Author: Neoshia Roemer

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer

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 Indian law or leadership job, please send a PDF job announcement and a brief description of job to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians

General Counsel, Watersmeet, M.I. Under the direction of the Tribal Council to the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (“LVD” or “Tribe”), the General Counsel provides legal services and representation to the Tribe, its agencies, and its enterprises in all areas of law.  Frequent travel is required. Please apply online at www.northernwaterscasino.com
and submit resume to hr@lvdcasino.com. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Prosecuting Attorney, Watersmeet, M.I. Under the administrative supervision of the Tribal Council of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians (“LVD” or “Tribe”), the Prosecuting Attorney provides criminal and civil law enforcement services to the LVD community, presents child protection matters in LVD Tribal Court. The Prosecuting Attorney will perform the duties and responsibilities of the position in a manner that is consistent with applicable ethical standards and assuring that justice is upheld according to the laws of the Tribe. Occasional travel within and outside Michigan will be required. Please apply online at www.northernwaterscasino.com
and submit resume to hr@lvdcasino.com. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Snoqualmie Tribe

Staff Attorney, Snoqualmie, W.A. The Tribe seeks to add a third, full-time, salaried attorney to its in-house Legal Department, which currently consists of two attorneys and a paralegal.  Our ideal candidate for this position would be an attorney experienced in representing tribes in the areas of real estate law, environmental law, and/or health law, although other areas of expertise may be considered as well. Please see the website for more information.

Prosecutor, Snoqualmie, W.A. The Tribe also seeks proposals from individual attorneys and law firms interested in serving as the Tribe’s Prosecutor on a part-time, contractual basis, for a 3-year term.  The Prosecutor will handle criminal cases, Indian Child Welfare cases, and certain other civil matters in the Snoqualmie Tribal Court. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Yavapai-Apache Nation

Chief Judge, Camp Verde, A.Z. The Yavapai-Apache Nation is seeking applicants for Chief Judge to preside over hearings in the Yavapai-Apache Tribal Court. Applications close on July 27, 2018. Please see the announcement for more information.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney, Longview, W.A. The Staff Attorney will work in the Cowlitz Legal Department and is responsible for preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, Tribal Constitution, Codes, and Ordinances. The Staff Attorney will be the Prosecutor for Cowlitz Tribal Court in criminal and civil actions for Tribal issues on the Cowlitz Indian Reservation areas including trust and non-trust Tribal lands and as a presenting officer in Tribal Court and State Court. The Staff Attorney will also Assist the General Counsel with issues and activities concerning Tribal legal rights, obligations, and privileges. The Staff Attorney report directly to the Tribe’s General Counsel.

National Indian Child Welfare Association

Deputy Director, Portland, O.R. The deputy director of the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) has overall responsibility for the management and control of all aspects of the operations department. Reporting to the executive director, the deputy director builds and maintains organizational infrastructure to support NICWA’s work and is charged with day-to-day management of finance, facilities, information technology, human resources, and events and training functions. S/he participates in the development and enforcement of organizational policies and procedures to maintain the positive health of the organization. Please see the announcement for more information.

Indian Resource Law Center

Assistant for Program and Administration, Washington, D.C. The Assistant for Program and Administration will coordinate communication with the Center’s main office in Helena, Montana, and will assist and support the Washington office director and attorneys in program work, including policy research and analysis, advocacy, organizing, and coalition building, and in office management, including calendaring, communications, database administration, fund raising, and event planning. Please see the announcement for more information.

The Hopi Tribe

Senior Associate Trial Judge, Kykotsmovi, A.Z. The Hopi Tribe is seeking a Senior Associate Trial Judge to preside over tribal court hearings and conduct other duties. Please see the job announcement for more information. Applications can be submitted to the Office of Human Resources, faxed to (928) 734-6611, or e-mailed to HumanResources@hopi.nsn.us. Applications may also be mailed to: The Hopi Tribe, Human Resources, PO Box 123, Kykotsmovi, Arizona 86039.

Deputy Executive Director, Kykotsmovi, A.Z. The Hopi Tribe is seeking a Deputy Executive Director to assist the Executive Director in Tribal Administration. Please see the job announcement for more information. Applications can be submitted to the Office of Human Resources, faxed to (928) 734-6611, or e-mailed to HumanResources@hopi.nsn.us. Applications may also be mailed to: The Hopi Tribe, Human Resources, PO Box 123, Kykotsmovi, Arizona 86039.

ACLU of Montana

Communications Director, Missoula, M.T. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Montana seeks a Communications Director to lead its Communications Department. This is an opportunity for a visionary professional to build on the success of the premier civil liberties and civil rights organization in Montana. Application review will start July 12, 2018. Please see the website  for more information.

Last week’s postings: June 29, 2018.

 

American Indian Probate Reform Act Training

Neoshia Roemer

The Elk River Law Office will be holding a training seminar on the American Indian Reform Act July 24-26, 2018. This training seminar has been approved by the Montana State Bar for 16.25 CLE Credits for attorneys and the reporting will be submitted by the firm.  Please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie Harris at the Elk River Law Office if you have any questions or concerns or need further information.

 

Please see here for the training brochure.

Northern Michigan Healing to Wellness Court Training

Neoshia Roemer

On Monday, July 9, 2018,  the Tribal Law and Policy Institute, the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Tribal Court are holding a free one-day Wellness Court and Treatment Court training. The training will be held at the Odawa Hotel in Petoskey, Michigan.

Please visit this website and/or the attached agenda for more information.

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

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 Indian law or leadership job, please send a PDF job announcement and a brief description of job to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

Department of the Interior

Associate Solicitor for Water Resources, Washington, D.C. The Associate Solicitor has primary responsibility for managing the Division of Water Resources, which includes the Branch of Water and Power and the Branch of Indian Water Rights. Management of the Division includes working with the Solicitor and the Deputy Solicitor in formulating policies of the Solicitor’s Office with respect to organization, budget, personnel, and legal activities. Applications close on July 23, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Legal Aid of Nebraska

Staff Attorney, Native American Program, Omaha, N.E. Legal Aid of Nebraska is seeking a Staff Attorney to provide direct legal assistance to low-income patients through the medical-legal partnership (MLP) program at the Fred LeRoy Health and Wellness Center in Omaha, NE, the Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska, the Ponca Hills Health and Wellness Center in Norfolk, NE, and other locations in and near Northeast and Eastern Nebraska.  Please see the website for more information.

Morongo Band of Mission Indians 

Healing to Wellness Court Coordinator,  Banning, C.A. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is seeking a Healing to Wellness Court Coordinator to facilitate planning, development and implementation for the Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court program.  The JHTWC is designed to provide court intervention and early access to therapeutic and treatment services to youth that have entered into the criminal justice system and who may be dealing with issues involving alcohol and/or drug use.  In conjunction with Court staff, the Healing to Wellness Court Coordinator is responsible for forming, coordinating, and staffing a multi-disciplinary advisory team, drafting program policy and procedures to screen and determine eligibility of participants, and produce deliverables required by the grant and funder (Department of Justice) in a timely fashion. Please see the website for more information.

The University of California, San Francisco

Senior Complaint Resolution Officer, Office of Diversity and Outreach, San Francisco, C.A. The Senior Complaint Resolution Officer (Sr. CRO) will function as a member of the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (OPHD) and will serve as a campus subject matter expert on sexual harassment, sexual violence, and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-related laws and requirements. The Sr. CRO responds to complaints of discrimination and harassment and discrimination pursuant to the University’s Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy (SVSH Policy) and the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace Policy (Nondiscrimination Policy) and must possess the ability to exercise independent judgment, assess and negotiate complex, highly sensitive situations, maintain confidentiality, and maintain neutrality when handling matters. The Sr. CRO conducts intake interviews relating to allegations of violations of the SVSH Policy and/or the Nondiscrimination Policy, assesses documentary evidence and information provided during intake interviews, conducts alternative resolutions when appropriate, and conducts thorough and prompt formal investigations of complaints alleging violations of the SVSH Policy and/or the Nondiscrimination Policy. Please see the website for more information.

Complaint Resolution Officer, Office of Diversity and Outreach, San Francisco, C.A. The Complaint Resolution Officer (CRO) serves as a subject matter expert on sexual harassment and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-related laws and responds to complaints of harassment and discrimination pursuant to the University’s Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy (SVSH Policy) and the University’s Policy on Discrimination, Harassment, and Affirmative Action in the Workplace Policy (Nondiscrimination Policy).  The CRO is primarily responsible for conducting intake interviews relating to allegations of violations of the SVSH Policy and/or the Nondiscrimination Policy, assessing documentary evidence and information provided during intake interviews, conducting alternative resolutions when appropriate, and conducting thorough and prompt formal investigations of complaints alleging violations of the SVSH Policy and/or the Nondiscrimination Policy. Formal investigations include preparing notices of formal investigation; developing an investigative plan; conducting party and witness interviews; providing parties and witnesses with information about the investigatory process; analyzing documents and information and assessing credibility to determine whether policy violations have occurred, while ensuring that the investigation is neutral, prompt, and thorough; maintaining accurate and thorough investigatory files and reports; and appropriately working with other university offices as needed. Please see the website for more information.

Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians

Assistant Prosecutor, Dowagiac, M.I. Under the direction of the Prosecutor/Presenting Officer and the administrative supervision of the General Counsel to the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, the Assistant Prosecutor represents the Pokagon Band in criminal and child protection matters in the Pokagon Band Tribal Court, and represents the Pokagon Band in child protection matters in state courts. The Assistant Prosecutor performs the duties and responsibilities of the position in a manner that is consistent with applicable ethical standards and will ensure that enforcement of the laws of the Pokagon Band. Occasional travel within and outside Michigan and Indiana will be required. Please see the announcement announcement for more information.

Osage Nation

Staff Attorney, Pawhuska, O.K. The Osage Nation is seeking a Staff Attorney, who is a member of the Oklahoman Bar in good standing, to research laws, investigate facts, and prepare letters and documents necessary to assist the Office of the Attorney General in day-to-day activities and litigation. Please see the website for more information.

Dakota Plains Legal Services 

Deputy Director, Mission, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Deputy Director position in our Mission, South Dakota, office. DPLS provides free legal services to low income and elderly clients located primarily in the western half of South Dakota and to Native American clients located throughout South Dakota and on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation which extends into North Dakota. Please see the announcement for more information.

Managing Attorney, Eagle Butte, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Managing Attorney position in our Eagle Butte, South Dakota, branch office.  The Eagle Butte office serves Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota and Dewey, Haakon, Potter and Ziebach counties in South Dakota. Please see the announcement for more information.

Staff Attorney, Mission, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Mission, South Dakota, office.  The Missionoffice serves the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation and Gregory, Jones, Mellette, Todd and Tripp counties in South Dakota. Please see the announcement for more information.

Managing Attorney, Fort Thompson, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Managing Attorney position in our Fort Thompson, South Dakota, branch office.  The Fort Thompson office serves the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations in South Dakota and Brule, Buffalo, Hughes, Hyde, Lyman, Stanley and Sully counties in South Dakota. Please see the announcement for more information.

Staff Attorney, Sisseton, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Sisseton, South Dakota, office.  The Sissetonoffice serves the Lake Traverse, Flandreau and Yankton Indian Reservations in South Dakota and Grant, Roberts and Charles Mix counties in South Dakota, as well as Native Americans in the eastern half of South Dakota. Please see the job announcement for more information. 

Staff Attorney, Sioux Falls, S.D. DAKOTA PLAINS LEGAL SERVICES (DPLS), a non-profit legal services program, has an opening for a Staff Attorney position in our Sioux Falls, South Dakota, office.  The Sioux Falls office serves primarily Native Americans in the vicinity of Sioux Falls and in the eastern half of South Dakota.  This job requires at least two days of travel every week. Please see the job announcement for more information. 

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Senior Assistant General Counsel, Fountain Hills, A.Z. The Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation is seeking a Senior Assistant General Counsel to serve under the general oversight of the General Counsel and acts in the General Counsel’s absence with the authority of the General Counsel in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of the Office of General Counsel; to provide legal advice to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council, tribal departments and economic enterprises; and to represent the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in matters brought in Tribal, State and Federal court. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Department of Justice 

Asssitant United States Attorney, Oklahoma City, O.K. The office is currently seeking applicants to fill one or more Assistant U.S. Attorney positions in the Civil Division. Assignment to the Civil Division may include responsibility for all phases of civil prosecution from providing guidance to law enforcement officers, initiating civil charges, conducting grand jury proceedings and trials, and handling appeals. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Applications close on July 12, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Assistant United States Attorney, Oklahoma City, O.K. The office is currently seeking applicants to fill one or more Assistant U.S. Attorney positions in the Criminal Division. Assignment to the Criminal Division may include responsibility for all phases of criminal prosecution from providing guidance to law enforcement officers, initiating criminal charges, conducting grand jury proceedings and trials, handling appeals, or asset forfeiture matters. Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress. Applications close on July 12, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Assistant United States Attorney, Minneapolis/St. Paul, M.N. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) in the Criminal Division prosecute federal criminal cases in the District. Criminal Division AUSAs advise federal law enforcement agents on criminal investigations, present criminal cases to the grand jury, try criminal cases before the United States District Court, and represent the United States in criminal appeals before the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Candidates should be capable of handling a variety of significant and complex criminal prosecutions. Applications close on July 5, 2018. Please see the website for more information.

Last week’s postings: June 22, 2018.

Pipeline to Law Workshop at ASU

Neoshia Roemer

Pipeline to Law Workshop at ASU

August 1-5, 2018

Beus Center for Law and Society

111 E. Taylor Street, Phoenix, AZ

 

The Native American Pipeline to Law Pre-Law programs educate and help students successfully navigate the law school application process. The workshops will assist participants in preparing competitive applications. Come learn how to successfully apply to law school and network with law school professionals.

 

Who should attend?

College Sophomores, Juniors/Seniors, master’s students and college graduates preparing for law school.

 

Why attend?

  • Learn about law school and career options
  • Obtain information about the varied admissions criteria
  • Work with mentors to develop an effective application, resume, and personal statement
  • Explore law school funding options
  • Receive test prep tips for the LSAT
  • Network with other participants, faculty, and professionals
  • Hear from former and current American Indian law students

 

Application and additional information available at:

law.asu.edu/pipelinetolaw

 

Questions? Contact Kate Rosier at Kate.Rosier@asu.edu

 

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Native American Man Exonerated After Serving 26 Years for a Crime He Did Not Commit

Neoshia Roemer2 Comments

After serving 26 years, Johnny Edward Tall Bear was recently exonerated after DNA testing showed he did not commit the murder for which he was incarcerated. According to the Innocence Project, Mr. Tall Bear is one of the first Native American people exonerated by DNA in the United States.

Please read more about this story here.

Friday Job Announcements

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

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 Indian law or leadership job, please send a PDF job announcement and a brief description of job to indigenous@law.msu.edu.

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Staff Attorney, Racial Justice Program, New York City, N.Y. The Racial Justice Program is seeking a full-time attorney to handle Indian Rights cases, along with other racial justice cases, in its National Office in New York City. A J.D. is required, eligibility to be admitted to the New York Bar within one year of hire, and a minimum of five years of experience is strongly preferred. Please see the website for more information.

Indigenous Justice Legal Fellow, Missoula, M.T. Reporting to the Legal Director, the IJ Legal Fellow will work with Indigenous communities throughout Montana and provide litigation support based on community initiative and demand. The ACLU-MT works on a variety of issues that impact Indigenous people – including tribal sovereignty, voting rights, education equity and school discipline, discrimination in employment and housing, and the criminalization of poverty. Over the past two years we have worked to build Indigenous Justice into every aspect of our organization through building relationships with Indigenous leaders and community members and prioritizing issues identified by Indigenous communities. We have increased our organizing presence in Indigenous communities throughout the state, and are now ready to expand the program by hiring a Legal Fellow committed to supporting Indigenous Justice. This is a one-year position with the possibility of renewal for a second year. This position is designed to help attorneys in the early stages of their careers develop into thoughtful, professional, and effective advocates skilled in the various phases of Indigenous Justice litigation. Please see the website for more information.

Cowlitz Indian Tribe

Staff Attorney, Longview & Ridgefield, W.A. The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is seeking a Staff Attorney to work in the Cowlitz Legal Department. The Staff Attorney is responsible for preparing and analyzing contracts, legal documents, and the Tribal Constitution, codes, and ordinances. The Staff Attorney will be the Prosecutor for the Cowlitz Tribal Court in criminal and civil actions for Tribal issues on the Cowlitz Indian Reservation areas. The Staff Attorney will report directly to and assist the General Counsel with issues and activities concerning tribal legal rights, obligations, and privileges. Starting salary ranges from $80k to $120k, depending on qualifications. Please see the announcement for more information.

Yavapai-Apache Nation

Chief Judge, Camp Verde, A.Z. The Yavapai-Apache Nation is seeking a Chief Judge to serve a two-year term. The Chief Judge presides over and ensures the proper operation of the Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Court. The Chief Judge is the primary judicial officer of the Tribal Court and the administrator of the Nation’s courts. Applications close on July 27, 2018. Please see the announcement for more information.

Water Protector Legal Collective

Bookkeeper/Office Manager, Mandan, N.D. The Water Protector Legal Collective is looking for a Bookeeper/Office Manager. Applicants for this position must be proficient in Excel, Word, and QuickBooks; have excellent written/verbal communication skills; the ability to multitask and work in a timely manner; experience in bookkeeping and records management; and maintain confidentiality at all times. WPLC is seeking applicants with a commitment to water protector and indigenous defense and have no ties to law enforcement or the oil industry. Preference will be given to candidates who have a degree in bookkeeping or closely related field from an accredited institution. Please see the announcement for more information.

Staff Attorney, Mandan, N.D. This is a unique opportunity for a prospective movement lawyer to obtain extensive criminal defense and movement legal support training and mentorship. Recent law grads are welcome to apply, and WPLC is willing to support the right candidate through writing the bar in North Dakota and possibly elsewhere as needed. Extensive training and mentorship opportunities will be provided, working alongside some of the most dedicated and experienced movement lawyers in the country. The Staff Attorney will play a key role in WPLC’s ongoing efforts to defend Water Protectors with state criminal charges in North Dakota, and engage in new legal work to support the broader Indigenous-led movement to protect the earth and efforts to expand and advance Indigenous sovereignty and rights that was inspired by the historic gathering of Indigenous nations that occurred at Standing Rock. Please see the announcement for more information.

Ho-Chunk Nation

Senior Staff Attorney, Black River Falls, W.I. Under minimal direction, this professional management-level classification provides legal support to the court; advises the court on legal aspects of administrative and operational issues; performs difficult and complex legal work; provides oversight of individuals or agencies having professional contracts with the court; and directs subordinate staff. Receives general direction from the Chief Judge. This position is distinguished from the Staff Attorney/Law Clerk position in that it provides direction and supervision to other research staff, if any, and has oversight responsibility for contract employees providing professional services. Please see the announcement for more information.

Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Assistant Attorney General, Tucson, A.Z. The Assistant Attorney General represents the Pascua Yaqui Tribe by providing nonpartisan legal advice and representation to officials, agencies, departments, divisions, enterprises, and other entities of the Tribe’s government. Please see the website for more information.

Frederick Peebles & Morgan, LLP

Associate Attorney, Omaha, N.E. Fredericks Peebles & Morgan LLP has developed a reputation as aggressive litigators, advocates, and accomplished negotiators. Our dynamic team of attorneysoffer a diverse skill set and are able to tackle the toughest and most complex issues facing tribal governments, tribal corporations, and Native Americans. We are seeking an ambitious entry-level Associate Attorney for our Omaha, Nebraska office. You must possess excellent legal writing and research, communication, and interpersonal skills. Please see the job announcement for more information. 

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Tribal Prosecutor, Mashpee, M.A. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeking a Tribal Prosecutor to represent the tribe in criminal prosecutions and civil code violations in tribal court. Please see the job announcement for more information.

Last week’s postings: June 15, 2018.

Press Release of Letter from the Grand Traverse Band of Chippewa and Ottawa of Indians to AG Jeff Sessions and DHS Secretary Nielsen RE Zero Tolerance Policy

Neoshia Roemer

Please see the release here.

Update: NICWA Deputy Director Application Deadline Extended until June 25

Neoshia Roemer

NICWA has extended the deadline for applications for its Deputy Director position until June 25, 2018. Please visit their website for more information.

NAICJA Statement on U.S. Separation Policy

Neoshia Roemer1 Comment

NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION SERVING TRIBAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS SINCE 1969

1942 BROADWAY, SUITE 321 / BOULDER, CO 80302 | PHONE 303.449.4112 | FAX 303.449.4038

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 21, 2018

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION REGARDING THE SEPARATION OF CHILDREN POLICY AT THE U.S. BORDER

The National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) welcomes the halt to separation of children from their parents at the border. NAICJA deplores the wholesale separation of children from their parents at the U.S. border without the due process of law. This devastating policy imposed undue suffering upon immigrant children. NAICJA hopes, that while brief, this episode is not soon repeated for any class of children, regardless of status, location, or parental issues. This was a trauma imposed upon children that this country should never allow.

At this time, the agencies have not identified a plan for the reunification of the thousands of children who have been separated from their families. As judges who receive continued judicial training on trauma, and who encourage the implementation of trauma-informed practices, we understand the continued harm that is occurring in these circumstances. NAICJA calls for the immediate reunification of families in order to minimize the irreparable harm experienced by these children, the most vulnerable of all people.

Members of NAICJA, sitting in tribal communities, know too well the harm, suffering, and misery experienced by these children. We as Native Americans have our worst memories resurrected when we see children torn from their parents at the hands of law enforcement, taken to unknown locations, and with an unknown path to reunification. We as a people have historically suffered the consequences of such forceful removal of its children from parents and caretakers that created inter- generational harm that we as courts and professionals still struggle to address. Most recently, Native Americans observed the repatriation of native children’s remains from distant boarding school cemeteries, having died far from home in the 19th and early 20th century. The emotional and spiritual devastation experienced from the forced removal of native children from their parents is still being felt in our communities today, and NAICJA feels compelled to speak out against this practice in the present and future.

We urge all to remember the adverse effect upon these immigrant children when they are removed from their parents. Not only do these children suffer immediate trauma, but their chance for a productive and happy lives are significantly reduced by such experiences. As judges, we see the effects of trauma upon children in our juvenile and family courts. In all court proceedings in which we as tribal judges participate, “the best interest of the child” is of prime concern. This standard should apply to all children. All children deserve to be in a safe, permanent, and stable home.

AN IRS 501 (c)(3) CORPORATION | FEDERAL ID #84-0611428

We are thankful the current separation policy has ended, and NAICJA urges the speedy reunification of the children with their families. NAICJA further urges that regardless of future public policies, the safety and humane treatment of children always be foremost in our Nation’s heart.

Hon. Richard Blake, President NAICJA Board of Directors

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NATIONAL AMERICAN INDIAN COURT JUDGES ASSOCIATION | 1942 Broadway, Suite 321 | Boulder, CO 80302 | Tel. 303.449.4112 | Fax 303.449.4038