Tenth Circuit Holds Thlopthlocco Tribal Town v. Wiley is Moot

Here is the unpublished opinion.

Briefs here.

Brookings Report: “The impact of fentanyl on American Indian and Alaskan Native communities”

Here. PDF.

Oil and Gas Company Sues BLM over Wind River Lease

Here is the complaint in Pioneer Oil and Gas v. Haaland (D. Wyo.):

Ho-Chunk Inc. Cert Petition in Tax Dispute with Nebraska

Here is the petition in HCI Distribution Inc. v. Hilgers:

Questions presented:

I. Under this Court’s decision in California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, 480 U.S. 202 (1987), may a state directly regulate commerce between tribal economic development entities on the tribe’s own reservation lands without a showing of exceptional circumstances?

II. In conducting the balancing test under White Mountain Apache Tribe v. Bracker, 448 U.S. 136 (1980), may a court discount a tribe’s interests in self-determination and self-sufficiency based upon the court’s view of the significance of the tribe’s economic development activities?

III. Did the Eighth Circuit’s modification of the District Court’s injunction effectively rewrite Nebraska’s escrow and bond statutes, substituting the court’s decision for that of the state legislature, in violation of the standards set forth in Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of New England, 546 U.S. 320 (2006) and other precedents of this Court?

Lower court materials here.

Brief in Opposition

Reply

Burt Lake Brings Mandamus Action Against Interior Officials

Here is the petition in Burt Lake Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians v. Haaland (D.D.C.):

Most recent post here.

St. Regis Mohawk Sues IHS over Declination of Tribe Offer to Assume Sewage, Wastewater, and Sanitation Services

Here is the complaint in St. Regis Mohawk Tribe v. United States (N.D.N.Y.):

Ninth Circuit Affirms Tribal Jurisdiction over Insurance Claim

Here is the unpublished opinion in Lexington Insurance Co. v. Mueller.

Briefs are here.

Utah v. United States Cert Stage Materials

Here:

AFCARS Final Rule Has Been Released

Here.

This rule finalizes revisions to the Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) regulations proposed on February 23, 2024. This final rule requires state title IV-E agencies to collect and report to ACF additional data related to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) for children in the AFCARS Out-of-Home Care Reporting Population.

As you may recall, there was a rule promulgated in 2016 which was almost immediately withdrawn and replaced with a 2020 rule. It has taken another four years for the Biden administration to issue this rule. Regardless, if this rule holds, in three years all states will be required to collect ICWA data in state court cases.

ALI-CLE on “Business on Native Lands: Tribal Jurisdiction over Non-Member Enterprises” @ Dec. 11, Noon

 
Here.

Business on Native Lands: Tribal Jurisdiction Over Non-Member Enterprises
December 11 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. ET

The coupon code FLETCHWEB will bring the price from $199 to $29.

Why You Should Attend

The scope of tribal jurisdiction over non-member business activities is a pivotal issue in contemporary law, as federal and state courts continue to define the limits of tribal authority. This webcast examines recent case law developments that may influence the regulatory and adjudicative authority of tribes over non-member enterprises.

If you do business with or on Indian Country, join us to explore how these rulings affect tribal sovereignty, economic development, and the relationships between tribal, federal, and state governments.

What You Will Learn

Whether you represent tribes, businesses, or government entities, this program offers essential guidance on this vital and developing area of law, including:

The foundational legal principles governing tribal jurisdiction over non-member business activities.

Analysis of recent federal and state court opinions shaping tribal authority.

Practical implications for businesses operating on tribal lands or engaging with tribal governments.

The interplay between tribal sovereignty and regulatory frameworks in non-tribal jurisdictions.

Attendees will be equipped with the tools to address complex jurisdictional questions confidently and effectively, ensuring compliance and fostering constructive relationships between tribes and non-member businesses.

Register today! Questions submitted during the program will be answered live by the faculty and all registrants will receive a set of downloadable course materials to accompany the program.

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for attorneys practicing in areas intersecting with Native American law, particularly those involved in commercial litigation, land use, regulatory compliance, or business operations in Indian Country. It is also highly valuable for tribal legal counsel, public officials, and policymakers navigating the challenges of tribal jurisdiction. Educators seeking to deepen their understanding of these critical legal issues will also benefit greatly.