R.J. Reynolds Sues US Dept. of Ag. over Tribal Tobacco Retailers

Here is the complaint in R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. v. Dept. of Agriculture (D.D.C.):

1 Complaint

1-1 Exhibit A

1-2 Exhibit B

News coverage here.

Sixth Circuit Rules in Favor of Native Prisoners in RLUIPA Matter

Here are the materials in Haight v. Thompson:

Appellant Brief

Appellant Letter Brief

Appellee Brief

Appellee Letter Brief

CA6 Opinion

An excerpt:

The appeal presents three questions: (1) Is there a triable issue of fact over whether RLUIPA gives the inmates a right to have access to a sweat lodge for faith-based  ceremonies? (2) Is there a triable issue of fact over whether RLUIPA gives the inmates a right to buffalo meat and other traditional foods for a faith-based once-a-year powwow? (3) Does RLUIPA permit inmates to collect money damages from prison officials sued in their individual capacities? The answers, as we explain below, are yes, yes and no.

Washington Football Team’s Complaint

Here is the complaint in Pro-Football Inc. v. Blackhorse (E.D. Va.):

1 Complaint + Exhibits

DOJ Announces The Gaye L. Tenoso Indian Country Fellowship


Gaye L. TenosoThe Gaye L. Tenoso Indian Country Fellowship

The Gaye L. Tenoso Indian Country Fellowship, part of the Attorney General’s Honors Program, is designed to create a new pipeline of legal talent with expertise and deep experience in federal Indian law, tribal law, and Indian Country issues that can be deployed in creative ways to build tribal capacity, combat violent crime, and bolster public safety in Indian Country jurisdictions.

The Fellowship is named in honor of Department of Justice attorney, the late Gaye L. Tenoso. Gaye’s distinguished service to the Department and the people it serves spanned 30 years. For the last six years of her life Gaye served as the Deputy Director the Office of Tribal Justice. Gaye’s expertise in Federal Indian law and knowledge of Tribes enabled her to be an exceptionally effective advisor on litigation and policy matters. She worked tirelessly to ensure that specific protections for American Indian women were included in the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization of 2013. Gaye also mentored many legal interns during her time at the Office of Tribal Justice, and was an inspiration and guide who left a deep impression on many young attorneys.

Prior to serving with the Office of Tribal Justice, Gaye worked for over 25 years in the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in the Educational Opportunities Section and the Voting Section. While in the Voting Section, she received the high honor of being invited by the United States Solicitor General to sit at counsel table during the Supreme Court argument in Reno v. Bossier Parish School District. In addition, Gaye led the Civil Rights Division’s Election Monitoring Program to ensure the right to vote for all Americans. Gaye’s passion was to ensure American Indians were provided the same access to voting as others. She was instrumental in bringing cases against counties in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah to provide language assistance at the polls for American Indians, where she helped spearhead unprecedented remedies to provide voting opportunities for all.

Gaye was an enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Indians. At the time of her passing, Gaye had been asked to serve as a Justice on her Tribe’s Supreme Court. Attorney General Eric Holder memorialized Gaye by saying she “was an inspiration to many and a lifelong champion of federal-tribal cooperation.” Gaye will be remembered for her lifelong passion for justice and her defense of civil rights.

News Update in KBIC Judicial Crisis — Utilities Shut Off

Here is the news article, “KBIC moves tribal court.”

ABA Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section Report Supporting ABA Recognition of Tribal Court Bar Membership

Here:

2014_annual_irr_agenda and report

Chi-miigwetch to Mary Smith for spearheading this initiative.

Colorado Law School Symposium on Michigan v. Bay Mills — Agenda

Here (PDF):

Bay Mills Agenda_FINAL1

Click agenda to register.

NMAI Treaty Symposium — Sept. 18, 2014

Here (PDF):

NMAI_NationToNation_SymposiumFlyer

Federal Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment in City of Duluth v. NIGC

Here:

26 US Cross Motion for Summary J

Also:

27-1 Fond du Lac Proposed Amicus Brief

The City’s motion is here.

Watch Native Report with Stacy Thunder and Tadd Johnson

WDSE in Minnesota produces “Native Report.” Here is the description:

Native Report is an entertaining, informative magazine style series that celebrates Native American culture and heritage, listens to tribal elders, and talks to some of the most powerful and influential leaders of Indian Country today.