How did I get started fighting for Tribal sovereignty

As outgoing Chair of the Oregon State Bar Indian Law section, I am often asked “How did I start to practice in this area of law?” Here’s a little of my history, starting at the Top of the World It’s hard to believe it’s been 9 years since I moved back to Portland after spending …

Recap: Pathways in Indian Law

Last week, the Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA), the Oregon State Bar Indian Law Section, and Davis Wright Tremaine hosted Pathways in Indian Law: Student & Professional Networking Event at DWT.  We had a great turnout! There were law students from Lewis and Clark and the University of Oregon, including NALSA members. We had legal professionals …

Pathways in Indian Law: Student & Professional Networking Event

Pathways in Indian Law: Student & Professional Networking Event Join Us for an Evening of Connections and Conversations Thursday, September 25, 2025 5:00 – 7:00 PM DWT Portland Office Lounge560 SW 10th Ave, Suite 700Portland, OR 97205 View invitation and RSVP   Davis Wright Tremaine, the Northwest Indian Bar Association (NIBA), and the Oregon State Bar Indian Law Section …

Comment deadlines

Two upcoming comment deadlines related to the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act: 1) For the Endangered Species Act, the Services have announced a proposed regulation to rescind the definition of harm. Comments are due May 19. Read more here. 2) For Tribes, there are upcoming consultation …

Tribal Sovereignty and Executive Orders

There has been a lot of action on behalf of Tribes and Tribal organizations to remind the Administration of the importance of Tribal sovereignty. Programs that support Tribal sovereignty and Tribal members are not part of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. The United States has a government-to-government relationship with Tribal entities. It has Treaty and …

Department of Interior’s Indigenous Knowledge Handbook

The U.S. Department of Interior has opened a comment period related to implementation of the Department of Interior’s Indigenous Knowledge Handbook. Comments are due January 8, 2025. The Department is holding three consultation sessions for Federally-recognized Tribes on December 9; Native Hawaii Community on December 10; and Alaska Native Corporations on December 13. The Department …

coffee, book, looking out the window

Access to Justice

I wanted to showcase two additional CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses that are available on-demand from the Oregon State Bar. ANCSA at 50 – This Seminar talks about the history of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act as it hit 50 years old. It also includes discussion of Alaska Native Corporations, and the Chehalis decision. …

Greetings from the Indian Law Section CLE

Thank you to everyone who made it out yesterday for “Connecting Community: A Gathering an Opportunity for CLE”. It was a great way to kick-off Native American Heritage Month. We had over 40 people in attendance, and had some great speakers. We were so busy connecting that we did not get good photos! Next time!  …