CURRENT EVENTS

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PAST EVENTS

Tribal Court Training Programs for Court Administrators and Court Clerks
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Training for Court Administrators/
Court Clerks Session: September 10-12, 2012

This training will cover the basic skills of court administration. Topics include: record development and case management; docket scheduling; financial management; related policy and procedure manuals; and ethics. New administrators and clerks who complete this course will understand their role and responsibilities in the case process. Experienced administrators and clerks will enhance their skills.

Training descriptions and registration form-click here.
An agenda is available here.

Training Site: All sessions will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) National Indian Program Training Center (NIPTC) at 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM.

Meet & Greet with PLSI and NA-PLUS Students and SWITCA Quarterly Meeting

Friday, June 22, 2012
9:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
UNM School of Law

The American Indian Law Center’s Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) invites our SWITCA judges to welcome the PLSI Class of 2012! The PLSI is an 8-week Indian legal education program aimed at preparing Indian students to succeed in law school. Each year we invite tribal judges to have an informal discussion with the PLSI students about the important work of tribal courts and to provide personal advice to Indian law students interested in working in tribal judicial systems. Some of the PLSI students have commented in the past that the meeting with tribal judges has made quite an impression on them, as they begin their law school education.

The LSAC DiscoverLaw.org PLUS Program is sponsoring the Native American Pre-law Undergraduate Scholars Program (NA-PLUS) at the University of New Mexico School of Law. This is a four-week program for Native American students entering their sophomore or junior year of college in fall 2012 who would like to explore law as a possible profession. NA-PLUS is a unique program that includes: • Coursework focusing on Indian Law and Native legal issues; • Career and academic advisement in planning an undergraduate program and beyond; • Workshops outlining the law school admission process; • Visits to tribal, state and federal courts and law firms practicing Indian Law; • Mentoring from Native lawyers and law students; •The opportunity to develop relationships with Native students from across the country

Draft agenda available here.

Fundamental Knowledge & Skills for Tribal Court Prosecutors
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Session: June 13-15, 2012

Topics include: basics of criminal law and procedure; introduction of evidence; examination of witnesses and trial preparation. New prosecutors who complete this course will be able to prosecute cases from start to finish, and will understand the responsibilities and protections under ICRA. Enhanced prosecutors will enhance their skills.

Training descriptions and registration form-click here.
Click here for the updated draft Agenda.

Training Site: All sessions will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) National Indian Program Training Center (NIPTC) at 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM.

Fundamental Knowledge & Skills for Tribal Court Judges
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Session: April 24-26, 2012

This training will cover the basic skills required for conducting trials.  Topics include: courtroom management; basic evidentiary rulings; ethics and demeanor; due process; equal protection; sentencing; and other substantive law.  Breakout sessions and demonstrations will be conducted to provide opportunities for judges to practice and receive feedback.  New judges who complete this course will be able to conduct criminal trials from start to finish; will understand the responsibilities and protections under the Indian Civil Rights Act (ICRA); and will gain an understanding of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TLOA).   Experienced judges will enhance their courtroom skills.

Training descriptions and registration form-click here.
Agenda is available here.

Training Site: All sessions will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) National Indian Program Training Center (NIPTC) at 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM.

PLSI Four-Year Reunion

Calling all PLSI Alumni from the Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992 & 2002!

Heidi Macdonald from the American Indian Law Center is working on a Four-Year Reunion Dinner for the PLSI Classes of 1972, 1982, 1992 and 2002.

We are very pleased to offer such an exciting event, and hope you can join us for your PLSI class reunion dinner! The PLSI Four-Year Reunion Dinner will be held the night before the Federal Bar Association's 37th Annual Indian Law Conference on April 18, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Gabriel's Restaurant. This PLSI class reunion dinner will give you the chance to catch up with old friends and meet new ones! We will have Sam Deloria, Helen Padilla, Heidi Nesbitt and as many of your professors as we can muster to attend.

The American Indian Law Center is also pleased to announce the creation of the "PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund." During the PLSI Reunion Dinner this year, the alumni of each of the four classes will have the opportunity to contribute to the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund. Any contributions for the PLSI Alumni Scholarship Fund will ensure future generations of Native students are able to experience PLSI as we did. Most alumni have acknowledged the importance PLSI has played in their lives and the foundation it created for their legal careers. During PLSI, many reached new goals, met some of their best friends, and learned where passion and perseverance can take them. If you are a member of one of the PLSI Classes (1972, 1982, 1992, and 2002) and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Heidi Macdonald at (505) 277-5462. Thank you for your continued support!

When: April 18, 2012, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Gabriel's Restaurant, 4 Banana Lane,
Santa Fe, NM (short distance from Buffalo Thunder Casino & Resort)

Program can be found here.

Photographs: If you have any pictures from when you were in PLSI or from your law school years of you and your PLSI classmates, please send them to us! All the pictures we receive, plus your class pictures, will be displayed during the Reunion. Please e-mail them to Heidi Nesbitt or mail them to the American Indian Law Center at ATTN; PLSI Reunion, P.O. Box 4456, Albuquerque, NM 87196. We will hold originals for you and return them.

Tribal Court Training Programs for Court Administrators and Court Clerks
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Training for Court Administrators/
Court Clerks
Session: March 26-28, 2012

This training will cover the basic skills of court administration. Topics include: record development and case management; docket scheduling; financial management; related policy and procedure manuals; and ethics. New administrators and clerks who complete this course will understand their role and responsibilities in the case process. Experienced administrators and clerks will enhance their skills.

Training descriptions and registration form-click here.
Agenda is available here.

Training Site: All sessions will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) National Indian Program Training Center (NIPTC) at 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The First Thirteen - Personal Reflections of the Argument



Sponsored by: American Indian Law Center, Inc. | New Mexico Indian Bar Association | Indian Legal Program - Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law at Arizona State University | Law & Indigenous Peoples Program at the University of New Mexico School of Law

When: Friday, March 16, 2012

Where: University of New Mexico School of Law,
1117 Stanford Dr. NE, Room 2401,
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001

Symposium Overview: The First Thirteen Native attorneys who argued before the U.S. Supreme Court will be coming together to discuss their experiences in this history-making symposium. All thirteen attorneys have been invited and thus far eleven have committed to participating in this once-in-a-lifetime event. Dale White will interview them about their preparations, the day itself, and the impact on their careers and on Federal Indian Law. This is a rare opportunity that may never be repeated, so you don't want to miss it! Proceeds will go to fund the Pre-Law Summer Institute for American Indians and Alaska Natives (PLSI).

Flyer: The flyer for this event is available here.

Agenda: The agenda for this event is available here.

Program: The program for this event is available here.

Registration Fee: $199 beginning March 1. Law student rate is $30. Fee includes March 15th reception, symposium, materials, lunch and six (6) general CLE credits.

Reception: Park Inn by Radisson, 2500 Carlisle Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. The NM Indian Bar Association (NMIBA) is hosting the reception from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

5th Annual Tribal Leadership Conference: TRANSITIONS

When: February 27-29, 2012

Where: Hard Rock Hotel & Casino,
11000 Broadway SE, Albuquerque, NM

Who Should Attend: Tribal Leaders, Key Tribal Administrators, Executive Staff, Tribal Court Judges, Tribal Court Administrators/Clerks and other key staff new to their positions.

Topics Covered: Issues impacting tribal governments and Native Americans with compelling sessions will engage participants in a discourse on federal Indian law and policy, the Tribal Law and Order Act, infrastructure and economic development, federal budget processes, among other topics to become effective leaders and advocates for their communities.

Agenda: Agenda available here.

Registration Fee: $200 after February 10, 2012. Registration fees are refundable until February 17, 2012. Limited scholarships available.

Registration Form: Available here.

Program: Available here.

SWITCA Fall Quarterly Meeting
Friday, November 18, 2011
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Santa Claran Hotel and Casino, Española, NM
The registration form are available here. The agenda is available here.

Tribal Court Training Programs for Administrators and Court Clerks
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic

Training for Administrators/Court Clerks
Session: September 12-14, 2011

This training will cover the basic skills of court administration. Topics include: record development and case management; docket scheduling; financial management; related policy and procedure manuals; and ethics. New administrators and clerks who complete this course will understand their role and responsibilities in the case process. Experienced administrators and clerks will enhance their skills.

Training descriptions and registration form-click here. Agenda available here.

Training Site: All sessions will be held at the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) National Indian Program Training Center (NIPTC) at 1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Bldg. 1011, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI)
When: June 1-July 29, 2011
Where: UNM School of Law
PLSI Website Link

Meet and Greet with PLSI, NA-PLUS Students and SWITCA Quarterly Meeting
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
When: June 24, 2011
Where: UNM Law School, Albuquerque, NM
Who: Tribal judges, tribal leaders, and tribal court staff.
What: The Native American students in this year’s PLSI class are in their second week of the program. Tribal judges, tribal leaders, and tribal court personnel are invited to share their perspectives on the important work of tribal courts. Students will benefit from this rare and valuable opportunity to learn about tribal judicial systems and from the advice and encouragement given by respected tribal leaders and judges.

Summer Policy Academy
When: June 15, 2011
Where: UNM School of Law
When: Summer Policy Academy (SPA) is a Leadership Institute program designed for NM High School juniors and rising seniors. SPA convenes students for intensive sessions that focus on leadership, public policy, and community issues. The training that SPA students receive equips these youth to become advisors of policy within their respective communities.
Santa Fe Indian School Website

Native American Pre-Law Undergraduate Scholars Program (NA-PLUS)
When: June 5-July 2, 2011
Where: UNM School of Law
What: The NA-PLUS is a four-week program for Native American students entering their sophomore or junior year of college in fall 2011 who would like to explore law as a possible profession. This unique program offers students: 1) three academic courses focusing on Indian law and Native legal issues; 2) career and academic advisement in planning an undergraduate program and beyond; 3) workshops outlining the law school admission process; 4) visits to tribal, state and federal courts and law firms practicing Indian Law; 5) mentoring from Native lawyers and law students; and 6) The opportunity to develop relationships with Native students from across the country. The AILC and the UNM Law School are partners in the administration of this program.
UNM Website: http://lawschool.unm.edu/na-plus/index.php

Tribal Court Training Programs for Judges, Prosecutors, Administrators, and Court Clerks
offered by the American Indian Law Center and the UNM Law School's Southwest Indian Law Clinic and the Institute of Public Law

When: Spring 2011
Where: BIA Tribal Court Training Center,
1011 Indian School Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM
Agendas for: Judges Session 1, Prosecutors, Court Administrators/Court Clerks, and Judges Session 2

TRANSITIONS 2011
When: March 3-4, 2011
Where: Tamaya Hyatt Resort, Santa Ana, NM
Program: The program can be found here.
Agenda: The agenda can be found here.

SWITCA Fall Quarterly Meeting
Friday, November 19, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Route 66 Casino / Hotel, Laguna Pueblo, NM
Agenda can be found here.

Native American Pre-law Undergraduate Scholars Program (NA-PLUS)
When: June 6-July 3, 2010
Where: UNM School of Law
What: The NA-PLUS is a four-week program for Native American students entering their sophomore or junior year of college in fall 2010 who would like to explore law as a possible profession. This unique program offers students: 1) three academic courses focusing on Indian law and Native legal issues; 2) career and academic advisement in planning an undergraduate program and beyond; 3) workshops outlining the law school admission process; 4) visits to tribal, state and federal courts and law firms practicing Indian Law; 5) mentoring from Native lawyers and law students; and 6) the opportunity to develop relationships with Native students from across the country. The AILC and the UNM Law School are partners in the administration of this program.
UNM Law School Website: http://lawschool.unm.edu/na-plus/

Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI)
When: June 2-July 30, 2010
Where: UNM School of Law
PLSI Website Link

Meet and Greet with PLSI Students and SWITCA Quarterly Meeting
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
When: June 18, 2010, 9:45 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: UNM Law School, Albuquerque, NM
Who: Tribal judges, tribal leaders, and tribal court staff.
What: The Native American students in this year’s PLSI class are in their second week of the program. Tribal judges, tribal leaders, and tribal court personnel are invited to share their perspectives on the important work of tribal courts. Students will benefit from this rare and valuable opportunity to learn about tribal judicial systems and from the advice and encouragement given by respected tribal leaders and judges.
The SWITCA Quarterly Meeting will include an Indian case law update on New Mexico v. Harrison, (decided in the NM Supreme Court on June 8, 2010) - regarding jurisdiction of state officers to search Indians in Indian Country, among other pertinent cases for tribal courts, and other recent cases.


Tribal leaders, tribal council members, judges, and key executive staff from the Southwest gathered to share insights, strategies, and information on some core challenges facing tribal governments and leaders. Our compelling sessions and distinguished speakers will engage participants in thinking about the directions tribes can take that lead to success.
DOWNLOAD FINAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
When: March 22-23, 2010
Where: Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & Spa, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Who Should Attend: Tribal leaders, tribal council members, tribal administrators/executive staff, judges, and tribal court staff. Our conference is especially geared for participants from the Southwest Region including: New Mexico, Arizona, southern Colorado and west Texas.
Topics: Sovereign immunity, federal Indian law and policy, tribal codes and court development, rights-of-way and lease agreements, environmental justice and advocacy, tribal infrastructure and economic development, Indian case law update, among other topics.
Thank you to our conference sponsors, PNM and the NM Gas Co., for your support!

Tribal Governments Invited to Meet with U.S. State Department on Human Rights
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
PRESS RELEASE
When: March 16-17, 2010
Where: March 16th at UNM Law School, NM; March 17th at Window Rock, AZ
What: The American Indian Law Center and the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission invite you to an Indian Country listening session with the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies to discuss human rights in the United States.  This meeting will specifically focus on the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). The UPR is a process which reviews the human rights records of all 192 member States of the United Nations every 4 years.  The United States is one of the States under Review in 2010.

Understanding the New Mexico AIR QUALITY Permitting Process Training for Tribal Communities
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
What: Understanding the New Mexico AIR QUALITY Permitting Process Training for Tribal Communities
When: Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 8:30 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Where: AMERIND Risk Management, Corp.,  Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Who Should Attend: Tribal Leaders and Council Members, Tribal Natural Resources and Environmental Directors and Staff, Interested Community Members

Understanding the New Mexico SOLID WASTE Permitting Process Training For Tribal Communities
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
When: Tuesday, November 24, 2009, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Isleta Casino & Resort, Rio Grande Room, Isleta Pueblo, NM
What: This is a free training for tribal governments on understanding the New Mexico permitting process as it relates solid waste.  The purpose of the training is to introduce tribal leaders, tribal environmental directors, and interested tribal members to the complex state permitting and public participation processes.  The goal is to increase involvement of tribal communities in these processes, as well as to promote environmental justice, public health, and cultural resources protection for tribal communities. 

This training will focus on solid waste permitting and enforcement.  Subsequent trainings will focus on air quality and a final executive session will be geared specifically to tribal leadership to be held during the AILC’s TRANSITIONS conference in early 2010. 

Tribal environmental and natural resources staff are encouraged to attend these trainings as they will provide useful information on the permitting process, practical application to tribal environmental issues, and environmental justice for tribal communities.

The New Mexico Environment Department is partnering with the AILC for these important trainings.

Understanding the New Mexico WATER Permitting Process Training For Tribal Communities
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
PRESS RELEASE
When: September 10, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Big Rock Casino Event Center, Espanola, NM
Who Should Attend: Tribal Leaders and Council Members, Tribal Natural Resources and Environmental Directors and Staff, Interested Community Members
What: The purpose of the training is to introduce tribal leaders, tribal environmental directors, and interested tribal members to the complex state permitting and public participation processes.  The training session goal is to increase involvement of tribal communities in these processes, as well as to promote environmental justice, public health, and cultural resources protection for tribal communities.  The New Mexico Environment Department is partnering with the AILC for this important training.

Our first state permitting training will focus on water.  Subsequent training sessions will focus on solid waste, air quality, and a final executive session will be geared specifically to tribal leadership to be held during the AILC’s TRANSITIONS conference in early 2010.  We hope that you will encourage your tribal environmental and natural resources staff to attend these trainings as they will provide useful information on the permitting process, practical application to tribal environmental issues, and environmental justice for tribal communities.

SWITCA-PLSI Meet & Greet and 2nd Quarterly Meeting
DOWNLOAD FINAL AGENDA
When: June 19, 2009, 10:00 am- 3:00 pm
Where: UNM School of Law
What: The AILC’s Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI) invites you to welcome the Class of 2009! The PLSI is an 8-week Indian legal education program aimed at preparing Indian students to succeed in law school. Each year, we invite tribal judges to have an informal discussion with the PLSI students about the important work of tribal courts and to provide personal advice to Indian law students interested in working in tribal judicial systems.

Following the morning session, a luncheon will be provided.  In the afternoon, we will have our quarterly Southwest Intertribal Court of Appeals (SWITCA) meeting and training session.

1st Annual Forum on Land Into Trust Process
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs
When: April 30, 2009
Where: BIA National Indian Program Training Center, Albuquerque, NM
What: The Forum presented an opportunity for tribal leaders and representatives, BIA staff, and DOI solicitors to provide feedback on the Handbook's operation and to begin general discussions regarding execution of land into trust processes.
Background: On May 20, 2008, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) released a Handbook on the Acquisition of Title to Land Held in Trust or Restricted Fee. Tribal leaders and representatives were asked to review the Handbook and to identify areas requiring further discussion.

This Forum was facilitated by the AILC and will serve as a repository for information related to the Forum.
Comments: Submit your feedback regarding the Handbook to the AILC.
P.O. Box 4456
Albuquerque, NM 87196
Agenda
Tribal Leader Letter (April 6, 2009)
Tribal Leader Letter (October 3, 2008)
Fee to Trust Handbook

2nd Annual Tribal Leaders Conference
"Transitions: Building Stronger Tribal Governance"
DOWLOAD FINAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM
When: February 22-24, 2009
Where: Isleta Hotel & Convention Center, Isleta Pueblo, NM
Who Should Attend: This conference is specially designed for tribal leaders, judges, administrators, law enforcement, and other key personnel to learn about federal Indian law and other processes useful to tribal governments. The goal is to give a “jump start” to tribal administrations to be even more successful in leading their tribal communities in the next year.
Special Event: The AILC had the honor of hosting a panel of former assistant secretaries for Indian Affairs at the 2009 Transitions Conference. To see the video of the panel, "Federal Indian Policy in the New Administration."
Click here: VIDEO OF PANEL DISCUSSION
What: Panel on Federal Indian Policy in the New Administration
Moderator: Sam Deloria, former Deputy Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Interior. President of the Board of Directors for AILC and Director of the American Indian Graduate Center.
Panelists: Carl J. Artman, former Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the U.S. Depratment of Interior. A Partner at the law firm Godrey & Kahn, S.C.
Thomas W. Fredericks, former Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Interior. A Partner at the law firm Fredericks, Pelcyger & Hester, LLC.
Kevin Gover, former Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs for the U.S. Department of Interior. Director of the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian.

1st Annual Tribal Leaders Conference
"Transitions: Leadership in Indian Country"
When: March 13-14, 2008
Where: Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM
Who Should Attend: This conference is specially designed for tribal leaders, council members, judges, court administrators, court staff, tribal program directors, law enforcement, detention and public safety staff and other key personnel new to their positions to gain useful information and skills to become effective leaders and advocates for their tribal communities. The conference also provides an opportunity for returning tribal leaders to deepen their understanding of federal laws and processes useful to the administration of tribal governments. Presentations and workshops will cover such topics as federal Indian law, commercial law, criminal jurisdiction, tribal-state relations, understanding the federal budget process, and tribal court jurisdiction to name a few.
DOWLOAD FINAL CONFERENCE AGENDA

The Future of Reserved Water Rights
The Winters Centennial: Will Its Commitments to Justice Endure?
When: June 9-12, 2008
Where: Hyatt Regency Tamaya, Santa Ana Pueblo, NM

One hundred years after the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Winters v. United States established a right to water to support Native American.and federal.reservations, is there enough water to fulfill the promise of Winters? Many cases that would define Indian and federal water rights have not been settled and others have not yet been filed. Further, the federal funds that have been an important part of past successful settlements are not being made available even for pending cases. This symposium will provide a history of the Winters case, take a hard look at the current state of the doctrine, and foster a dialogue on fair and equitable resolution of pending and future claims.

Presented by The University of New Mexico School of Law Utton Transboundary Resources Center and The American Indian Law Center, Inc. at Hyatt Regency Tamaya Resort Santa Ana Pueblo, on the Rio Grande north of Albuquerque.

We are grateful for support from The Healy Foundation, The McCune Charitable Foundation, The State Bar of New Mexico, Section on Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law, and the Rocky Mountain Mineral Law Foundation.

The program has been approved for up to 13.70 CLE credits.

The program can be found here.
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"The Future of Indian and Federal Reserved Water Rights -- The Winters Centennial" publication order form can be found here.

Also, it is available for Kindles as an ebook:  
http://www.amazon.com/Future-Indian-Federal-Reserved-ebook/dp/B008F3OKYG/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1340807661&sr=1-2&keywords=Future+of+Indian+and+Federal+Reserved+Water+Rights+Cosens