33rd Annual Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference

Identity in Flux: Challenging Outsider Definitions of Tribalism

Agenda in PDF

Federal institutions actively shape many aspects of modern Indian identity in a variety of ways, such as defining tribal actions as “governmental” or “commercial” in nature or by connecting tribal jurisdiction with the extent to which tribal institutions mirror the practices of non-Indian institutions. The 2008 Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference will examine these issues through discussions on tribal finance, labor concerns in Indian Country, tribal courts, Indian energy policy, and the future of plenary power in the legislative arena, for example, recognition of Native Hawaiians. On the other hand, federal inaction also shapes Indian identity and impacts how tribal people define themselves. In that vein, the 2008 Conference will offer discussions on the loss of traditional homelands due to rapid climate change impacts on Alaskan Native lands and on tribal fisheries, as well as international efforts on behalf of indigenous peoples, including analysis of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Conference also will feature a historical review of major Indian law decisions and legislation, “The Federal Government Giveth and It Taketh Away,” marking the 30th, 40th, and 100th anniversaries (Oliphant, Santa Clara Pueblo, Wheeler, ICWA, IGRA, ICRA, Winters), as well as forecasts for the continuing future impact of the doctrines they espouse. A Conference ethics panel will address ethical issues surrounding lobbying and federal legislative efforts impacting Indian tribes.

Read about the agenda below the fold.

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