The Indian Legal Program and Tribal Self-Governance Program brought together Tribal leaders, federal officials, practitioners and scholars from across Indian Country for the webinar, “Governing for the Future: Building the Next 50 Years of Tribal Self-Governance,” on Dec. 11. The event commemorated the legacy of Tribal self-governance while exploring the opportunities and challenges that will shape its future.

Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes (’94), distinguished public service fellow and professor of practice at ASU Law, opened the webinar with a thoughtful reflection on the history and evolution of Tribal self-governance, setting the stage for a forward-looking discussion. Derrick Beetso (’10), executive director of the Indian Gaming and Tribal Self-Governance programs and professor of practice, moderated a distinguished panel featuring W. Ron Allen, chairman of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe; Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, chairwoman of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah; Jason Bruno, director of the Office of Self-Governance at the U.S. Department of the Interior; Benjamin Smith, deputy director of the Indian Health Service; and Jay Spaan, executive director of Tribal Self-Governance and adjunct faculty at ASU Law.

Together, the panelists shared insights drawn from decades of experience in Tribal governance, federal policy and self-determination. The discussion highlighted the progress achieved under Tribal self-governance, reflected on lessons learned over the past five decades and examined strategies for strengthening Tribal sovereignty and nation-building for generations to come.