Protect Your Cultural Resources
By Dorothy Alther, Executive Director Protecting Native American cultural resources comes in two forms: “proactive” and “reactive.” I encourage tribes to engage in both approaches. Proactive: Sign up for consultation early when a project or undertaking is in the planning stages. Early consultation allows you to build in mitigation measures, tribal monitoring requirements, and protocols […]
Where there is a Will, there is a Way
By Mark Vezzola, CILS Escondido office Directing Attorney With unemployment on the rise and our economic futures uncertain, making a will may not seem like a priority. But estate planning for Indian trust property is more important now than ever. The truth is that life is uncertain. Since we do not know what tomorrow holds, […]
Active Efforts in ICWA Cases During the Pandemic
By Debra Avenmarg, CILS Eureka office Staff Attorney Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases are being severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic: courts are delaying time-sensitive hearings, tribal families visits are being disrupted or canceled altogether, and case plan services are being put on hold. This raises concerns of whether active efforts tribal families need […]
FY20 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Program
Pre-Application Deadline April 30, 2020 CILS encourages tribes to take advantage of the Department of Justice’s solicitation to distribute over $100 million to tribes to support crime victim services. For the first time this year, the funding will be distributed via a formula to all eligible tribal governments. This year’s solicitation has two mandatory deadlines: […]
TRIBAL ALERT: Tribal Nation Grant Funds Available
In case you have not heard the Tribal Nation Grant Fund (TNGF) has $17.3 million available in COVID-19 Emergency Grants. Eligible tribal applicants may apply for up to $245,000 to fund programs, procurement of supplies, and actions taken in response to guidance of public health officials to address the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are due on April […]
TRIBAL ALERT: Domestic Violence During Covid-19
California Indian Legal Services is very concerned about the potential for a significant increase in domestic violence when families are restricted to their homes. This is undoubtedly a stressful time for all. Many people have lost their jobs, which is causing severe financial distress. Children are having to adapt to a curtailment of their usual […]
