NABA-AZ Golf Tournament

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All,

I would like to thank everyone for the great show of support to make this year’s Native American Bar Association of Arizona Golf Tournament a success. I want to remind everyone that the tournament is this Sunday March 22, 2009 at the Whirlwind Golf Club in Chandler starting at 1pm. This event is sponsored by the Gila River Indian Community, with support from the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community and Fennemore Craig.

I have attached a registration form for anyone who would like to come out and support our organization that has not already registered for the event. This year’s event contests and prizes include:

1. A long drive contest with 2 tickets to a major sporting event (MLB, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, PGA or NBA).

2. A closest-to-the-pin contest with a prize of 2 tickets to an MLB, NFL, NHL, NASCAR, PGA or NBA event.

3. Four first place prizes consisting of a 4 day/3 night vacation package including Vegas, Orlando and Hawaii.

4. Four second place prizes consisting of a 3 Day/2 Night Vacation Package including Hawaii, Orlando and Vegas.

5. A fully-insured $50,000 Shootout. If a player makes the shot, we pay the $50,000 prize. (FOR THE 1ST 4 GOLFERS THAT REGISTER FOR THE SHOOTOUT)

6. A “Guaranteed Winner” Putting Contest with a 5-Day Carnival Cruise for 2 as the prize.

7. An “Outdoorsman” Hole-in-One Prize Package. (ON EACH PAR 3)

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions or concerns, I look forward to seeing you all out there and having a great tournament!

Best,

Steve

Steve M. Bodmer
Rosette & Associates, PC
565 W. Chandler Blvd., Suite 212
Chandler, AZ 85225
Phone: 480.889.8990
Mobile: 480.241.4701
Fax: 480.889.8997

Gathering of Visions

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Good afternoon,

The Native American Heritage Preservation Coalition has organized an event this Saturday to honor my mother, the late Jean Chaudhuri. While I have not been directly involved in the organization, the family is very appreciate of the efforts of the volunteers of this event and I would like to invite you to share the day with us. The honoring ceremony will be a part of a larger agenda for Indigenous Peoples Day, of which is also attached. Please feel free to forward this invitation to any individuals or community organizations that may be interested.

The event has been named the GATHERING OF VISIONS. This event will recognize her major contribution toward preserving the former PhoenixIndianSchool for the Native Community. It will be held in the Historic Memorial Hall at the new Steele Indian School Park from noon until 3:30 on Saturday, March 14, 2009 (enter on Indian School Road just East of Central Avenue, Phoenix).

Please see the attached letter from the chairman of the Native American Heritage Preservation Coalition, Benjamin Chee, for more information about the day.

I hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Jonodev Chaudhuri

Jonodev O. Chaudhuri
The Chaudhuri Law Office, PLLC
405 W. Southern Ave., Suite 2
Tempe, AZ 85282
Office: (480) 264-3315
Direct: (480) 264-3321
Fax: (480) 264-3319
Mobile: (480) 216-9483
jchaudhuri@chaudhurilaw.com

ASU Law Journal publishes most Indian Law articles

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From Professor Fletcher’s Blog – Turtletalk. Arizona State University Law Review has best Indian Law publishing record.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Wanna know who publishes Federal Indian Law papers, and who doesn’t? Bet you probably already knew….

http://turtletalk.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/federal-indian-law-in-general-law-reviews/

Matthew

Matthew L.M. FletcherAssociate Professor, MSU College of LawDirector, MSU Indigenous Law Centerssrn: http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=383355bepress: http://works.bepress.com/matthew_fletcher/blog: http://turtletalk.wordpress.com/NDNLAWPROF hosted by the University of Arizona’s IPLP Program since 2009

Speaker Morgan Thanks Nakai (’03) for Services

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Speaker Morgan thanks Katosha Nakai for services to the Navajo Nation

Nakai becomes policy advisor to Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer

PHOENIX — The Honorable Speaker Lawrence T. Morgan thanked Katosha Nakai, lobbyist for the Navajo Nation, during a special recognition gathering held in her honor at the Lewis & Roca LLC law firm on March 4. Nakai, an attorney, was recently selected by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer as her policy advisor for tribal affairs — a position previously held by Marnie Hodahkwen under former Gov. Janet Napolitano’s administration. Nakai (NAAH-KYE), Choctaw from Oklahoma, has been working with the Navajo Nation since 2005 as the lobbyist and liaison between the Navajo Nation and the state of Arizona, including the governor’s office. One hallmark project she was instrumental with was the $2 million appropriation for Dilkon District Court. The $2 million was split into two appropriations — $1 million in 2006 and another in 2007. It was nearly a year ago that the Judiciary Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new multi-purpose building. The building was made possible through a collaborative effort between the state of Arizona, the Judiciary Committee, the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the Navajo Nation — a project that received matching funding from the tribe. Construction is currently in progress for the facility and will be ready by this summer. The 14,000 square-foot facility, designed to reflect Navajo customs, is being constructed on 2.3 acres on the corner of milepost 55 on Navajo Route 15 in Dilkon, Ariz. Nakai was very influential in securing funds for the facility with Arizona Sen. Albert Hale (D-Window Rock) and former State Rep. Albert Tom (D-Chambers) spearheading the funding request from the state of Arizona. Speaker Morgan said, “Mrs. Nakai has been extremely influential in securing vitally needed funding for the Navajo Nation — we are thankful for her services. The Navajo Nation will look forward to continuing its working relationship with Nakai and Governor Brewer’s administration.” Kee Allen Begay Jr. (Many Farms/Round Rock), appointed by Speaker Morgan to serve on the Intergovernmental Relations Committee task force on state affairs, worked with Nakai on various issues affecting the Arizona portion of the Navajo Nation. “I express my sincere appreciation for Mrs. Nakai’s tireless work on behalf of the Navajo Nation, especially our Legislative Branch,” Begay said. “Nakai advocated for the Nation on all issues with the Arizona State Legislature and with the governor’s office. She served Navajo unquestionably above what was requested of her — she helped to make our Dilkon District Court a reality.” Nakai is a graduate of Arizona State University College of Law and currently resides in Phoenix with her husband Errol Nakai (Navajo) and their two daughters.

JOB: Ak-Chin Chief Judge position

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Job Announcement
#ACIC-09-11

Job Title: Chief Judge
Salary: $87,988 – $100,557 per annum
Reports to: Community Council
Supervises: Clerk of the Court, Bailiff, Probation Officers, Deputy Court Clerk, Secretary

Summary: Under general direction, presides over the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court and administers its overall functions. This is treated as FLSA exempt position.

Minimum Qualifications: Prior experience as a Judge preferred. Experience equivalent to seven years full time criminal justice, law enforcement, or closely related work, at least two years of which included supervisory/managerial responsibilities. Juris Doctorate degree from an ABA accredited university. Must be licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona, or the ability to acquire Arizona Bar Certification within one (1) year from date of hire. Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license and be insurable under the Community’s insurance carrier (no DUI/DWI convictions within the last three years.) Must successfully complete and pass a background check.

Preference will be given to qualified Community members, then to qualified Native Americans, and then other qualified candidates. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or other non-merit factor. Applicants wishing to claim Indian Preference must submit a Certificate of Indian Blood or proof of tribal enrollment at the time of application.

Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Presides over trials, arraignments, and sentencing’s at the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court, including informing defendants of their rights, charges, and penalties, hearing pleas/motions, setting trial dates, hearing testimony, evaluating the facts of the case to determine guilt/innocence, determining the legal disposition of the case, and imposing the appropriate sentence.
2. Reviews/approves pre-trial settlements/agreements.
3. Adopts and amends local rules of practice to facilitate the orderly operation of the Court, so long as the rules are consistent with applicable law.
4. Creates, reviews and issues a variety of Court orders/documents, including bench warrants, subpoenas, orders to show cause, and formal decisions.
5. Identifies and develops programs that provide alternative methods for the resolution of civil disputes and adopt such rules to govern the alternative dispute resolution programs so developed.
6. Identifies and develops diversion programs for adult and juvenile offenders, for purposes of rehabilitation, and adopts rules to govern the diversion programs.
7. Trains/coordinates professional development of subordinate staff.
8. Reviews/evaluates staff annually.
9. Develops/administers the Judicial Tribal Court Services Department budget.
10. Reviews/revises policies/procedures to ensure the efficient operation of the Ak-Chin Indian Community Court.
11. Makes regular and special assignments of the pro tem judges, including the assignments of cases.
12. Exercises general supervision over all Court personnel.
13. Prescribes the powers and duties of the Clerk of the Court, in addition to those as may be prescribed by law.
14. Other job related duties as assigned.

Other Requirements:
· Must adhere to the Ak-Chin Indian Community Law & Order Code.
· Knowledge of the Arizona Revised Statutes and other State, County, and Federal laws/ordinances, and Indian case law.
· Knowledge of legal reference resource materials.
· Ability to quickly acquire knowledge of the culture, customs and traditions of the Ak-Chin Indian Community.
· Knowledge of general judicial proceedings and processes, including arraignment, conducting trials, deciding points of law, and determining appropriate sentences.
· Knowledge of general Court operations, policies, and procedures.
· Knowledge of general criminal justice system operations.
· Knowledge of general office administration/management principles and practices, including budgeting and employee supervision and training.
· Knowledge of the information/documents to be contained in Court records/case files.
· Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other criminal justice system staff, Community officials, offenders from all socio-economic backgrounds, other Court staff, attorneys, and the public.
· Skill in evaluating the facts of a case and determining the appropriate actions to be taken.
· Skill in preparing a variety of narrative and statistical reports, including summaries of Court activities.
· Skill in interpreting and applying complex laws, statutes, ordinances of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, State, County, and Federal governments and agencies.
· Skill in listening to a variety of court cases with impartiality.
· Skill in planning, coordinating, and reviewing the work of subordinate staff.
· Skill in preparing a variety of narrative and statistical reports, including budgets and summaries of Court activities.

Closing Date: Open Until Filled. To be considered for this position, please submit a complete and signed Ak-Chin Indian Community job application (additional resume optional), a 39-month driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, proof of tribal enrollment if claiming Indian Preference and copy of DD214 if claiming Veteran’s Preference to:

Human Resources Director
Ak-Chin Indian Community
42507 W. Peters and Nall Road
Maricopa, AZ 85238

Email: resumes@ak-chin.nsn.us
Website: www.ak-chin.nsn.us

Faxed and incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Ak-Chin Indian Community is a smoke-free and drug-free workplace

NALSA Moot Court Teams

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The NALSA students just returned from the National NALSA Moot Court in Colorado. Both of our teams (Nikki Borchardt & Brian Lewis and Dan Lewis & Liz Nazari) did well during their first two rounds, but unfortunately, neither team advanced to the Sweet Sixteen Round. Dan Lewis, 2L, took home an award for 3rd Place in the Best Oralist Category. I’m very proud of the competitors! They all worked very hard and represented us well.

Carcieri v. Salazar

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Court rules for state in American Indian land case
The Associated Press
Tuesday, February 24, 2009; 10:12 AM

WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court has limited the federal government’s authority to hold land in trust for Indian tribes, a victory for states seeking to impose local laws and control over development on Indian lands.The court’s ruling Tuesday applies to tribes recognized by the federal government after the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act.The U.S. government argued that the law allows it to take land into trust for tribes regardless of when they were recognized, but Justice Clarence Thomas said in his majority opinion that the law “unambiguously refers to those tribes that were under the federal jurisdiction” when it was enacted.The ruling comes in a case involving the Narragansett Indian Tribe in Rhode Island and a 31-acre tract of land.The case is Carcieri v. Salazar, 07-526.

JOB: GRIC Prosecutor III

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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

PROSECUTOR III
$75,161 per annum (DOE)

DEPARTMENT NAME AND NUMBER RECRUITMENT OPENS AND CLOSES
Law Office/Criminal Division 2009-136-A February 19, 2009 to February 25, 2009

(Location: 151 S. Bluebird Rd., Sacaton)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The Prosecutor III represents the Community in the litigation of the more complex criminal complaints, enforcement of the civil code, mental health proceedings, etc. and works with the US Attorney’s Office to ensure serious crimes are federally prosecuted. The Prosecutor III will assist in training of the junior prosecuting attorneys.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
· Represent the Community in special prosecutions, high profile cases, complex criminal complaints, civil code enforcement (i.e., trespassing, environmental, archeological, etc.,), mental health cases, and matters of special public interest.
· Represent the Community in multidisciplinary meetings with the US Attorney’s Office to ensure serious crimes are federally prosecuted.
· Conduct legal research, analysis and document production related to the litigation of criminal and civil cases in the Community courts.
· Draft legal pleadings for the Community in criminal and civil cases.
· Gather and analyze evidence in criminal and civil cases.
· Maintain case files, calendars and databases for criminal and civil cases.
· Assist in the development, revision and modification of the Community’s laws, resolutions and ordinances.
· Represent the Community at meetings, court proceedings and other functions.
· Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY:
· Knowledge of civil and criminal law, procedure and appellate process;
· Considerable knowledge of and experience in application of principles of jurisprudence and legal analysis, including a background in and knowledge of Federal Indian Law;
· Considerable knowledge of Tribal and non-Tribal criminal law, the Arizona Revised Statues, the United States Code and case law;
· Extensive experience with and knowledge of tribal governments and Tribal court jurisdiction and operations;
· Ability to exercise sound judgment, work both independently and in intensive concert with others;
· Ability to clearly and successfully articulate ideas and logical analysis both orally and writing;
· Ability to maintain effective working relationships with people of varied economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds;
· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, Community Officials and the general public;
· Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position;
· Must acknowledge and agree to maintain a Drug-Free Workplace as a condition of employment with the Gila River Indian Community;

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Juris Doctorate Degree from an accredited law school; minimum of five (5) years experience as a licensed attorney with specialized and significant experience as an attorney in criminal and/or civil litigation, including trial experience with specialized experience in Federal Indian Law; a member in good standing of the Arizona State Bar or a State Bar.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Certification as a Special Assistant United States Attorney within a timeframe acceptable to the General Counsel.

If not licensed, must be willing to take the Arizona State Bar exam within one (1) year of employment.

Valid state driver’s license with proof of driving record for the past 39 months will be required to qualify for a tribal driving permit. Proof of driving record must be submitted with application.

OVERTIME STATUS: Salaried
SUPERVISORY STATUS: Supervisory
REPORTS TO: General Counsel or Designee

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified Indian candidates in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Section 472 and 473). The Gila River Indian Community is also committed to achieving the full and equal opportunity without discrimination because of Race, Religion, Color, Sex, National Origin, Politics, Marital Status, Physical Handicap, Age or Sexual Orientation. In other than the above, the Gila River Indian Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If you are claiming Preference Points in one or more of the following categories please attach a copy of the required documentation to the completed Employment Application.

· Six (6) preference points for Community Members (with proof of enrollment)
· Three (3) preference points for Native Americans (must meet membership requirement of an established Tribe)
· One (1) preference point for Spouse of Community Member (with proof of spouse enrollment)
· One (1) preference point for Veteran (must meet statutory requirements)

DEADLINE: Employment Applications are available at all District Service Centers, the Human Resources Department and online at www.gilariver.org. Employment Applications must be received in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm on the closing date.

TO AVOID DELAYS, APPLICATIONS CAN BE MAILED OR FAXED TO:
Gila River Indian Community, Human Resources Department
Post Office Box 97
Sacaton, Arizona 85247
Fax: (520) 562-9809