Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference

Thomas Linzey and Frank Bibeau Present

In September 2025, Thomas Linzey, Senior Counsel for the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights (CDER) gave the keynote address at the Sovereign Nations of Virginia Conference.

Tribal Attorney Frank Bibeau, Director of CDER’s Tribal Rights of Nature Program, presented on his work to protect and enforce the rights of manoomin (wild rice).

Their introduction begins at the 15 minute mark in the recording.

Their presentations include slideshows on the rights of nature, from its beginnings to today. This includes how the movement has grown globally, and how Tribal and First Nations, and Indigenous organizations, are bringing the rights of nature into their governing frameworks.

CDER assisted the Rappahannock Tribe in Virginia to become the first Tribal Nation to protect the rights of nature in a tribal constitution, and has partnered with other tribes and organizations to advance the rights of nature. Learn more here.

#rightsofnature