Native American Tribal Claims and
Federal Jurisdiction
An In-Depth Analysis of the Indian Tucker Act

March 4, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Castle Board Room
Live Stream also available

Minnesota CLE Credits Approved: 2 hours

Course Description
Native American Tribes and Nations are self-governing sovereigns that exist simultaneously within the United States, yet separate and apart from many Federal and State laws and institutions. This panel explores the unique claims of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the Tribes, Nations, Pueblos, and Rancherias to which many belong. Specifically, it will analyze the Indian Tucker Act and its implications on Native American tribal claims within the United States. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the jurisdictional scope and the substantive legal principles underlying tribal claims against the federal government within the United States Court of Federal Claims.

Attendees will delve into the complexities of tribal claims and fiduciary duties, while examining the historical context and legal frameworks that underpin these disputes.

Kathryn Fort, Clinic Director, will provide introduction and welcome. This panel of participants will include Judge David A. Tapp of the United States Court of Federal Claims; Dondrae Maiden, Director of the Indian Trust Litigation Office, Department of Interior; Frank Singer, senior litigation counsel with the Environment and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, representing the Defendant’s perspective; and Thomas Peckham of Nordhaus Law Firm, LLC representing the Tribal Plaintiffs’ perspective.