Teams and Roles

In the Light of Reverence: Sacred Ground or Federal Ground?

Judicial Unit US Government

Team Lakota

Your task is to represent the Lakota perspective of MatoTipila (Devil’s Tower) to the Supreme Court. Your group should have at least 1 person fulfill each of the following roles:

  1. Tribal historian – Research and present Lakota history from 1850-1890, from a Lakota perspective. Describe Lakota religious practices – specifically why MatoTipila is important.
  2. Constitutional scholar – Research, interpret, and present the first amendment from the perspective of Lakota religion.
  3. Environmentalist – Research and present the Lakota perspective of how to care for the environment.
  4. Public Relations – Create a strong visual statement of your group’s position.
  5. Lawyer –Take the research gathered and summarize it into a 1 page brief. Present info to the Supreme Court.

Team Rock Climber

Your task is to represent the rock climber’s perspective of Devil’s Tower (MatoTipila) to the Supreme Court. Your groups should have at least 1 person fulfill each of the following roles:

  1. Rock climbing advocate – Research and describe why having full access to Devil’s Tower is important. (Actual organizations: Friends of Devils Tower, Access Fund)
  2. Constitutional scholar – Research and interpret the first amendment from the perspective of citizens who want access to Devil’s Town at all times. (Such as Mountain State Legal Foundation)
  3. Environmentalist – Research and present the rock climbers’ perspective of environmental issues at Devil’s Tower.
  4. Public Relations – Create a strong visual statement of your group’s position.
  5. Lawyer – Take the research gathered and summarize it into a 1 page brief. Present info to the Supreme Court.

Team National Park

Your task is to represent the National Park Service’s perspective of Devil’s Tower (MatoTipila) to the Supreme Court. Your group should have at least 1 person fulfill each of the following roles:

  1. Spokesperson – Research and present the mission and history of the National Park Service – specifically Devil’s Tower.
  2. Constitutional scholar – Research and interpret the first amendment from the perspective of the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior, under which it works.
  3. Environmentalist –Research and present the National Park Service’s perspective regarding religious rites and rock climbing in terms of their impact on Federal lands.
  4. Public Relations – Create a strong visual statement of your group’s position.
  5. Lawyer – Take the research gathered and summarize it into a 1 page brief. Present info to the Supreme Court.

Team Supreme Court

Your task is to represent the Supreme Court in the case of MatoTipila (Devil’s Tower). The other teams will present their information and perspectives to you. You will research their positions and create questions to ask each group. Your group should have at least 1 person fulfill each of the following roles:

  1. Lakota expert – Research the Lakota viewpoint of MatoTipila (Devil’s Tower), and create 3 or more questions to ask this group when they present.
  2. Rock climber expert – Research the rock climbers’ viewpoint of Devil’s Tower (MatoTipila), and create 3 or more questions to ask this group when they present.
  3. National Park expert – Research the National Park Service’s viewpoint of Devil’s Tower (MatoTipila), and create 3 or more questions to ask this group when they present.