Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum elects new leaders
During its fall meeting October 19-20, the Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum (“Forum”) named Chief Judge Carol Montavon Bealor, of Cass County Courts, and Chief Judge Hannah Bobee, of the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians Tribal Court, as its new co-chairs for a three-year term.
Chief Justice Megan K. Cavanagh is the Michigan Supreme Court liaison to Tribal courts and serves on the Forum. “Chief Judges Bealor and Bobee perfectly exemplify the Forum’s commitment to justice and collaboration between Tribal, state, and federal courts,” she said. “The relationships built through the Forum help us all better understand one another’s legal systems, strengthen cooperation across jurisdictions, and ensure that we are serving Michigan’s families and communities as effectively and fairly as possible.”
The new co-chairs succeed outgoing co-chairs Chief Judge Jeffrey Nellis, of Mason and Oceana County Courts, and Chief Judge Angela Sherigan, of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court. Other Forum business discussed during the meeting included matters related to the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and the Michigan Indian Family Preservation Act (MIFPA) and ways to continue fostering collaboration between the court systems. Forum members attended a film screening of “Aanikoobijigan [ancestor/great-grandparent/great-grandchild],” which won the 2026 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award.
The Forum was co-founded in 2014 by late MSC Chief Justice Michael F. Cavanagh and Tribal Court Judge Michael Petoskey and was formally established through a Naakonigewin (Charter). Among other issues, the group provides an ongoing venue for judges from all three jurisdictions to improve working relations and communication on child welfare issues involving Native American children and families in a way that is culturally sensitive and appropriate.
The group consists of judges from each of Michigan’s 12 federally recognized Native American Indian Tribes, 12 state court judges, and federal court judges and officials.
Section conducts Fall Seminar with look at AI Nov. 20
The Negligence Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, in conjunction with Michigan chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates, will present its 2026 Fall Seminar.
“AI Lab for Lawyers & Judges: Exploring What’s Possible with AI” will take place Friday, November 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the MSU Management Education Center 811 West Square Lake Road in Troy.
To register for the seminar, visit https://connect.michbar.org/neglaw/home.
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