NABA-AZ – Ann Marie Downes – March 2014 Member Profile

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NABA-AZ is excited to present Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes as the March 2014 Member Profile.  Read below to learn more about this wonderful person. NABA-AZ is grateful she is a member of our organization.

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes currently serves as the Interim Executive Director of the Indian Law Program at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU. She recently completed a short term appointment as the Interim President of Little Priest Tribal College and has served in various administrative roles at the Indian Legal Program. Ann Marie has taught courses in Advanced Legal Research and Writing in Indian Law and co-teaches Contemporary Issues in Tribal Economic Development. Prior to joining the Indian Legal Program, she served as the Policy Advisor for Tribal Affairs to former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano.  Ann Marie previously served as president of Little Priest Tribal College located in Winnebago, NE. As President, she was responsible for the day-to-day administration and program implementation at Little Priest Tribal College and assisted the college in attaining 10 years of continued accreditation. During her tenure as President she was also a member of the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities.  In the early 1990’s she served as a Gaming Commissioner on the Hoopa Valley Tribal Gaming Commission and then for her own tribe’s gaming commission for a short time in 2000.  She is a member of the Little Priest Tribal College Board of Trustees and as a member of the Board of Directors for the tribal corporation, Ho-Chunk, Inc. She is an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.

Q&A

1.        Are you a native Arizonan? If not, where are you from? If so, have you spent a significant amount of time living somewhere else different from this state?

I am originally from Nebraska.  I grew up on the Winnebago reservation in northeast Nebraska and lived there until I left to attend law school at ASU. I have lived in both northern and southern California but have spent most of my life in either Nebraska or Arizona.

2.        How did you decide to become a lawyer? Did you always want to practice Indian law and/or work for a tribe? Why or why not?

I knew I wanted to be a lawyer at a very young age.  My tribe had been fighting to have a new IHS hospital built in our community for a number of years and every so often our tribal leadership would come to the public school on the reservation to encourage us to stay in school and get an education. They would regularly mention our fight for this hospital and would emphasize the fact we had treaty rights and sovereignty. I knew that these words, these concepts, had a meaning beyond what even my tribal leadership was expressing. I knew in order to learn more about these legal principles and to be an advocate like my leaders, I had to go to law school.  I never thought I would practice law. I was just looking for answers. My undergraduate degree is in 7-12 Social Sciences education so I thought I would be a social studies teacher and spend the rest of my time helping to fight to get resources to our community and to change the way people thought about my tribe. I’ll never forget the first week of my position as President of Little Priest. About my third day on the job I received a card from the tribal council inviting me to the groundbreaking for our new hospital.  It was a decades old fight, but we had finally won. 

3.        To date, what do you think is your most notable accomplishment – either legal or personal?

I am extremely proud of the work I did at Little Priest Tribal College. We completed an accreditation visit during my last year there and were awarded continuing accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. This work is a total team effort but I was a young professional with a very steep learning curve. To accomplish continued accreditation for my tribe’s Tribal College will forever be a highlight of my professional career.  In my personal life I am very proud of my family. My husband and I have worked very hard to create a marriage that is a partnership. My kids are successful and happy and I hope they see our marriage as a good model to emulate in their future relationships.

4.        Is there anything in your career that you have not yet accomplished that you have set as a goal for yourself? If so, what is that? If not, do you plan to retire at some point or try another career?

This is the toughest question for me. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve so much of what I set out to do. I work in Indian legal education, I get to teach, support students as they pursue their goals, work for my community by being on various boards and my family supports me and keeps me balanced. (Well, for the most part. Any working mom knows it is easier said than done!) So, I feel like new goals are a bit greedy. With that said, I do miss being in the classroom and hope I get opportunity to teach again soon. As a long term goal, I have recently considered going back to Nebraska someday and either working for our tribal economic development corporation or even running for our tribal council. 

5.        Why did you join NABA-AZ? What would you like to see the organization do or accomplish in the near and/or distant future?

I remember when the organization was first started and I was excited to see how it would grow. The website still has elements of those early days when my colleague and friend, Kate Rosier helped to develop the initial webpage. I think the organization has had tremendous growth in such a short time. There is an active and committed group of people who have really allowed the organization to make huge impact with limited resources.  In the long term, I think we want to be the organization that students and lawyers think of first when they are looking for a resource to help them connect with other lawyers in the field. Our activities should raise the visibility of Indian law and tribal law both locally and nationally, as well as highlight the number of great lawyers in Arizona who practice in that area.

6.        Do you have any advice for new lawyers? If so, what is it?

Find a good mentor and be patient. The role you are to play as a lawyer doesn’t always reveal itself the first, second or even third year out of law school.  Find someone who will help guide you both personally and professionally. Use your law degree to do good. 

 

Job Opportunities – The US Department of Labor

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The US Department of Labor, Office of the Solicitor, Fair
Labor Standards Division has two positions currently posted on USA Jobs.
One is for an Attorney at the GS-12/14 and the other, a Law Clerk,
GS-904-11.

Attached are the links for the two vacancies.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/364454400  Attorney

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/364455000   Law Clerk

Job Opportunity – Tribal Health Attorney – Anchorage, Alaska

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The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium anticipates expanding it legal team to support new and exciting initiatives to improve health care quality and access for Alaska Native patients and communities.  We primarily need additional legal expertise to assist with new and developing partnerships and transactions, medical staff issues, ACA issues, and regulatory compliance.

Ideal candidates will have at least seven years of experience in health law; an understanding of “Indian law,” the intersection between medical staff and employment issues, and government contracting; demonstrated experience working for complex clients in a team-oriented environment; exquisitely good judgment; and a talent for reconciling competing legal principles to help ANTHC find innovative ways to achieve its vision that “Alaska Natives are the healthiest people in the world.”

The Consortium works with Alaska’s Tribal health organizations and over 229 federally recognized Tribes to administer the Alaska Tribal Health System.  The Consortium partners with Southcentral Foundation to co-manage the 150 bed Alaska Native Medical Center, which is a Level II Trauma Center and has achieved Magnet status in recognition of nursing excellence.  ANTHC also provides community and environmental health services; constructs health clinics and water and sanitation systems in rural Alaska; develops and deploys telehealth technology; administers an epidemiology center; develops training for allied health providers; and provides technical assistance and support to other members of the Alaska Tribal Health System.

The Consortium’s main office is located in Anchorage, Alaska.  In accordance with federal law, ANTHC applies Native Preference in hiring and contracting.  Learn more about ANTHC at http://www.anthctoday.org/ and ANMC at http://www.anmc.org/.

For more information, please direct inquiries and resumes to Nacole Heslep, General Counsel at ndheslep@anthc.org with “Health Attorney G” in the subject line.

Ferguson-Bohnee receives national appointments from Lawyers’ Committee, ABA

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Patty Ferguson-Bohnee

Professor Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Faculty Director of the Indian Legal Program, was recentlyappointed National Commissioner for the Commission on Voting Rights by the organization Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under the Law.

According to the Lawyers’ Committee, the Voting Rights Commission is dedicated to the struggle to achieve equality and protect advances in voting rights for racial and ethnic minorities and other traditionally disenfranchised groups.

Ferguson-Bohnee was also recently appointed by the American Bar Association (ABA) to the Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice and named Vice Chair of the ABA’s Committee on Native American Concerns of the Individual Rights and Responsibilities Section.

Ferguson-Bohnee has substantial experience in Indian law, election law and policy matters, voting rights, and status clarification of tribes. She has testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and has represented tribal clients in administrative state, federal, and tribal courts, as well as before state and local governing bodies.

 

Reminder – ILP conference Sustaining the Reservation: Creating the Tribal Economies is this Thursday and Friday.

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Come hear our keynote speakers Kevin Washburn and Diane Enos!Reminder: Last day to register online at the regular rate is Tuesday 2/25 at 5pm…Regular Rate: $325.00
Walk-In Rate: $400.00 (day of conference by cash, check, or credit card)
Click here for more info and to register! http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/tribaleconomies/

Job Openings: Experienced Attorneys. U.S. Attorney’s Office – Arizona

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The United States Attorney’s Office
for the District of Arizona is seeking applications from experienced attorneys
for multiple Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) positions.

Justice seeks to attract, retain,
and promote individuals of exceptional ability and talent from all walks of
life. The work environment and atmosphere is open, diverse, collegial, and
inclusive. There are active affinity groups for African-American;
Asian-American; Hispanic; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT); and
Native American employees, which are open to all DOJ employees regardless of
background. Justice fosters a work environment where people of all backgrounds
and experiences may reach their full potential.

Thank you for your help in
disseminating these vacancy announcements.  These and other attorney
vacancy announcements can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/careers/legal/attvacancies.html.

Follow the links below:

U.S.
Department of Justice Assistant United States Attorney United States Attorney’s
Office District of Arizona Opening Date: February 12, 2014 Closing Date:
February 26, 2014 Vacancy Announcement Number 14-AZ-01

Date posted: 02-12-2014

United
States Attorney’s Office / District of Arizona / Opening date: February 14,
2014 / Closing date: February 28, 2014 / Vacancy Announcement Number14-AZ-02

Date posted: 02-14-2014

 

Sustaining the Reservation: Creating Tribal Economies Conference

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Monday – last day for online registration at regular or alumni rate!

Keynote Speakers:

Feb 27 – Kevin K. Washburn, Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs, DOI

Feb 28 – Diane Enos, President, Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community

PLEASE JOIN US!

February 27 – 28, 2014

Thursday, February 27th
Turquoise Ballroom – Memorial Union
Arizona State University – Tempe

Friday, February 28th
Great Hall/Armstrong Hall/College of Law
Arizona State University – Tempe

The extreme poverty found on most reservations today threatens their very existence as the permanent homelands of Indian families and tribal governments. As a consequence, improving economic conditions on reservations is one of the most important issues facing tribal governments and communities today.

Sustaining the Reservation: Creating Tribal Economies will continue the conversation and explore viable solutions how tribal governments and tribal citizens can create sustainable economies that will help them preserve their reservations as permanent homelands for their families, governments, and cultures.

This conference brings together cutting-edge scholars, tribal leaders, and officials, economic development planners, attorneys, and others to explore this important topic.

Who should attend? Tribal leaders and employees, attorneys, economic development planners, investors, and anyone who cares about the future of tribal communities.

Regular Rate:  $325.00 ends February 25, 5 p.m.
Walk-In Rate:  $400.00

May quality for up to 10 General CLE Credits for State Bar of Arizona, California and New Mexico MCLE Bar Association.

Click here for more info and to register!  http://conferences.asucollegeoflaw.com/tribaleconomies/

Job Opportunity – University of San Diego – Tribal Liaison/Professor of Practice

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The University of San Diego (USD) is a Roman Catholic institution committed to advancing academic excellence, expanding liberal, professional and scientific knowledge, creating a diverse and inclusive community, and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service. USD invites applications for the position of Tribal Liaison/Professor of Practice starting August 15, 2014. This is a full-time, benefit-based, 10-month position with two integrated areas of duties: half of the position serves as the University’s Tribal Liaison, supervised by the Associate Provost for Inclusion & Diversity; half as Professor of Practice, supervised by the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and the appropriate Department Chair.

 

The Tribal Liaison responsibilities include linking the University and its resources to the many tribal communities in its service area. Federally-recognized American Indian Tribes are considered sovereign nations, which underscores the need for appropriate interpretation of law and cultural protocol. Key responsibilities are becoming the campus expert in University and Tribal protocol issues, and developing and implementing programs, activities and networks that connect the University to urban- and reservation-based American Indian communities. The Tribal Liaison will advise on and implement best practices for the recruitment and retention of American Indian students, staff, and faculty at USD, function as a liaison between the campus community and American Indians and Tribal Nations in the larger San Diego County area and beyond, and work to build collaborative relationships among those entities. The Tribal Liaison will provide guidance and assistance to administrators, faculty and staff regarding tribal events, issues, educational needs, and protocol.

 

The Professor of Practice position is a non-tenure track instructional appointment in the College of Arts & Sciences. Responsibilities include: 1) teaching four courses per academic year; 2) holding one office hour per week per course taught; 3) performing departmental and/or college service duties as needed. Teaching duties include: designing syllabi and selecting instructional materials in coordination with the Chair; leading lectures and discussions, preparing and grading examinations, mentoring students in office hours, and assigning final grades.

A Master’s degree or equivalent in an academic discipline, with expertise in American Indian Studies, Ethnic Studies, or a relevant field required. A Doctoral or terminal degree preferred. This is a 10-month assignment paid over 12 months. For a full description of the position, qualifications, and other information, visit the University of San Diego Human Resources jobs website http://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/ and reference job number IRC#12831. Inquires should be directed to Esteban del Rio, Ph.D., Associate Provost, Inclusion & Diversity, at cid@sandiego.edu.

 

TO APPLY, complete BOTH of the following:

 

• Search IRC#12831 and choose the “Apply Now” button on the jobs website (http://www.sandiego.edu/jobs/) and follow instructions. If you have any questions or difficulties regarding the website, please contact the Employment Services Team at 619-260-6806, or email us at hr@sandiego.edu.

 

• Submit via email: 1) a cover letter that includes relevant teaching experience, research, and direct experience working with and in American Indian communities; 2) resume/vita; 3) sample syllabi; and 4) have three reference letters sent directly to cid@sandiego.edu by your recommenders.

Review of applications begins March 14, 2014 (review date extended). Priority will be given to those who apply before that date. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled.

USD is an Equal Opportunity employer, and is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community.