MSU Law Hosts 20^th Annual Indigenous
Law Conference

In the Castle Board Room of Michigan State University College of Law, a diverse group of 125 lawyers who represent Indian tribes and practice Indigenous law gathered for a two-day conference on current legal issues impacting Tribes and Tribal Governments on November 9-10, 2023. Hosted by MSU Law’s Indigenous Law and Policy Center (ILPC) and the Tribal In-House Counsel Association (TICA), and funded in part by generous donations from twenty-four co-sponsors including law firms and Indian tribes, the transformative event featured a prestigious lineup of speakers and leading In-House Counsel leaders working for Tribal self-governance.

Welcoming a full house to MSU Law, Dean Linda Greene applauded the work of TICA and its President, Doreen McPaul (Navajo Nation), and the ILPC and its Director, Wenona Singel (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians), and the members of the conference planning committee in presenting another stellar conference. “I am so proud of MSU Law’s long-standing relationship with TICA and Tribal Nations.” She pointed to the ILPC’s “long and successful history of supporting Native American and other students pursuing a law career and students interested in the Indigenous Law Certificate program.” MSU Law is recognized nationwide as a leader in Indigenous law programs and is the largest Indigenous law program east of the Mississippi.

Keynote Speaker Doreen Paul

Opening the conference was keynote speaker Doreen McPaul, who recently celebrated 10 years as the TICA President. She highlighted key milestones in the development of TICA that have elevated the organization’s prominence today as the key advocate for attorneys working in-house for Tribal Nations. An Indian law and Tribal law practitioner, Ms. McPaul was raised on the Navajo Reservation and understands the significant challenges encountered by Indigenous communities. This motivated her to pursue a legal career in Indian law to fight for equality and fairness in the law for all Native Americans and other underserved populations. She says that while working for Tribal clients, tribal attorneys have felt “the weight of our community on our shoulders…and this pushes us to be the best because our tribal clients deserve the best.” Ms. McPaul’s keynote also addressed lessons she’s learned about the importance of humanity, connection, service, and wellness for attorneys working in Indigenous law.

Panel discussions followed focusing on Indian Law cases decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022; with emphasis on the precedent-setting Haaland v. Brackeen, which confirmed the constitutionality of the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act. Panelists included MSU Law Director of Clinics, Kathryn Fort (MSU Law ’05); Department of the Interior Policy Specialist, Meghan Bishop (Sugpiat/Native Village of Afognak); and Senior Associate, Jenner & Block, Lenny Powell (Hopland Band of Pomo Indians). The panel discussed this and two other cases and how these decisions impact future work assisting Tribes in Indian Child Welfare Act cases.

Complementing this panel was a session on the ongoing cases before federal courts from the in-house counsel perspective and any lessons learned that may be impactful during the 2023 term. Panelists included Solicitor General, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe; Caleb Dogeagle (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe); Deputy Director, Native American Rights Fund, Matt Campbell (Native Village of Gambell); and Senior Attorney, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Ryan Mills (also enrolled, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians) (MSU Law ’14). Both panels were moderated by Harry Burns Hutchins Collegiate Professor of Law, Michigan Law School, Matthew Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians).

The final panel for day one emphasized In-House Legal Department Management and presented best practices for managing departments and providing Tribal clients with superior services. Panelists were Tribal Attorney, Southern Ute, James Washinawatok II (Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin); Diversity, Leadership, and Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Rory Gilbert; and General Counsel, Tule River Indian Tribe, Charmaine McDarment (also enrolled, Tule River Indian Tribe). Serving as moderator was Government Relations Advisor, Direct Relief, Kimberly Dutcher (Navajo Nation).

Day two featured two MSU Law Students, 2L Rory Wheeler (Seneca Nation), President of the MSU Law Native American Law Students Association (NALSA), and 3L Collin Banghart (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians), Secretary of NALSA. Both served as moderators for the morning panels on Lawyer Professionalism and Attorney Wellness.

Closing the conference was the final panel of judicial luminaries who provided their perspectives as Native judges on strengthening Tribal advocacy. Moderating the panel of judges was the ILPC Director, Professor Singel. The federal and state court judges included United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, Lauren King (Muscogee (Creek) Nation); Michigan Court of Appeals Judge, Allie Greenleaf Maldonado (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians); and Minnesota Court of Appeals Judge, Sarah Wheelock (Meskwaki Nation (Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa)).

Titled “Native Judges’ Perspectives on Tribal Advocacy,” the panelists shared multiple forms of advice for Tribal attorneys litigating cases in tribal, state, and federal courts. The primary goal of this dialogue was to strengthen Tribal advocacy and representation, fostering a more collaborative and respectful legal landscape.

“This conference is incredibly unique because it is completely led by lawyers who work directly for Tribes, in-house. These people are incredibly diverse, and the work they do is multifaceted. They work on environmental issues, healthcare issues, economic issues and more,” said Professor Singel. She says its important to increase awareness of the unique legal landscape faced by Native American communities and the vital role legal professionals play in helping Indigenous populations and Tribal governments address the myriad legal complexities of Tribal self-governance.