Friday Job Announcements

Job vacancies are posted on Fridays. Any posts received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that Friday’s announcements. If you would like to submit a post for an open Indian law or leadership job, please send a brief description of the position and a PDF job announcement to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Association of Village Council Presidents

Associate General Counsel, A.K. The Association of Village Council Presidents is searching for an Associate General Counsel to conduct typical in-house counsel duties, provide legal advice to a wide range of social services departments, help ensure federal grant compliance, and research issues pertaining to tribal law. Applicants must be licensed to practice law in Alaska or be able to become admitted to practice law in Alaska within one year of hire. Three years of experience in corporate, non-profit, or Native law preferred. Please see the announcement for more information.

Colorado River Indian Tribes

Associate Judge, Parker, A.Z. The Colorado River Indian Tribes is seeking an Associate Judge. The Associate Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial cases and matters within the jurisdiction of the Colorado River Indian Tribes Tribal Court pursuant to the CRIT Tribal Laws, Codes, Rules and regulations as assigned by Chief Judge. Applications close on November 30, 2018. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Swinomish Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney, Swinomish Village, W.A. The Office of Tribal Attorney advises and represents the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community in Federal, Swinomish and State courts. The Office of Tribal Attorney has seven attorneys and four legal assistants, and provides legal services covering a broad range of Tribal government, economic development, natural resource and Federal Indian law issues.  The Office’s practice includes legal advice, document drafting and collaboration with a wide range of Swinomish policy committees, departments and entities.  The Office’s work includes contract preparation and review; drafting ordinances; economic development activities; intergovernmental issues; treaty hunting and fishing rights and management; reservation lands governance and management; water rights; environmental protection; and Indian gaming, housing and utilities, among other areas.

Minimum Qualifications: Qualified applicants must have graduated from an accredited law school; preferably be currently licensed to practice in Washington, but consideration will be given to applicants able to become licensed to practice in Washington within six months of employment through reciprocity or passing the Washington Bar Exam; have or promptly obtain a valid Washington State driver’s license; have excellent written, oral, research and analytical skills; have strong interpersonal communication and negotiation skills and an ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and cross-cultural work environment; work well and bring flexibility to a fast-paced and dynamic work setting; enjoy and excel at creative problem-solving; have a demonstrated commitment to working with Native or other minority communities and/or restorative justice; and a commitment to reside on or near the Reservation. Qualified applicants must have experience or demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following subject-matter areas, with at least five years of experience as a practicing attorney: drafting and negotiating contracts; drafting statutes, policies and procedures; litigation, preferably in Federal Court; representing public or private entities; legal support of incubation or operation of Tribal or commercial enterprises, including gaming, hospitality or health services;; taxation; or Indian law; and ability to use a personal computer with Office and timekeeping software and document database. Salary negotiable depending upon experience. Compensation includes a medical, dental & vision health plan, 401(k) plan, generous leave and other fringe benefits.

Native American hiring preferences under Swinomish Tribal Code 14-01.120 will be in effect during the selection of candidates. Applicants must pass a background check and a drug test. To apply, submit the following: Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Employment Application (you may request this application via email); Office of Tribal Attorney Application Addendum; cover letter including an explanation of the applicant’s interest in the position, along with a current resume, the names and contact information for at least 3 professional references, and two samples of the applicant’s own independent writing to: Wendy A. Otto, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, 11404 Moorage Way, La Conner, Washington 98257, (360) 466-1134, wotto@swinomish.nsn.us.

Last week’s postings: November 16, 2018.

Professor of Tribal Natural Resources

The University of Minnesota’s College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences invites applications for a newly-established tenure-track position (20% outreach/engagement, 30% teaching, 50% research) in Tribal Natural Resources.

In collaboration with Minnesota-based Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Dakota tribes and potentially other North American tribes and indigenous groups, the successful candidate will develop a strong and impactful state- and regionally-based research program with national to international relevance. We seek candidates who are highly collaborative, have cross-cultural experience, and who employ integrative approaches to research and outreach. This faculty member must be committed to co-formulation of integrative and collaborative research and outreach agendas in partnership with tribal communities. The focus of the research program will be to advance the integration of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and western science systems. A successful candidate will have one or more focal areas of expertise in indigenous customs and knowledge, policy and law, treaty rights, management and co- management of fisheries and wildlife, sustainable forests, habitat protection and restoration, and ecology and conservation of indigenous aquatic and terrestrial biota. The successful candidate’s research will be pursued with a high level of engagement with tribal communities to develop lines of communication that can improve understanding of different ways of knowing. This faculty member will contribute to the academic programs of the college by teaching one undergraduate course every year, plus a graduate seminar every year. Courses envisioned relate to tribal natural resource perspectives and policies and on approaches for integrating TEK and natural resource science information. This faculty member will also be responsible for serving as an undergraduate faculty mentor and advising graduate students. The faculty member will be expected to participate in faculty governance and professional service, and to secure external funding to support research.

Academic Rank and Department Affiliation This is a tenure-track or tenured position; appointment will be at the rank of assistant, associate, or full professor, depending on experience and record of scholarship. The faculty member’s tenure-home and department affiliation will be in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology or the Department of Forest Resources, depending on the candidate’s expertise and interests.

Salary/Benefits This is a 12-month position. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include employee health, dental, and faculty life/disability insurance, social security, faculty retirement and opportunities for professional development, including sabbatical and semester leave opportunities. Benefits are described at http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/benefits/index.html.

Essential Qualifications

• Ph.D. in a relevant field.

• Demonstrated experience and strong interest in working with tribal communities on one or more of the focal natural resource areas described above.

• Demonstrated research experience in advancing the integration of TEK and western science systems.

• Demonstrated experience and interest in teaching.

• Ability to communicate effectively. Both orally and in writing.

• Record of scholarship, i.e., publications in area of natural resource expertise.

Preferred Academic Preparation and Experience

• Demonstrated expertise in natural resource co-management or the integration of TEK in natural resource management decision-making.

• Demonstrated leadership in addressing tribal natural resource issues.

• Experience interacting successfully with stakeholders with diverse cultural perspectives.

• Potential to initiate and sustain extramurally funded research.

• Track record of interacting creatively, collaboratively, and productively on interdisciplinary teams.

• Experience in field and/or case based research and outreach methodologies.

To Apply Submit cover letter, CV, and separate statements describing your vision for the position with respect to the following: teaching, research, and tribal community engagement (maximum of 2 pages each). Additionally, applicants will provide the names and contact information for three people willing to write letters of reference, upon request, not at the time of application. All applications must be submitted online at: https://humanresources.umn.edu/jobs. Click the “External Faculty and Staff Applicants” tab and enter 327413 in the Search Jobs box. Combine all parts of the application (i.e., letter, CV, statements) into a single document before uploading. Additional documents should be attached after application by accessing your “My Activities” page and uploading documents there.

For questions or inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Kristen C. Nelson (nelso468@umn.edu), Chair of the Tribal Natural Resources Search Committee. Application review will begin on January 7, 2019. The position is open until filled. For questions about the application process, please contact Lori Loberg, CFANS Human Resources, at theis020@umn.edu.

The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences is dedicated to the goal of building a culturally diverse and pluralistic faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from faculty of color, other underrepresented populations and women.

Background Check: Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Program Unit Description: The University of Minnesota is a comprehensive land-grant university, based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Minnesota’s lakes, forests, prairies, wetlands and rivers are widely valued and the state is known for its progressive and innovative natural resource policies and programs. Natural resource departments at the University of Minnesota are within the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences in Saint Paul. Both Forest Resources and Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Departments host BS, MS, and PhD programs, support many nationally and internationally recognized research programs, and have a long tradition of public engagement and extension focused on Minnesota. Faculty and scientists utilize several outstate University centers including the 3,400 acre Cloquet Forestry Center, Hubachek Wilderness Research Center near Ely, and North Central Research and Outreach Center in Grand Rapids. The Department of Forest Resources (https://www.forestry.umn.edu/) is one of the oldest and most highly- regarded forestry programs in the country. Its mission is to inform and advance the science and management of forest and related natural resources. The department has 17 faculty and more than 45 full-time researchers, scientists, and postdocs representing a breadth of disciplines in the biological, physical, social, and managerial sciences. The Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology (https://fwcb.cfans.umn.edu/) has 19 faculty and 35 full- time researchers, scientists and postdocs with broad expertise in free-ranging animals, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and the human dimensions of conservation. The mission of FWCB is to foster a high quality natural environment by contributing to the management, protection, and sustainable use of fisheries and wildlife resources. Natural resource faculty at the University of Minnesota have exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations across the institution, including with the American Indian Studies Program (https://cla.umn.edu/ais).

The University of Minnesota is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

 

2019 National Native American Bar Association Annual Meeting

The National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) has announced that its annual meeting will take place on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Please visit NNABA’s website for more information.

Friday Job Announcements

Job vacancies are posted on Fridays. Any posts received prior to 12pm EST on Friday will appear in that Friday’s announcements. If you would like to submit a post for an open Indian law or leadership job, please send a brief description of the position and a PDF job announcement to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Navajo Housing Authority

General Counsel, Window Rock, A.Z. The Navajo Housing Authority is seeking an attorney to provide in-house counsel and legal services to NHA leadership and the Board of Commissioners. Please see the job announcement for more information. Applications close on December 3, 2018.

Navajo Nation Judicial Branch

Associate Attorney, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ. This position provides a variety of legal advice, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as researching and recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch. For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. This position is open until filled.

Court Solicitor, Supreme Court of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock, AZ.  This position provides a variety of legal advice, counseling, research and related legal services in support of the overall operation of the Navajo Nation Judicial Branch; assists with judicial administrative functions, such as recommending policy changes and improvements for overall Judicial Branch; shall supervise and oversee all licensed attorneys, law clerk, hearing officers, supreme court clerk, and law clerk interns of the Judicial Branch.  For more information, please see the position description or to apply, visit http://www.navajocourts.org. 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.

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2019 Diversity Summer Fellowship, U.S. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is now accepting applications for its Diversity Summer Fellowship. NACDL is seeking applicants from 1Ls and 2Ls from historically underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate a commitment to criminal justice. Potential placements are located throughout the U.S. Fellows will receive a weekly stipend of $500 for up to eight weeks of work with a selected criminal defense placement. Applications must be submitted by December 3, 2018 at 11:59pm. The application form and instructions can be found at www.nacdl.org/summerfellowship. Please submit all documents in one PDF via email to summerfellowship@nacdl.org.

Fort Belknap Indian Community

Chief Administration Officer, Harlem, M.T. The Fort Belknap Indian Community is seeking an experienced Chief Administration Officer to provide efficient management to the FBIC staff and also provide leadership. Please contact Fort Belknap Human Resources for a complete job description. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit application, resume, letter of interest, and salary requirements to the Fort Belknap Human Resources Department at 656 Agency Main St., Harlem, Montana 59526. You may contact Andrea Crantz at (406) 353-8464 or Fanci Boushie (406) 353-8452.

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)

Policy Counsel, Washington D.C. The National Congress of American Indians has an opening for an attorney to serve as Policy Counsel in the Washington, DC office. The Policy Counsel will report to the General Counsel and will have responsibility for a portfolio of legal and policy issues that may include: inter-agency coordination, taxation, tribal sovereignty, the federal trust responsibility, tribal lands, environment and natural resources, and other issues of importance to Indian tribal governments. In addition, the incumbent will provide legal counsel and services under the direction of the General Counsel, which may include contract review, reviewing and drafting internal policies and governance documents, and providing other general legal support. Applications close on December 7, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Last week’s postings: November 9, 2018.

 

Muscogee Creek Indian Freedmen Band v. Zinke

Original complaint and press release here.

12 Amended Complaint

20 Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss

20-1 Memorandum in Support of Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss

21 Defendant’s Motion to Dismiss Amended Complaint

23 Plaintiff’s Memorandum in Opposition to Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss

25 Plaintiff’s Memorandum in Opposition to Motion to Dismiss

26 Federal Defendants Reply to Motion to Dismiss

27 Defendant’s Reply to Motion to Dismiss

 

NNALSA Moot Court Problem Released!

The NNALSA 2019 Moot Court Competition problem and rules are now available here.

Update: New Mexico Annual Indian Law Section CLE (DATE CHANGED!)

The Indian Law Section of the New Mexico State Bar is hosting its annual CLE on Monday, December 10 from 9am to 12:15pm. The Indian Law Section’s annual program will focus on topics that will help the Indian law practitioner on a daily basis. This program will include updates on legal developments in 2018, covering case law, statutes, regulations and executive actions. The program will also include a presentation on effective legal writing strategies and tips and cover legal ethics involved in practicing Indian law. To register, please click here.

Call for Papers: Tribal Law Journal

The Tribal Law Journal, out of the University of New Mexico School of Law, has two calls for papers for their 20th Anniversary issue. Please see the following posts for more information:

Traditional Tribal Dispute Resolution

Dual Language Navajo Nation Essay.

Press Release: Udall, Senate Democrats Introduce Native American Voting Rights Act

NEWS FROM THE UNITED STATES SENATE

For Immediate Release

October 3, 2018

Contact: Ned Adriance

202.228.6870 | news@tomudall.senate.gov | @SenatorTomUdall

 

Udall, Senate Democrats Introduce Native American Voting Rights Act

Landmark legislation to ensure equal access to the ballot box for Native peoples

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.), vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, along with U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) are introducing the Native American Voting Rights Act of 2018, landmark legislation to provide the necessary resources and oversight to ensure Native Americans have equal access to the electoral process.

The full text of the bill is available HERE. A summary of the legislation is available HERE. Continue reading

National NALSA Moot Court Competition

The James E. Rogers College of Law at the University of Arizona is hosting the 27th Annual National NALSA Moot Court Competition on March 1-2, 2019. For more information on participating as a student, or as a volunteer, please check National NALSA’s website for more information.