The COVID-19 pandemic had many impacts on Indian Country. CARES Act funding divided Native Nations and Alaska Native corporations over the “tribes” eligible for those resources. Tribal governments closed their lands and imposed curfews and other unprecedented efforts to protect their citizens. Thousands of Native households were unable to participate in the 2020 Census, affecting future funding and opportunities for equal representation. This program explores these impacts in the broader context of the legal definition and scope of authority of tribal governments, and their interaction with non-tribal governments through the Census and redistricting.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The meaning of “tribe” as defined by federal law
2. Tribal sovereignty and the inherent powers of tribal governments
3. The impact of COVID-19 on the 2020 Census and redistricting in Indian Country

Presented by: Indian Law Section

Chairs
Benjamin L Rundall, Honor Law Group PLLC
James Tucker, Wilson Elser LLP

Faculty
Cory Albright, Kanji & Katzen
Kimberly Dutcher, Deputy Attorney General, Navajo Nation
Patty Ferguson-Bohnee, Clinical Professor of Law & Faculty Director of the Indian Law Program, ASU Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Matthew L.M. Fletcher, Professor of Law & Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center, Michigan State University College of Law
Lillian Schwales, Deputy Attorney General, Navajo Nation
Jason M. Searle, Attorney, Navajo Nation
Paul Spruhan, Deputy Attorney General, Navajo Nation
James Tucker, Wilson Elser LLP