Author: Monica Williamson

54th Annual Native American Critical Issues Conference

Monica Williamson

54th Annual Native American Critical Issues Conference

February 29-March 2, 2024 

on-site at the Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, MI

Join the Michigan Indian Education Council with co-hosts the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to celebrate and honor all our relations.

Register here

More information at miecconference.org. The 3-track conference is open to all educators and includes a student youth track. Topics include:

  • Pre-Conference Session hosted by Tribal Agriculture and Hemp Summit, Michigan State University Extension
  • Games that Save Our Ways
  • Eshkiniigijig (Adolescents); Anishinaabek “Coming of Age” Traditions and Protocol
  • Waganakising Odawak Community Co-designed Indigenous STEAM
  • Creating Community Through Culture in the Virtual Classroom
  • Building Allies with Ecological Kinship
  • Wenji-gikinoo’amaadiwin: The Reason is Education
  • and many more

AILC hosts annual Pre-Law Advisors Training

Monica Williamson

February 20-21, 2024
Albuquerque, NM

Registration is still open! Event agenda and details here. Travel Reimbursements & Waivers available for Tribal Education Departments and Tribal Colleges and Universities.

Topics Include:

  • The Need for Native Attorneys
  • Preparing Students for Law School
  • Resources and Best Practices for Advisors
  • Native Student Perspectives

This conference is for school personnel and tribal education department personnel who advise students on careers and higher education. This is not for prospective law students. 

Thank you Indigenous Law Conference speakers, attendees, and sponsors!

Monica Williamson

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2023 Indigenous Law Conference!

TICA CHAMPIONS ⚖️
-Cherokee Nation
-Chickasaw Nation
-Fields Han Cunniff PLLC
-Invenio Tribal Law
-Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein
-Sonosky, Chambers, Sachse, Miller & Monkman, LLP

TICA SUPPORTERS 💪🏼
-Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP
-Casino Del Sol, Pascua Yaqui Tribe
-Choctaw Nation
-Earthjustice
-Hogen Adams
-Holland & Knight
-Industrial Economics, Incorporated
-Jill Grant & Associates, LLC
-Ocotillo Law & Policy Partners
-Rothstein Donatelli, LLP
-The Circle Law Group, P.C.
-Williamson Creative Agency

PANEL SPONSORS 🌟
-Greetham Law, P.L.L.C.
-Historical Research -Associates, Inc.
-Kutak Rock
-Native American Rights Fund

RECEPTION SPONSORS🌹
-Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP
-Red Maple Consulting

OTHER SPONSORS 🌅
-Maynes, Bradford, Shipps, Sheftel LLP
-Indigenous Law and Policy Center at MSU Law
-Tribal In-House Counsel Association

Native Judges’ Perspective on Tribal Advocacy at the Indigenous Law Conference

Monica Williamson

1:00-2:30 Native Judges’ Perspectives on Tribal Advocacy | 1.5 credits

Moderator: Wenona Singel (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), Director, Indigenous Law and Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law

Hon. Lauren King (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), United State District Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington

Hon. Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Turtle Clan), Michigan Court of Appeals

Hon. Sarah I. Wheelock (Meskwaki Nation, Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa), Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals

Native judges who work in state and federal courts have a unique insider’s perspective on judicial review of litigation before the courts. This panel will give Native judges an opportunity to share that insiders’ perspective to strengthen tribal advocacy. The panel will also include members of the judiciary who previously worked as tribal in-house counsel. These judges will share their thoughts on tribal advocacy before the courts based on their prior work as tribal attorneys and their current work as state and federal court judges.

Register

Professionalism – An Interactive Activity at the Indigenous Law Conference

Monica Williamson

8:30-10:30 ET Professionalism – An Interactive Activity (Ethics)

Virjinya Torrez (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), Assistant Attorney General, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

TJ McReynolds (Pueblo de San Ildefonso), Senior Counsel, Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC

Harrison W. Rice (Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma), Assistant Attorney General, Tohono O’odham Nation

The Objective of this presentation is for attorneys to better understand how both the Oath of Admission to the Bar and the Lawyer’s Creed of Professionalism overlap and extend beyond the values and requirements of a respective State’s Rules of Professional Conduct. 

1. Maintaining objectivity for effective assessment of the impact actions have on clients, others and the legal system.

2. Competent client representation includes maintaining reasonable expectations through candid and objective advice, clear communication to clients.

3. Acting with courtesy and civility.

4. Advancing legitimate client interests can be accomplished through expeditious and cost-effective handling of all legal matters while maintaining respect, courtesy, and fairness. 

5. To act and speak honestly and respectfully in both personal and professional life, honoring the court and legal system, diligently advocating for clients, and protecting the integrity of the legal profession.

Register

AILC & PLSI Judicial Clerkship Panel Discussion Next Week

Monica Williamson

Judicial Clerkships Panel Discussion

October 17, 2023, 12-1 pm MT
Zoom Webinar with Q&A

The tribal, state, and federal benches need more Native judges and judicial clerks.  We encourage Native law students to join us to meet Native federal judges and learn more about their journey.  Please share with NALSA groups!

Visit the website for more information about the panelists and to register.

Keynote by Doreen McPaul, Collective Energy & Wisdom: We Are Our Own Best Resource

Monica Williamson

visit www.indigenouslawconference.com to register, book your stay, or become a sponsor

Collective Energy & Wisdom: We are Our Own Best Resource

9:00 AM-10:15 AM ET | 11/9/23 | 1.25 CLE Credits

In this keynote presentation, Doreen McPaul will provide some insight about the formation and early years of the Tribal In-House Counsel Association and the organization’s path during her 10 years as TICA’s President.  Drawing on her own experiences as an Indian law and tribal law practitioner, she will share some lessons learned about the importance of humanity, connection, service, wellness and more as we forward gaze to the next 10 years, both for TICA and for tribal in-house practice generally. Moderated by TICA Vice-President, Stephen Greetham.

Decisions, Decisions Part II: The 2023 Term and Beyond at the Indigenous Law Conference

Monica Williamson

visit www.indigenouslawconference.com to register, book your stay, or become a sponsor

Decisions, Decisions Part I: The 2022 Term at the Indigenous Law Conference

Monica Williamson

Sponsor the Indigenous Law Conference

Monica Williamson

Each year we ask our champions, supporters, and friends to sponsor the Indigenous Law Conference. Your support allows us to continue offering this cutting-edge learning opportunity led by those in the field: in-house counsel. Find more information on the conference website: https://www.indigenouslawconference.com/sponsorship

Registration for the conference is open, get your spot today!