The Pascua Yaqui Development Corporation is seeking candidates who are interested in serving on its Board of Directors. Letters of interest will be taken through November 14, 2019.
Author: Monica Williamson
MSU AIIS Voices on Campus
AIIS Voices on Campus Lecture Series presents Nakia Parker: “Regarded as an Appendage of His Family: Slavery, Kinship, and the Law in Indian Territory.”
Wednesday, November 6, 12-1pm in Room 345 at MSU Law
Lunch will be provided and all are welcome.
Friday Job Announcements
Any posts for an open Indian law or leadership job received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that week’s announcement, when the following information is sent to indigenous@law.msu.edu:
- In the email body, a typed brief description of the position which includes
- position title,
- location (city, state),
- main duties,
- closing date,
- and any other pertinent details such as links to application;
- An attached PDF job announcement.
Please send all job announcements in this requested format.
Department of Justice
Director, Office of Native American Affairs (C.E.A., A), Sacramento, CA. Under the general direction of the Attorney General and the Chief Deputy to the Attorney General, the incumbent is responsible for the strategic planning, organizing, and policy development for the Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA). Application must be received by Nov. 22, 2019. Please see the job description for more information and to apply.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Trainer, Elected Tribal Governance, Pendleton, OR. Proposals or quotes are needed for Trainers to conduct an on-site tribal governance workshop for the elected members of the Board of Trustees, the governing body under the Umatilla Constitution and Bylaws. The one day Workshop is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Attached is an RFP, workshop agenda and concepts. The first review of proposals or quotes is October 28, and will remain open until filled. For more information about the Umatilla Tribes see visit their website.
Peabody Essex Museum
Mellon Library Native American Fellowship, Salem, MA. Beginning in early 2020, this twelve-month fellowship in the Phillips Library will provide an emerging librarian of Indigenous descent with training and duties comparable to those of an Assistant Librarian. This position will play an integral role in assisting with developing and executing cataloging projects to provide better access to materials related to Indigenous subjects. In addition, the Fellow will support the library’s mission of collecting, stewarding, and providing access to materials and resources. Deadline for application and materials is Friday, November 15, 2019. Please see the job description for more information and how to apply.
The Gila River Indian Community
Protective Services Attorney, AZ. Represent the Community in cases arising under the Indian Child Welfare Act in Arizona and other state courts. The position requires admission to the Arizona State Bar and 3 years of experience as an attorney in child welfare matters. This is a full-time position in Arizona with a base salary of $82,908 and excellent benefits. The position is open until filled. Apply online at here and see the position description for more information.
Oglala Sioux Tribe
In-House Associate Counsel, Pine Ridge, SD. Work for the Oglala Sioux Tribe Council, the Executive Committee, and with the Health and Human Services and Education Standing Committees. Counsel must attend weekly meetings with Committees and attend Tribal Council meetings as assigned. Application closes December 6, 2019. Please see the job description for more information.
The Suquamish Tribe
Forestry Program Manager, Dept. of Natural Resources, Suquamish, WA. The Forestry Program Manager is responsible for the management and oversight of the Forestry Program on the Port Madison Indian Reservation and works directly with the Natural Resources Director in setting priorities and implementing actions. This position is open until filled; applications will be accepted thru November 12, 2019.
Kadiak LLC
Tribal Courts Project Manager, BIA Tribal Courts, Anchorage, AK. The PM manages and coordinates all work, activities, issues, and other contractual obligations relating to this contract and will interface with the Government Contracting Officer (CO), the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and any Task Managers. Please see the job description for more information.
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Tribal Court Administrator, Palm Springs, CA. This position offers the opportunity to play a leading role in the initial establishment of the ACBCI Tribal Court System. The TCA will have the responsibility for management and supervision of daily court operations, including development, implementation and maintenance of the case management system, facilities management and security, strategic planning and fiscal activity. Please see the position description for more information.
Pueblo of Laguna
Associate Judge, Pueblo Court, Laguna, NM. Closing date for application submission is October 18, 2019. Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions at www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.
Public Defender, Pueblo Court, Laguna, NM. Application is open until filled. Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions at www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.
The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes
RFP, Associate Judge, Concho, OK. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to handling, presiding over and adjudicating all criminal, civil, juvenile, and traffic cases and litigation as assigned by the Chief Judge or Chief Justice within the jurisdiction of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Court. The full scope of work is included in the description. The closing date for the position is November 29, 2019 at 3pm CST.
The Coquille Indian Tribe
RFP, Chief Judge, North Bend, OR. The Tribe is accepting proposals from qualified attorneys to provide hourly contracted services. The selected candidate would be ineligible for tribal employment fringe benefits. The Tribe anticipates this work will involve up to approximately five or six hours of billable work time per week, excluding travel. This is a three-year appointment, expected to begin on February 1, 2020. The deadline to submit proposals is 5:00 p.m. Pacific, November 15, 2019. Contact Mike Frost at mikefrost@coquilletribe.org with questions.
See posts from October 25, 2019.
MSU NALSA T-Shirt Sale Closes Today
Today is the last day to order your MSU NALSA t-shirt and crewneck, check Facebook for more information.
UNM Tribal Law Journal
Yá’át’ééh and Hafa Adai! The University of New Mexico School of Law Tribal Law Journal would like to invite you to contribute to their online blog. Please see the attached PDF for details on how to submit to a blog.
Friday Job Announcements
Any posts for an open Indian law or leadership job received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that week’s announcement, when the following information is sent to indigenous@law.msu.edu:
- In the email body, a typed brief description of the position which includes
- position title,
- location (city, state),
- main duties,
- closing date,
- and any other pertinent details such as links to application;
- An attached PDF job announcement.
Please send all job announcements in this requested format.
Legal Opportunities
Pueblo of Laguna
Associate Judge, Dept: Pueblo Court; Application is open until filled.
Public Defender, Dept: Pueblo Court; Application is open until filled.
Please visit the Pueblo of Laguna website for more information and application instructions at www.lagunapueblo-nsn.gov or you can contact the Human Resources office at (505) 552-6654.
The Pueblo of Isleta Tribal Court
Presenting Officer, Pueblo of Isleta, Albuquerque, NM. This individual will be responsible to act as the legal representation for the Pueblo of Isleta Social Services Department, Truancy Department, and Children’s Intervention Officer in matters where court and/or legal interventions are needed to ensure the safety and well-being of the Pueblo of Isleta community members. All interested individuals can request a copy of the “Request for Letter of Interest” instructions. Details are in the attached advertisement. The Letter of Interest package must reach the Pueblo of Isleta Procurement Office no later than 3:00 pm MST, Thursday, November 14, 2019.
U.S. Department of the Interior
Attorney-Adviser, Office of the Solicitor, Washington, D.C. The attorney provides legal advice to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Duties include advising the Bureau on matters related to the law enforcement program, litigation, preparing transactional agreements, FOIA review, and drafting legal memoranda and opinions. Please see the link below for a full description of duties and requirements on usajobs.gov. The announcement number is SOL-2020-0002. The solicitation closes on October 30, 2019.
Earthjustice
Research and Policy Analyst, Los Angeles, CA. Supports the CA Regional Office’s programmatic focus on air pollution and clean energy issues in California by: developing the factual basis for lawsuits, writing and editing comment letters and other advocacy documents, representing Earthjustice in advocacy work with government decision makers, and developing and maintaining relationships with clients and other partners. Please see the job description for more information.
Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation
Legal Aid Attorney, Intimate Partner Violence Survivors (IPVS), Pendleton, OR. Serve women suffering from or at risk for any of the following: domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking. The IPVS Attorney will advise and if necessary represent eligible clients as they exercise their legal rights to be free from and protected against perpetrators of Domestic Violence (DV). The IPVS Attorney will also develop programmatic materials as needed prioritizing legal materials and resources, and enhance existing legal services to eligible clients. Application closes October 30, 2019. See the position description or visit the website for more information and to apply.
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
Chief Judge, J-2147; Colville Tribal Court. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.
Senior Staff Attorney, 2 positions J-8937; Colville Confederated Tribes, Nespelem, WA. Will provide complex legal services to handle significant legal matters for the Office of Reservation Attorneys. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package, Salary will be negotiated. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.
Deputy Prosecutor, J-8821; Colville Tribal Court, Nespelem, WA. Represent Criminal, MINOC, Range Impoundment, Natural Resources Enforcement and civil infraction hearings, Wellness court, and appellate cases before the Colville Tribal Court of Appeals. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.
Managing Public Defender, J-8791; Colville Tribal Court and Court of Appeals, Nespelem, WA. Represent Tribal Members in criminal matters. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.
Staff Attorney, J-8668; Colville Confederated Tribes Legal Office, Nespelem, WA. providing legal services to Tribal Members. Renewable 3 yr. contract position with a full benefits package. This position is open till filled with weekly reviews.
Please visit and apply at colvilletribes.com or you can contact judy.zunie@colvilletribes.com.
Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Staff Attorney, Cloquet, MN. The Staff Attorney provides general legal services to the Band. The Staff Attorney’s responsibilities include contract drafting, litigation, working with administrative agencies, preparing tribal ordinances, and other duties assigned by the Tribal Attorney. To apply, please submit a resume and any other supporting documentation to: Fond du Lac Human Resources, 1720 Big Lake Road, Cloquet, MN 55720.
WI Judicare
Legal Advocate, Wausau, WI (can work remotely). This position is part of the Violence Against Women Act Legal Assistance to Victims grant. The Legal Advocate will also directly assist the Lead VAWA Attorney in her representation of Native American survivors of violence. Please see the position description for more information.
DNA Legal Services
Multiple Positions, Farmington, N.M. DNA-People’s Legal Services (DNA) is a non-profit law office committed to providing high quality legal services to persons living in poverty on the Navajo, Hopi and Jicarilla Apache Reservations, and in parts of Northern Arizona, Northwest New Mexico, and Southern Utah. DNA is one of the largest Indian legal service organizations in the country. We currently have openings for attorneys in all of our offices. We also have summer law clerk positions – fellowship funded positions, volunteer positions, or Work-Study positions – in all of our offices. If you are interested in applying for a position please email your resume and cover letter to Rodolfo. D. Sanchez, DNA – People’s Legal Services Executive Director at rsanchez@dnalegalservices.org.
Leadership Opportunities
Center for Indian Country Development (CICD)
Assistant Vice President, Minneapolis, MN. The CICD at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis supports the economic strength of Native communities. This position is a senior member of the leadership team leading the development of the department’s portfolio of policy work and research agenda in Indian Country, and contributes to the overall strategic direction of the department, informing senior Bank leadership on economic and tribal development issues, and building external networks and partnerships, particularly with tribal community members and researchers. For more information, please see the position description or to apply. This position is open until filled.
The Suquamish Tribe
Forestry Program Manager, Dept. of Natural Resources, Suquamish, WA. The Forestry Program Manager is responsible for the management and oversight of the Forestry Program on the Port Madison Indian Reservation and works directly with the Natural Resources Director in setting priorities and implementing actions. The incumbent manages and mentors program staff, updates and implements the Port Madison Indian Reservation Forest Management Plan, develops and manages program budgets and grants, evaluates program capacity and needs, and develops strategies to address priorities.
Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP)
Chief Administrative Officer, Bethel, AK. We are looking for that rare combination of hard and soft skills that will guide our administrative teams in this period of innovation, as we build systemic efficiency and provide more effective services to our tribal members. The CAO is responsible for directing and evaluating the ongoing administrative operations of the organization, including oversight and responsibility for the fiscal functions of AVCP. Direct experience in non-profit work with tribes or with predominantly government-grant-funded organizations preferred. For more information, please see the position description; to apply, click here. Position open until filled, with review of applicants every 2 weeks.
Student Opportunities
Michigan Indian Legal Services
(3) Summer Legal Interns/Externs, Traverse City and Southwest Michigan offices. MILS is willing to work with interns/externs who need to work remotely. MILS is also willing to work with law school to help law students complete externship credit hour requirements or funding, and will accept applications regardless of year. Open until filled. Please see the position description for more information.
Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
Summer 2020 Law Intern, Valley Center, CA. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians is seeking a law student (or two) who are interested in learning about practicing Native American law on a reservation. In your ten-weeks here, you will be exposed to a broad range of on-going issues, follow cases in litigation, research and write memos on issues, assist in writing and updating ordinances and policies for the Rincon Band, and other projects requested by the Attorney General. Qualified applicants should submit their resume, transcript, writing sample and cover letter to lmckee@rincon-nsn.gov.
National Indian Gaming Commission
Intern, Washington, D.C. Under the supervision of the Office of General Counsel attorneys, interns may assist with a variety of matters, including legal research and writing for legal advisory opinions and other memoranda; reviewing tribal gaming ordinances, proposed management contracts, and other tribal submissions; and providing legal support in enforcement actions and appeals. The intern will be assigned at least one major research and writing project. The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week and will be paid at a GS-7 step 1 equivalent rate. Optionally, at the selected applicant’s request, the internship can be converted to an unpaid externship for law school credit. The announcement closes on November 15, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.
Maier Pfeffer Kim Geary & Cohen LLP
Law Clerk, Oakland, CA. The position could either begin part time (exact hours negotiable) during Spring 2020 and convert to full time during Summer 2020, or solely be a full-time Summer 2020 position. Applicants must be enrolled in an ABA accredited law school and a second year law students. Experience or coursework in tribal and Federal Indian Law is strongly preferred. To apply: interested candidates should e-mail a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and unofficial law school transcript to Ms. Bethany Sullivan at bsullivan@jmandmplaw.com by November 22, 2019. See the job description for more information.
Requests
Bishop Tribal Council
RFP, Contract Chief Judge, Bishop, CA. The Tribe has received the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court grant and the Judge will be responsible to lead development and implementation of this grant. Submission deadline is November 15, 2019. For more information please see the announcement.
Hoopa Valley Tribal Court
RFQ, contractual Domestic Violence Attorney, Northern California, 95546. Legal assistance services, notification of key proceeding dates, assistance with restitution advocacy, assistance with victim impact statements, emergency legal assistance for filing restraining or protective orders, and obtaining emergency custody order and visitation rights. Statements must be received by October 31, 2019.
The Shivwits Band of Paiutes’ Shivwits Band Corporation
RFP, Economic Development Coordinator, Ivins, UT. Oversee economic development for the Corporation. Main duties will include general oversight of the Shivwits Convenience Store, establishment of concessions and equipment rentals at Fire Lake Reservoir, and other economic development activities. Closing date is November 20, 2019.
The Yakama Nation Housing Authority
RFP, Wapato, WA. Requesting legal services pertaining to Indian housing issues in the following specialties: Real Estate, NAHASDA, Employment, Finance/Development and Legislative. Individuals or firms may send a proposal for one or as many specialties of their choosing. RFP package may be obtained electronically from: alfred@ynha.com. The deadline for submitting a proposal is 2:00 pm November 13, 2019. See the job announcement for more information.
See posts from October 11, 2019.
The Onion: “Nation’s Indigenous People Confirm They Don’t Need Special Holiday, Just Large Swaths Of Land Returned Immediately”
Indigenous Peoples Day Events at MSU
Friday Job Announcements
Any posts for an open Indian law or leadership job received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that week’s announcement, when the following information is sent to indigenous@law.msu.edu:
- In the email body, a typed brief description of the position which includes position title, location (city, state), main duties, and closing date;
- An attached PDF job announcement.
Please send all job announcements in this requested format.
Legal Services of South Central Michigan
Staff Attorney, Lansing MI. The staff attorney will provide a range of individual advocacy and impact work, including housing law, consumer, public benefits and family law. The position is open until filled. Please visit the link for more information.
The ACLU of Arizona
Legal Director, Phoenix, AZ. lead and expand the ACLU of Arizona’s legal program, including developing and litigating high-impact cases and managing the legal department. Be responsible for setting the overall legal strategy to advance the ACLU of Arizona’s mission, as well as handling the day-to-day management of legal staff, volunteers, and cooperating attorneys. Provide strategic leadership on both litigation and non-litigation legal advocacy. The job posting is attached and available online.
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
Tribal Attorney, Agency Village, SD. Application and job description information can be seen at SWO Human Resources Office or here. Application can be downloaded from “Apply Now” and emailed to ArnoldW@SWO-NSN.GOV or DeniseH@SWO-NSN.GOV. Contact Arnold Williams 698-8238 or Denise Hill 698-8251 with questions.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Court Administrator, Palm Springs, CA. Management and supervision of daily court operations. Please apply@ www.hotwatercasino.com. See the job description for more information.
Berkey Williams LLP
Indian Law Fellowship 2020, CA. Our Fellowship program encourages recent law graduates to work in the field of Indian law and provides Fellows with opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects in Indian Country. Closing Date: October 30, 2019. Please see the description for more information.
Earthjustice
Associate Attorneys, Florida Regional Office, Miami, FL. Earthjustice is hiring two Associate Attorneys in Miami, FL to join the team and is accepting applications on a rolling basis. Associate responsibilities will include but not limited to conducting legal and factual research, prepare memoranda on issues relating to ongoing and potential litigation projects, assist with written discovery requests and depositions and advocate in front of administrative agencies for strong health and environmental protections. The Associate Attorney program is a term-limited, three-year position with a potential for extension. This program is designed to help attorneys develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of public interest litigation.
Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS)
Attorney, Traverse City, MI. MILS has a 3-year, grant-funded attorney position. The focus of this position will be simple estate planning with individuals in the Native American communities throughout the state. Open until filled. See job description for more information.
RFP. Project Consultant, Traverse City, help set up remote access to server. Proposals due Oct 25, 2019.
RFP. Project Consultant, Traverse City, Assist with a three-year, statewide, legal needs assessment. Proposals due Oct 25, 2019.
The Intertribal Court of Southern California
Tribal Youth Court Coordinator. The Tribal Youth Court Coordinator will also perform a variety of court-support tasks including: (1) developing work methods and procedures; (2) directing communication and coordination with various tribal, state, and federal agencies as well as community partners; and more. See the position description for more information.
Department of Justice
Tribal Victim Witness Assistance Specialist, Bay City, MI. Provide advice to District United States Attorney’s Office Management and acting as a focal point for tribal, victim matters within the District; Develop and implement specific program activities which promote compliance with Federal victim laws and guidelines; and more. See the job description for more information.
Judicial Branch of the Navajo Nation
Staff Attorney, Chinle Judicial District, Chinle AZ. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.
Staff Attorney, Aneth Judicial District, Aneth, UT. This position provides complex legal advice and guidance, conducts legal research, and drafts legal documents in support of judges and other court staff. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org/vacancies. This position is open until filled.
District Court Judge, Judicial District Court, Navajo Nation Wide. The District Court Judge is responsible in presiding over civil, criminal and family court cases; provides policy direction and guidance in the operation of the Judicial District. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.
Associate Justice, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position shall perform work of unusual difficulty, hear arguments, read briefs and conduct research necessary to pass judgment and issue rulings on cases brought before the Navajo Nation Supreme Court. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.
See posts from September 27, 2019. Please read our recent post about the requirements for Turtle Talk Friday Job Announcements. Thank you!
NNO: ‘State of Michigan Fully Funds Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver with $12.7 Million’
“The MITW is a program enacted by Public Act 174 of 1976, which waives the tuition costs for eligible Native Americans in public community colleges or universities within Michigan. Up until 1995, the MITW was fully funded so that public state institutions will be reimbursed by the State of Michigan for tuition for Native American students who fulfilled the requirements. In 1995, then Michigan Governor John Engler sought to eliminate the program, but the state legislature overrode the governor’s decision with inadquate funding.
Tribal leaders have fought since the mid-1990s to have the program fully funded. After her election last November, Governor Whitmer made a commitment to tribal leaders she would put the MITW in her budget. She did so when she submitted her budget in February and the state legislature kept the line item to fund MITW in the budget.”
Turtle Talk 
You must be logged in to post a comment.