Carlino’s Event Center: Where California Tribal Courts Took Center Stage
The 4th Annual CILS California Tribal Courts Conference, held at the Rolling Hills Casino – Paskenta Band of Nomlaki facility, offered a variety of presentations and – for the first time – even mock trials. The annual conference brought first-time and repeat attendees from all over the state as attendees listened to complex topics on California tribal jurisdiction, tribal customary adoption, and other key legal issues. California, as a state affected 
by federal Public Law-280, limits some of the tribal courts’ abilities to hear cases, but as CILS Sacramento Directing Attorney, Alex Cleghorn stated, “We are not talking about what [Public Law] PL-280 says California tribal courts can’t do. Rather, we are focusing on what California tribal courts can do.” And what tribal courts can do is substantial. From the initial steps a tribal council may take when selecting a type of justice system, to a court’s 
implementation and judge selection, law enforcement agreements with the state and even creating a lay advocate program, tribal courts and tribal councils have options. CILS brought forth specialized speakers who shared their frank perspectives and lessons learned on the role of tribal courts. 
Issues of bias, ethics and even disenrollment were explored. One panel even addressed the Customary Tribal Adoption law which goes into effect on July 1, 2010. The law provides for a new tribal adoption option in Indian Child Welfare cases and allows tribes to craft a tribal customary adoption order –
expanding the role for tribal justice systems. For those who stayed for the full 2 ½ days of events, the mock trials appeared to cap the end of a
successful conference. Hearings on four cases examined how a court may tackle issues of DUI, drug possession, guardianship and child custody. “Mock trials – great. Learned a lot,” was one comment. “Great presentations,” said another. For many attendees the special screening of “NOMLAQA BODA (I am Nomlaki)”, a documentary about the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki was both informative and exceptional. The excerpt screening traced the impact of CILS’ recognition work and showed interviews with Paskenta’s tribal chairman, Everett Freeman, among notable Paskenta elders. CILS is grateful for the support of Paskenta and our other sponsors. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s attendance and hope to see your continued support at next year’s conference. 
