Author Archives: dwilliams

Election procedures manual Tribal leader listening session 

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On Aug. 28, Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Indian Legal Clinic director and associate dean for Inclusive Excellence, and Maya Araujo, Native Vote Management Intern, attended a Tribal Leader Listening Session on the Arizona Election Procedures Manual (EPM). Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes in partnership with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona held the session to gather feedback specifically from Tribal leaders on the draft of the 2025 EPM. Arizona law requires the Secretary of State to draft an EPM that brings “the maximum degree of correctness, impartiality, uniformity and efficiency” to elections. The EPM must be updated on odd-numbered years and submitted to the Attorney General and Governor for their approval. 

At the Tribal Leader Listening Session, Fontes and Lisa Marra, State Election director from the Office of the Arizona Secretary of State, provided an overview of the EPM. Ferguson-Bohnee presented on the Tribal provisions and relevant topics from the EPM that impact Tribal voting rights. The ILC engages in the EPM comment process closely as, once approved, the EPM has the force of law and is a binding document that ensures the election process is consistent, efficient and legally sound for every voter.

Review the full 2025 Elections Procedures Manual.

Democracy Reform Summit

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On Oct. 3, the Indian Legal Clinic cohosted the “Democracy Reform Summit: Removing Barriers to Native Political Participation” in partnership with the Native American Rights Fund and the Brennan Center for Justice. The summit brought together over 150 people working together to uncover both the challenges to equitable political engagement for tribal voters and the opportunities to cultivate it. Participants included experts in civic engagement, legal advocates and leading researchers to discuss strategies for expanding Native American political representation. Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Indian Legal Clinic director and associate dean for Inclusive Excellence, hosted a roundtable discussion on the State of Play of Native Voting Rights at the Federal Level, which explored threats to the Voting Rights Act and prospects for strengthening it, the need to pass the Native American Voting Rights Act and the efforts to build a grassroots movement in support of federal Native voting rights legislation.

If you missed the event, review the recording

Indian Legal Clinic files amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court on voting rights

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On Sept. 3, the Indian Legal Clinic filed an amicus curiae brief on behalf of the Navajo Nation in Louisiana v. Phillip Callais, et al., regarding voting rights. Written by Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Torey Dolan (’19) and attorneys from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, the brief addresses Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and the creation of majority-minority congressional districts consistent with the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, supporting neither party.
 
ILC students Mikaela Bledsoe Downes (3L), Hunter Mallinger (3L), Sam Phillips (3L) and Ronnie Strode III (3L) assisted in research and drafting the brief.
 
Honore Callingham (’18) and Jordan Garcia (’23) are greatly appreciated for their assistance in reviewing and preparing the brief for filing.
 
The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

 

Applying federal Indian law in accounting practice: Joseph Bryant (MLS ’25)

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Born and raised in rural Indiana, Joseph Bryant left home to serve in the U.S. Air Force, an experience that broadened his worldview and set the foundation for his professional journey. Now based in San Diego, with previous ties to Las Vegas, he has built a career as a certified public accountant with more than 14 years of experience in public accounting. At Delsen and Company LLP, he works with high-net-worth individuals and their related entities, such as businesses and trusts. Looking ahead, he hopes to become a partner and expand the firm’s practice into new areas, including supporting Native American-owned businesses.

He recently reflected on his MLS experience and career path in this Q&A.

What inspired you to pursue the MLS program, and did you have a particular emphasis?
I did not grow up in Native American culture, so I have felt robbed of that part of my heritage. My grandmother was born on a reservation, but she married and moved away in her early 20s. I wanted to learn more about my tribe’s history (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians) and about the legal history that Native Americans have with Federal, state, and local governments. I want to help bridge the gap between Native Americans and other peoples. My ancestor Peter Graves led Red Lake for many years and retired from the Federal government after 30 years of service. He successfully bridged the gap between Red Lake and the Federal government, and I want to continue that legacy. I hope to bring unique power to the Native American community by combining newly-acquired knowledge from the MLS program with my accounting skills.

My emphasis areas in the MLS program were Federal Indian Law, Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance and Sustainability. Once I began learning, I did not want to stop! 

Can you share a specific moment during the MLS program when you saw the direct relevance of what you were learning to Tribal governance or your work?
Internal control standards and audit requirements were some of the topics covered in Indian Gaming II. These might bore many students, but my CPA mind was dialed into that content. Some of the court cases and official complaints covered activity by tribes and their members that violated auditing and internal control standards. This helped balance my view of Native Americans and their relationship with the Federal government. Yes, Natives have suffered many wrongs at the hands of non-Natives, but external oversight is needed in some areas to help protect Native citizens from being harmed by their own people. Tribal self-governance should be encouraged and is good for Natives, but we need to lean on the Federal trust relationship during key times of tribal evolution.

How has your MLS degree helped you in your work? Or what is one project, case, or initiative you’ve been involved in since graduating that you’re most proud of? How did your MLS training help prepare you for it?
My public accounting firm has a client that is starting a sports leadership academy for disadvantaged communities, and I want to put Native Americans into that conversation. The academy is not up and running, but I am eager to start the process. This could be an exciting opportunity for Natives, as the leadership academy is connected to a professional sports team. I might not have had the idea to bridge that gap if I had not earned my MLS degree because of my networking and by making Indian affairs part of my daily consciousness. I can also speak confidently about Native American topics with outsiders because of my coursework.

What challenges did you face as an MLS student, especially balancing work, life, and community responsibilities—and how did you overcome them?
I work long hours during tax season and extension season in the fall (60+ hours a week), so time management was crucial. I would plan out my week in general the first day that a module opened (i.e., I would check Canvas for each class and get an idea of what I needed to do for that week and think about how to break it into manageable pieces). I used the Sticky Note feature in Windows to copy and paste the homework requirements and mark off items that I completed, listing due dates as needed.

I found that doing homework during my lunch hour was key, because I was able to get a head start while my energy level was still high. Watching a few videos or reading a few PDFs gave me a boost because I knew that I was doing things that I would not have to do later. 

I would do two more hours of homework every night after work, and I used Saturday mornings/afternoons for quizzes and tests because I was not drained from a full day of work. Sundays were either getting a head start on the week (if modules began on Thursdays) or by wrapping up homework for the week (if modules began on Mondays). I viewed myself as a homework machine – be consistent, be steady, pat myself on the back when I would get key items done, and keep on going. 

I have a family, so I had to carve out time for them during the MLS program. I tried doing fun activities like live sporting events and going to movies, which worked well because I was away from the house and away from responsibilities with fun distractions. I think that you have to make it clear to those around you that the degree program is a primary focus that you are going to have for some time, and that your life has to change for a while. If there are children in your life, showing them that studying matters is an example they will remember.   

What advice would you give to others considering the MLS program?
If someone feels led to pursue the MLS degree, they should do it. I think that it gave me vital legal knowledge without the need to attend law school. I considered law school when I was younger, but I chose accounting instead. The MLS program is perfect for working professionals who are deep into their careers but want to add legal knowledge and skills via the emphasis areas of their choice. I networked with other students and faculty that I would not have met otherwise. I did not grow up around other Native Americans, so making new Native friends was very rewarding for me. 

Is there a faculty member, class, or experience in the program that left a lasting impression on you? Why?

Professor Hoenig taught Indian Gaming I and II. He took complex material and separated it into interesting and manageable chunks of information. He was very approachable, offering an optional Zoom meeting during Indian Gaming II to get to know the students better. I really appreciated his deep understanding of the material and the chance to chat with him during the Zoom meeting. Professor Spruhan also offered an optional Zoom meeting during Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country. 

It is easy for online students like myself to feel isolated or that they are not full-fledged students. Zoom meetings add life and color to the online experience. I left the meetings putting faces to the names and I knew that they had done the same for the students who attended. 

What’s one small change or initiative that you believe could make a big difference for tribal communities?

There are many disadvantaged communities in the United States, but Natives are very few and are often overlooked. I think that Native Americans should examine existing initiatives from third parties and find ways to connect their communities with those programs. This would be more effective than trying to start programs from scratch, as Federal assistance has been chronically underfunded and many tribes struggle to generate internal funding. The private sector has many donors looking to make a difference, and Natives need to network effectively with those who are interested in assisting minorities.

MLS Students Awarded Fall 2025 Scholarships

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Congratulations to MLS students Bryce Cluff, Anthony Dahkoshay, Patrick Gonzales and Mishani Jack-Gonzalez, who earned scholarships for the fall 2025 semester.

The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs join the students in thanking the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for their generosity. Their support makes this scholarship possible, helps students deepen their understanding of legal issues and strengthens work that positively impacts Tribal interests.

Student reflections

“The generous support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation would not only assist me in my educational journey but also contribute to my ability to support tribal nations through law and policy. I am committed to ensuring that your investment leads to tangible outcomes for Native communities, whether in the halls of Congress, in tribal council chambers, or in federal rulemaking.”

Bryce Cluff
Online MLS

“I would also like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation for their generosity in awarding me this scholarship. Their investment in my education inspires me to continue striving toward my academic and professional goals that will help all Tribes, not only the White Mountain Apache. This collaboration among Tribes is crucial and empowering.”

Anthony Dahkoshay
White Mountain Apache
Online MLS

“With an emphasis in Federal Indian Law, I can help with the education of outside communities to understand why Yokut Tribe is important for our community and build the economic development the tribe may have.”

Patrick Gonzales
Online MLS

“Thank you for being a contributor to my success this far, and please know that it is impacting my organization and consequentially how the government interacts with tribal nations. I have learned how to apply my newfound knowledge from my MLS classes to very real policy occurring within the judicial branch of government.”

Mishani Jack-Gonzalez
Yakama Nation
Online MLS

Job opportunity: Associate attorney

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Zwillinger Wulkan is seeking an associate attorney to work exclusively in its Indian Law section. The firm is particularly interested in candidates admitted to the Navajo Nation Bar with 1–5 years of legal experience.

Qualifications:

  • Juris Doctor
  • Admission to the Navajo Nation Bar
  • 1–5 years of relevant legal experience
  • Strong research, writing and advocacy skills
  • Commitment to serving Tribal communities

For more information or to apply, contact:

Benjamin L. Rundall
ben.rundall@zwfirm.com | www.zwfirm.com   

 

Where are they now? Feat. Carolyn Clark Loder (MLS ’11)

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Carolyn Clark Loder is a seasoned leader in the mining and natural resources industry, serving on the boards of directors of K2 Gold Corporation and Integra Resources, where she also chairs its Environment, Social, Governance Committee. As a board consultant and expert witness in mineral rights and Tribal engagement, she advocates for Indigenous inclusion at the highest levels of corporate decision-making.

Earning her Master of Legal Studies in Indian Law from ASU Law in 2011 was a transformative experience that broadened her perspective and deepened her commitment to equity and education. The first woman inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame in 2023, Carolyn continues to champion change in an industry historically led by white men — ensuring that all stakeholders, especially First Nations, have a seat at the table. 

Q: What has your journey been like since graduating? 

A: Upon getting my MLS in Indian Law, it opened up a broader view of the world that has enabled me to influence corporate America with that vision. As a non-Indian, I admit I knew nothing of our colonial past as I was indoctrinated into learning only the history of MANkind. As a young girl I could find no women heroines in history – they were all men. And all white men. And, I knew nothing of our First Nations.

Being inducted into the National Mining Hall of Fame as the first living woman — and the first woman in 100 years — is not only amazing to me, but more a reflection of our past in that it has always been white men and corporate leaders who were recognized. I have seen a change in perspective over the last 40 years that wealth seeking is not the end all. All stakeholders are important in projects, not just the shareholders. I am fortunate to serve on publicly traded boards that recognize this shirt and support my belief that our First Nations have a voice and can bring positive change to the table.

I also was able to help influence a decision that brought a Tribal member onto a publicly traded Board. That is the next step – to have Tribal members on publicly traded Boards so that their advice and opinions are incorporated into decision making. Having them as employees is not the same — it does not effectuate change at the top.

Q: What is the most valuable lesson you learned in the classroom that has helped you in your career? 

A: The lesson I learned in the classroom is that Indian Law is complicated — very complicated — and despite my degree, I still know very little. The general public knows even less. I always have stories to tell folks and I am pleasantly surprised at how much interest people have and the questions they ask about Indian law. I wish the basics of Indian Law were taught in elementary school, particularly in the western states. It should be mandatory in high school civic classes.

Q: Is there anything you’ve learned after graduating that you wish you had learned in class? 

A: I miss the CLE classes that were always on current topics. They were so informative and I felt like I was still in the mainstream of learning. Without those classes, I lost touch with the Indian Law program, other than continued contact with a few students.

I also wish I had learned about the Tribes in Arizona. Having lived here for 30 years and being born in California, I still know so little of the Tribes of my homeland.

Q: What originally made you choose ASU Law? 

A: Clearly, it was the Indian Law program and the staff and professors and Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier of Snell Wilmer. She and I worked together on a landmark Tribal land exchange in New Mexico that returned 20,000 acres of ancestral lands to two Tribes. She told me about a fairly new degree at ASU called an MLS. She suggested I speak to Associate Dean Gary Birnbaum to see if I could  focus my course work entirely on Indian Law. I had completed my first-year law courses elsewhere years earlier, so those credits were already in place. Upon acceptance, I truly felt welcomed, particularly being the ‘older’ one in the classrooms. And the students were phenomenal. They welcomed me, and I made sure I always found time for them to share their concerns. Being older, I was a safe haven for them to discuss their fears, their problems and their hopes and dreams. I had not anticipated that my advice would even be sought after — I truly thought they would be disinterested. But, it was the opposite.

Q: What advice would you give to current students? 

A: I would say that they are truly blessed being in the Indian Law program at ASU, especially because it focuses on Indian Law versus Indigenous Law. There is so much to learn in the U.S. that I feel that if I took the global approach, I would not have learned as much as I did -– which is still very little. Focusing on the U.S. has given me the advantage to apply that knowledge to specific projects, situations and decisions.

Q: What’s something you’d like people to know about you? (This can be a fun fact or anything else you’d like to share!)

A: I was married years ago in Antarctica to a Canadian on lands claimed by Argentina and not recognized by the U.S., by a Russian Ice Breaker Captain. My husband was born in Labrador, before it joined Canada as part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was born in the northern community of Hopedale, which is now a National Historic Site and legislative capital of the autonomous Inuit region of Nunatsiavut. His father ran the trading post and his mother cared for the Indigenous Peoples of Labrador with only a nursing degree and a dog sled. She received the Order of Canada by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing her dedication to the Native community and service to the Nation. Good footsteps for me to follow.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

A: I have had a very blessed life in that I grew up in a rural area with no knowledge of the world and at age 18, I sailed around the world with World Campus Afloat. That exposure changed my life forever. I became a sponge for knowledge and with supportive parents, family, friends and community I was able to pursue my hopes and dreams. I wish everyone had such a support group.

Job opportunity: Deputy Prosecutor and/or Public Defender

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The Hopi Tribe is seeking a qualified person to serve as Deputy Prosecutor and/or Public Defender of the Hopi Tribal Office of the Prosecutor in Keams Canyon, Arizona on the Hopi Indian Reservation.  The Prosecutor’s office is located approximately 60 miles northeast of Winslow, Arizona.

The position requires an experienced preferred J.D. from an ABA accredited law school and admission to a State Bar.

Come make a difference, experience a unique culture deeply rooted in history, enjoy the high country climate and fresh air.   

If interested, please submit a resume to the Court Administrator at Ttewawina@hopitelecom.net or fax to (928) 738-5561.  Applicants will be required to comply with the Hopi Tribe’s Human Resource requirements.

 

Where are they now? Feat. Lena Jackson-Eckert (MLS ’08)

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A graduate of ASU Law’s Master of Legal Studies program, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member Lena Jackson-Eckert now serves as assistant community manager for SRPMIC, where she oversees several key tribal government departments, including Health and Human Services.

Reflecting on her journey, Jackson-Eckert said, “I think it’s pretty cool to be able to say I went to ASU Law. I made relationships I still have today, and I see people from my cohort doing awesome work all over the country.”

Her path illustrates how the MLS can deepen existing experience, provide practical tools for leadership, and foster a community of peers committed to serving Indian Country.

After working as an advocate in the tribal prosecutor’s office, Jackson-Eckert decided to pursue the MLS to strengthen her understanding of legal systems and better support her community. She graduated in 2008 as part of the program’s inaugural cohort.

Although she entered the program with courtroom experience and a strong grasp of criminal law, Jackson-Eckert found particular value in the Indian law courses. One standout was a Native American health care law class taught by visiting professor Dr. Donald Warne, whose teachings continue to inform her work with Indian Health Services and the operation of Salt River’s tribally run health clinic.

“There are only a handful of experts in this area,” she said. Having access to that kind of knowledge was “incredibly meaningful.”

Jackson-Eckert completed her MLS while working full time, thanks to a supportive supervisor and access to education leave. She encourages prospective students—especially those working in tribal government—to pursue the MLS if they have a strong support system in place.

The degree directly contributed to her professional growth. Jackson-Eckert had long aimed to oversee multiple departments, and the position she holds today required a master’s degree. The MLS not only fulfilled that requirement, but also enhanced her ability to navigate legal systems more effectively—sharpening her skills in reading codes, understanding legal language, and working closely with tribal attorneys.

ILC 2024-2025 Reflection

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During the 2024-2025 academic year, five student attorneys dedicated nearly 1,800 hours to the Indian Legal Clinic (ILC) at ASU Law. Under the leadership of Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, director and Charles M. Brewer professor of trial advocacy at ASU Law, the ILC collectively managed 35 cases spanning Tribal, state and federal law.

Third-year law students Garrett Bryan, Shandiin Herrera, Imani Hicks, Morgan Oakes and Sadie Red Eagle served as student attorneys and represented clients in a wide range of matters. Their work included cases involving voting rights, criminal defense, federal recognition and the restoration of civil rights — such as the right to vote — for disenfranchised individuals.

In addition to casework, ILC students developed practical skills through class simulations designed to build analytical and trial advocacy abilities. These exercises culminated in a full Tribal court civil mock trial, helping prepare students to become effective advocates for their future careers.

As part of ILC’s Arizona Native Vote Election Protection, student attorneys focused on the 2024 election cycle.

In the fall semester, ILC students appeared regularly in Tribal courts. Student attorneys defended clients in Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Court. Bryan appeared twice in Traffic Court on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community to prosecute civil traffic violations.

ILC also contributed changes to federal regulations governing the acknowledgment process, which now allows previously denied Tribes a limited opportunity to reapply for federal recognition. The new rule, effective February 14, 2025, follows court decisions that deemed the previous ban on re-petitioning unfair. The ILC submitted comments emphasizing fairness and the importance of recognition for Tribal sovereignty and cultural survival — comments that were cited in the final rule.

ILC submitted background information on the United States to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Dr. Albert K. Barume, for his reports to international organizations. In March, ILC submitted input on the process and challenges of obtaining federal recognition for Special Rapporteur Barume’s report to be presented at the 60th session of the Human Rights Council, in September 2025, where he intends to examine ways and means of overcoming obstacles and promoting best practices related to the recognition by States of Indigenous Peoples. In April, ILC submitted information about the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to lands, territories and resources in the United States. Per a United Nations Human Rights Council resolution, Special Rapporteur Barume is dedicating his next annual report to the UN General Assembly to the theme “Identification, Documentation, Demarcation, Registration, and Titling of Indigenous Peoples’ Lands: Practices and Lessons Learned”.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity to work with real clients in a real court,” said Herrera. “The opportunity to practice in a courtroom while in law school was so critical to my education. Through the clinic, I was able to practice litigation skills through in-class simulations and then apply my improved skills in the courtroom. This approach fosters growth and confidence. What is unfamiliar, like addressing a judge, questioning a witness, and filing pleadings, begins to feel routine.”

Additionally, the ILC continued its Estate Planning course taught by Professor Helen Burtis (’07) and hosted four clinics serving Tribal communities across Arizona and California.

In April, second-year law student Hunter Mallinger and Ferguson-Bohnee presented to the ABA Civil Rights and Social Justice section. In the Rapid Response on Native Americans & Birthright Citizenship, they discussed the legal and civil rights implications of Executive Order 14160, which targets birthright citizenship, and its impact on Native Americans. The conversation explored the history and legal foundations of Native American citizenship, dispelled misconceptions, and highlighted current threats from immigration enforcement, offering valuable insights for affected Native Americans, their communities, advocates and legal professionals.

Learn more about the Indian Legal Clinic’s
2024–2025 community impact: