It appears likely that the WSBA will enact an outright ban. The Indian Law Section’s comment letter is here.
News
Judge Richard Blake Honored as Justice Innovator of the Year
Judge Richard Blake, Chief Judge of Hoopa Valley Tribal Court and Board of Directors President of the National American Indian Court Judges Association, was honored at the NCJFCJ Annual Conference as Justice Innovator of the Year.
The Innovator of the Year Award honors someone who has inspired, sponsored, promoted, or led an innovation or accomplishment of national significance in juvenile justice, child abuse and neglect, family law, and/or domestic violence.
Judge Blake has been a tireless advocate for tribal court judges and has been involved in amazing work in his own Tribe, leading the way in innovative practices in all areas of the law. The work he has done and the sacrifices he has made have been inspirational to many. It is great to see him being recognized on a national level for his efforts.
Congratulations Judge Blake (and his gorgeous daughter who stole the show).
H/T to Nikki Campbell for the picture.
Latest Rejected Filings from Nooksack Tribal Court Clerk
Picayune Rancheria Files Complaint Against DOI to Stop Off Reservation Gaming
Nez Perce Files Suit Over Final Decision in Clear Creek Project
State of Michigan Celebrates Reunification Day
Link to news coverage here.
The Michigan Supreme Court ceremonially praised the efforts of family court participants, including Tribal leaders, for restoring children to their families on June 24, 2016, in Lansing. Five judges from Michigan’s Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum were present. According to the article, more than half of foster care children were returned to their families in 2015.
Albuquerque Journal Op-ed on U.S. v. Bryant by Barbara Creel and John LaVelle
Link to “High Court Denies Rights of Natives” here.
Excerpt:
Most disturbing is the court’s disregard of the racial inequity left in the wake of Bryant. Federal prosecutors are now licensed to target Indians – and only Indians – who faced prosecution without assistance of counsel in tribal court proceedings. This is because ICRA allows tribal courts to imprison Indians without the benefit of counsel but does not impact non-Indians, who are entitled to court-appointed counsel in state, federal, and now tribal court, thanks to a recent amendment to ICRA.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who wrote Bryant, denigrates Indian people’s civil rights, citing the need to protect Native women from domestic violence. But Department of Justice statistics show most domestic violence perpetrators in Indian country are non-Indians, and the Bryant decision leaves intact their constitutional rights, including the right to appointed counsel.
Mille Lacs County Cancels Cooperative Law Enforcement Agreement with Mille Lacs Band
The County resolution is available on Melanie Benjamin’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChiefExecutiveMelanieBenjamin/?fref=ts
The Interior Solicitor’s M opinion on the reservation boundaries is here.
The Dark Side of the Bryant Victory
From the Marshall Project, “Poor on a Native American Reservation? Good Luck Getting a Lawyer.”
Press Release on Awarding “Spirit of Keystone” to John Echohawk
Keystone Policy Center Honors National Leaders in Sustainability, Public Policy, Energy, Environment
23rd Annual Event Highlights Extraordinary Individuals, Organizations Working In-Line with Keystone’s Mission
WASHINGTON — The Keystone Policy Center honored national leaders and businesses at its 23rd Annual Leadership Awards Dinner today for finding common ground and working collaboratively to protect the rights of Native Americans, promote responsible business practices, enhance biodiversity, develop better regulatory frameworks, and support bipartisan solutions. The awards highlight outstanding examples of Keystone’s vision for individuals and companies rising above entrenched positions and reaching common higher ground.
“The Keystone Policy Center has made tremendous progress over the past four decades, promoting collaborative policy solutions and reaching common higher ground when all other efforts have failed. We are proud to recognize national leaders and other organizations who share our vision and mission,” said Christine Scanlan, President and CEO of the Keystone Policy Center. “Organizations like General Mills, the Wildlife Habitat Council, General Motors, Toyota, and 51st State, an Initiative of the Smart Electric Power Alliance, as well as individuals like John Echohawk, Judy Woodruff, and U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte demonstrate how we are better and stronger when we collaborate. The Keystone Policy Center is honored to recognize their work — and to challenge others to follow their examples.”
The Keystone Policy Center, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization founded in 1975, presented the following awards:
- Spirit of Keystone Award to John Echohawk, Executive Director of the Native American Rights Fund, for tirelessly working to foster respect, inclusiveness, and collaborative problem solving;
- The Founder’s Award to Ken Powell, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of General Mills, for championing private sector sustainability and leading the fight to reduce carbon emissions along its supply chains;
- Leadership in Environment to the Wildlife Habitat Council, General Motors, and Toyota for partnering to expand wildlife habitat, support pollinator health, and enhance biodiversity at locations around the world.
- Leadership in Energy to the 51st State, an Initiative of the Smart Electric Power Alliance, for pioneering an innovative and collaborative strategy to address fundamental issues facing utilities;
- Leadership in Government to U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire for providing leadership on climate change and working across the aisle to combat prescription painkiller and opioid abuse and to help break partisan gridlock in Washington; and,
- Leadership in the Public Interest to Judy Woodruff, co-anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour, for leading robust, rigorous discussions that support collaborative, common-sense public policy solutions.
Dignitaries, including Bob Perciasepe, president of the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Edward Gabriel, former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Environmental Defense Fund’s Fred Krupp, The Nature Conservancy’s Glenn Prickett, and Shelby Coffey III, Vice Chairman of The Newseum, presented the awards to the honorees at the 23rd Annual Leadership Awards Dinner.
The Keystone Policy Center established its Leadership Awards program in 1994 to recognize extraordinary leadership by individuals and companies whose work embraces the nonprofit’s model, spirit and mission: inspiring critical thinking, seeking multiple perspectives in decision-making and advancing public policy. Keystone presents awards each year in various categories within its areas of practice including energy, environment, agriculture, public health, and education. Keystone also recognizes leaders in government and those who have an impact in the public interest.
About Keystone Policy Center
The Keystone Policy Center has worked at the forefront of public policy and dispute resolution for more than 40 years. From energy to education and health to sustainability, Keystone’s work has shaped public policy debates at local, state, and national levels. Keystone’s exceptional combination of experience and expertise have led to groundbreaking progress and lasting solutions when all other efforts have failed.
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