Author: Kate E. Fort

Job Posting: Rosette and Associates

Kate Fort

Here.

The Michigan Office of Rosette, LLP, is seeking an experienced attorney to handle a wide variety of complex legal matters in tribal, state and/or federal courts. The firm specializes in representing federally recognized Indian Tribes and their governmental agencies. Knowledge and experience working in Indian Country and dealing with issues affecting Indian tribes and their respective departments, agencies, and instrumentalities is required.
The ideal candidate must be willing to travel and work on client matters throughout the United States. The ideal candidate will be detail oriented, self-motivated and willing to work in a dynamic atmosphere with minimal supervision. Strong interpersonal, analytical, problem solving, organizational and communication skills are required. Must have the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships. State of Michigan or Wisconsin bar admission in good standing required. Three (3) years’ experience preferred.

Send applications to kwichtman@rosettelaw.com

WaPo: Senate Blocked Millett’s Nomination

Kate Fort1 Comment

Here.

In the now standard operating procedure of the Senate to need 60 votes to do anything, the vote was 55-38 TO PROCEED. Which means the nomination is blocked.

Tribal Police Jurisdiction Decision from NY

Kate Fort

People v. Herne

It could be a bad law school exam–a tribal member is arrested by tribal police on land currently subject to an ongoing land claim and the state court finds no jurisdiction. Solve for X.

(X being the New York state statute the court incorrectly claims established the St. Regis police force. Which the court holds gives the tribal police jurisdiction only ON the reservation, not in the Triangle.)

Job Posting: Tulalip Office of Civil Legal Aid Staff Attorney

Kate Fort

Here.

Coverage of Elsipogtog via Twitter Feed

Kate Fort

As with Idle No More coverage (and for the same reasons), we’re using twitter (@ILPCTurtleTalk) to retweet coverage and photos from Elsipogtog and other related protests. Our retweets are also automatically posted to our Facebook page.

Chairman Wesaw to Take Position as Executive Director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Kate Fort

Here.

DOWAGIAC, MI — Matt Wesaw will retire from his posts as chairman of the Pokagon Band Tribal Council and president/CEO of the Pokagon Gaming Authority as he takes on a new professional position.
Wesaw, who has been tribal chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians and leader of the Pokagon Gaming Authority since 2008, has been named executive director of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

Onondaga Nation Press Release on Denial of Cert

Kate Fort1 Comment

Here (pdf).

The Onondaga Nation’s struggle for justice will not end with today’s denial; and the Nation is working with its attorneys to file a challenge in an international arena–either the United Nation or the Organization of American States Commission on Human Rights.
“We have recognized for years, that no justice would come to the Nation in US courts,” said Onondaga Nation General Counsel, Joe Heath. “The struggle for healing and justice will continue; and this is no longer a land rights case–it is a land rights movement. It is time to admit these historic harms; and it is time for justice, time for healing.”
Contact: Joe Heath, (315) 447-4851; jheath@atsny.com

Previous coverage here.

AAIA and NICWA Legal Guide to Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl

Kate Fort5 Comments

Here. (pdf)
Includes summary of the case and legal analysis, including the impact of state statutes and tribal/state agreements.

NY Times on Shutdown and Tribes

Kate Fort

Here.

Aaron Payment, the chairman of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan, said his tribe had already shut down its H.I.V. prevention program and furloughed employees for its Head Start program for a month because of sequestration.

Now, with nearly $1 million in federal money lost since the shutdown, the tribe is scrambling to shift casino revenue from other programs to keep its government afloat.

“We’re in turmoil right now,” Mr. Payment said. “The impact here is going to be felt by the people who need the services the most.”

Kevin Washburn, assistant secretary for Indian affairs, said the shutdown could have long-term effects on tribes and tribal members. Financial deals and economic programs have been suspended. Environmental reviews of tribal projects will be delayed. And the impact on the thousands of Bureau of Indian Affairs employees who have been furloughed is compounded because many support poor relatives, he said.

Dustin Brown to Stop All Legal Proceedings

Kate Fort3 Comments

Tulsa World coverage here.

Ending a custody battle that stretched across two states and dragged on for nearly four years, Dusten Brown will drop all litigation in the “Baby Veronica” case, he announced Thursday.
“I cannot bear to continue it any longer,” Brown said, holding back tears. “I love her too much to continue.”