted: 06 Mar 2011
INDIAN RIGHTS IN THE U.S. ARISE from a foundation fashioned in the 19th Century. Much of that foundation remains sound today and should be retained, especially the "inherent tribal sovereignty" doctrine of Worcester v. Georgia (1833) and its "protectorate framework" for protecting Indian nations that exist in the Republic as "domestic dependant...
"Why We Need The UN DECLARATION ON THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES"
By Walter Echo-Hawk
Posted: 27 Feb 2011
MANY IN INDIAN COUNTRY fail to see how international law can help solve tribal problems at home on Indian reservations. That is short-sighted. By contrast, the leading Indian Country organizations fought hard for many years to develop the UNDRIP and obtain UN and US approval. Those advocates include the National Congress of American Indians, Na...