A 3-day workshop for Tribal government officials about the law and policy affecting federally-recognized Indian nations and tribes.

Through a series of 50-minute sessions over two and a half days, attendees will learn about –

• Origins of tribal sovereignty, inherent rights of self-determination, and the relevance of treaties
• Federal Indian law fundamentals, including civil and criminal jurisdiction
• Defining Indian Country land status and #NDNLandBack efforts
• Taxation and tax status of tribal entities and tribal benefits
• Tribal business development, including business organization and tribal corporations
• Tribal constitutions and law reform
• Litigating breach of trust claims against the Federal government
• Tribal environmental protection and regulation
• Federal government relations advocacy and lobbying to promote tribal interests

Workshop presenters have a wide variety of experiences in tribal law, governance and business, as well as federal government advocacy, and will rely upon both traditional legal materials, current events, and analysis drawn from actual experience to illustrate relevant concepts. The format is interactive with opportunities to address questions, network with other participants and engage in discussions.

The Seminar host is Robert Odawi Porter, a former President of the Seneca Nation of Indians, and a Visiting Professor at Cornell Law School. Joining this year as featured presenters are attorneys from Lippes Mathias LLP, led by Bryan Shade, a former staff solicitor at the Department of Interior and Carol Heckman, a former federal magistrate judge and experienced litigator on behalf of Tribal governments. Also presenting is Todd Bertoson of the Capitol Hill Policy Group, a former Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee.

Who Should Attend

The workshop is designed for elected and appointed officials of federally-recognized American Indian nations and tribes, particularly those who are newly elected or appointed to office.

Registration

The cost to attend the Seminar is $1,500 per person. For registrations of three persons or more from a particular tribe, the cost is $1,250 per person. Registration is limited to 25 students.