11th Annual Indigenous Law Conference Explores Barriers in American Indian Education
Media Contact: MSU Law Indigenous Law and Policy Center
Director Matthew L.M. Fletcher
517-432-6909
matthew.fletcher@law.msu.edu
Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Kevin K. Washburn will serve as the keynote speaker for the 11th Annual Indigenous Law Conference to be held Nov. 20 at the Michigan State University College of Law.
This year’s conference “Dismantling Barriers in American Indian Education” includes a lineup of national and Michigan leaders addressing education issues facing indigenous people. Panel topics include:
- Boarding School and Intergenerational Trauma
- Historical and Legal
- Sovereignty and Education
- Youth Leadership and Outreach
- Higher Education Native Student Services
An executive of the U.S. Department of Interior, Washburn is an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma and is responsible for promoting the self-determination and economic self-sufficiency of the nation’s 566 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and their two million enrolled members. He is the former dean of the University of New Mexico School of Law and was the Rosentiel Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law.
Business meetings will be conducted on Friday, Nov. 21. The conference is free to MSU faculty, staff, and students; $35 for tribal education directors; and $75 for guests. Meals are included. Register here.
The conference follows a listening session by the U.S. Department of Education’s White House Initiative on American Indian and Alaskan Native Education at MSU’s Kellogg Center Auditorium on Wednesday, Nov. 19.
One of nine such events across the nation, the listening sessions are focusing on school environment issues -- bullying, student discipline and offensive imagery and symbolism. By gathering feedback, the organization will consider how it can inform future action to ensure Native American students receive a high quality education. Students are encouraged to attend and testify before the committee.
For more information, visit the MSU Law Indigenous Law Program website.
Updated November 12, 2014
