Why does land return matter to Indigenous people? In this episode, we speak with Tai Palermo L'22, Legal Director of the Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights, about the historic return of 255 acres in Bristol, RI, from Brown University to the Pokanoket Tribe.

We explore the legal, cultural, and emotional weight of this moment. What land return and the repatriation of sacred artifacts mean for tribal sovereignty. And how they help Indigenous communities take back control and keep their cultures alive.

What’s next for the Pokanoket land? That remains to be seen. This is a conversation about history, justice, and the ongoing work of restoration.

Resources:

Taino Palermo L'22’s Bio

https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/taino-palermo

Land Transfer in The Providence Journal

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2024/11/20/trailblazing-brown-university-returns-255-acres-to-pokanoket-tribe-bristol-rhode-island/76450706007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11----p001740n11----c11----e001000v118108o11----b0065xxd116565&gca-ft=233&gca-ds=sophi

Center for Indigenous Peoples Rights

https://www.thecipr.org/

Raymond Two Hawks Watson L'22’s Bio

https://provcei.org/

Office of Federal Acknowledgement

https://www.bia.gov/as-ia/ofa

NAGPRA

https://www.bia.gov/service/nagpra

Ever wondered how to turn your passion into policy? In this episode, we're joined by Professor Victoria Litman of Roger Williams School of Law, who breaks down how everyday Rhode Islanders can become powerful advocates at the state and local level. From writing letters to testifying at the State House, she shares simple, actionable steps to influence the laws that shape your life.

Victoria, a nationally recognized researcher in cannabis and psychedelics regulation, details her personal journey advocating for Bill H7047, which aimed to legalize the possession of psychedelic mushrooms but ultimately did not pass. She emphasizes why showing up — especially for the long game — matters, and how your voice can help educate lawmakers and drive meaningful change.

Resources:

Victoria Litman

https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/victoria-litman

Bill H7047

https://rhodeislandcurrent.com/2024/02/01/push-to-legalize-magic-mushrooms-is-back-before-house-judiciary-committee/

Freedom to Read Act https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=375699

Petrie-Flom Center

https://petrieflom.law.harvard.edu/

Capitol TV

https://capitoltvri.cablecast.tv/

Have an episode idea? Email us at law401podcast@rwu.edu.

This week on Law 401, we’re joined by Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies, Executive Director of the Economic Progress Institute, to unpack the sweeping federal legislation known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill." Weayonnoh and her team of experts dug through all 870 pages to break down what really matters for Rhode Islanders.

From massive cuts to Medicaid and SNAP to the broader legal and civil rights implications, we explore the details that affect you. Who’s most impacted? And how can Rhode Island respond? Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded conversation about law, policy, and the future of equity in our state.

Highlights:

• What does this bill really mean to you?
• Taxing the top to protect the vulnerable
• Why it’s about more than money
• What do the numbers really mean?
• What are legal entitlements?

Weayonnoh Nelson-Davies: https://law.rwu.edu/student-life/stories/if-theres-life-theres-hope

Resources:

OBBB https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1/text

Commentary: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/21/metro/commentary-trump-era-tax-bill-medicaid-snap-rhode-island-tax-policy/

Economic Progress Institute: https://economicprogressri.org/