Join the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program for our Fall 2018 Speaker Series to learn from leading legal advocates.
Tribal Justice Capacity Building: the Intersection of Public Health, Public Safety, and Child Welfare Wednesday Sep. 5, 2018, 12-1:30 PM
James E. Rogers College of Law, Room 156
Alfred Urbina, Assistant Attorney General of the Tohono O’odham Nation, will lead a discussion on the intersections between the criminal justice system, child welfare system, and public health in tribal communities. Mr. Urbina is a graduate of Arizona Law's Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) program, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and a veteran of the U.S. Army.
Being an Advocate in the Arizona State Legislature Monday Oct. 1, 2018, 12-1:30 PM
James E. Rogers College of Law, Room 160
Wenona Benally, Arizona State Representative for Legislative District 7, will lead a discussion on her experience serving in the Arizona State Legislature, updates about important policy initiatives in the state, and her path to becoming a legal advocate for indigenous peoples and a state representative. Wenona graduated from IPLP with a Master of Laws (LLM) Degree in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy.
Asserting Sovereignty: Nation Building at the Navajo Nation Monday Oct. 22, 2018, 12-1:30 PM
James E. Rogers College of Law, Room 156
Ethel Branch, Attorney General of the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, Office of the Attorney General, will lead a discussion on the Native Nation building efforts of the Navajo Nation, as well as some of the challenges of asserting your sovereignty as a tribe.
University of Arizona Law 3L Working on Tribal Supreme Court Project
This summer, University of Arizona Law third-year student Logan Cooper is working in Washington, D.C., for the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) in their Law Clerk Program.
As a NARF law clerk Logan is working on NARF’s Tribal Supreme Court Project, tracking opinions issued by the Supreme Court and providing research for cases which will be heard by the Court in the fall term. Some major research projects for the fall term include the Creek Nation boundary case (Royal v. Murphy), an off-reservation treaty hunting case (Herrera v. Wyoming), and a state fuel tax case (Washington State Department of Licensing v. Cougar Den Inc.). Logan is also assisting NARF staff with compiling tribal court cases and tribal codes to help the legal profession track the development on law and policy in tribal courts.
“It's all important work because Supreme Court cases have effects all of Indian Country feels. There is so much on the line, so tribes need the best resources they can to help fight efforts to erode their sovereignty. Personally, I love seeing how things work at such a high level of the law, digging into the minds of Supreme Court Justices and seeing how very experienced professionals strategize for their big day in court, and knowing that the advocacy we do (if we succeed) will solidify tribal rights for years to come,” said Logan.
Read more about Logan’s summer clerk experience here.
IPLP Alumnus Appointed Special Assistant U.S. Attorney
Chase Valesquez ('15) has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona to the position of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (“SAUSA”). Chase serves as the Assistant Attorney General of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. As a SAUSA, Velasquez will continue in his role at the San Carlos Apache Tribe and be co-counsel with federal prosecutors on felony investigations and prosecution of criminal cases occurring on the tribe’s reservation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.
“As an enrolled member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, born and raised on my reservation, I am mindful and aware of the daily challenges that the San Carlos Apaches face. I am honored by the trust and confidence underlying the recommendation of the San Carlos Council and shall do everything in my power to fulfill their expectations. I also want to thank the attorneys of the tribe’s Office of the Attorney General, the Pima County Attorney’s Office Criminal Division, the Navajo Nation Department of Justice, and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe for providing great mentorship to me early on in my career in order to prepare me for this important appointment as a SAUSA,” Chase said.
IPLP Alumni Named Faculty
Professor Sarah Morales. Photo courtesy of CIGI.
IPLP alumna ('06) Sarah Morales has been appointed as faculty at the University of Victoria Faculty of Law. Professor Morales is Coast Salish and a member of the Cowichan Tribes. Professor Morales’ research focuses on indigenous legal traditions, Aboriginal law, and human rights. Morales was also named a fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a non-partisan public policy research center focused on international governance. In addition to her significant academic achievements, she is also a leading advocate for nation building and human rights recognition, working with indigenous nations and non-governmental organizations throughout Canada.
Dr. Jamie Lavallee, a fellow IPLP alumna ('16), has also been named assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Jamie is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Prior to joining the University of Saskatchewan, she served as director of indigenous governance, law & policy at the File Hills Qu'Appelle Tribal Council.
Dr. Lavallee's dissertation for her IPLP Doctor of Juridical Science degree focused on best practices for implementation of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Professor Williams Discusses Global Impact of IPLP Program
Regents' Professor Robert A. Williams, Jr.
Professor Robert A. Williams, Jr. (Lumbee) recently sat down with the Native Nations Institute to reflect on the impact of the IPLP Program and how the Native Nation building legacy inspired by the late Vine Deloria, Jr. (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) continues to animate the program. Watch the full interview here.
Professor Tsosie Quoted by High Country News
For a recent article titled “Indigenous Immigrants Face Unique Challenges at the Border,” Professor Rebecca Tsosie discussed the human rights issues facing indigenous families crossing border. Read the article here.
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University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law
Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program
This summer, University of Arizona Law third-year student Logan Cooper is working in Washington, D.C., for the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) in their 
Chase Valesquez ('15) has been appointed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona to the position of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (“SAUSA”). Chase serves as the Assistant Attorney General of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and is a member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe. As a SAUSA, Velasquez will continue in his role at the San Carlos Apache Tribe and be co-counsel with federal prosecutors on felony investigations and prosecution of criminal cases occurring on the tribe’s reservation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. 
Dr. Jamie Lavallee, a fellow IPLP alumna ('16), has also been named assistant professor at the University of Saskatchewan College of Law. Jamie is a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. Prior to joining the University of Saskatchewan, she served as 
