Category Archives: Alumni

Job opportunity: Chief Judge

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DEPARTMENT: Tribal Court

REPORTS TO: General Manager (for administrative purposes only)

DEFINITION/PURPOSE:
Direct and supervise overall operation of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court. Presides over criminal, civil and juvenile cases. Performs duties require the individual to exercise considerable independent judgement in managing the docket, ruling on motions and adjudicatory cases, conduct hearing and decide cases in a fair and impartial manner to the end of administering justice and maintaining the order of law.
The Chief Judge is responsible for fairly and impartially hearing and deciding judicial matters within the jurisdiction of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court pursuant the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, laws, ordinances and regulations, and applicable federal laws.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Essential functions may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.

TASKS:
Oversees all non-judicial administrative operational functions of the Tribal Court; plans, directs and supervises court staff; establishes overall operating policies and procedures; identifies and implements training programs for judicial and non-judicial court staff; provides general direction to other Tribal Court Judges in administrative matters; represents the Tribal Court within and outside of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.

Presides over civil, criminal, traffic, juvenile, probate and other cases; provides and oversees an impartial forum for settling matters in dispute; examines and rules on evidence to determine strength and relevancy to charges; impartially rules on matters before the Court; presides over evidentiary hearings; presides over jury and non-jury trials; issues search and arrests warrants at various hours of the day or night; issues court orders/rulings; performs legal research; interprets law, ordinances, case law and applies to the facts of the case; provides direction and oversight to jurors; reviews and signs court documents.
Serves as an Appellate Judge when the conditions of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Code are met; delegates certain non-judicial administrative responsibilities to other Tribal Court staff.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Thorough knowledge of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution, Law and Order Code, laws and rules;
  • Knowledge and understanding of the history and culture of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and the Yavapai people
  • Knowledge of Federal, State and Tribal statutes, ordinances, codes and ordinances;
  • Knowledge of Tribal Case Law, Federal Rules of Evidence, and court procedures;
  • Knowledge of judicial protocol, proceedings, practices and techniques that may be required at times outside normal business hours or days;
  • Knowledge of legal research including electronic research systems;
  • Knowledge of basic principles of management/supervision/administration, -personnel management, bookkeeping, record keeping, case
  • management;
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of judicial administration, program planning and development of employee supervision and training;
  • Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, statutes, ordinances, rules to the facts and evidence presented;
  • Skill in drafting and/or reviewing and approving complex court orders;
  • Skill in listening and deciding cases and perform judicial duties in fair and impartial matter while upholding the integrity and independence of the judiciary
  • Skill in effectively and efficiently managing a high case load consisting of a variety of case types;
  • Skill in establishing and maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with other departments of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation while also maintaining the impartial role of the Tribal Court;
  • Skill in regulating extra-judicial activities to minimize the risk of neglecting or creating a conflict with judicial duties;
  • Skill in effectively communicating, both orally and in writing, with other members of the judiciary, other governmental entities, parties before the Court and the general public; and
  • All other necessary duties associated with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Court


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION (established by Article VII, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Constitution):
1) At least thirty (30) years of age; 2) Must be a law school graduate; 3) Juris Doctor 3) Possess a minimum of three years experience as a judge, practicing attorney or advocate; 5) Must have no felony convictions and no serious misdemeanor criminal convictions within the past five years; 6) Must submit to and pass a FBI criminal history background check; 7)Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen; 8) Must have a current Arizona driver’s license; and 9) Must meet FMYN insurance standards.

POSITION STATUS: Regular, Full-time

PAYRATE: DOE

OPEN DATE: November 4, 2024 CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Human Resource Department
Attn: Recruiter
P O Box 17779
Fountain Hills, AZ 85269
Phone: 480-789-7138
Fax: 480-816-9524
Email: recruiter@ftmcdowell.org

INDIAN PREFERENCE:
Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are members of federally recognized Indian tribes.
To be considered for Indian Preference, you must submit your Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) with your application.

WILL REQUIRE TO PASS A PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG SCREEN AND COMPLETE A BACKGROUND CHECK WHICH MAY REQUIRE FINGERPRINTING

Job opportunity: Staff Attorney

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Shelbyville, MI

SUMMARY

The Staff Attorney provides legal counsel and legal representation to the departments of the Gun Lake Tribal Government, as well as business entities and enterprises of the Tribe as assigned by the General Counsel. The Staff Attorney advises governmental departments and subordinate entities regarding legal rights, practices, and allocation of legal resources.

The Staff Attorney delivers legal services including without limitation: advice, negotiation, drafting of policy or laws, research, litigation and administrative or other formal proceedings. The Staff Attorney provides written opinions and memoranda intended to guide and interpret policy and law of the Tribe.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited law school
  • One to two years of professional legal experience
  • Active license to practice law and member in good standing of the Michigan Bar, or admitted to Michigan Bar within six months of hire
  • Candidates seeking admission to the Michigan Bar must supply evidence of alternative State Bar admission and licensure in good standing
  • Experience reviewing and preparing contracts and other legal documents
  • Knowledge of Native cultural practices
  • Knowledge of Federal Indian Law

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Provides legal counsel and guidance to Tribal Departments legal matters including personnel law, policies, procedures, rules and regulations, contracts and grants, worker’s compensation, liability and insurance matters, and other practice areas as assigned.
  • Reviews, researches, interprets, and prepares both written and oral opinions on a wide variety of legal issues.
  • Drafts and reviews ordinances, policies and procedures, regulations, bylaws, and other legal documents for authorization.
  • Reviews contracts, leases, and other legal documents; researches legal issues and recommends revisions as necessary.
  • Collaborates with outside counsel, as directed.
  • Provides training to the staff and/or community on various legal issues through seminars and meetings.
  • Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest developments in law and in other related areas.
  • Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Superior verbal and written communication skills.
  • Thorough understanding of technology.
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
  • Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (if required)

As delegated or assigned by the General Counsel.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (if required)

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Office setting, controlled environment. Periodically may be exposed to casino areas including smoking.

SECURITY SENSITIVE (if required)

Highly sensitive position. This position will have access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions of confidentiality

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

  • The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around
  • Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employee and all dependents, with no employee premium!
  • Paid Time Off and 15 paid Holidays
  • Short-and-long term disability coverage
  • Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents
  • Pension plan for Public Safety employees
  • 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
  • On-site gym, free memberships for entire household
  • One hour paid lunch break

TO APPLY

You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position. https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/employment/

If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780 to schedule an appointment.

External Job:https://click.appcast.io/track/l3cbuon?cs=ovb&exch=4s&jg=7tqa&bid=TMQKNCFaov4fFLqS_v4dTg==&ob=m4fXsRab8WiJeRDeNW_RsQ==&sar_id=1u2ei3y9&jpos=

 

Empowering the next generation

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On Nov. 19, ILP students had the honor of visiting the Honorable Diane Humetewa (’93), a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse. A member of the Hopi Tribe, Judge Humetewa made history in 2014 as the first Native American woman to serve on the federal bench.

During this inspiring visit, students gained insight into Judge Humetewa’s journey through law school, her distinguished legal career, her dedication to public service advocacy and her steadfast commitment to fostering inclusion and diversity in the legal profession.

“I was fascinated by her career path and the life experiences that led her to the federal bench,” shared Mallory Feather, a first-year student. “What really stood out to me was how approachable and humble Judge Humetewa is.”

The visit included a guided tour of Judge Humetewa’s courtroom and chambers, where she graciously answered questions, listened intently and made each student feel valued. Her openness and authenticity left a profound impression on everyone in attendance.

“Judge Humetewa’s advice to ‘just go for it’ and embrace new opportunities really resonated with me,” said Feather. “Meeting her during such a busy time in the school year was a refreshing reminder to step back from the stress and focus on why I’m in law school: to pursue my passions and fight for the greater good.”

Standing strong: The fight for fair Native voting rights

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On Election Day, Indian Legal Clinic Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch filed a lawsuit on behalf of the Navajo Nation against Apache County officials for violating Tribal members’ fundamental right to vote, and other crucial rights guaranteed by federal and state law. Torey Dolan (’19) helped run the Arizona Native Vote hotline and submitted her declaration to support the lawsuit.

Apache County officials failed to comply with essential voting requirements, including opening polling locations on time, providing correctly printed ballots, maintaining adequate ballot supplies and long lines with wait times up to 2-3 hours – denying many Navajo voters the opportunity to vote. A voter reported to the Arizona Native Vote Hotline that elders left because standing in the 40-degree weather for extended periods was too much hardship.

Third-year law students Shandiin Herrera and Sadie Red Eagle, in the field at voting locations in Apache County, were quoted in Cronkite News article “Voters in Navajo Nation face polling issues on Election Day; Apache County extends voting hours.” Candace French (’17), an attorney voting in Window Rock, was nearly turned away when she presented her Tribal ID at an Apache County polling site. Dolan was also interviewed by azcentral, detailing the issues reported to the Arizona Native Vote hotline.

“It’s a huge issue to be precinct-based, especially in rural parts of the county, and especially on tribal lands, because as we saw today, there’s just so much confusion. And so people don’t have gas money, they don’t have the time, they have to go back to work. And so if it was in the vote-center system, they could just go to any polling location and cast a standard ballot.”
Shandiin Herrera (Navajo Nation) Third-year law student and co-lead

Many Navajo voters attempted to vote but were unable to due to Apache County’s many systemic failings. The Navajo Nation successfully secured a court order to extend voting hours at nine polling sites where Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project volunteers observed these issues, as well as the locations where Navajo voters reported significant issues to the Arizona Native Vote Hotline. Herrera and Red Eagle defended voters’ rights to the extended voting hours against uninformed poll workers and police presence.

In an ASU News article, Herrera highlighted the extensive current voting barriers Native Americans face in rural communities.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all volunteers, advocates, allies and partners who served as Native Vote Protectors, working tirelessly to amplify Native voting power! This year, over 100 dedicated volunteers served as Native Vote Protectors, assisting voters across multiple polling locations in 12 Tribal communities: the Ak-Chin Indian Community, the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the Fort Mohave Tribe, the Gila River Indian Community, the Hopi Tribe, the Navajo Nation, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the San Carlos Apache Tribe, the Tohono O’odham Nation, the Yavapai-Apache Nation, and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. Thanks to your efforts, we were able to support voters both through the hotline and on the ground, addressing issues and ensuring that Native voters could exercise their fundamental right to cast their ballots.

This year’s Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project mighty team includes our Indian Legal Clinic third-year law students Garrett Bryan, Shandiin Herrera (co-lead), Imani Hicks, Morgan Oakes and Sadie Red Eagle (co-lead), under the supervision of Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, who ran the hotline with Democracy Director Joel Edman, Maya Araujo, Honore Callingham (’18), Torey Dolan (’19), Jordan Garcia (’23), Blair Tarman-Toner (’20) and Alexander Castillo-Nunez from the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona. 

Job opportunity: Reservation Attorney

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Tulalip Tribes
Tulalip, Washington, 

Description

The Reservation Attorney shall work with other Attorneys in the Office of Reservation Attorney to represent and provide legal counsel to the Tulalip Tribes government in all judicial and administrative forums and in the Tribes’ governmental and business relations with outside entities.  The Reservation Attorney should also be prepared to provide day-to-day legal counsel on all aspects of tribal governmental action.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

  • Providing legal services to the Board of Directors, Tribal government, Executive Directors, CEO’s, and various other departments, enterprises, commissions and committees.
  • Must be able to practice in the areas of, HR/employment, Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance, Housing, Education, and other duties as assigned, including representation in Tribal Court and Administrative Hearings.
  • Maintain the ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
  • To respond effectively to the most sensitive inquires or issues in a confidential, professional manner.
  • Write memos, correspondence and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
  • Make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to Tribal Leadership, management, public groups, and/or other governmental agencies.
  • Regular and satisfactory attendance and punctuality.
  • Other related job duties as assigned.

Salary is based on the number of years from passing the bar from any state but must become a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Tulalip Tribal Court Bar within 6 months of hiring.

See full job description.

Submit an application via the Washington State Bar Association website (even if someone you are not licensed in WA), or send a cover letter, copy of law school transcripts, and resume by email to Carson Cooper, Managing Attorney, at  carson.cooper@tulaliptribes-nsn.gov

Job opportunity: Indian Law Fellowship

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INDIAN LAW FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
BERKEY WILLIAMS LLP

2025-2026
Berkey Williams Indian Law Fellowship

Berkey Williams LLP seeks applicants for its one-year Indian Law Fellowship beginning September 2025. Our Fellowship program encourages recent law graduates to work in the field of Indian law and provides Fellows with opportunities to pursue a wide variety of projects in Indian Country. The Fellowship contributes to the development of the Indian law leaders of the future, whatever their career paths in the field might be.

About Berkey Williams
Berkey Williams is an intentionally small Indian law firm providing comprehensive legal services to tribal Nations and tribal organizations across the United States. The firm prides itself on many decades of collective experience championing tribal interests to protect and promote our clients’ legal, political, cultural, and economic rights. We maintain offices in Davis, California; Oakland, California; Washington, D.C.; and Syracuse, New York. We are a private law firm with a public interest focus, practicing primarily in natural and cultural resource protection, water and land rights, tribal sovereignty, self-governance, employment, health care and Indian child welfare. Additional information is available on our website: www.berkeywilliams.com.

About the Fellowship
The Fellowship offers a competitive salary, benefits, training, and the opportunity to work with experienced attorneys in a firm serving Indian Nations and organizations exclusively. The Fellow will be located in Davis and, over the course of the year, will work with each of the Firm’s partners in as many of our practice areas as possible. Fellows have contact with clients and typically engage in legal research and writing, historical research, litigation, and legislative advocacy, depending on client needs and the Fellow’s interests.

Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Applications are encouraged from recent law school graduates with a demonstrated commitment to Indian law. We give preference to candidates with personal or professional experience with Indian communities. We seek Fellows who bring a variety of experiences to the firm’s clients. High academic achievements are considered and weighed with other equally significant factors: personal accomplishments and experience, resourcefulness, creativity, commitment to promoting Indian sovereignty, and capacity to work conscientiously and independently. Membership in the California Bar, or willingness to obtain California Bar membership, is preferred.

Applying for the Fellowship
Interested law school graduates and 3rd year law school students should send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to Gloria Coronado, Administrative/ICWA Assistant, at gcoronado@berkeywilliams.com. No phone calls please. Deadline to apply has been extended to November 22, 2024.

Job opportunity: Staff Attorney

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New Mexico Legal Aid (NMLA) provides civil legal services to low income New Mexicans for a variety of legal issues including domestic violence/family law, consumer protection, housing, and benefits. NMLA has locations throughout the state including Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Gallup, Roswell, Silver City, Clovis, Hobbs, Las Vegas, Taos, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

For this position, the staff attorney will handle issue for eligible clients such as:

  • Eviction prevention
  • Eviction diversion
  • Habitability
  • Reasonable accommodations
  • Subsidized housing
  • Low Income housing Tax Credit
  • Other housing related work

The work will include:

  • Advising clients.
  • Helping them prepare paperwork.
  • Representing clients in court and in administrative proceedings.
  • Conducting community education and outreach to eligible clients and community organizations as necessary.

This attorney position is based in the NMLA Las office.

NMLA offers a very collaborative environment and support for less experienced attorneys. NMLA handles a wide range of creative, challenging and complex work. We are looking for highly motivated candidates who are passionate about and strongly committed to helping NMLA better serve our client communities.

Requirements:

  • Experience as a licensed attorney preferred, but exceptional entry-level candidates will be considered.
  • Admission to practice in New Mexico required.
  • Must be able to effectively use computer technology and remote communications systems, including shared on-line workspaces, web meetings and videoconferencing. software, to effectively collaborate and co-counsel with staff located in multiple offices.
  • Familiarity with Office365 is a plus.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and manage a caseload.
  • Able to build collaborative relationships with the staff in multiple offices and the community.

NMLA employees enjoy:

  • Being unionized
  • A great work environment
  • Great benefits including generous leave
  • Hybrid remote work schedule (3 days in office – 2 home office) available
  • Competitive salary

Applicants will be subject to a background check. Please do not let this deter you from applying. NMLA is committed to a strong workforce and recognizes that persons with marks on their record may still be able to perform admirably.

The position is part of a collective bargaining agreement negotiated by the union. Pay is determined by years of experience and set by a union scale outlined in the CBA (click here to view the salary scale). NMLA provides comprehensive benefits, holiday and leave packages. For information about NMLA’s generous benefits, and what it is like to work at NMLA click here.

Applicants must submit a current resume and a cover letter in order to be considered. Your cover letter should include the ways in which you satisfy the skills and qualifications specified above and explain your interest in this position and the mission of NMLA. Your application will not be considered unless we receive both of these documents. To apply click here. As an alternative, you can email the applicant packet to jobs@nmlegalaid.org.

Salary: DOE, NMLA is an EEO Employer. Application Deadline: 11/15/2024

Job opportunity: CTFC Fellowship

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California Tribal Families Coalition (CTFC) is honored to offer the San Manuel Tribal Advocacy Fellowship – a new post-graduation position for law students who have lived experience in tribal communities and a demonstrated interest in federal Indian/tribal law or child welfare. The Fellowship is a one-year position and will provide a competitive salary, student loan forgiveness as needed, and mentoring and training in Indian law, specifically in Indian child welfare work. Applicants must be planning to take the summer California Bar Exam and commit to the one-year position beginning in or around August.

The CTFC team focuses on high impact work, community driven needs identification with a focus on high needs stakeholders. We are looking for engaged and driven individuals that thrive in a collaborative environment, seek mentorship and learning and enjoy creative problem-solving.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The fellowship will commence approximately 1-2 weeks upon completion of the California State Bar Exam. Pending Bar Exam results, fellows are supervised and trained by a Senior Staff Attorney and work on a variety of projects related to the mission of the organization. Projects may include: research and writing about legislative efforts to improve Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) practice-related statutes (including topics related to education law, delinquency law, and child welfare); research and analysis related to CTFC lawsuits against state and federal agencies; assisting attorneys in preparing motions and pleadings for court; and preparing and presenting training materials on issues related to child welfare and litigation. Fellows will also receive hands-on mentorship from Senior Attorneys and complete approximately 7 weeks of California Dependency Attorney Training for Tribal Attorneys.

Upon passing the California Bar Exam, Fellows will become a licensed and practicing attorney for CTFC and will continue working under the supervision of a Senior Staff attorney. Duties will continue to include various projects as outlined above, but will also expand to case-specific work, including representing Tribes in child welfare dependency matters, appearing in Court, negotiating favorable outcomes for clients, and legally advising Tribal Social Service Agencies.

Compensation & Benefits:

The CTFC Fellowship is a one-year, full-time paid position. Work setting will be remote. Preferred start date is 1-2 weeks after completing the California Bar Exam in Summer of 2025, with some flexibility. 

  • Salary range including benefits: $68,000-$90,700 commensurate on experience, more details on benefits available upon request but generally includes health, dental, and vision insurance and access to a retirement savings plan.
  • Up to $10,000 available in student loan reimbursement
  • Up to $2,500 for bar preparation support between May-July 2025

CTFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Graduating Native Law Students are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply:

Applications will be accepted at fellowship@caltribalfamilies.org until 11:59 PM Pacific on Nov. 15, 2024. Graduates of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Law, where the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported Indian law instruction, will receive priority consideration. To apply, please send the following materials by the deadline:

  • Resumé
  • Cover Letter – the letter should address experience or education relevant to the position that is not reflected in the resumé, especially if there is a unique area of focus within the CTFC mission the applicant is interested in.
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation
  • Law School Transcripts
  • Writing Sample
  • Short answers to the following prompts:
  1. Please describe your interest and experience related to tribal communities.
  2. Please describe your interest and experience related to child welfare.

California Tribal Families Coalition staff will schedule virtual interviews with qualified applicants shortly after the close of applications. The Fellowship is a remote position with some travel required. If you have any questions, please reach out to CTFC Senior Staff Attorney, Jhette Diamond, at fellowship@caltribalfamilies.org.