A historic journey

Posted on November 25, 2024 by dwilliams

ILP students at the forefront of leadership and reconciliation

The Indian Legal Program (ILP) faculty, staff and students had the honor of attending a Welcome Reception on Oct. 24, hosted by Governor Stephen Lewis and the Gila River Indian Community. The event featured U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland as the special guest. During the reception, students had the incredible opportunity to meet Secretary Haaland, Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland and Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan.

The following day, Oct. 25, ILP students were invited to witness a historic moment: President Biden’s public apology to Native Americans on behalf of the federal government’s role in the Indian Boarding School system. This profound event took place on the tribal lands of the Gila River Indian Community. It was a remarkable opportunity for ILP students to be part of a pivotal moment in history, fostering healing and awareness for generations to come.

INSPIRE at ASU Law

Posted on July 20, 2024 by dwilliams

On June 19, 73 Native American high school students representing 22 Tribal Nations participated in the INSPIRE program and visited the law school to learn about the Native American Pathway to Law Initiative. ASU’s Office of American Indian Initiatives hosts the INSPIRE program annually, a week-long college readiness initiative for Native American high school students from various Arizona Tribes. Kate Rosier, ILP executive director, and Crispin South, second-year law student and president of ASU’s Native American Law Students Association, delivered presentations and facilitated mock trials where students argued their positions in the cases. Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, director of the Indian Legal Clinic, and Danielle Williams, communications specialist, distributed promotional items to the students.

We express out gratitude to the Office of American Indian Initiatives for continuing to provide this enriching experience.

Annual Celebration

Posted on April 12, 2024 by dwilliams

The Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference provides a distinctive opportunity for legal practitioners and advocates to convene and engage in comprehensive discussions concerning the future of Indian Country. It’s also a moment when we gather to recognize and honor Indigenous achievements.

The ILP community met at Sandia Resort for its 23rd annual Alumni & Friends Awards Ceremony & Reception. The evening was brimming with heartfelt messages and inspiring success stories as attendees celebrated this year’s award recipients. Brian Garcia (’20) was honored with the Alumni Service Award and Krystalyn Kinsel (’15) received the Emerging Leader Award. The reception also provided an opportunity for past participants of the Native American Pathway to Law program to connect and explore new opportunities.

At this year’s Federal Bar Association Indian Law Conference, three members of the ILP family delivered insightful presentations. Matthew Campbell (’08) spoke on a panel “Protecting Sacred Places– Shortcomings and Available Tools;” Rebecca Ross (’10) addressed “Case Law Developments in Tribal Nations’ Ability to Protect Their Interests Through Sovereign Immunity;” and Michael-Corey Hinton (’11) delved into “Representation Matters: Ethical Considerations in Representing Your Tribe.”

The National Native American Bar Association (NNABA) also held its annual meeting, followed by the Justice is Medicine Celebration and Awards Dinner. The first part of the meeting included a Voting Rights Summit coordinated by Blair Tarman-Toner (’21) and Torey Dolan (’19). During the summit, ILC Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee presented on the Arizona Native Vote Election Protection administered by the ILC. Ferguson-Bohnee, Campbell, Garcia and Professor Paul Spruhan presented on a panel “Preparing for 2024 Native Voting Rights Summit.” During the afternoon portion of the meeting, the Honorable Diane Humetewa (’93) spoke on “Pathways to the Federal Bench.” During the reception, Kate Rosier , assistant dean of community engagement at ASU Law and executive director of ILP, was honored with the inaugural Community Keeper Award.

It was a pleasure to reunite with everyone and celebrate our mighty Indian Law community, which is filled with remarkable advocates who are committed to public service, advancing opportunities for Indigenous law students and strengthening Native American representation in the legal field.

Tribal Justice

Posted on March 22, 2024 by dwilliams

ASU Native American Law Students Association and Law Journal for Social Justice joined forces to host a symposium on March 15. The Symposium of Tribal Justice informed the audience on Federal Indian law and Tribal Law and how Tribal Nations form and regulate their justice systems in alignment with both cultural values and protecting their communities.

Natalia Sells, a third-year law student, helped organize the event and explains the difference between Federal Indian law and Tribal law: Federal Indian law is the federal government constraining or relaxing the constrictions they have placed on a tribe’s inherent sovereign authority, whereas tribal law is the tribe exercising their inherent authority. Tribal law is important because it’s the tribe exercising their sovereignty and power for the benefit and protection of their people and could be aligned with cultural values.

Derrick Beetso (’10), professor of practice and director of Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs, presented on Jurisdiction in Indian Country, and Alfred Urbina, attorney general for the Pascua Yaqui Nation, presented on the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Presenters on the Tribal Judges panel included April Olson (’06), chief judge for Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, appellate judge for Hualapai Nation and appellate judge for Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Honorable Anthony Hill (’06), chief judge of the Gila River Indian Community Court.

“What I loved best was all the speakers are Indigenous attorneys working towards the mission of strengthening tribes,” said Sells. “The presenters are truly our role models about the good work our law degrees can accomplish in Indian Country. I had never considered it before until I had the opportunity to work for a tribal court and upon meeting Judge Hill. Judge Hill always spoke highly about the role a tribal court judge had in the community, especially when one is from the community. I see serving as a tribal court judge as a great way to help one’s community in providing a stable judicial system that upholds tribal law that was enacted with the people and culture in mind.”

We appreciate ASU NALSA, LJSJ and the Academy for Justice for organizing a great event!

Wiring the Rez 2024

Posted on February 6, 2024 by dwilliams

We hosted our 10th annual Tribal Government E-Commerce CLE Conference, Wiring the Rez, last week. Leaders, advocates and stakeholders from Tribal communities and beyond shared, discussed and celebrated together at Wild Horse Pass Resorts & Casinos.

This year featured a Tribal leader retrospective on e-commerce, a timely political update, current cybersecurity concerns and explored uses for AI in e-commerce. If you would like to suggest topics for next year, please let us know.

A big thank you to each of our esteemed speakers and sponsors for a successful turnout. See you next year!

Celebrating excellence, one award at a time

Posted on October 13, 2023 by dwilliams

The Native American Bar Association of Arizona (NABA-AZ) held its 2023 Annual Seven Generations Awards Dinner and Silent Auction and honored several of our ILP family. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients! ILP advisory council member Judith Dworkin received the Lifetime Achievement Award, Angela Willeford-Salazar (MLS ’23) with the Office of Congressional & Legislative Affairs’ Get Out the Vote Committee received the Community Leadership Award and Kiyoko Patterson (’03) received the Member of the Year Award.

Eleven ASU Native American Law Students Association (NALSA) students received the NABA-AZ Scholarship for their academic achievement. Congratulations to ILP students: Rachel Carroll (3L), Keely Driscoll (2L), Shandiin Herrera (2L), Clayton Kinsey (3L), Kaleb Lester (2L), Sadie Red Eagle (2L), Maryam Salazar (3L), Natalia Sells (3L), Ronnie Strode III (1L), Alexandra Trousdale (3L) and Makai Zuniga (2L).

The NABA-AZ are integral to student success and we appreciate their commitment to ILP students.

Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs hosts conference at ASU California Center

Posted on October 7, 2023 by dwilliams

On Oct. 4, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Event Center at ASU California Center hosted the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs to learn more about Trends in Indian Gaming. Participants were warmly welcomed by Chairwoman Lynn Valbuena from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Steve Bodmer (’06), from the Pechanga Band of Indians led the event discussing “Current Trends in Indian Gaming – A West Coast Perspective.” Third-year law students Maryam Salazar and Clayton Kinsey facilitated the next panel on the “West Flagler Litigation,” and they were joined by ASU Law’s Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Director Derrick Beetso (’10), Steve Hart from Lewis Roca and Timothy Evans from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

Christy Hubbard from Lewis Roca engaged the audience at lunch with “‘20 Pairs of Gladiators’ and JB Smoove Walk into a Bar in Pompeii . . . Sports, Gambling, & Advertising Law for Every Age (You’ve Come a Long Way Baby).” Salazar and Kinsey also facilitated the final panel, “Lessons from Lac du Flambeau,” and were joined by Ron Rosier (’95) from Lewis Roca and ASU Law Professor Laura Coordes.

Thank you to our speakers and host for a successful event. We appreciate the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians’ support of legal education for American Indians and Lewis Roca for sponsoring coffee.

For anyone who could not attend, a recording will be available on the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs website:
law.asu.edu/igg

Increasing Native representation at the American Bar Association

Posted on August 19, 2023 by dwilliams

At this year’s annual ABA meeting, lawyers and legal advocates gathered to support two prominent Native American legal warriors: John Echohawk (Pawnee Nation) and Mary Smith (Cherokee Nation.)

John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, received the ABA’s Thurgood Marshall Award for his service in protecting and fighting for the rights of Indian Country. Dallin Maybee (’11), NARF director of development, sang the honor song with Steve LaPointe.

Stacy Leeds, the first Indigenous dean at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, administered the oath ceremony for Mary Smith, the first Native American woman to lead the American Bar Association.

Congratulations to both John and Mary! Your leadership greatly bolsters Native Americans in the legal profession and strengthens Indian Country.

Indigenizing the legal profession

Posted on June 17, 2023 by dwilliams

The ILP teamed up with its Native American Pathway to Law Initiative partners – University of California, Berkeley School of Law’s Admissions Office, Michigan State University College of Law’s Indigenous Law and Policy Center and Pre-Law Summer Institute, and American Indian Law Center, Inc. – and hosted its ninth annual Pathway to Law workshop at ASU Law. The program brought together 43 Native American students representing 30 tribes to learn about the law school admissions process, and tools and resources to support their law journey.

Stacy Leeds, Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law, gave a warm welcome to the class, discussed brief Indian Law history, and shared her wisdom and tips. Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, ILP Faculty Director, also extended a hearty welcome to the students.

Wenona Singel, Professor of Law and Associate Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center at Michigan State University (MSU Law) presented “Indigenizing the Legal Profession” and provided insight on Native American lawyers in the United States.

Kristen Theis-Alvarez, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid at Berkeley Law, provided her expertise in several panels covering the law school admissions timeline and how to create a strong application packet.

To empower the students, Native law professionals Diandra Benally (’05), Torey Dolan (’19), Joseph Flies-Away (’04), Michelle Fox, Kiyoko Patterson (’03) and Denten Robinson presented on a panel “Why we need more Native attorneys.” Law students Gabe Dowell (2L), Keely Driscoll (2L), Shandiin Herrera (2L), Maryam Salazar (3L) and Berkeley Law 2L Robin Martinez shared their current experiences in law school during the panel presentation “Our journeys, in our own voices.” Both panel sessions were moderated by attorney Jeremy Aliason.

Simon Goldenberg (’17) and Cassondra Church discussed an overview of law school in their presentation “3 years in a Nut Shell.”

“One of the first courses you’re going to take in law school is Property Law,” said Professor Trevor Reed in his mock class. “It’s a complicated subject because it’s all about ownership.” Students were given cases to read and prepare for Professor Reed’s class and learned about briefing the case and best argument.

ILP Executive Director Kate Rosier and Theis-Alvarez co-presented “Choosing where to apply.”

During the Pathway to Law Workshop, Rosier joined Indian Country Today and talked about the history of the Native American Pathway to Law Initiative and positive outcomes of the program.

Rodina Cave Parnall, Executive Director of the American Indian Law Center presented on “Extending the pipeline: an intro to PLSI.”

Joseph Lindsay, Director of Admissions and Operations at Berkeley Law, presented “Financial aid: resources and considerations for Native law students.”

We appreciate all of the partners, ILP faculty, staff and alumni, attorneys and law students for supporting these motivated Native American students and their bright future.

This was the largest workshop to date, congratulations to the Pathway to Law national team: Cassondra Church and Wenona Singel, Indigenous Law & Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law; Joseph Lindsay and Kristin Theis-Alvarez, Berkeley Law; Rodina Cave Parnall (’01), American Indian Law Center, Inc.; and Kate Rosier, ILP at ASU Law.

2023 Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance program recap

Posted on June 5, 2023 by dwilliams

The mission of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs (the Programs) at ASU Law is to equip professionals with a background in federal Indian law through meaningful learning experiences, career development and exploration. This year, 25 enrolled students actively engaged in focused curriculum in Indian Gaming, Tribal Self-Governance or Federal Indian Law or Tribal Policy, Law and Government taught by Director Derrick Beetso (’10), Professor Michael Hoenig, Professor Jay Spaan and Professor Paul Spruhan.

In August, to kick-off the academic semester, the Programs hosted the webinar “Indian Gaming in Texas: A Discussion About a Recent Supreme Court Victory.” Beetso joined attorneys Brant Martin, counsel for Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, and Fred Petti, counsel for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, to discuss the recent 5-4 victory for the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo in a pivotal gaming dispute with the State of Texas before the United States Supreme Court.

In October, Beetso taught the Indian Legal Program’s (ILP) traveling class Federal Advocacy for the Tribal Client in Washington, DC. The class, held over the fall semester break, introduced 17 students to how federal Indian policy is shaped, moved, and implemented inside the Beltway. Students visited key offices and federal officials during their week in D.C., and local practitioners were gracious enough with their time and stopped by ASU’s Barrett and O’Connor Washington Center to share some practice tips. The fast-paced week ended with an amazing conversation between the students and ASU ILP alumni working in D.C.

On Oct. 22, the Programs helped support the democracy and self-governance of the Navajo Nation by moderating a presidential candidate debate in the W. P. Carey Armstrong Great Hall between the two final candidates running for President of the Navajo Nation: then-President Jonathan Nez and current President Dr. Buu Nygren. Beetso moderated the proceedings while Diné students and staff announced the questions submitted by the public. Many Navajo citizens living in the Phoenix-area attended this event and appreciated the law school’s support for Navajo democracy.

For Indian Legal Clinic Director and Associate Dean of Inclusive Excellence, Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Beetso, and several ILP students – Clayton Kinsey (2L), Maryam Salazar (2L), Natalia Sells (2L), and Chelsi Tsosie (2L) – the holiday season was synonymous with Indian water rights. Together, the team of Sun Devils filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Diné Hataałii Association in the U.S. Supreme Court case Arizona v. Navajo Nation. This effort required lots of research and writing in a short period of time, as well as visits to the Navajo Nation to discuss the case and the brief’s approach with the Diné Hataałii Association, Inc.

Beetso co-presented with Heather Whiteman Runs Him, director of the Tribal Justice Clinic at the University of Arizona, for a water rights discussion hosted by ASU’s Native American Law Student’s Association and the American Constitution Society that provided an overview of the Supreme Court case.

While teaching Indian Gaming iCourse, Faculty Associate Michael Hoenig was appointed as the new Vice President, Associate General Counsel – Gaming for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.

“Indian Gaming law is a rather complicated subject,” said recent online MLS graduate Edward Morris (’23). “Professor Hoenig somehow made all of this make sense. Indian Gaming II continued an exploration of the subject matter began in Indian Gaming I. Whereas Indian Gaming I was more of a survey course, in Indian Gaming II we were able to get ‘into the weeds’ of the topic. Specifics of auditing requirements and management contractual issues featured but we also delved into environmental laws and even regulatory efforts related to human trafficking. Professor Hoenig was perhaps the most professional of any of the excellent professors I’ve had at ASU. His opinions never entered the equation. This definitely was a course of law, not politics. That’s important because gambling as a topic and as an industry is very controversial, and the course could have developed in a different way.”

During the spring semester, Beetso had the opportunity to teach his first full-time courses: Indian Gaming and Indian Law and Taxation. “The opportunity to teach these classes hopefully provided more targeted education for our students in these niche areas of practice,” said Beetso. “A strong understanding of Indian gaming law and tax law and policy as applied to Indian tribes can go a long way for future attorneys working on behalf of tribal governments.”

For 2L Maryam Salazar, she liked the hands-on, practical approach to learning. The class toured the Desert Diamond Casino, an enterprise owned by the Tohono O’odham Nation in Glendale, Arizona.

“Having the opportunity to ask the gaming staff our questions, from the executive director to the machine technical staff, was really cool,” said Salazar. “I don’t think I’d get an opportunity like that outside of this class and I really took a lot away from it. Learning more about sports betting was the most interesting part of the trip for me.”

Visiting law student Morgan Gray recounts her first day of Indian Gaming class. “I recall Professor Beetso taking the time to ask me about myself, my interests, and my desire to spend a semester visiting ASU,” said Gray. “This simple gesture may not seem extraordinary to those familiar with the Indian Legal Program, but to a visiting student like me it left a lasting impact. Since then, Professor Beetso has offered me helpful advice, words of encouragement, and initiated connections with other professionals in his network currently working on projects of interest to me. While my experience is in no way unique (given that he provides each of his students such guidance and support) it is simply a testament to his commitment to help support and guide the next generation of advocates committed to serving tribal communities. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from an advocate and educator as passionate and dedicated to serving his community as Professor Beetso.”

Paul Spruhan, ASU Law’s Faculty Associate and Assistant Attorney General for the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, published his article “Tribal Labor and Employment Law: The Evolution of the Navajo Preference in Employment Act” in the Arizona Attorney Magazine. ASU online learners enrolled in his “Civil Jurisdiction in Indian Country” class, learned about what laws and regulations apply to civil conduct within Indian country. “I obtained perspective and an appreciation for the work he does for the Navajo,” said online MLS student Randy Bouchard. “His teaching method is incredibly engaging. He is a demonstrative lecturer, which leads to humor and engagement with the class.”

With a variety of offerings each year at ASU Law, the Programs offers both online or in-person curriculum. Every week leading up to her graduation, MLS student Mariam Valenzuela joined her online classes from Barrow, Alaska.

She enjoyed both classes – Tribal Self Governance I and Tribal Self Governance II – instructed by Faculty Associate Jay Spaan, Executive Director of the Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium. “I appreciate being taught by a Native professor about Indian topics,” said Valenzuela. “Professor Spaan is responsive, easy to understand, and knowledgeable about initiating tribal self-governance. He provides a perspective that encourages self-governance for the betterment of tribes and looks beyond agency barriers for solutions. My experience in Professor Spaans class has been valuable. The material taught in the Indian Legal Program is so relevant to tribes today that I have already applied what I have learned within my community. Quyanaq (Thank you) ILP for offering a Tribal Self Governance course!”

Finally, the spring semester marked the inaugural Yuhaaviatam of San Manual Externship Program. This paid externship program was made possible by the generous support of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and is intended to provide Native law students the opportunity to seek their ideal externship placements without worrying about whether they will be financially compensated by the employer. The first-year cohort included several recent graduates of the ILP: Chad Edwards, Brittany Habbart, Lena Neuner and Ravynn Nothstine. We looked forward to helping provide similar externship opportunities for our students in the near future.

This year, we recently graduated nine students representing 7 tribes: 8 MLS students and 1 LLM student. These students focused on Federal Indian Law, Indian Gaming and Sports Law and Indian Self-Governance. We are proud of our newly minted alums and congratulate them on their successes. This celebratory occasion was the perfect capstone to a great academic year.

All in all, the 2022-2023 academic year was full of productive and meaningful experiences and the Programs thanks the ASU Law community for its unwavering support.