In the NYTs, here.
Sierra Teller Orneas: “Donald Trump Would Make a Terrible Navajo”
In the NYTs, here.
Grand Traverse Band Statement on the Navajo Code Talkers
GTB Statement to Honor the Navajo Code Talkers
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, I wish to express gratitude to the Navajo Nation’s Code Talkers for their service in World War II, and for their recent poise and grace in the face of the President’s cultural insensitivity.
In front of a backdrop portrait of Andrew Jackson—an Indian antagonist whose forced removal of Indian Tribes, commonly known as the Trail of Tears,—President Trump attempted to betray the Code Talkers by invoking a political slur against Senator Elizabeth Warren, who like many Americans, claims tribal descendancy. America’s Indian heritage should be a source of pride for all Americans.
The Navajo Code Talkers signify America’s constructive historical experience: Their Navajo/Diné language served as an unbreakable military code without which America would not have won World War II. Rather than praising the Code Talkers for the achievement, Trump debased himself during the ceremony by using an unnecessary slur in the presence of these Elder Navajo War Heroes.
Although the President obscured the message, the point of the ceremony has not been lost: It is to honor the Navajo Code Talkers as unique to America, and to recognize that they represent the pain and promise of American history. As Americans, we should embrace our shared history. For bearing this message, the Grand Traverse Band thanks the Navajo Code Talkers.
California COA Rejects Defamation Claim by Tribal Disenrollees against Elem Indian Colony Pomo Tribe
Friday Job Announcements
Job vacancies are posted on Friday. Some announcements might still appear throughout the week. If you would like your Indian law or leadership job posted on Turtle Talk, please email indigenous@law.msu.edu.
Southern Ute Indian Tribe
Legal Department Director, Ignacio, C.O. Will lead a well-established staff of three Tribal Attorneys, a Deputy Director, and a Legal Assistant. Position closes at 5:00 pm Mountain Standard Time on 12/18/2017.
Native American Program of Legal Aid Services of Oregon (NAPOLS)
Tribal Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Program Specialist, limited-duration, Portland, O.R. Will work with the Burns Paiute Tribe to strengthen the Tribe’s response to DV, SA, dating violence, and stalking.
Havasupai Tribe
Chief Judge, Supai, A.Z. Presides over a broad range of civil and criminal cases for the Havasupai Tribal Court.
Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa
Associate Judge, Tama, I.A. Responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial cases and matters at the Trial Court level within the jurisdiction of the Sac and Fox Tribal Court pursuant to the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa tribal laws, codes, rules and regulations.
Morongo Band of Mission Indians
Tribal Attorney, Banning, C.A. Represents the interests of the Morongo Tribe, Morongo Tribal Government, Morongo Tribal Administration, and Morongo Tribal programs, including but not limited to direct representation in tribal and state court of Morongo Tribal government / programmatic interests as directed by the In House General Counsel.
Sitka Tribe of Alaska
Family Law Attorney, Sitka, A.K. Provides holistic legal representation to Native American victims of domestic violence and sexual assault – Salary DOE – Full-time benefitted. Grant-funded position that will begin in January 2018 and continue for approximately three years. Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to naomi.palosaari@sitkatribe-nsn.gov or by mail to Sitka Tribe of Alaska, 456 Katlian St., Sitka, AK 99835. Electronic applications preferred. First review November 27th, 2017.
Ho-Chunk Nation
Tribal Attorney, Black River Falls, W.I. Performs a wide variety of legal work representing the Nation as a government, its departments, boards, and commissions. The Tribal Attorney will prepare pleadings for hearings and other legal proceedings, perform legal research, provide court representation; and other duties as assigned. Applicants may visit the Ho-Chunk nation website to apply.
Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
Associate, Native American Affairs Group, Washington, D.C. Seeking to hire an associate with 1-3 years of experience and a background or interest in Indian law and litigation.
Department of the Interior
Supervisory-Attorney Adviser, Federal and Indian Royalties Section, Office of the Solicitor, Lakewood, C.O. Oversees the provision of legal services to the offices and programs of the ONRR with particular emphasis on legal issues related to the appropriate interpretation and implementation of the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982 (FOGRMA), codified as amended at 30 U.S.C. §§ 1701 et seq., and what is commonly known as the Mineral Leasing Act of 1920, codified as amended at 30 U.S.C. §§ 181 et seq.
Other jobs posted this week:
Alaska Fellow, Native American Rights Fund (11/29/2017)
Previous Friday Job Announcements: 11/17/2017
News Profile on Judge Abby Abinanti
From Rebecca Clarren of InvestigateWest, here is “NATIVE AMERICAN JUDGE SHOWS PEACEMAKING COURTS OFFER A MODEL FOR REFORM.”
Oglala Sioux Tribe Amicus Brief in St. Regis Mohawk Patent Matter
Here is the amicus brief filed in Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. v. Allergan Inc.:
Assn. of Village Council Presidents Files Brief on the Lack of Alaska Natives on State Criminal Juries
Here is the brief in Smith v. State of Alaska:
Federal Court Rejects Casino Opponent Demand to Supplement Administrative Record with Materials on the Legal Status of Trust Land (North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians)
Here are the materials in Club One Casino v. Dept. of Interior (E.D. Cal.):
Job Opening at NARF in Alaska: Fellow
The Native American Rights Fund (“NARF”) in Anchorage, Alaska, is seeking a current third-year law student or recent law school graduate with a strong background in federal Indian law and public service for a two-year fellowship as NARF’s Alaska Fellow, starting in September 2018.
See the job announcement at the NARF website.
Cultures Under Water: Climate Impacts on Tribal Cultural Heritage CLE
December 6* -8, 2017
8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Memorial Union, Ventana Ballroom
1290 S. Normal Ave., Tempe, AZ 85287
Tempe campus
Extreme weather and climate events have increased over the past 50 years and Indigenous peoples are among the most vulnerable to the adverse effects because they are often inextricably tied to their land. As a result, climate change not only threatens the landscape, but also cultural identity. Indigenous peoples have used traditional knowledge to mitigate climate disruptions and to adapt to the changing environment. However, policy discussions have failed to adequately address climate impacts on cultural heritage, and the rapid rate of climate disruptions continues to threaten indigenous cultures and communities with alarming speed. This conference will build on the discussions of climate change, adaptation, and traditional knowledge by focusing specifically on climate impacts on tribal cultural heritage.
We will bring together tribal leadership and members, scientists, scholars, attorneys and activists to discuss climate change threats and challenges faced by indigenous communities. The goal is to share knowledge and resources with tribal representatives to respond to threats to cultural heritage by addressing: Is cultural heritage a human right, and why is tribal cultural heritage important? How does climate change impact tribal cultural heritage? How can tribal communities maintain cultural heritage in the face of changing climate risks? Attendees will participate in sessions that focus on identifying obstacles and proposing solutions to these challenges.
*Note: December 6 is evening only and will feature Before The Flood by Fisher Stevens. This film features Leonardo DiCaprio with contributions by many scientists and researchers from around the world, who meet and discuss the reality of climate change in various locations on five continents as they witness climate change firsthand.
On the evening of December 7, there will be a staged reading of nationally acclaimed playwright Mary Kathryn Nagle ’s play, Fairly Traceable. This play tells the story of two young attorneys – one a citizen of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma, the other a citizen of the Pointe-au-Chien Indian Tribe in southern Louisiana – who are both fighting to save their Tribal Nations and families from climate change. Click here to read reviews.
- State Bar of Arizona does not approve CLE activities, however, this activity may qualify for approximately 7 credit hours, plus 1.5 credit hours for the Fairly Traceable play. Total of 8.5 credit hours.
Register at: law.asu.edu/climateimpacts
Questions? Contact Jennifer Williams at jennifer.h.williams@asu.edu or 480-727-0420
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