NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL"

Transcription

1 NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ETHEL B. BRANCH ATTORNEY GENERAL RODGERICK T. BEGAY DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL Ethel B. Branch, Attorney General Telephone #: (928) FY 2017 Third Quarter Report (April, May, June 2017) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No. I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 II. CRITICAL ISSUES 3 III. PROJECT STATUS 4

2 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 2 I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Department of Justice ( DOJ ) consists of the Office of the Attorney General ( OAG ) which oversees the following: 1) Litigation & Employment Unit; 2) Human Services & Government Unit; 3) Natural Resources Unit; 4) Economic/Community Development Unit; 5) Tax & Finance Unit; and 6) Water Rights Unit. The Office of the Attorney General also oversees the Navajo-Hopi Legal Services Program and the Office of the Prosecutor/Juvenile Justice. The unmet need budget for the entire DOJ for FY17 at the beginning of the fiscal year was $1,573,487. Of that amount, DOJ reported that for OAG personnel alone, $994,210 was needed to restore 336 hours for 20 Professional Staff employees. As a result, OAG imposed a hiring freeze for certain vacant positions in order to benefit from personnel savings in order to assist with our shortfall. Other funds were also redirected in order to cover the OAG shortfall. In this quarter DOJ secured three victories before federal courts of appeal. We had two Tenth Circuit victories in Public Service Company of NM v. Approximately Acres of Land (affirming that the Nation s partial ownership of allotments is sufficient to allow the Nation to block condemnation of the land) and Board of Education for the Gallup-McKinley Schools v. Henderson (affirming the lower court s dismissal of the case, which challenges application of the NPEA to Gallup-McKinley County school district employees). We also had a Ninth Circuit win in Window Rock Unified School District v. Nez. We expect the school district will petition the Supreme Court for review. More details follow below. DOJ, with the assistance of outside counsel also prevailed before the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia this quarter in the Nation s challenge to the District Court s denial of the Nation s motion for summary judgment in the Nation s claim that the Bureau of Indian Affairs owes the Nation $15.6 million plus interest in improperly withheld 638 funding for the Nation s Judicial Branch operations in This matter has been remanded to the District Court for further disposition. DOJ, along with outside counsel, was also able to secure a significant uranium cleanup settlement this quarter. The United States District Court for the District of Arizona approved a Consent Decree settling claims brought by the Navajo Nation and the U.S. (on behalf of U.S. EPA) against Cyprus Amax Minerals Company and Western Nuclear, Inc., two affiliated subsidiaries of Freeport-McMoran, Inc. Approval of the Consent Decree means that cleanup can now begin at 94 of the abandoned uranium mines on the Navajo Nation, which represents almost one-fifth of the total number of such sites. DOJ, with the assistance of outside counsel, was also successful in charging the former To Nanees Dizi Chapter Executive Manager with 86 counts of fraud, theft, and falsification this quarter. In total, the Nation is seeking repayment of $1,059,896 from defendant. This quarter honorable Delegate Otto Tso introduced white collar crime amendments to Title 17 that were recommended by DOJ, the Office of the Prosecutor, Judicial Branch, Navajo

3 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 3 Department of Public Safety, Navajo Public Defender s Office, and Kayenta Township. This work group also proposed amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure this quarter, and continues to develop additional amendments to Title 17 and the Rules to further improve the delivery of justice on the Nation. We are very thankful to Delegate Tso, Chair Yazzie, and the members of the Law and Order Committee for their steadfast leadership and support in strengthening our criminal justice system. On May 24, 2017, several DOJ staff participated in a Day of Service wherein we assisted in providing renovations to an elder s Hogan in the Inscription House community. We also continued our annual tradition of cleaning up a mile along Highway 112 in Fort Defiance for Earth Day. II. CRITICAL ISSUES A. Staffing Shortage for the Office of the Prosecutor The Office of the Prosecutor has managed to fill all but two of its Prosecutor and Juvenile Presenting Officer positions. In her short time with us, the new Chief Prosecutor has filled seven Attorney, Prosecutor, and Juvenile Presenting Officer positions. This is despite the severe shortage of housing on the Nation, especially for professionals. Aggressive recruiting efforts will continue and the Office plans to fill all remaining vacant positions by the end of FY17. As a result, a full budget for FY18 will be needed and appreciated. Last year the Office had an unmet need for personnel of $189,218. B. OAG Staffing Shortage & Budget When DOJ recently submitted its proposed budget for FY18, we provided information showing what DOJ has requested every year since FY14 and how much DOJ was underfunded in each year. As a result, it forced DOJ to submit budgets showing a prorated salary budget for part of the year for Professional Staff employees. For FY17, the DOJ unmet need at the beginning of the fiscal year for OAG totaled $1,033, Of that amount, $994,210 was needed to cover personnel expenses for the entire year. As a result, for 28 employees, OAG submitted a budget to cover those salaries from October 2016 to July Prior to informing those employees that we will cover their salaries to the end of the fiscal year, three (3) highly qualified attorneys recently resigned. Our recruitment success over the past two years was short-lived. We now have a staffing shortage again and we intend to fill all vacancies. In doing so, we need the support from Council and OPVP to provide a full budget for FY18.

4 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 4 III. PROJECT(S) STATUS This quarterly report provides a high level summary of the projects that the attorneys of DOJ have worked on this quarter. If more information is needed, please request a meeting on the subject. A. The Gold King Mine Spill The law firm of Hueston Hennigan continues to serve as contract counsel on this matter and works closely with the AG and the LEU AAG on filings and case strategy. Several defendants, including the USEPA, have filed motions to dismiss. DOJ, through outside counsel, has filed responses to those motions. We have not yet received rulings by the court on these motions. Meanwhile we have filed a motion for leave to amend the Nation s complaint to add the Nation s Federal Tort Claims Act claims that were rejected by USEPA in January. DOJ recommends a private briefing for additional information. B. Navajo Nation Criminal and Juvenile Cases The Prosecutor s Office is tasked with enforcing certain provisions of the Alchini Bi Beehazaani Act, certain provisions of the Traffic Code in Title 14, and all of the criminal complaints filed under Title 17. These cases are filed in the twelve (12) active Navajo Nation District Courts. In the third quarter, of 3015 criminal referrals, 1515 cases were filed. For juvenile matters, of 203 total referrals, there were 129 cases filed. The Chief Prosecutor led efforts to present a proposal for a Navajo Nation Employee Limited License for consideration by the Navajo Nation Bar Association ( NNBA ). The proposal would help recruit attorneys who are state barred but not licensed on the Navajo Nation. Such attorneys could be allowed to prosecute crimes while they await taking and passing the Navajo Bar Exam. The NNBA has not rendered a decision on the proposal. All prosecutorial staff are now connected via Sharepoint and all legal secretaries are working daily on Justware, which is the case management software managed by the Judicial Branch. Sharepoint enables the Office to more easily share resources and information among the Nation s 9 Prosecutor District Offices. The Chief Prosecutor also created the Legal Secretary Handbook this quarter. C. Navajo and Hopi Settlement Act issues Navajo-Hopi Legal Services Legal Services Program ( NHLSP ) provides legal services to Navajos denied benefits by a certifying officer from the Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation ( ONHIR ). The certifying officer s decision may be appealed to the administrative hearing agency within ONHIR, and then to Federal District Court.

5 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 5 Since October 2014, ONHIR has certified only four applicants as being eligible for benefits. In that same time period, Hearing Officer Merkow has denied 109 of 112 appeals. This includes the 5 appeals that were denied this quarter. Currently, there remain 67 active administrative appeals pending, which ONHIR plans to conclude by December D. Public Service Company of NM v. Approximately Acres of Land, No Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals The Public Service Company of New Mexico ( PNM ) sued several owners of interest in several allotments to condemn them for use as a right-of-way for their electrical power lines. The Nation owns interests in two of those allotments. We filed a motion to dismiss arguing that we have sovereign immunity and we are an indispensable party. The Court granted our motion but issued four certified questions to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On January 17, Assistant Attorney General Paul Spruhan presented oral arguments to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On May 26, the Tenth Circuit ruled in the Nation s favor holding that allotments could not be condemned under Section 357 because they were no longer allotments once a tribe acquired an ownership interest. More interesting is a footnote in the ruling where the Court agreed with the lower court s ruling on sovereign immunity. While we celebrate a victory, PNM has sought en banc review. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court is also a possibility. E. Board of Education for the Gallup-McKinley Schools v. Henderson, No , Tenth Circuit The Gallup School District won an employment challenge in the Navajo Supreme Court. However, despite their victory, they still challenged the Navajo Court s assertion of jurisdiction over their state-funded school. The matter was first considered by the U.S. District Court of New Mexico and the Litigation & Employment Unit filed a motion to dismiss which the court granted. The School appealed to the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. On April 27, 2017, Katherine Belzowski of DOJ argued in support of affirmation of the lower court s dismissal of the case. On June 19, 2017, the Tenth Circuit issued a decision affirming the dismissal. F. Navajo Generating Station It is now common knowledge that the NGS owners would like the Navajo Nation to execute an agreement by July 1, 2017 in order to avoid shut down. The agreement is referred to as the Replacement Lease, which seeks to extend operation to the end of 2019 and to clarify the decommissioning process. In this quarter, DOJ participated in at least 14 Task Force meetings which do not include the other internal meetings and Council and Committee meetings. DOJ has devoted a considerable amount of time to this matter and will continue to do so. G. Human Trafficking Legislation

6 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 6 In the second quarter, one DOJ attorney attended the Human Trafficking in Indian Country Seminar. This helped provide assistance to Delegate Brown and Delegate Crotty with amendments to legislation number , which amends the Criminal Code to prohibit human trafficking on the Navajo Nation. This is currently pending before the Naabik íyáti Committee. H. Audit Support DOJ assists many programs with audit responses and appeals. 1. Department of Family Services (DFS) A 2015 audit finding resulted in disallowed cost determinations to be issued against DFS. DOJ filed an appeal to the BIA and several meetings were held during the third quarter; and 2. Department of Workforce Development the Department revised its CAP for the single audit responses. DOJ reviewed and provided advice to the Department, OMB, and OOC to ensure that the Nation s response complies with all necessary policies and statutes. I. Telecommunication Siting Regulation and Leasing Procedures DOJ provided assistance to the Navajo Telecommunications (NNTRC), Division of Natural Resources, and the newly created Navajo General Land Development Department. This group made major strides in updating the Navajo Nation Telecommunication Siting Regulation and Leasing Procedures. On May 12, 2017 the NNTRC published the second draft of the proposed Regulations. The group also filed the following comments with the Federal Communication Commission on behalf on the Navajo Nation regarding two separate Notices of Proposed Rule Making and Notice of Inquiry: (1) WT Docket Deployment of Small Cell Infrastructure by Improving Wireless Facilities Siting Policies, and (2) WT Docket Accelerating Wireless Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment. K. Arizona Gaming Compact OAG and ECDU have been participating in all meetings and events surrounding the recent efforts to amend the existing Arizona Gaming Compact. Due to the sensitive nature of this project, DOJ recommends a private briefing. L. Procurement Code In 2016, several DOJ attorneys revived the effort to analyze how the Procurement Code and Procurement Regulations could be amended. In 2017, the Budget & Finance Committee created a subcommittee to basically do the same. As a result, the DOJ group has been assisting the Subcommittee in providing public hearings and receiving comments from those presentations. In this quarter, DOJ participated in four

7 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 7 subcommittee meetings and one public hearing. This is an on-going project. M. Division of Public Safety 1. On June 14, 2017, DOJ participated in SORNA meeting in Shiprock. Representatives from US Probation, New Mexico Probation, San Juan County Probation and NN Shiprock Probation participated in the meeting. SORNA officers from all 7 police districts reported on their monthly activity, and specific collaboration efforts were discussed and decided upon. 2. NPD has cross-commission agreements with several law enforcement agencies. Preparation is in progress to conduct training for Arizona Highway Patrol, New Mexico State Police and McKinley County on June 26-27, Training site is on UNM-Gallup campus. 3. On May 5, 2017, NNDOJ and Shiprock Criminal Investigation hosted the biannual meeting between federal law enforcement agencies and NN. Extradition and federal detainer issues comprised the main topic of discussion. The accomplishment of the meeting was that all agencies were able to discuss problems and concerns that had arisen since the last bi-annual meeting. 4. On April 25, 2017, DOJ participated in meeting on topic of NN leasing jail beds to inmates sentenced by magistrate courts in Apache County. Participants included Apache County Sheriff and his staff, Apache County DA, NDPS and DOC and Holyan. Meeting ended with decision that Apache County would draft the initial agreement and submit to NDPS for our review. 5. On April 6, 2017, DOJ met with attorneys from Arizona Governor s Office and Arizona Department of Public Safety to discuss revisions that Arizona wants in the law enforcement agreement between NN and Arizona DPS. We have reached agreement on revisions, and the signed originals have been delivered and NPD will process them through the 164 review. 6. On June 16, 2017, DOJ participated in a teleconference call with Allison Spratlin, the person who manages the USDOJ Tribal Access Program ( TAP ). We discussed in detail the design and structure of TAP as it would apply to the four agreements that are necessary for NN to implement TAP. N. Alamo Navajo Community School Board The Department of Dine Education (DODE) wanted to assert control of the schools after receiving notice that there was no school board. The Window Rock District Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order which prevented the Office of Hearings & Appeals to conduct a Due Process Hearing. The Court has not scheduled a hearing date for the TRO.

8 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 8 O. Insurance P. Youth DOJ assists the Navajo Nation Insurance Services Department and contract counsel with all pending and potential insurance liability claims/cases involving the Navajo Nation and its covered entities. This includes work from the Worker s Compensation Program, Group Benefits Office, and the Navajo Nation Insurance Commission. This also includes work from these programs for Chapter governments and enterprises. In this quarter, four new claims were filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act. The Human Services & Government Unit provides assistance in many children matters: 1. ICWA. In addition to being involved with the five open ICWA cases, the Unit also conducted case staffings with the ICWA social workers. Additionally, two DOJ attorneys presented on the status of ICWA at the Navajo Nation Bar Association Conference on June 8, 2017; 2. Child Support Enforcement. There was a significant backlog of these cases. There is only one Tribal Court Advocate assigned to cover the workload but he is making progress. In the third quarter, he estimates filing 150 Motions for Hearings in all five (5) agencies that need to be adjudicated by the Office of Hearings and Appeals. Additionally, he has filed and received over 300 child support orders. Meetings were also held between DOJ and Child Support Services to create a new attorney position; and 3. DOJ represents the Department of Self Reliance in appeals before the Office of Hearings and Appeals. In this quarter, all pending appeals were resolved and OHA is expected to issue orders of dismissals. Q. Johnson Road DOJ attended several meetings with NDOT, Twin Lakes Chapter and McKinley County regarding the Johnson Road Project (paving & realignment of existing road), which NDOT is overseeing on behalf of the chapter. RDC had approved a ROW for McKinley County, which was supposed to cover a realignment of the existing road. However, upon closer review of the cultural resources form (HPD ) submitted with the ROW legislation, it was determined that the clearance was for the existing road only and did not include the realignment. NDOT walked through the area covering the proposed realignment and discovered additional archaeological sites. McKinley County was given an option to either (1) have an archaeological survey done covering the realignment or (2) stay within the existing road. McKinley County opted to go with option 2 as they did not have the funds to cover the archaeological survey. McKinley County is working on amending/correcting the original legislation to cover work on the existing road only.

9 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 9 R. Bears Ears The AG met with Secretary Zinke, along with leaders from the 5 Coalition tribes, to advocate for protection of the Bears Ears National Monument. She also met with Jim Cason, Acting Deputy Secretary, along with representatives from the 5 Coalition tribes as well as their counsel, to educate the Acting Deputy Secretary on the Monument and to advocate for protection of the Monument. The Secretary issued his report on the Monument in early June and postponed issuance of a clear recommendation until a later date. The comment period on the Monument has been extended. DOJ attorneys have been attending Commission meetings and will continue to monitor and assist. S. Uranium 1. Navajo Uranium Working Group - In November, the Navajo Uranium Working Group was established to address the abandoned uranium mines. The Working Group includes DOJ, Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands Department, Reclamation- UMTRA Department, Navajo EPA Superfund Project, and OPVP. The Group meets on a bi-monthly basis and therefore DOJ attended five meetings in the third quarter. 2. U.S. EPA Navajo Abandoned Uranium Mines Coordination Group Along with the Navajo Superfund Project and the Navajo Abandoned Mine Land Project, DOJ continues to participate in weekly conference calls with the Group. 3. DOJ drafted MOAs to include the Navajo Abandoned Mine Lands Program as an entity to work with the NNEPA on the Nation s AUM activity. 4. With the assistance of outside counsel, DOJ is working on the implementation of the Phase 2 settlement with the U.S. Derrith Watchman-Moore was selected as the Phase 2 RSE Trustee. Soon work will begin on performing Removal Site Evaluations at 30 uranium mine sites. Thereafter, another Trustee will be needed for the Phase 2 Priority Orphan Trust who will be responsible for cleanup of mines being investigated under the Phase 1 settlement and other projects. 5. A significant settlement with Freeport McMoRan Inc., was entered during this quarter. It provides for RSEs and CERCLA cleanup actions at 94 uranium mine sites. This is expected to entail substantial involvement by Navajo DOJ. T. Law Enforcement by the Division of Natural Resources DOJ participated in a series of meetings and working groups to address DNR specific law enforcement commissioning and authority concerns. As a result, DOJ has been assisting with code amendments. U. Navajo Housing Authority

10 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 10 In 2013, the U.S. Housing & Urban Development (HUD) claimed that NHA failed to implement its FY12 Indian Housing Plan and provided notice of intent to take back $105 million. After informal meetings with HUD, HUD demanded return of $96 million. After settlement negotiations failed, the matter proceeded to Administrative Review. In June 2015, NHA argued its case before the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). In December 2015, the ALJ decided against NHA and ruled that NHA needed to return the $96 million. NHA appealed the ALJ decision to the Secretary of HUD. In May 2016, the Secretary issued an order basically agreeing entirely with the ALJ decision. In July 2016, NHA then appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit appointed a mediator to determine the feasibility of settlement. Settlement discussions are ongoing. A newspaper article in the Arizona Republic in early 2017 led to a visit of NHA by representatives from HUD and Senator John McCain on April 18, Since that time, there has been an emergency legislation to replace the existing Board and an internal investigation started. This too is ongoing. V. Lease for the Arizona Department of Economic Security ( ADES ) ADES is a state entity leasing within Navajo trust land. The state attorneys have been insistent upon numerous amendments to Parts I and II of the Nation s standard business site lease. There have been several meetings between DOJ and the Arizona Office of Attorney General to resolve this issue. In this quarter, meetings between the Chinle Chapter, ADES, and OPVP have been held. Additionally, the Attorney General also met with the Arizona Attorney General s office. This matter will likely be resolved soon. W. Local Governance Act Last year, a Task Force was created to amend Title 26. As commonly known, Regionalization was proposed and legislation was drafted to implement revisions through a referendum. However, that effort failed. In this quarter, meetings were held to revive the effort to amend Title 26. X. Navajo Nation Public Safety Summit The first quarterly follow-up meeting from the Public Safety Summit took place. Public Safety partners provided updates on their progress over the last quarter and developed action items for the next quarter. The partners are focused on action items that are achievable with existing resources that will strengthen the operation of the Nation s overall Public Safety System. Y. Protocol for 2017 Eagle Gathering At the Joint Commission s annual meeting held last September, Judge Fields requested

11 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 11 that Navajo and Hopi attempt to work out a mutually agreeable eagle gathering protocol for the 2017 season. After a series of phone calls and s, an acceptable was finalized in May Z. Navajo Water Rights 1. The San Juan River Basin (NM). WRU is engaged in asserting and protecting the Nation s water rights claims in the basin-wide San Juan River Basin Adjudication (New Mexico v. United States, New Mexico Dist. Ct., 11th Judicial District, No , filed in 1974) and the four appeals of the Navajo Inter Se proceeding (Subfile AB-07-01), in which the state District Court approved the settlement of the Nation s claims in the basin. The Unit also provides legal advice regarding the implementation of the Navajo settlement and to the NIIP (Navajo Indian Irrigation Project) Task Force, and participates in the San Juan River Recovery Implementation Program, and the Animas-La Plata Project (ALP) Operation and Maintenance Association. 2. Zuni River Basin (NM). WRU attorneys are counsel of record in the Zuni River Basin Adjudication, United States v. State of New Mexico, et al. CIV 6: MV-WPL, U.S. District Court, D. New Mexico (filed in 1999). The claims of the Nation (Case 12-cv-1298 MV/WPL) and the Zuni Tribe (Case 07-cv MV- WPL) are proceeding on separate tracks. Settlement negotiations between the two tribes, the United States and the State are focused primarily on reaching consensus on a hydrologic model for the basin that could be used both to evaluate impacts of development of the tribes claims and as a tool to administer a future decree. 3. Little Colorado River Basin (AZ). WRU attorneys are counsel of record with the McElroy law firm in the LCR Adjudication (filed in 1979), In re the General Adjudication to Use Water from the Little Colorado River System and Source, Civil Case No. 6417, Superior Court for Apache County. WRU attorneys also participate in Arizona Southwest Navajo Technical Advisory Group (TAG) meetings addressing on-going water development efforts. 4. Colorado River Basin (AZ). WRU attorneys are counsel of record with the McElroy law firm in Navajo Nation v. Department of the Interior, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, CIV , an appeal of the District Court action filed in 2003 challenging the Secretary s decisions concerning the management of the Lower Colorado River for failure to comply with NEPA and her fiduciary duties to the Nation. WRU attorneys monitor developments on the Colorado River, including participating in the Ten Tribes Partnership and the Western Navajo Pipeline TAG, in efforts to identify additional opportunities to advance the Nation s water rights claims. 5. San Juan River Basin (UT). WRU attorneys have been in negotiations with the State of Utah since 2003, and including the United States (since appointment of a

12 Office of Attorney General - FY 2017 Third Quarter Report Page 12 Federal Negotiation Team in 2013), to settle the Nation s water rights claims in Utah. WRU attorneys also participate in Utah TAG meetings addressing on-going water development efforts. AA. Window Rock Unified School District v. Nez, Ninth Circuit The Ninth Circuit recently ruled in Window Rock Unified School District v. Nez, requiring two Arizona school districts that operate on Navajo trust land to present their case before the Nation s courts so our courts can make the initial determination of whether Navajo jurisdiction applies to those cases. This is a strong affirmation of the tribal exhaustion principle. This also affirms the Nation s consistent and long-held position that our treaty and sovereign authority apply to all entities that lease our land, including school districts organized under state law. Assistant Attorney General Paul Spruhan argued the case at the District Court level and before the Ninth Circuit. The Court relied on the Navajo Nation s Treaty of 1868 as the basis for a possible finding by the Nation s courts that the Nation retains sovereignty over all tribally-owned lands. Judge Michelle T. Friedland wrote for the majority, it is at least plausible that the Tribe has adjudicative jurisdiction here because the conduct occurred on the tribal land, where the Nation has the right to exclude. The Court also noted that the disputes at issue arise on tribal trust lands, and so the Montana rule does not apply. The Ninth Circuit accordingly dismissed the federal case due to the school districts failure to exhaust tribal remedies. We expect the school district to petition the U.S. Supreme Court for review.

NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ETHEL B. BRANCH ATTORNEY GENERAL RODGERICK T. BEGAY DEPUTY ATTORNEY GENERAL NAVAJO NATION OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL Ethel B. Branch,

More information

SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN IN NEW MEXICO NAVAJO NATION WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN IN NEW MEXICO NAVAJO NATION WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN IN NEW MEXICO NAVAJO NATION WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT This Agreement is entered into as of the dates executed below, by and among the State of New Mexico, the Navajo Nation

More information

THE NAVAJO TREATY OF 1868 PAUL SPRUHAN NAVAJO DOJ

THE NAVAJO TREATY OF 1868 PAUL SPRUHAN NAVAJO DOJ THE NAVAJO TREATY OF 1868 PAUL SPRUHAN NAVAJO DOJ TREATY OF 1868, JUNE 1, 1868, HWÉÉLDI FEDERAL CONCEPTION OF TREATIES Bi-lateral agreement between sovereigns. President authorized to negotiate

More information

Pamela Williams, Director Secretary s Indian Water Rights Office. WSWC Spring Meeting March 21, 2019 Chandler, AZ

Pamela Williams, Director Secretary s Indian Water Rights Office. WSWC Spring Meeting March 21, 2019 Chandler, AZ Pamela Williams, Director Secretary s Indian Water Rights Office WSWC Spring Meeting March 21, 2019 Chandler, AZ Settlement Era Begins For almost 4 decades, tribes, states, local parties, and the Federal

More information

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT for APPROVED SIHASIN FUND POWERLINE AND CHAPTER PROJECT(S)

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT for APPROVED SIHASIN FUND POWERLINE AND CHAPTER PROJECT(S) MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT for APPROVED SIHASIN FUND POWERLINE AND CHAPTER PROJECT(S) This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is made and entered into by and between the Capital Projects Management Department

More information

Examining the Rights-of-Way Process for Indian Allotment Lands Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project

Examining the Rights-of-Way Process for Indian Allotment Lands Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project University of New Mexico UNM Digital Repository Water Resources Professional Project Reports Water Resources 2014 Examining the Rights-of-Way Process for Indian Allotment Lands Navajo-Gallup Water Supply

More information

JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION FACILITY NEEDS

JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION FACILITY NEEDS JUDICIAL BRANCH OF THE NAVAJO NATION FACILITY NEEDS REPORT TO THE NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL Fall Session October 20, 2015 I. INTRODUCTION Court houses and judicial facilities are the embodiment of justice

More information

Courts of the Navajo Nation in the Navajo Nation Government

Courts of the Navajo Nation in the Navajo Nation Government Courts of the Navajo Nation in the Navajo Nation Government A Public Guide to the Courts of the Navajo Nation Revised June 2009 Reprinted with the Permission of the Navajo Supreme Court 1 STRUCTURE The

More information

AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. November 13, :00 a.m.

AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. November 13, :00 a.m. AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING November 13, 2017 10:00 a.m. PRESIDING : Honorable Jonathan L. Hale, Chairperson Honorable Norman M. Begay,

More information

FALL SESSION October 16-20, Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation

FALL SESSION October 16-20, Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation Motion: Honorable Davis Filfred Second: Honorable Edmund Yazzie VOTE: 17-00 AGENDA OFTHE 23d NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL FALL SESSION October 16-20, 2017 Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation

More information

BEYOND DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE Why the Energy Industry Should Embrace Tribal Consultation

BEYOND DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE Why the Energy Industry Should Embrace Tribal Consultation BEYOND DAKOTA ACCESS PIPELINE Why the Energy Industry Should Embrace Tribal Consultation Troy A. Eid Pipeline Safety Trust Annual Conference New Orleans, Louisiana November 3, 2017 GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLP

More information

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The United States responses to interrogatories of the Cities of Aztec and Bloomfield

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY: The United States responses to interrogatories of the Cities of Aztec and Bloomfield STATE OF NEW MEXICO SAN JUAN COUNTY THE ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT STATE OF NEW MEXICO, ex rel. STATE ENGINEER, vs. Plaintiff, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, et al., Defendants, THE JICARILLA APACHE

More information

Honorable James J. Wechler. Richard T. C. Tully, Esq., hereby certifies the original of this Certificate of Service TULLY LAW FIRM, P. A.

Honorable James J. Wechler. Richard T. C. Tully, Esq., hereby certifies the original of this Certificate of Service TULLY LAW FIRM, P. A. STATE OF NEW MEXICO COUNTY OF SAN JUAN ELEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT STATE OF NEW MEXICO ex rel. STATE ENGINEER, Plaintiff, D-1116-CV-75-184 Honorable James J. Wechler v. San Juan River Adjudication THE UNITED

More information

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS CONTRACT WITH THE NAVAJO NATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS CONTRACT WITH THE NAVAJO NATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT REPORT BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS CONTRACT WITH THE NAVAJO NATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES REPORT NO. Q-IN-BIA-0098-2003 SEPTEMBER 2004 This

More information

In The Supreme Court of the United States

In The Supreme Court of the United States No. 07-1410 ================================================================ In The Supreme Court of the United States --------------------------------- --------------------------------- UNITED STATES

More information

No. SC-CV NAVAJO NATION SUPREME COURT. Dean Haungooah, Petitioner, Delores Greyeyes, Director, Navajo Department of Corrections, Respondent.

No. SC-CV NAVAJO NATION SUPREME COURT. Dean Haungooah, Petitioner, Delores Greyeyes, Director, Navajo Department of Corrections, Respondent. No. SC-CV-06-13 NAVAJO NATION SUPREME COURT Dean Haungooah, Petitioner, v. Delores Greyeyes, Director, Navajo Department of Corrections, Respondent. OPINION Before YAZZIE, H., Chief Justice, SHIRLEY E.,

More information

U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector Genera AUDIT REPORT WITHDRAWN LANDS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector Genera AUDIT REPORT WITHDRAWN LANDS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR I U.S. Department of the Interior Office of Inspector Genera AUDIT REPORT WITHDRAWN LANDS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR REPORT NO. 96-I-1268 SEPTEMBER 1996 . United States Department of the Interior OFFICE

More information

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE MARCH 2006 DECEMBER Bryan T. Newland Michigan State University College of Law Class of 2007

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE MARCH 2006 DECEMBER Bryan T. Newland Michigan State University College of Law Class of 2007 I. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE MARCH 2006 DECEMBER 2006 Bryan T. Newland Michigan State University College of Law Class of 2007 Technical Amendment to Alaska Native Claims Settlement

More information

PROPOSED AGENDA OF THE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL. SPRING SESSION April 16-20, :00 AM

PROPOSED AGENDA OF THE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL. SPRING SESSION April 16-20, :00 AM PROPOSED AGENDA OF THE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL SPRING SESSION April 16-20, 2018 10:00 AM Navajo Nation Council Chambers, Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ) PRESIDING: Honorable LoRenzo C. Bates, Speaker,

More information

RECLAMATION PROJECTS AUTHORIZATION AND ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1992 TITLE XVIII -- GRAND CANYON PROTECTION SECTION SHORT TITLE.

RECLAMATION PROJECTS AUTHORIZATION AND ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1992 TITLE XVIII -- GRAND CANYON PROTECTION SECTION SHORT TITLE. RECLAMATION PROJECTS AUTHORIZATION AND ADJUSTMENT ACT OF 1992 TITLE XVIII -- GRAND CANYON PROTECTION SECTION 1801. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the "Grand Canyon Protection Act of 1992". SEC.

More information

The Administrative Office of the Courts: Overview. William Childs Fiscal Research Division

The Administrative Office of the Courts: Overview. William Childs Fiscal Research Division The Administrative Office of the Courts: Overview William Childs Fiscal Research Division JPS General Fund Budget by Agency FY 2014-15 DOJ $83,291,693 3% Appropriation: Receipts: $2.4 billion $235 million

More information

Case 1:15-cv JAP-CG Document 110 Filed 01/12/16 Page 1 of 11

Case 1:15-cv JAP-CG Document 110 Filed 01/12/16 Page 1 of 11 Case 1:15-cv-00501-JAP-CG Document 110 Filed 01/12/16 Page 1 of 11 Ethel B. Branch, Attorney General The Navajo Nation Paul Spruhan, Assistant Attorney General NAVAJO NATION DEPT. OF JUSTICE Post Office

More information

Case 3:08-cv JAT Document 5 Filed 03/03/08 Page 1 of 18

Case 3:08-cv JAT Document 5 Filed 03/03/08 Page 1 of 18 Case :0-cv-00-JAT Document Filed 0/0/0 Page of John J. Egbert - 0 johnegbert@jsslaw.com Paul G. Johnson 00 pjohnson@jsslaw.com JENNINGS, STROUSS & SALMON, P.L.C. A Professional Limited Liability Company

More information

APPROVED A ENDA OF THE 23~ NAVAJO NATION I UNCIL. SUMMER SESSION Julyl6-20, :00 AM

APPROVED A ENDA OF THE 23~ NAVAJO NATION I UNCIL. SUMMER SESSION Julyl6-20, :00 AM APPROVED A ENDA OF THE 23~ NAVAJO NATION I UNCIL SUMMER SESSION Julyl6-20,2018 10:00 AM Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation (AZ) PRESIDING. Honorable LoRenzo C. Bates, Speaker, Navajo

More information

National Congress of American Indians SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL LAW AND ORDER ACT AS ENACTED - WITH NOTES FOR IMPLEMENTATION

National Congress of American Indians SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL LAW AND ORDER ACT AS ENACTED - WITH NOTES FOR IMPLEMENTATION SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF TRIBAL LAW AND ORDER ACT AS ENACTED - WITH NOTES FOR IMPLEMENTATION Note: Need for a Coordinating Framework and Timeline The Act will require a significant amount of interagency

More information

[Discussion Draft] [DISCUSSION DRAFT] H. R. ll

[Discussion Draft] [DISCUSSION DRAFT] H. R. ll TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION [DISCUSSION DRAFT] H. R. ll To provide for the temporary extension of the applicability of the NEPA analysis with respect to lease of Navajo Generating Station and Kayenta Mine Complex

More information

The New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium & The Cross-Court Cultural Exchange

The New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium & The Cross-Court Cultural Exchange The New Mexico Tribal-State Judicial Consortium & The Cross-Court Cultural Exchange The Tribal-State Judicial Consortium grew out of the efforts of the New Mexico Court Improvement Project, a Supreme Court

More information

TESTIMONY BEFORE THE INDIAN LAW & ORDER COMMISSION. William D. Johnson Chief Judge, Umatilla Tribal Court September 7, 2011

TESTIMONY BEFORE THE INDIAN LAW & ORDER COMMISSION. William D. Johnson Chief Judge, Umatilla Tribal Court September 7, 2011 TESTIMONY BEFORE THE INDIAN LAW & ORDER COMMISSION William D. Johnson Chief Judge, Umatilla Tribal Court September 7, 2011 Good afternoon to the members of the Indian Law & Order Commission. Thank you

More information

Update on Tribal Supreme Court Project and Fee-To- Trust Regulations January 23, 2018

Update on Tribal Supreme Court Project and Fee-To- Trust Regulations January 23, 2018 Update on Tribal Supreme Court Project and Fee-To- Trust Regulations January 23, 2018 1 OCTOBER 2017 TERM First full term of Justice Neil Gorsuch Court already has many significant cases on its docket

More information

Background on the Department of Justice s Tribal Funding History, including the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS)

Background on the Department of Justice s Tribal Funding History, including the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) Background on the Department of Justice s Tribal Funding History, including the Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) The Department of Justice s (Department) grant-making components 1 have

More information

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SEPTEMBER 29, 1996 Referred to the Committtee on Resources AN ACT

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. SEPTEMBER 29, 1996 Referred to the Committtee on Resources AN ACT I TH CONGRESS D SESSION S. 1 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEPTEMBER, 1 Referred to the Committtee on Resources AN ACT To provide for the settlement of the Navajo-Hopi land dispute, and for other purposes.

More information

US Code (Unofficial compilation from the Legal Information Institute) TITLE 25 - INDIANS CHAPTER 42 AMERICAN INDIAN TRUST FUND MANAGEMENT REFORM

US Code (Unofficial compilation from the Legal Information Institute) TITLE 25 - INDIANS CHAPTER 42 AMERICAN INDIAN TRUST FUND MANAGEMENT REFORM US Code (Unofficial compilation from the Legal Information Institute) TITLE 25 - INDIANS CHAPTER 42 AMERICAN INDIAN TRUST FUND MANAGEMENT REFORM Please Note: This compilation of the US Code, current as

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA GREAT FALLS DIVISION

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA GREAT FALLS DIVISION Case 4:15-cv-00028-BMM Document 55 Filed 02/02/16 Page 1 of 5 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF MONTANA GREAT FALLS DIVISION TERRYL T. MATT, CV 15-28-GF-BMM Plaintiff, vs. ORDER UNITED

More information

In This Issue: INDIAN WATER RIGHT NEGOTIATIONS INTERIOR S CONSIDERATIONS WHEN APPOINTING FEDERAL NEGOTIATION TEAMS.

In This Issue: INDIAN WATER RIGHT NEGOTIATIONS INTERIOR S CONSIDERATIONS WHEN APPOINTING FEDERAL NEGOTIATION TEAMS. In This Issue: Federal for s... 1 Conjunctive Use & Water Banking in California... 8 Klamath Adjudication... 15 Water Briefs... 17 Calendar... 27 Upcoming Stories: Montana s Compact Washington s Acquavella

More information

USET SPF Policy and Legislative Affairs Discussion: Trump Administration and the 115 th Congress

USET SPF Policy and Legislative Affairs Discussion: Trump Administration and the 115 th Congress USET SPF Policy and Legislative Affairs Discussion: Trump Administration and the 115 th Congress USET SPF 2017 Impact Week Meeting Arlington, VA February 6, 2017 Trump Agenda Reduce size of govt and govt

More information

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT EASTERN DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON Case :-cv-0-lrs Document 0 Filed /0/ 0 0 Rob Costello Deputy Attorney General Mary Tennyson William G. Clark Assistant Attorneys General Attorney General of Washington PO Box 00 Olympia, WA 0-00 Telephone:

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) Case :-cv-00-pgr Document Filed 0// Page of WO IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA 0 The Navajo Nation, vs. Plaintiff, The United States Department of the Interior, et al.,

More information

Wyoming s Big Horn River Adjudication

Wyoming s Big Horn River Adjudication Wyoming s Big Horn River Adjudication Ramsey L. Kropf Aspen, Colorado Arizona Colorado Oklahoma Texas Wyoming Wyoming s Big Horn River Adjudication 1977-2007 In Re The General Adjudication of All Rights

More information

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA REVISION

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA REVISION PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE AND AGENDA REVISION #1 March 7, 2018 A public meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be held on March 9, 2018 at the Douglas City Council Chambers, 425 E. 10 th St.,

More information

Vague and Ambiguous. The terms market and marketing are not defined.as such, the

Vague and Ambiguous. The terms market and marketing are not defined.as such, the (c) (d) Not Directed to All Settling Parties. This discovery request was directed to all three Settling Parties (the United States, the Navajo Nation, and the State of New Mexico) requesting information

More information

CLASS COUNSEL'S PRESS RELEASE

CLASS COUNSEL'S PRESS RELEASE CLASS COUNSEL'S PRESS RELEASE September 17, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TRIBES AND UNITED STATES SETTLE CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR $940 MILLION A class of over 640 Indian Tribes and tribal organizations together

More information

WINTER SESSION January 22-26, 2018 at 10:00 am. Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation

WINTER SESSION January 22-26, 2018 at 10:00 am. Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window Rock, Navajo Nation Motion: Honorable Steven Begay Second: Honorable Davis Fi lfred Vo t e: 21-00 AGENDA OF THE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL WINTER SESSION January 22-26, 2018 at 10:00 am Navajo Nation Council Chambers Window

More information

INDIAN COUNTRY: COURTS SPLIT ON TEST AND OUTCOME. The community of reference analysis creates complication and uncertainty

INDIAN COUNTRY: COURTS SPLIT ON TEST AND OUTCOME. The community of reference analysis creates complication and uncertainty INDIAN COUNTRY: COURTS SPLIT ON TEST AND OUTCOME The community of reference analysis creates complication and uncertainty Brian Nichols Overview In two recent decisions, state and federal courts in New

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA Case 5:15-cv-01250-M Document 47 Filed 03/07/16 Page 1 of 12 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF OKLAHOMA ENABLE OKLAHOMA INTRASTATE ) TRANSMISSION, LLC ) Plaintiff, ) ) v.

More information

CHAMORRO TRIBE I Chamorro Na Taotaogui IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NATIVE CHAMORROS

CHAMORRO TRIBE I Chamorro Na Taotaogui IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NATIVE CHAMORROS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NATIVE CHAMORROS RE: OUR TRIBAL STATUS On January 28, 2005, the Chamorro Tribe registered it s articles of Incorporation and is currently pursuing Federal Registration as a Native

More information

TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM

TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM AUGUST 24, 2010 UPDATE OF RECENT CASES The Tribal Supreme Court Project is part of the Tribal Sovereignty Protection Initiative and is staffed by the National Congress

More information

CHIPPEWA CREE TRIBE OF THE ROCKY BOY S RESERVATION INDIAN RESERVED WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AND WATER SUPPLY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1999

CHIPPEWA CREE TRIBE OF THE ROCKY BOY S RESERVATION INDIAN RESERVED WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AND WATER SUPPLY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1999 CHIPPEWA CREE TRIBE OF THE ROCKY BOY S RESERVATION INDIAN RESERVED WATER RIGHTS SETTLEMENT AND WATER SUPPLY ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 1999 VerDate 04-JAN-2000 18:14 Jan 07, 2000 Jkt 079139 PO 00163 Frm 00001

More information

STATEMENT BEFORE THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, FEBRUARY 25, Petuuche Gilbert

STATEMENT BEFORE THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, FEBRUARY 25, Petuuche Gilbert STATEMENT BEFORE THE UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO, FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Petuuche Gilbert Acoma and Other Indigenous Peoples This statement is being presented by Indigenous World Association

More information

CLARIFY OVERSIGHT OF REGIONALIZATION AT THE TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

CLARIFY OVERSIGHT OF REGIONALIZATION AT THE TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CLARIFY OVERSIGHT OF REGIONALIZATION AT THE TEXAS JUVENILE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT In 2015, the Eighty-fourth Legislature continued its efforts to reform the state s juvenile justice system by passing legislation

More information

The Justice System Judicial Branch, Adult Corrections, and Youth Corrections

The Justice System Judicial Branch, Adult Corrections, and Youth Corrections The Justice System Judicial Branch, Adult Corrections, and Youth Corrections Judicial Branch Branch Overview. One of three branches of Colorado state government, the Judicial Branch interprets and administers

More information

Civil Litigation in Navajo Courts. Patrick T. Mason Mason & Isaacson, P.A. Gallup, NM

Civil Litigation in Navajo Courts. Patrick T. Mason Mason & Isaacson, P.A. Gallup, NM Civil Litigation in Navajo Courts Patrick T. Mason Mason & Isaacson, P.A. Gallup, NM 2 Lawsuits Involving 638 Entities 638 Contract Entities 3 1975: US Passes Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance

More information

Consortium Constitution

Consortium Constitution Consortium Constitution Article 1 Legal Status (1) The Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centres is hereby established as an autonomous international organization under international law,

More information

Turnkey Public Facilities Delivery Method

Turnkey Public Facilities Delivery Method A Public Private Partnership for the Curry County Detention Center Addition Turnkey Public Facilities Delivery Method Presented by: The Public Private Development Collaborative () with Curry County Detention

More information

Accountability and Returning the Offender to the Community: Core Responsibilities of Indian Justice

Accountability and Returning the Offender to the Community: Core Responsibilities of Indian Justice Accountability and Returning the Offender to the Community: Core Responsibilities of Indian Justice Memorandum to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on the proposed Indian Country Crime Bill Submitted

More information

TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM

TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM TRIBAL SUPREME COURT PROJECT MEMORANDUM NOVEMBER 30, 2017 UPDATE OF RECENT CASES The Tribal Supreme Court Project is part of the Tribal Sovereignty Protection Initiative and is staffed by the National

More information

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO REFER TRIBAL MEMBERS CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES TO TRIBAL COURT FOR PROSECUTION

COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO REFER TRIBAL MEMBERS CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES TO TRIBAL COURT FOR PROSECUTION COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT TO REFER TRIBAL MEMBERS CHARGED WITH MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES TO TRIBAL COURT FOR PROSECUTION This Agreement is made and entered into by and between those Utah public agencies listed

More information

III. SUMMARY OF TULE RIVER TRIBE'S HISTORIC AND FUTURE MONEY DAMAGES CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES

III. SUMMARY OF TULE RIVER TRIBE'S HISTORIC AND FUTURE MONEY DAMAGES CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES III. SUMMARY OF TULE RIVER TRIBE'S HISTORIC AND FUTURE MONEY DAMAGES CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES In 1856 the California Superintendent of Indian Affairs established a Reservation for the Tule River

More information

February 3, John Dossett, General Counsel National Congress of American Indians

February 3, John Dossett, General Counsel National Congress of American Indians February 3, 2014 John Dossett, General Counsel National Congress of American Indians Recovery Act Tribal Provisions Indian Health Care Improvement Act Tribal Law & Order Act HEARTH Act leasing under tribal

More information

Adjudications are lawsuits

Adjudications are lawsuits Water Matters! Adjudications 1 Adjudications Background Adjudications are lawsuits in state or federal court to resolve all claims to water use in the state of New Mexico. These cases are required by statute

More information

2013 Federal Docs Offers List #1 from Missouri Southern State University

2013 Federal Docs Offers List #1 from Missouri Southern State University 1 Missouri Southern State University Spiva Library Joplin, Missouri 0330C-13-01 2013 Federal Docs Offers List #1 from Missouri Southern State University Please contact Hong Li (Li-h@mssu.edu) by July 10

More information

AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. December 10, :00 a.m.

AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING. December 10, :00 a.m. AGENDA HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23 rd NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING December 10, 2018 10:00 a.m. PRESIDING : Honorable Jonathan L. Hale, Chairperson Honorable Norman M. Begay,

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO Case 4:98-cv-00406-BLW Document 94 Filed 03/06/2006 Page 1 of 18 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF IDAHO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) ) Case No. CV-98-0406-E-BLW Plaintiff, ) ) MEMORANDUM

More information

No. SC-CV OPINION

No. SC-CV OPINION No. SC-CV-61-04 SUPREME COURT OF THE NAVAJO NATION Carole Eriacho, Petitioner, v. Ramah District Court, Respondent, and concerning, Navajo Nation, Real Party in Interest OPINION Before FERGUSON, Acting

More information

MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE POLICY AND PROCEDURES Subject EXECUTION OF CRIMINAL PROCESS/CIVIL WARRANTS Policy Number EE-1 Effective Date 08-31-15 Related Information Supersedes EE-1 (12-06-96) PURPOSE

More information

THE INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR JUVENILES ARTICLE I PURPOSE

THE INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR JUVENILES ARTICLE I PURPOSE THE INTERSTATE COMPACT FOR JUVENILES ARTICLE I PURPOSE The compacting states to this Interstate Compact recognize that each state is responsible for the proper supervision or return of juveniles, delinquents

More information

Public Law Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled.

Public Law Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. Public Law 93-620 AN A C T To further protect the outstanding scenic, natural, and scientific values of the Grand Canyon by enlarging the Grand Canyon National Park in the State of Arizona, and for other

More information

California Indian Law Association 16 th Annual Indian Law Conference October 13-14, 2016 Viejas Casino and Resort

California Indian Law Association 16 th Annual Indian Law Conference October 13-14, 2016 Viejas Casino and Resort California Indian Law Association 16 th Annual Indian Law Conference October 13-14, 2016 Viejas Casino and Resort Update on California Indian Law Litigation Seth Davis, Assistant Professor of Law, UCI

More information

Monthly Accomplishments Report July 2018

Monthly Accomplishments Report July 2018 July 2018 Chairman s Message Melinda N. Coonrod July was an eventful month at the Commission. Not only did we recognize Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, we also held an out-of-town hearing,

More information

Sentencing, Corrections, Prisons, and Jails

Sentencing, Corrections, Prisons, and Jails 22 Sentencing, Corrections, Prisons, and Jails This chapter summarizes legislation enacted by the 1999 General Assembly affecting the sentencing of persons convicted of crimes, the state Department of

More information

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF UTAH, CENTRAL DIVISION

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF UTAH, CENTRAL DIVISION Case 2:17-cv-00321-DN Document 23 Filed 05/26/17 Page 1 of 13 Richita Hackford Pro se 820 East 300 North 113-10 Roosevelt, Utah 84066 Cell Phone (435) 724-1236 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT DISTRICT OF

More information

Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans

Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans U.S. Commission on Civil Rights: Broken Promises: Continuing Federal Funding Shortfall for Native Americans 2019 Tribal Self-Governance Consultation Conference April 2, 2019 Karen Narasaki Member, U.S.

More information

No Respondents. Moses, Kampfe, Tollivcr and Wright, Billings, Montana Frank Kampfe argued, Billings, Montana

No Respondents. Moses, Kampfe, Tollivcr and Wright, Billings, Montana Frank Kampfe argued, Billings, Montana No. 13332 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA 1976 STATE OF MONTANA ex re1 SHARON OLD ELK, JR., Relator, THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA, in and for the County of Big Horn, and the

More information

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc.

United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. United South and Eastern Tribes, Inc. Nashville, TN Office: Washington, DC Office: 711 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Suite 100 400 North Capitol Street, Suite 585 Nashville, TN 37214 Washington, D.C., 20001 Phone:

More information

Risk Assessments and Hazardous Waste Cleanup in Indian Country: The Role of the Federal-Indian Trust Relationship

Risk Assessments and Hazardous Waste Cleanup in Indian Country: The Role of the Federal-Indian Trust Relationship Risk Assessments and Hazardous Waste Cleanup in Indian Country: The Role of the Federal-Indian Trust Relationship Mervyn L. Tano International Institute for Indigenous Resource Management 444 South Emerson

More information

Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision Report to the Legislature

Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision Report to the Legislature Interstate Compact for Adult Offender Supervision 2005 Report to the Legislature Minnesota Department of Corrections 1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200 St. Paul, Minnesota 55108-5219 (651)642-0200 TTY (651)643-3589

More information

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO. and No. 1:12-CV-00140

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO. and No. 1:12-CV-00140 Case 1:12-cv-00140-HH-BB-WJ Document 21-1 Filed 02/21/12 Page 1 of 15 IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO CLAUDETTE CHAVEZ-HANKINS, PAUL PACHECO, and MIGUEL VEGA, Plaintiffs,

More information

Journal of the HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23~x~ NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL. July 31, :00 a.m.

Journal of the HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23~x~ NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL. July 31, :00 a.m. Journal of the HEALTH, EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE 23~x~ NAVAJO NATION COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING July 31, 2017 10:00 a.m. PRESIDING : Honorable Jonathan L. Hale, Chairperson Honorable Norman M.

More information

GAO BUILDING SECURITY. Interagency Security Committee Has Had Limited Success in Fulfilling Its Responsibilities. Report to Congressional Requesters

GAO BUILDING SECURITY. Interagency Security Committee Has Had Limited Success in Fulfilling Its Responsibilities. Report to Congressional Requesters GAO United States General Accounting Office Report to Congressional Requesters September 2002 BUILDING SECURITY Interagency Security Committee Has Had Limited Success in Fulfilling Its Responsibilities

More information

1. TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS

1. TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS 1. TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS General Information on Tribes Background There are two tribal nations located in Pima County: Pascua Yaqui Tribe and the Tohono O odham Nation. Their governments have a distinct status

More information

REPRESENTING REPRESENTING THE INDIGENT

REPRESENTING REPRESENTING THE INDIGENT BY KENT E. CATTANI AND MONICA B. KLAPPER I n Spears v. Stewart, 1 the Ninth Circuit held that Arizona now qualifies to opt in to an accelerated federal review process in death penalty cases under the Anti-Terrorism

More information

Testimony of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition

Testimony of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Testimony of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands Legislative Hearing on H.R. 4532, the Shash Jáa

More information

One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America

One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America S. 612 One Hundred Fourteenth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Monday, the fourth day of January, two thousand and sixteen An Act

More information

New Mexico Water Law Case Capsules 2-1

New Mexico Water Law Case Capsules 2-1 Water Matters! New Mexico Water Law Case Capsules 2-1 New Mexico Water Law Case Capsules New Mexico has a rich body of water law. This list contains some of the key cases decided in the state and federal

More information

Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Southern Ute Indian Tribe Southern Ute Indian Tribe Location: Colorado Population: 12,349 enrolled members, of which 8,611 live on the reservation Date of Constitution: 1975 PREAMBLE We, the members of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe

More information

Speaker s Report Spring Council Session. Honorable LoRenzo Bates

Speaker s Report Spring Council Session. Honorable LoRenzo Bates 2017 Honorable LoRenzo Bates 23 rd Navajo Nation Council Office of the Speaker Post Office Box 3390 Window Rock, Arizona 86515 Phone: (928) 871-7160 Facsimile: (928) 871-7255 23 rd Navajo Nation Council

More information

Case 1:12-cv BAH Document 105 Filed 12/22/14 Page 1 of 27

Case 1:12-cv BAH Document 105 Filed 12/22/14 Page 1 of 27 Case 1:12-cv-02039-BAH Document 105 Filed 12/22/14 Page 1 of 27 JOHN C. CRUDEN Assistant Attorney General GINA L. ALLERY J. NATHANAEL WATSON U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE United States Department of Justice

More information

Jails in Indian Country, 2013

Jails in Indian Country, 2013 U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Statistics Jails in Indian Country, 2013 Todd D. Minton, BJS Statistician A total of 2,287 inmates were confined in 79 Indian country

More information

PROPOSED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION

PROPOSED FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED DISPOSITION Case 1:17-cv-00258-JCH-KBM Document 18 Filed 09/09/17 Page 1 of 12 MILTON TOYA, Petitioner, IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW MEXICO v. CIV 17-0258 JCH/KBM ALAN TOLEDO, Pueblo

More information

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT This Memorandum of Agreement ("Agreement") is effective as of March 18, 2008, by and between the County of Sonoma (the "County") and the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians

More information

Rock the Vote Democracy Class Curriculum National Congress of American Indians Supplement to Rock the NATIVE Vote!

Rock the Vote Democracy Class Curriculum National Congress of American Indians Supplement to Rock the NATIVE Vote! Rock the Vote Democracy Class Curriculum National Congress of American Indians Supplement to Rock the NATIVE Vote! Civically informed youth are civically engaged youth! NCAI has developed this Native specific

More information

TSAILE/WHEATFIELDS CHAPTER COMMUNITY LAND USE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING Sunday, March 11, :00 a.m. AGENDA

TSAILE/WHEATFIELDS CHAPTER COMMUNITY LAND USE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING Sunday, March 11, :00 a.m. AGENDA TSAILE/WHEATFIELDS CHAPTER COMMUNITY LAND USE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING Sunday, March 11, 2018 10:00 a.m. AGENDA 1. ORDER OF BUSINESS A. Call to Order/Welcome B. Invocation C. Adoption of Agenda D. Approval

More information

GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMAN S ASSOCIATION GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMAN S ASSOCIATION (GPTCA)

GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMAN S ASSOCIATION GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMAN S ASSOCIATION (GPTCA) GREAT PLAINS TRIBAL CHAIRMAN S ASSOCIATION Chairman Ron His Horse Is Thunder, SRST Secretary Myra Pearson, SLT Vice-Chairman Robert Cournoyer, YST Treasurer Joseph Brings Plenty, CRST 1926 Stirling St,

More information

One Hundred Fifth Congress of the United States of America

One Hundred Fifth Congress of the United States of America H. R. 3267 One Hundred Fifth Congress of the United States of America AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday, the twenty-seventh day of January, one thousand nine hundred

More information

Enabling Tribal Development: A Look at Current Legislative Efforts in the Mineral & Energy Sectors By: Peter Mather

Enabling Tribal Development: A Look at Current Legislative Efforts in the Mineral & Energy Sectors By: Peter Mather Enabling Tribal Development: A Look at Current Legislative Efforts in the Mineral & Energy Sectors By: Peter Mather I. Introduction Congress tasked the Department of the Interior (Interior) to assist Indian

More information

Update on Legislative and Administrative Priorities in 2018 January 22, 2018

Update on Legislative and Administrative Priorities in 2018 January 22, 2018 Update on Legislative and Administrative Priorities in 2018 January 22, 2018 1 NATIVE VOTE 2018 Native Votes Swing Votes! What you can do as a tribal leader: Make sure your tribe has a Native Vote coordinator

More information

Report to Congress On Contract Support Cost Funding in Indian Self-Determination Contracts and Compacts. In Response to: House Report No.

Report to Congress On Contract Support Cost Funding in Indian Self-Determination Contracts and Compacts. In Response to: House Report No. Report to Congress On Contract Support Cost Funding in Indian Self-Determination Contracts and Compacts In Response to: House Report No. 104-173 May 1997 Presented to the Congress of the United States

More information

SUMMARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008

SUMMARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 SUMMARY MINUTES DECEMBER 16, 2008 1. ROLL CALL Minutes Page 1 OPEN SESSION OF THE STATE PERSONNEL BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Sean Harrigan, President Richard Costigan, Vice President Patricia Clarey, Member

More information

Power Marketing Administrations: Background and Current Issues

Power Marketing Administrations: Background and Current Issues Power Marketing Administrations: Background and Current Issues name redacted Specialist in Energy Policy January 7, 2008 Congressional Research Service CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and

More information

FY 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill Restores Some Funds to Tribal Programs Bill Rejects Contract Support Costs Caps Proposal

FY 2014 Omnibus Spending Bill Restores Some Funds to Tribal Programs Bill Rejects Contract Support Costs Caps Proposal Spending Bill Restores Some Funds to Tribal Programs Bill Rejects Contract Support Costs Caps Proposal January 15, House and Senate negotiators released a $1.012 trillion spending bill (HR 3547) on January

More information

GAO. HOMELAND SECURITY Challenges to Implementing the Immigration Interior Enforcement Strategy

GAO. HOMELAND SECURITY Challenges to Implementing the Immigration Interior Enforcement Strategy GAO For Release on Delivery Expected at 10:00 a.m. EDT Thursday, April 10, 2003 United States General Accounting Office Testimony Before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Claims, Committee

More information