By Jake Jenkins
MSU?Law
More than 100 attendees from tribal nations gathered in late November at MSU College of Law for the 19th Annual Indigenous Law Conference. The 2-day conference, hosted by MSU’s Indigenous Law and Policy Center (ILPC) and Tribal In-House Counsel Association (TICA), featured panel discussions and presentations.
“It’s wonderful to have our community together again,” said Wenona Sigel, ILPC director and Associate Professor of Law. “It’s so great to see our alumni of the center, current students, and practitioners of Indian law working together to address the most difficult problems in this area of law.”
The ILPC established the conference in 2003. In 2015, TICA joined in as a partner.
“This partnership is at the heart of what we do,” said Doreen McPaul, president of TICA. “I remember coming to one of the conferences in the past and proposing a partnership with ILPC. It has grown and has been incredible. We are grateful.”
Peter Ortego, general counsel for the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe of Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, gave the keynote address.
“Indian law is not an isolated bubble,” Ortego said. “It’s open to all – even if, like me, you’re not a Native American. If you want to be involved in Indian law, don’t be discouraged.
“I am honored and proud to be a tribal representative. I believe in what they’re doing.”
Kate Fort, MSU director of Clinics and director of Indian Law Clinic, presented a summary of the oral arguments in the Haaland v. Brackeen case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fort was in court on Nov. 9 to observe the opening of the Indian Child Welfare case, for which she co-wrote the brief.
Other panel discussions included Labor and Employment law; Fiduciary Governance and Best Practices for Tribal Investment Stewards; Basics of Engaging with Tribal Clients; Tribal Consultation and Environmental Justice; Imposter Syndrome, Elimination of Bias, and Tribal In-House Practice; and National Tribal Opioid Litigation.
Other MSU students and staff moderators include: Jamie Williams; Collin Banghart; and Cassondra Church, Legal Counselor for ILPC.
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