Basic Indian Law & Sovereignty for Tribal Officials, Elders & Youth

Course Description

This conference is dedicated to all past and present tribal leaders that have stood for the sovereignty of their tribes and will include panel discussions with tribal youth and elders, including tribal officials. *Tribal youth between the ages of 15 & 20 will be charged a nominal fee of $75.00 and all elders from the age of 70 years and older will be allowed to participate for a book charge of $25.00. We hope we can make this an annual event to educate and assist tribes in developing strong policies that protect tribes for generations to come.

Scheduled Seminars

There are no scheduled events for this seminar

Course Content

HISTORY OF AMERICAN INDIAN LAW

The Colonial period
Indian removal
Allotment period
Self-Determination – self-governace

ORGANIZATION OF THE TRIBAL GOVERNMENT

Constitutions
The chairperson
Tribal courts
Tribal corporations

SOVEREIGNTY OF INDIAN TRIBES

What is sovereignty?
When can tribes be sued?
What is a waiver of immunity?
Immunity and the federal governments
Federal governments suites againist tribes

TAXATION AND TRIBES

Tribal power to tax members and non-members
When can states tax in Indian country?
What federal taxes apply to tribes?

CRIMINAL JURISDICTION

Tribal authority over criminal activity
The Major Crimes Act
The Federal Enclaves Act
The Indian Civil Rights Act
Jurisdiction over non-member Indians
Jurisdiction over non-Indians

CIVIL JURISDICTION

Authority over non-Indians
Indian to non-Indian transactions
Corporations doing business on reservations
Non-Indians in tribal court
Imposing sentences on non Indians
Divorce and child custody laws

POWER AND AUTHORITY OF TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS

To enact codes/ordinances
To contract with the federal government
To expel non-members
To issue licenses
To zone land
To regulate activities of non-members
To enter into attorney contracts

SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

South Dakota v. Yankton Sioux Tribe
Alaska v. Native Village of Venetie
Klowa v. Manufacturing Technologies, Inc.
Cass County v. Leech Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Montana v. Crow;
Additional Case Law.

INDIAN GAMING REGULATORY ACT

Overview;
New Regulations.