Ninth Circuit Rejects Native Religious Claims in Oak Flat Land Swap Dispute

Here is the opinion in Apache Stronghold v. United States.

Links to briefs and other materials here.

Federal Circuit Rejects Takings Claim Arising from Cherokee Trust Land Acquisition

Here are the materials in Berry v. United States:

Unpublished Opinion

Opening Brief

Answer Brief

Lower Court Decision

The Way Forward: Report of the Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

Here.

March 14 Virtual Event – Lessons Learned: Healing to Wellness

Lessons Learned: Healing to Wellness
March 14, 2024 on Zoom Webinar
11-3pm ET | 10-2pm CT | 9-1pm MT | 8-12pm PT | 7-11am AKT

Registration now open at https://www.tjstraining.com/

We in the legal profession need to look at alternatives to incarceration and probation, which can have negative impacts on individuals. We instead need to provide independent, traditional, and cultural remedies as alternatives and shift our focus toward healing communities. Join us as we discuss the intrinsic value of Healing to Wellness Courts and their community-specific services, stories, and funding.

Below times are listed in ET:

11:00-11:20am Introduction; Review of Penobscot’s Healing to Wellness Conference

11:20-12:30pm Session 1: Service Providers

12:45-1:45pm Session 2: Success Stories

2:00-2:30pm Session 3: Federal Funding, Where To Find It

2:30-3:00pm Closing Thoughts & Lessons Learned

Ninth Circuit Affirms Tribal Jurisdiction in Lexington Insurance Co. v. Smith [Suquamish]

Opinion here.

Briefs here.

Alturas Prevails in California Federal Court over California in IGRA Good Faith Negotiations Suit

Here are the materials in Alturas Indian Rancheria v. Newsom (E.D. Cal.):

48-1 Alturas MSJ

49-1 State MSJ

50 Alturas Opposition

51 California Opposition

52 Alturas Reply

53 California Reply

55 DCt Order

Prior post here on state law claims.

California Federal Court Holds Alturas Council Member/Tribal Corporation President In Contempt in Tobacco Case

Here are the new materials in State of California v. del Rosa (E.D. Cal.):

50-1 California Motion for Order to Show Cause

53 Opposition to Show Cause Motion 50

57 California Reply ISO 50

68 First Amended Complaint

71 DCt Order

Prior post with additional pleadings here.

New Mexico COA Affirms Order Requiring Polluter to Clean Up Reservation Dumping

Here is the opinion in New Mexico Environment Department Resource Protection Office v. HRV Hotel Partners LLC (N.M. Ct. App.):

Montana Summer Indian Law Program Field Course

For the last four years, the University of Montana’s Summer Indian Law Program has collaborated with Freeflow Institute to offer an immersive field course focused on exploring the intersections of law, people, and places within iconic Western landscapes.

The course is designed with enrolled law students and working practitioners in mind, though the curriculum appeals to a range of interests and areas of graduate studies, including public administration, Native American studies, journalism, environmental studies, and social work. The Law of People and Place is accredited through the University of Montana’s School of Law, and is offered to students at a subsidized price. The course is also available for 12 CLE credits for practitioners.

This summer we are headed to the Main Salmon and Lochsa Rivers of Idaho!

More details for the course can be found on FreeFlow’s website.

For additional information, please feel free to contact Freeflow’s Director, Chandra Brown, at chandra@freeflowinstitute.com or at 206.707.2168 (cell) or 406.880.8025 (office).

Pre-Law Summer Institute Info

Prepare for Law School Success with the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PLSI)

PLSI is an intensive two-month program designed to prepare you for the rigors of law school by replicating the first semester.  Often referred to as a “boot camp,” PLSI will challenge you to develop legal analysis and writing skills needed for law school success.

PLSI offers three substantive law courses, including Federal Indian Law, and a legal writing course. By the end of the summer, you will have prepared an appellate case including oral arguments, and completed a cycle of midterms and final exams. You will  develop lifelong connections with professors, teaching assistants, speakers, and class colleagues.

There is still time to apply for PLSI 2024!  Deadline: March 15, 2024  

Don’t wait to apply.  It will take time to gather your application materials including your transcripts, LSAT scores, proof of tribal membership, proof of complete application to a law school, and letters of recommendation.  The application link has a complete list of required documentation.

Application and Important Dates

Join future Native American lawyers and a network of Native American legal professionals at the oldest and most successful pre-law program for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Program completion also makes you eligible for scholarships, financial assistance, and bar exam support available only to PLSI alumni.  

If you have questions regarding PLSI or the AILC, please contact Rodina Cave Parnall at caveparnall@law.unm.edu or AILCinfo@law.unm.edu.

Sincerely,
Rodina Cave Parnall
Executive Director