Historic Water Agreement Between Oklahoma and Tribes

Download agreement here.

Link to official website and additional documents here.

Link to previous coverage here.

The agreement requires Congressional approval.

Chickasaw Nation Indian Child Welfare Attorney Vacancy

Link to job announcement here.

Position closes:  08/24/16

Indian Child Welfare Attorney

This position represents the Chickasaw Nation in juvenile deprived cases arising under the Indian Child Welfare Act in both in-state and out-of-state courts.  Extensive travel is involved.  Working knowledge of the Indian Child Welfare Act, the Oklahoma Indian Child Welfare Act and courtroom experience are highly desirable.

Navajo Nation Sues and Seeks TRO Against State Court Jurisdiction Over Easement on Allotted Land

Here are the materials in the matter of Navajo Nation et al v. Rael et al, 16-cv-00888 (D. N.M. 2016):

Doc. 1 – Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief

Doc. 2 – Motion for Expedited Temporary Restraining Order

Judge Dismisses Navajo Nation Challenge to State Jurisdiction in Personal Injury Suits at Casinos

Here are the materials in the matter of Navajo Nation et al v. Marsh et al, 15-cv-00799 (D. N.M. 2016):

Doc. 12 – Motion for Summary Judgment

Doc. 13 – Response to Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment

Doc. 17 – McNeal Defendant’s Response in Opposition to Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgment

Doc. 19 – Reply in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment

Doc. 21 – Memorandum Opinion and Order

Link to previously posted complaint here.

Earthjustice Seeks Applicants for Summer 2017 Law Clerk Positions

Download announcement here.

Several offices are actively involved in issues that affect Native communities.  These include the Alaska offices (one in Juneau and one in Anchorage), the Northwest office located in Seattle, the Mid-Pacific regional office in Honolulu, the Rocky Mountain office in Denver, and the Northern Rockies office in Bozeman.

Court Dismisses with Leave to Amend Tribal Challenge to Willits Bypass

Materials in the matter of Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California, et al v. United States Department of Transportation et al, 15-cv-04987 (N.D. Cal. 2016):

Doc. 26 – California Department of Transportation’s and Malcolm Dougherty’s Answer and Affirmative Defenses to Complaint

Doc. 31 – Federal Defendants’ Notice of Motion and Motion to Dismiss

Doc. 35 – Opposition of Plaintiffs the Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians of California and the Round Valley Indian Tribes of California to Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss

Doc. 36 – Federal Defendants’ Reply in Support of Their Motion to Dismiss

Doc. 58 – Order Granting Federal Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss, with Leave to Amend

Link to previously posted complaint here.

Galanda Urges Nooksack Court of Appeals to Fine Police Chief, Order Chief Judge

New materials in Galanda v. Nooksack Tribal Court (as of Aug. 3):

In re Gabriel Galanda v Nooksack Tribal Court Response re Order on Motion to Enforce Contempt Order

In re Gabriel Galanda v Nooksack Tribal Court Declaration of Gabriel S Galanda in Support of Response re Order on Motion to Enforce Contempt Order

Recently, the former tribal attorney on the case is now its Chief Judge (Exhibit C in Declaration) and the Police Chief missed yesterday’s show cause deadline.

Link to court order to show cause by Aug. 3 here.

Link to Bellingham Herald coverage from July 29 here.

Puyallup Tribe Staff Attorney Job Opening

Download announcement here.  Open until filled.

Association of Village Council Presidents Seeks CEO

Link to job announcement (PDF) here.

Link to employment site here.

Deputy Prosecutor Opportunity with Gila River Indian Comm.

Gila River Indian Community
Job Description
PROSECUTOR I – DEPUTY COMMUNITY PROSECUTOR

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The Prosecutor I position involves representing the Community in the litigation of criminal complaints, civil petitions and juvenile offender matters in the Community courts as plaintiff or petitioner; legal research and writing; intimately familiar with professional responsibilities as an Attorney.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Conduct legal research, analysis and document production related to the litigation of criminal and civil cases in the Community courts.
  • Represents the Community in Court at arraignments/initial hearings, pretrial/status conferences, review and evidentiary hearings and trials/adjudications in which the Community is the plaintiff or petitioner, as assigned.
  • Draft legal pleadings for the Community courts.
  • Gather and analyze evidence in criminal and civil cases.
  • Maintain case files, calendars and database for criminal and civil cases.
  • Assist in the development, revision and codification of the Community’s laws, resolution and ordinances.
  • Assist in representing the Community at meetings, court proceedings and other functions.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:

  • Background and knowledge of criminal law, procedure and appellate process with some practical experience in criminal case preparation and litigation preferred.
  • Knowledge of and experience in application of the principles of jurisprudence and legal analysis, including a background in and knowledge of Federal Indian Law.
  • Ability to work independently and in intensive concert with others.
  • Ability to clearly and succinctly articulate ideas and logical analysis orally and in writing.
  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public.
  • Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position; agree to maintain a Drug-free workplace.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited school of law with current membership in good standing with the Arizona State Bar.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Submission of an acceptable legal writing sample (5-10 pages).
  • Preference for attorney with specialized experience in Federal Indian Law.
  • Required to qualify for a Tribal driving permit.
  • Must be able to pass a background check and DPS fingerprint clearance.

Classification Code:  PR022                  Approved: 04/24/2015
Grade:48                                     Base Pay: $66,058
Non-Supervisory, Salaried Position           Reports to Chief Prosecutor or designee