Native American Tribal Claims and
Federal Jurisdiction
An In-Depth Analysis of the Indian Tucker Act
March 4, 2024 | 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. EST
Minnesota CLE Credits Approved: 2 hours
Course Description
Native American Tribes and Nations are self-governing sovereigns that exist simultaneously within the United States, yet separate and apart from many Federal and State laws and institutions. This panel explores the unique claims of American Indians and Alaska Natives and the Tribes, Nations, Pueblos, and Rancherias to which many belong. Specifically, it will analyze the Indian Tucker Act and its implications on Native American tribal claims within the United States.
Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the jurisdictional scope and the substantive legal principles underlying tribal claims against the federal government within the United States Court of Federal Claims. Attendees will delve into the complexities of tribal claims and fiduciary duties, while examining the historical context and legal frameworks that underpin these disputes.
Katherine Fort, Indian Law Clinic Director, will provide introduction and welcome. This panel of participants will include Judge David A. Tapp, United States Court of Federal Claims; Joel West Williams, Deputy Solicitor for Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of Interior; Frank Singer, Senior Litigation Counsel, Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Department of Justice, representing the Defendant’s perspective; and Thomas Peckham, Nordhaus Law Firm, LLC representing the Tribal Plaintiffs’ perspective.