Homeland Security in Indian Country
http://www.abanet.org/cle/programs/t08hsi1.html

Next Wednesday, July 23, 20081:00 PM – 2:30 PM Eastern 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Central11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Mountain 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Pacific

Since 9/11, there has been a number of issues involving the intersection of tribal sovereignty and homeland security. Many reservations are located along the U.S. border and are therefore vital to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in securing the nation. DHS now provides funding to tribal governments for this purpose. But despite the fact that tribes have all the same law enforcement and homeland security responsibilities as state governments, 9/11 legislation and administrative policy have not always integrated tribal governments.
Attend this teleconference and live audio webcast to learn about the unique issues tribal governments face in addressing homeland security issues and in working with DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ). Diane Humetewa will address DOJ’s position on matters affecting homeland security, especially after 9/11. Edward Reina will address Indian Country law enforcement efforts, and the limitations under which tribal police work. Heather Dawn Thompson will address how tribal governments are approaching DOJ, the DHS, and Congress about working together on tribal homeland security issues.

Kirke Kickingbird (Moderator), Chair, IRR Native American Concerns Committee; Of Counsel, Hobbs, Strauss, Dean & Walker, LLP, Oklahoma City, OK

Diane Humetewa, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ

Edward Reina, Director of Public Safety, Tohono O’odham Nation,Sells, AZ

Heather Dawn Thompson, Director of Government Affairs, National Congress of American Indians, Washington, DC