I just posted on SSRN a short paper I prepared for the National Native Law Students Association annual meeting career panel last month at the Pojoaque Pueblo: “On Becoming an American Indian Law Professor.” Here is the abstract:
There are only a few dozen American Indians who are enrolled tribal members who are tenure system law professors in American law schools. In fact, in our quick review of the American Association of Law Schools roster of teachers who list themselves as Native American Law instructors, we found fewer than 30 tribal members who are currently tenure system law professors. We study this group, as well as a few known tribal members who have either retired or left the academy for loftier pursuits, for purposes of identifying the profiles of tribally enrolled American Indians on the tenure track in American law schools. The object of this short paper is to advise American Indian law students and others on how to become an American Indian law professor.
I wrote this before all the Elizabeth Warren stuff came out. There’s more to say about that, I suppose, but that’s for another time.
Turtle Talk 
Thank you for providing access to your article. I intend to print it and study it well!
Excellent article, Professor Fletcher! I completely agree with your advice throughout the article on the importance of scholarship and the surreal experience the law faculty hiring process is! Pidamayaye, Angelique
I heard about the Elizabeth Warren stuff yesterday…her claim on the campaign trail that she has Cherokee ancestory. Of course, her opponent used it to build in an assumption that Ms. Warren must have lied, since afterall, she doesn’t “look” like she has American Indian roots. Ms. Warren is a proficient, caring legal professional and an outstanding advocate for people who tend to lack a voice. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, I look more Irish than I do Indian even though my grandmother was “full blood.” I embrace Ms Warren as the professional and role model that she is…Did Ms. Warren ever announce her Cherokee ancestory prior to her starting her political endeavor? Her opponent who claims she used or is using it for purposes of utilizing Affirmative Action is more than insulting. The real attack is on her as a woman…afterall, how could a highly accomplished woman like Ms. Warren have become such an icon without using some sort of “short cut?” Forget the facts like she is intelligent, driven and has forged her way despite the odds against her in our male dominate society.