Empowering the next generation

Posted on November 27, 2024 by dwilliams

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.”

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.

Standing strong: The fight for fair Native voting rights

Posted on November 21, 2024 by dwilliams

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.

Five MLS students receive scholarships

Posted on August 16, 2024 by dwilliams

The Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs are pleased to announce the Master of Legal Studies scholarship winners for Fall 2024. Congratulations to Evalena Boone, Joseph Bryant, Talitha Ann Rose, Sandi Wilson and Thomas Yazzie!

We also thank the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians for their support, which allows us to offer this scholarship and supports the students’ goals of understanding legal issues and positively impacting Tribal interests.

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.

2023-2021 Indian Gaming and Tribal-Self Governance programs Year in Review

Posted on June 6, 2024 by dwilliams

Derrick Beetso (’10), Director Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance Programs at ASU Law, and Theresa Beaulieu, assistant director, collaborated with ASU Law faculty and staff for a “Take your kid to work day.” Children of all ages toured the law school, participated in a mock trial and received a behind-the-scenes look at the studios of the ICT Newscast, located at the ASU Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

In October, the Programs hosted a conference at the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Event Center at ASU California Center.

Along with Rodina Cave Parnall (‘01), director of the American Indian Law Center, Inc., Beaulieu presented a workshop, “Law School and Careers in a Nutshell” at the National Indian Education Association’s annual convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This interactive workshop helped students understand pre-law preparation, types of legal degrees and career opportunities.

The Programs also represented at the Arizona Indian Gaming Association’s annual Expo at Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino. Beaulieu met with those interested in the Master of Legal Studies programs.

“Professor Beetso enjoys getting students involved in Federal Indian Law projects outside of law school that have been very valuable to me,” said Chelsi Tsosie, JD ’24. “Together, we worked on an amicus brief for Arizona v. Navajo Nation and I would not have had an opportunity like that if he hadn’t reached out to students like me. While working with Professor Beetso on the amicus brief, my Graduations Writing Requirement paper and my paper for his DC Traveling Class, I found it much easier to understand his teachings and feedback about Federal Indian Law topics because of the connection we have to the same Nation. Collaborating on a common goal for our people and land with someone as successful as Professor Beetso was always inspiring and brought a lot of comfort to me when thinking about the impact of my writing and future career.”

Beetso facilitated the opening tribal leaders’ discussion at the inaugural Arizona Indian Gaming Conference hosted by the Arizona Department of Gaming, and Beetso also presented on the Department of the Interior’s recently finalized Tribal-State Gaming Compact regulations at the Western Indian Gaming Conference hosted by the Pechanga Band of Indians.

The Programs were also well represented at the 2024 Tribal Self-Governance Conference at the Wild Horse Pass Resorts & Casino. Jay Spaan, executive director of the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium and ASU Law faculty associate, hosted tribes from across Indian Country at this event.

“Professor Spaan went deeper into the content of the policy and had us review and research the policy, and how tribes are benefiting by providing services to their community,” said Kee Allen Begay Jr. (MLS ’24). “Having a professor who had ‘hands-on’ experience about a subject matter makes all the difference rather than teaching what a textbook is illustrating. I believe any future students seeking to learn more about Tribal Self-Governance, taking Professor Spaan class would be very beneficial.”

Beetso was joined by Francisco Olea (’22) and Jeannie Hovland, Vice-Chair, National Indian Gaming Commission to present on the topic, “What’s New with Gaming? Self-Regulation and Other Hot Topics.”

Beetso also presented with Beaulieu and Joey Dormady, assistant dean, Graduate Programs and New Education Initiatives about the Master of Legal Studies options available at ASU Law, including: Federal Indian Law, Tribal Self-Governance, Indian Gaming and Master of Human Resources and Employment Law. Participants explored multiple work scenarios related to Tribal Self-Governance where it would be helpful to have a greater understanding of the law.

Jennifer Boehm, a Master of Legal Studies student with a focus in Tribal Self-Governance, moderated the panel, “Self-Governance Basics at the Department of Transportation,” which featured Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs, Department of Transportation; Milo Booth, Tribal Affairs Director, Department of Transportation; and Eldridge Onco, Senior Tribal Affairs Advisor, Department of Transportation

We are proud of the 14 MLS students who graduated during the 2023-2024 academic year, specializing in Indian Gaming, Federal Indian Law, and Tribal Self-Governance. Congratulations to this year’s MLS graduates!

Kee Allen Begay, Jr, Navajo
Randy Bouchard, Cowlitz
Tracy Edwards
Elise-Alexandria Green
Ana Hernandez
Charles LaRoche, Lower Brule Sioux
Delban Leslie
Keely Marquez, Serrano
Rileyann Nallin
Jaylyn Parrent, Salish and Kootenai
Faron Scissons, Rosebud Sioux
Ashlee Swain Rios, Pomo
Maotheeker (Wealthy) Vue
Elizabeth Zingg, Ho-Chunk Nation

Twenty-six students are currently enrolled in these MLS programs. With the support of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the ASU Law’s Indian Gaming and Tribal Self Governance programs were able to support externship experiences for six ILP students. Kaleb Lester (3L) and Maryam Gary Nez (3L) worked at Salt River’s Prosecutor’s Office, Sophie Staires (3L) worked in the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and Elizabeth Zingg (MLS ’24) externed at for the Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium. Sam Phillips (2L) and Colten Fredericks (2L) are working this summer at the Office of Indian Gaming in Washington, D.C.

“I admire and appreciate the attorneys at the Office of General Counsel for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC),” said Gary Nez. “Throughout my externship this Spring 2024, their support, strong mentorship, and invaluable feedback have been instrumental to my growth. I appreciate the inclusive environment, and how the attorneys have allowed me to work on projects aligned with my interests. I’ve gained valuable insights into Indian Child Welfare (ICWA) work, which will undoubtedly shape my future career in this field post-graduation. I’m so thankful for their guidance and encouragement.”

ILC 2023-2024 Year in Review

Posted on June 5, 2024 by dwilliams

During the 2023-2024 academic year, 10 student attorneys worked nearly 3,300 hours for the Indian Legal Clinic led by Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, ILC Director and the Charles M. Brewer Professor of Trial Advocacy at ASU Law. Student attorneys collectively handled 39 cases covering a variety of areas of tribal, state and federal law. The ILC worked with clients to support voting rights, advocate for guardianships, defend against criminal charges, restore civil rights, assist with federal recognition, among other issues.

In addition to casework, ILC students develop practical analytical and trial advocacy skills through numerous class simulations. The simulations culminate in a full Tribal court civil mock trial to prepare students to become effective advocates for justice in their future careers.

Notably, the ILC welcomed Joel Edman as Democracy Director for the ILC’s Native Vote Election Protection Project. Also, the ILC welcomed Jordan Garcia (‘23) as the new ILC Fellow.

This year, the Indian Legal Clinic began an initiative led by Democracy Director Joel Edman to restore disenfranchised individuals’ civil rights, including the right to vote. In Fall 2023, ILC partnered with the Phoenix Indian Center and the Hopi Tribe to host Rights Restoration Workshops to offer free legal assistance with restoring civil rights after a felony conviction. In November, Student attorneys Maryam Gary Nez (’24), Clayton Kinsey (’24) and Natalia Sells (’24) traveled with Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Democracy Director Joel Edman to Kykotsmovi Village, Arizona on the Hopi Reservation to meet with the Hopi Chairman, Timothy Nuvangyaoma, and other tribal members to present information on rights restoration. During the workshops, student attorneys – notably Sophie Staires (’24) – presented information on the rights restoration process for single and multiple felonies, marijuana expungement and the set aside process.

ILC students frequently made appearances in tribal and state courts in fall and spring semesters. Alexandra Trousdale (’24), Maryam Salazar (’24), Clayton Kinsey (‘24), Natalia Sells (’24), Keely Driscoll (3L), Chelsi Tsosie (’24), Samir Grover (’24) all defended clients in Ak-Chin Indian Community Tribal Court. Staires nearly appeared in Traffic Court on behalf of the Gila River Indian Community, however, she supported prosecutorial discretion. Trousdale also had success restoring several clients’ civil rights and obtaining guardianship for a client in Arizona courts.

In February 2024, Grover and Kinsey traveled with Professor Ferguson-Bohnee to Louisiana to meet and update clients on their cases in-person.

More on the Indian Legal Clinic's work in the community:

+ Arizona Native Election Protection Project recap

+ Wills & Probate recap

2023-2024 ILC Wills and Probate recap

Posted on June 5, 2024 by dwilliams

The Indian Legal Clinic Wills and Probate continued estate planning for tribal citizens led by Professor Helen Burtis (’07) for the Fall 2023 semester. Clinic students Abigail Dood, Isabel Ramos, Kyle Bycroft, Michael Cunningham, Peyton Liang and Tori Stoldorf, plus returning students Christina Bustamante and Sierra Porritt assisted clients with the preparation of Indian wills and powers of attorney that conform to the requirements of federal, tribal and state law. The ILC students offered Wills and Estate Planning clinics for three Tribes: the Gila River Indian Community, the Pechanga Band of Indians and the Quechan Indian Tribe. The ILC partnered with Native Health Phoenix and hosted two seminars about estate planning and probate basics.

Two ILP students made a difference in Indian Country during Spring Break by participating in the Gila River Indian Community Estate Planning Event. First-year law students Sam Phillips (1L) and Colten Fredericks (1L) spent the week learning about estate planning and the American Indian Probate Reform Act before working with tribal citizens on wills and health care powers of attorney.

“I chose ASU specifically because it was important to me to have opportunities to serve Native communities while I was still in school,” said Phillips. “Even then, I thought I’d have to wait until my second year for experiential learning and providing legal services. The estate planning program gave me that opportunity much sooner than expected and gave me a better understanding of how overlooked some basic needs are in our communities. Being welcomed by the local Tribe and trusted with helping to protect an elder’s wishes was a very meaningful experience that taught me more than I expected. I’m very thankful to the Indian Legal Program for creating these opportunities and I look forward to serving with the estate planning program again in the future.”

In May, Burtis addressed tribal sovereignty as a panelist at the Arizona State Bar’s annual Advanced Probate seminar on Arizona and Tribal Probate law. ILP alums Chief Judge Anthony Hill (‘06) and Colin Bradley (‘14) were co-panelists.

This spring, Burtis presented on sessions on Advanced Care Planning for the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona’s Area Agency on Aging and the Gila River Indian Community’s Community Development Department. These sessions train caregivers and staff who work with caregivers about how health care powers of attorneys, advanced directives, financial powers of attorneys and last wills and testaments can help their clientele. Professor Burtis will present to both organizations again this summer.

2023-2024 Native Vote recap

Posted on June 5, 2024 by dwilliams

This year, Arizona Native Vote Election Protect Project prepped for the 2024 Elections. ILC students worked on many different voting rights and election issues: ballot collection, election protection, voter access, tribal authority and collecting spatial data used in our polling locator tool.

During the ABA Annual Meeting, Indian Legal Clinic Director Patty Ferguson-Bohnee led a discussion Perfecting Democracy: Pro Bono Opportunities and the State of Native American Voting Rights to encourage lawyers to volunteer during the 2024 election cycle. Ferguson-Bohnee and the new ILC Democracy Director Joel Edman participated in the Native American Voting Rights Coalition meeting in Washington, D.C., where Ferguson-Bohnee presented on case updates. The Indian Legal Clinic Native Vote Election Protection Team also submitted comments to the Arizona Secretary of State regarding Tribal provisions in the Election Procedures Manual, which was mentioned in The Arizona Republic article “Arizona Elections Procedures Manual criticized by Dems, GOP.”

On Sept. 19, ILC student attorneys celebrated National Voter Registration Day providing voter registration services to the ASU community at both the law school and the downtown ASU American Indian Student Support Services office.

In October, the ILC co-sponsored a convening focused on partnerships between Tribes and County elections officials, many of whom are were in their roles going into 2024. Ferguson-Bohnee provided an overview of tribal voting statistics and barriers documented in recent elections by Arizona Native Vote. ILC student attorneys Maryam Gary Nez (3L), and Natalia Sells (3L) and Edman helped the facilitation team to keep notes during regional breakout sessions. Our Arizona Native Vote team met with Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, as well as Pima County Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly, member of the Tohono O’Odham Nation, who shared her experiences as an elected official.

Governor Katie Hobbs approved a new Election Procedures Manual (EPM) on Dec. 29, 2023. The ILC provided analysis and recommendations to Tribal leaders throughout the EPM process. Successful advocacy from Tribal leadership led to new, robust EPM policies regarding Tribal consultation and language assistance, as well as guidance on poll worker training related to key issues impacting Native voters. At the January Native Vote Strategy Session, Ferguson-Bohnee updated Tribal leaders on the EPM and Edman gave a legislative update.

During Spring Break, the ILC welcomed Professor Marcy Karin from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) School of Law, along with her law students to gain insights into the voting landscape within Indian Country in Arizona. Additionally, they contributed to updating voting data presentations tailored to specific tribes in the state.

For Presidential Preference Election Day, the Arizona Native Vote Election Protection Project set up its command center in the ASU Indian Legal Clinic. Ferguson-Bohnee, Edman and student attorneys Keely Driscoll (2L), Samir Grover (3L), Clayton Kinsey (3L), Natalia Sells (3L), Alexandra Trousdale (3L) and Chelsi Tsosie (3L) were joined by Project partners to assist Native voters.

Preparing for 2024 election

Native Vote is now gearing up for the July primary and November general elections. We continue to share legislative updates and present on other voting-related topics during monthly Native Vote Strategy Sessions.

Arizona Native Vote Election Protect Project is calling for volunteers for Election Day, November 5, 2024.

ASU Law students sworn into local Tribal Court

Posted on March 18, 2024 by dwilliams

On Jan. 29, Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee and Indian Legal Clinic students Keely Driscoll (2L), Samir Grover (3L) and Chelsi Tsosie (3L) traveled to the Gila River Indian Community Courthouse in Sacaton, Arizona. Students were sworn into the Gila River Community Court by Chief Judge Anthony Hill (’06). Judge Charles Aragon led an informative tour during which the students met other judges and staff.

While touring the facility, students met GRIC prosecutors Ammon Orr (’16) and Carleton Giff.

As a first-time student attorney, Grover and Driscoll recently appeared before the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court in Maricopa, Arizona for hearings on behalf of clients.

“It gives me an opportunity to apply skills I have learned and engage in meaningful work that helps real people,” said Grover. “It also gives me an advantage once I actually become a lawyer. I am glad I got my first time representing a client at arraignment over with. Also, meeting with the client in-person prior to the arraignment and going over plea options was surreal. I felt like I’m finally engaging in the type of work I envisioned myself doing, especially by representing a client in the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.”

“Practicing in a tribal courtroom during law school has brought so much meaning to the concepts, rules and advice I’ve learned in classes so far,” said Tsosie. “I think because of that, I’m going to enter my future career as a more effective advocate than I would have without it. Not only that, the experience of observing Ak-Chin Indian Community implement its sovereignty through its court system was insightful. I’m thankful the Indian Legal Clinic has provided this opportunity to work with clients in a real impactful way.”

We appreciate the Gila River Indian Community Courthouse and Ak-Chin Indian Community Court for providing our law students with practical training to become effective advocates for justice.