Author: Matthew L.M. Fletcher – Page 134

It is undisputed that the Sheriff cannot enforce regulatory traffic laws in “Indian country.” See 18 U.S.C. § 1162; 28 U.S.C. § 1360. “Indian country” includes, but is not limited to, land within the boundaries of a reservation. 18 U.S.C. § 1151. The issues for decision today are (1) whether the individual Tribe members and the Tribe can challenge the citations through a 42 U.S.C. § 1983 action; and, if so, (2) whether Section 36 is Indian country. We hold that the individual plaintiffs, but not the Tribe, can challenge the citations under § 1983. And, we conclude that all the citations occurred within Indian country. We therefore vacate the district court’s judgment dismissing the complaint as to the individuals but affirm the judgment as to the Tribe.

Briefs here.

Federal Court Indian Country Determination Order [Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo]

August 19, 2019Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the materials in United States v. Vigil (D.N.M.):

60-us-motion-for-indian-country-determination-1.pdf

71-opposition.pdf

89-reply.pdf

201-dct-order.pdf

News Profile of Lyda Conley, 1st Native Woman to Argue before SCOTUS

August 19, 2019August 19, 2019Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is “Lyda Conley and the battle for Wyandot recognition.”

“Thank you, TurtleTalk, for this story. Lyda Conley is an inspiration to all of us who practice in the field. Oftentimes, I have been identified as the first native woman to argue in the Supreme Court, wrongly so as it turns out. For one, I’m proud to stand behind Lyda in second, third, or whatever place it puts me. Let the record stand corrected.” Arlinda Locklear

We at Turtle Talk have always thought of Arlinda as the first in the modern era. 🙂