Turtle Talk

D.C. Federal Court Dismisses Crow Allottees Challenge to Water Rights Settlement

October 20, 2023Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the materials in Hill v. Dept. of the Interior (D.D.C.):

Native Judges’ Perspective on Tribal Advocacy at the Indigenous Law Conference

October 20, 2023October 23, 2023Monica Williamson

1:00-2:30 Native Judges’ Perspectives on Tribal Advocacy | 1.5 credits

Moderator: Wenona Singel (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), Director, Indigenous Law and Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law

Hon. Lauren King (Muscogee (Creek) Nation), United State District Judge, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington

Hon. Allie Greenleaf Maldonado, (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Turtle Clan), Michigan Court of Appeals

Hon. Sarah I. Wheelock (Meskwaki Nation, Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa), Judge, Minnesota Court of Appeals

Native judges who work in state and federal courts have a unique insider’s perspective on judicial review of litigation before the courts. This panel will give Native judges an opportunity to share that insiders’ perspective to strengthen tribal advocacy. The panel will also include members of the judiciary who previously worked as tribal in-house counsel. These judges will share their thoughts on tribal advocacy before the courts based on their prior work as tribal attorneys and their current work as state and federal court judges.

Modoc Drops Reservation Boundaries Suit

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the motion in the now-consolidated case of Eastern Shawnee Tribe v. Drummond (N.D. Okla.):

34 Modoc Motion for Voluntary Dismissal.pdf Download

Prior post here.

Complaints by Eastern Shawnee and Seneca-Cayuga are here.

Tenth Circuit Briefs in Challenge to “Indian Status” of Cherokee Nation Citizen

October 19, 2023Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the briefs in United States v. Laskey:

Opening Brief.pdf Download

US Answer Brief.pdf Download

Professionalism – An Interactive Activity at the Indigenous Law Conference

October 18, 2023Monica Williamson

8:30-10:30 ET Professionalism – An Interactive Activity (Ethics)

Virjinya Torrez (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma), Assistant Attorney General, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

TJ McReynolds (Pueblo de San Ildefonso), Senior Counsel, Kewenvoyouma Law, PLLC

Harrison W. Rice (Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma), Assistant Attorney General, Tohono O’odham Nation

The Objective of this presentation is for attorneys to better understand how both the Oath of Admission to the Bar and the Lawyer’s Creed of Professionalism overlap and extend beyond the values and requirements of a respective State’s Rules of Professional Conduct.

1. Maintaining objectivity for effective assessment of the impact actions have on clients, others and the legal system.

2. Competent client representation includes maintaining reasonable expectations through candid and objective advice, clear communication to clients.

3. Acting with courtesy and civility.

4. Advancing legitimate client interests can be accomplished through expeditious and cost-effective handling of all legal matters while maintaining respect, courtesy, and fairness.

5. To act and speak honestly and respectfully in both personal and professional life, honoring the court and legal system, diligently advocating for clients, and protecting the integrity of the legal profession.