Tar Creek: At the confluence of CERCLA natural resource damages and cultural preservation.

The article discusses a Ninth Circuit ruling that allows the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to pursue natural resource damage (NRD) claims against Teck Cominco Metals for cultural injuries related to environmental contamination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The court's decision emphasizes the importance of recognizing cultural components in NRD claims, as traditional practices are deeply intertwined with natural resources. Additionally, the article highlights the Tar Creek Superfund Site in Oklahoma, where NRD settlement funds are being used to support an apprenticeship program aimed at reconnecting Tribal youth with traditional ecological knowledge and restoration skills. The ongoing litigation and the apprenticeship program illustrate the broader implications of environmental damage on Tribal communities and their cultural practices. [Extracted from the article]