Turtle Talk

AILC Seeks Assistant Director of Student Programs

January 7, 2026Monica Williamson

Assistant Director of Student Programs. Full-time position. Albuquerque, NM with hybrid work schedule available (3-4 days in office, and 1–2 days work from home per week) August–April. The application is open until filled. Interviews have started and applications preferred by January 23, 2026.

Job Description and Application

The American Indian Law Center (AILC) is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized Assistant Director to lead the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PLSI) and its year-round programs supporting Native pre-law and law students. This is a visible, influential role for someone who thrives in education and program management, enjoys building relationships, and can keep many moving parts running smoothly.

For decades, AILC and PLSI have supported Native students interested in law and service to Indian Country, and this position is central to that mission. Federal grants through the Bureau of Indian Education require Indian Preference in hiring, and preference will be given to qualified candidates who are members of federally recognized tribes or who qualify for Indian Preference with the federal government.

D.C. Federal Court Rejects Federal/MHA Nation Motions for Judgment in Missouri Riverbed Ownership Dispute with North Dakota

January 7, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the materials in Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation v. Dept. of the Interior (D.D.C.):

98 Federal Cross-Claim.pdf Download

101 MHA Nation Cross-Claim.pdf Download

104 MHA Nation Motion for Judgment on Pleadings.pdf Download

116 State Opposition to 104.pdf Download

117 MHA Nation Reply ISO 104.pdf Download

119-1 Federal Motion for Summary Judgment.pdf Download

121 MHA Nation Brief ISO 119.pdf Download

124 State Opposition to 119.pdf Download

130 Federal Reply ISO 119.pdf Download

131 MHA Nation [Reply] ISO 119.pdf Download

133 DCT Order.pdf Download

Prior post here.

Pechanga Sues IHS over Denial of Funds for Opioid Treatment Facility

January 6, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here is the complaint in Pechanga Band of Indians v. Kennedy (C.D. Cal.):

1 Complaint Download

Ute Water Rights Trust Breach Suit Moves Forward

January 5, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here are the materials on remand in Ute Indian Tribe v. United States (Fed. Cl.):

65 Second Amended Complaint

Prior post here.

Michigan Bar Journal Article Tribal Employment

January 5, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Tanya Gibbs and Jennifer Saeckl have published “Best practices for employers on tribal land” in the Michigan Bar Journal.

Excerpt:

While economic development in Indian Country is long-standing, American Indian tribes have significantly transformed their participation in the economy, enhancing value and development on reservation lands. Over the past few decades, tribal businesses have evolved into self-sustaining, sovereign entities that support their members and nations. Tribal businesses have also attracted significant investment from non-tribal entities, further developing tribal economies. These entities are involved in gaming, tourism, gas stations and convenience stores, investment firms, and financial businesses, to name a few. The expansion of tribal and non-tribal businesses on tribal land — that is, land owned by a tribe, either in fee simple or as held in trust by the U.S. government for the benefit of the Tribe — has strengthened self-determination and sustainability.

FlintCo LLC v. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Cert Petition

January 5, 2026Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Here:

FlintCo Petition Download

Prior post here.

The Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation settle redistricting lawsuit

December 22, 2025Matthew Campbell

On December 15, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana approved a settlement reached in Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy’s Reservation v. Chouteau County, Montana that will provide Tribal citizens the opportunity to elect a representative of their choice to the Chouteau County Board of County Commissioners.

Consent Judgment and Decree Download

Ex 2 Download

Under the terms of the settlement, the Tribal Nation’s reservation will be part of Chouteau County’s District 1, which will elect a representative to the Board of County Commissioner through a single-member district election.

“We’re pleased that the county did the right thing in giving the Chippewa Cree Tribe a chance to elect a representative to the Board of Commissioners,” said Chippewa Cree Tribe Chairman Harlan Gopher Baker. “It has been more than a decade since we have had a Native voice in county politics. We look forward to being a part of this conversation.”

“This case was about our community finally having a representative and a voice like other voters in the county,” said plaintiff and voter Tanya Schmockel, a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. “I am excited about finally having the chance to have our voices heard and our concerns addressed.”

Most of Chouteau County’s Native population lives on or near the Rocky Boy’s Reservation, and many critical local issues — such as infrastructure, road maintenance, and emergency services — require coordination between the county and Tribal governments.

“In order for our county to include all of us, we needed a fair election system. With the new district, we have a chance for our voters to elect a commissioner who understands Native issues,” said plaintiff and voter Ken Morsette, a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe. “This is a huge step forward for our Tribe.”

Native American Rights Fund (NARF), American Civil Liberties Union Foundation Voting Rights Project (ACLU), and ACLU of Montana (ACLU-MT), represent the plaintiffs in this case.