MSU Law Alum Sharon Avery Appointed to NIGC

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Sharon Avery is an enrolled member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. She currently serves as an Associate General Counsel for the National Indian Gaming Commission’s Office of General Counsel. In this role she has gained familiarity with the agency’s structure and the important role the agency plays within the Tribal gaming industry. Prior to joining the National Indian Gaming Commission, Ms. Avery worked in the Legal Department of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan for 10 years. She graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with a Juris Doctor degree and a certificate from the Indigenous Law and Policy Center.

Congratulations Sharon!!!

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

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.

Professionalism – An Interactive Activity at the Indigenous Law Conference

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.

Keynote by Doreen McPaul, Collective Energy & Wisdom: We Are Our Own Best Resource

visit www.indigenouslawconference.com to register, book your stay, or become a sponsor

Collective Energy & Wisdom: We are Our Own Best Resource

9:00 AM-10:15 AM ET | 11/9/23 | 1.25 CLE Credits

In this keynote presentation, Doreen McPaul will provide some insight about the formation and early years of the Tribal In-House Counsel Association and the organization’s path during her 10 years as TICA’s President.  Drawing on her own experiences as an Indian law and tribal law practitioner, she will share some lessons learned about the importance of humanity, connection, service, wellness and more as we forward gaze to the next 10 years, both for TICA and for tribal in-house practice generally. Moderated by TICA Vice-President, Stephen Greetham.

Join the MSU Indigenous Law and Policy Center

The Michigan State University Indigenous Law and Policy Center (ILPC) and College of
Law seek entry-level and lateral candidates for full-time, tenure system faculty positions with
research and teaching interests related to federal Indian law, tribal law, or the international
human rights of Indigenous peoples.

A successful candidate will form an integral part of the Indigenous Law and Policy Center
community. This will include teaching, research, and participation in the Center’s
programming and external engagement.

An important part of the Center’s purpose is to educate Native law students and to train
lawyers prepared to work on behalf of tribes around the country, whether for tribal, federal,
or state governments, private law firms, or non-profit organizations. The Center also oversees
MSU law’s Indigenous Law Certificate Program which exists to prepare students to practice
Indigenous law by providing rigorous and comprehensive training in Indigenous law, policy,
and practice.

The Center hosts an annual Indigenous law conference and a yearly speaker series, both of
which bring speakers from around the country to discuss issues involving Indigenous justice
systems, tribal sovereignty, and self-determination. The ILPC also hosts Turtle Talk, the
leading blog on legal issues in Indian Country. In addition, the Center is affiliated with an
Indian law clinic at the Law College.

MSU encourages applications from and nominations of women, persons of color, veterans
and persons with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Please email application materials, a letter of interest and cv, or nominations to Professor
Tiffani Darden, Co-Chair of Faculty Appointments Committee, dardent@law.msu.edu. More
information about the Law College can be found at http://www.law.msu.edu.

View the PDF here.

Call for Proposals & Art: 19th Annual ILPC & TICA Indigenous Law Conference

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Proposals due March 21st, 2022

Indigenous Law & Policy Center & Tribal In-House Counsel Association 19th Annual Indigenous Law Conference

The Conference:

The conference has eight panels; one reserved for hot topics, plus a keynote speaker. Current TICA members with a focus on the tribal inhouse practice of law who are interested in presenting are invited to submit panel proposals with up to four speakers.

Want to Speak at the Indigenous Law Conference?:

Become a TICA member at www.tica.wildapricot.org
MSU Law will provide research support for speakers in preparing materials upon request. MSU Law will cover reasonable travel and lodging expenses.

Submit Panel Proposals:

Submit panel proposals as a PDF or Word document, 300 words or less, to MSU ILPC at indigenous@law.msu.edu

Include the following information for each panelist:

  • Name
  • Title (current position)
  • Contact information

Contact Us:

Doreen N. McPaul, President of TICA: dmcpaul@nndoj.org
MSU ILPC: indigenous@law.msu.edu
Gabriela Gendreau, MSU ILPC Communications Coordinator: ggendreau@law.msu.edu

CALL FOR ART

Submissions due March 21st, 2022

Indigenous Law & Policy Center & Tribal In-House Counsel Association 19th Annual Indigenous Law Conference

Each year, the conference sponsors one American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian artist whose work is featured on digital and print conference materials which may be adapted for use. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to submit their work.

Submission Requirements:

To inquire about or to submit artwork, please email MSU ILPC at indigenous@law.msu.edu

Include the following:

  • PDF or Adobe Photoshop file
  • Artist biography / brief summary of work and artist or foundation contact information. To be included in the conference program if desired.

Contact Us:

Doreen N. McPaul, President of TICA: dmcpaul@nndoj.org
MSU ILPC: indigenous@law.msu.edu
Gabriela Gendreau, MSU ILPC Communications Coordinator: ggendreau@law.msu.edu

Past Conference Art:

View past conference artwork here: https://turtletalk.blog/indigenous-lawprogram/ilpc-artwork/

Call for Art: 19th Annual ILPC & TICA Indigenous Law Conference

CALL FOR ART

Submissions due March 21st, 2022

Indigenous Law & Policy Center & Tribal In-House Counsel Association 19th Annual Indigenous Law Conference

Each year, the conference sponsors one American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian artist whose work is featured on digital and print conference materials which may be adapted for use. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to submit their work.

Submission Requirements:

To inquire about or to submit artwork, please email MSU ILPC at indigenous@law.msu.edu

Include the following:

  • PDF or Adobe Photoshop file
  • Artist biography / brief summary of work and artist or foundation contact information. To be included in the conference program if desired.

Contact Us:

Doreen N. McPaul, President of TICA: dmcpaul@nndoj.org
MSU ILPC: indigenous@law.msu.edu
Gabriela Gendreau, MSU ILPC Communications Coordinator: ggendreau@law.msu.edu

Past Conference Art:

View past conference artwork here: https://turtletalk.blog/indigenous-lawprogram/ilpc-artwork/

Call for Proposals: 19th Annual ILPC & TICA Indigenous Law Conference

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Proposals due March 21st, 2022

Indigenous Law & Policy Center & Tribal In-House Counsel Association 19th Annual Indigenous Law Conference

The Conference:

The conference has eight panels; one reserved for hot topics, plus a keynote speaker. Current TICA members with a focus on the tribal inhouse practice of law who are interested in presenting are invited to submit panel proposals with up to four speakers.

Want to Speak at the Indigenous Law Conference?:

Become a TICA member at www.tica.wildapricot.org
MSU Law will provide research support for speakers in preparing materials upon request. MSU Law will cover reasonable travel and lodging expenses.

Submit Panel Proposals:

Submit panel proposals as a PDF or Word document, 300 words or less, to MSU ILPC at indigenous@law.msu.edu

Include the following information for each panelist:

  • Name
  • Title (current position)
  • Contact information

Contact Us:

Doreen N. McPaul, President of TICA: dmcpaul@nndoj.org
MSU ILPC: indigenous@law.msu.edu
Gabriela Gendreau, MSU ILPC Communications Coordinator: ggendreau@law.msu.edu

MSU Indigenous Law & Policy Center Winter Newsletter

As 2022 begins, the Michigan State University College of Law Indigenous Law & Policy Center invites you to join us in reflecting upon and celebrating the accomplishments and achievements of our students, faculty, alumni, and community in 2021. Please view our winter newsletter, and stay up to date on current events in Indian law with Turtle Talk and follow us on social media for information on future events!

Follow & Contact Us:

Twitter: @ILPCTurtleTalk 

Instagram: @ilpc_turtletalk 

Email: indigenous@law.msu.edu

End of the Semester Check-In and Lunch: Indigenous Law & Policy Center

🍂 End of the Semester Check-In! 🍂

The Indigenous Law & Policy Center will be hosting an in-person End of the Semester Check-In on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021 from 12:15-1:15pm in room 472

Students, faculty, staff, and allies will come together to celebrate the end of the semester over a provided lunch! **RSVP Required**

RSVP by Tuesday, November 23rd, 2021. Please direct all RSVPs and questions to indigenous@law.msu.edu

We look forward to seeing you there!