In the 1990s, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued leases to companies such as Chevron and Fina for oil and gas exploration in the Badger-Two Medicine area. These leases faced strong opposition from the Blackfeet Nation and environmental groups, who argued that the area held profound spiritual and cultural significance and that drilling would cause irreparable harm.
Attorney Mark Mueller provided legal representation for the traditional Brave Dog Society of the Blackfeet. Through legal action, public advocacy, and collaboration with journalists and concerned citizens, efforts culminated in Chevron and Fina relinquishing their drilling rights without any development occurring.
The significance of this case has been highlighted in various reports and articles. The Department of the Interior later announced the cancellation of the remaining oil and gas leases in the Badger-Two Medicine area, formally recognizing its sacred status to the Blackfeet Nation.
Additionally, the Blackfeet Nation’s history and the significance of the Badger-Two Medicine area have been extensively documented in various sources, highlighting the area’s vital role in the tribe’s cultural and spiritual practices. These developments underscore the successful efforts to protect the Badger-Two Medicine area from industrial development, preserving its sacred and environmental integrity for future generations.