Current News, Events, Updates And Articles
We keep our blog up-to-date with the latest information about our services, special programs, projects, and resources. This includes funding opportunities, legal briefs, and Tribal Alerts that are important for our community. You will also find self-help materials on our blog that provide insights into federal Indian law, its components, and its practical applications.
TRIBAL ALERT – Supreme Court to Determine the Constitutionality of the ICWA
This morning the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in Brackeen v. Haaland, the federal court case challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The case comes to Court from a decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that...
An Overview of Indian Water Rights in California Part 3: Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM)
By Mike Godbe, CILS Bishop Office Directing Attorney This is the third in a three-part series providing an overview of Indian Water Rights in California. This installment focuses on California’s Integrated Regional Water Management grant-funding system. Part 1 on...
2021: Changes in DOI Leadership, a Win for Tribal Sovereignty, and More
By Mark Vezzola, CILS Escondido Office Directing Attorney As 2021 draws to a close, it is time to look back at the last twelve months. If you work in federal Indian law or care about Indian country, there are a number of developments to reflect on. Some changed the...
CILS Receives Holiday Donation from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation
December 9, 2021: By Nicole Scott, Director of Marketing and Development CILS' Escondido Office Directing Attorney Mark Vezzola and Director of Marketing and Development Nicole Scott attended Sycuan's annual Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony at Sycuan's Heritage Events...
Legal Clinic – Sacramento Area
https://www.calindian.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Sacramento-Legal-Clinic-12-16-21.pdf
Historical Perspective: CILS’ Protection of Tribal Court Sovereignty
By Debra Avenmarg, CILS Eureka Office Staff Attorney Over the years, CILS has played an important role in defending Tribal Court jurisdiction and sovereignty. One particular case that illustrates the importance of protecting Tribal Court orders from intrusion by state...
Tribal Elections 101 – Consider the Following When Updating Tribal Election Laws and Regulations
By Denise Bareilles, CILS Eureka Office Directing Attorney I have had the pleasure of working closely with several Tribes in administering tribal elections. It is an interesting area of tribal law that constantly presents new issues for tribal self-governance....
Restoring the Voting Rights Act: Protecting the Native American and Alaska Native Vote
By Sheila Quinlan, CILS Escondido Office Staff Attorney Early November is election season nationwide. While blatant, state-sanctioned barriers to voting for Native Americans ended more than 50 years ago, many barriers—whether intentional or accidental—still hamper...
Say Thank You to Your Lawyer
For those who want to make an impact, contact your lawyer and let them know how much you appreciate them for what they do every day. Just one phone call or email can serve as a reminder that their long hours and dedication to justice aren’t without their rewards! You...
Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Capradio
Today on Insight With Vicki Gonzalez, we're honoring Indigenous Peoples' Day, the challenges of becoming a federally recognized tribe, the history of two-spirit members within tribal and indigenous communities, and much more. Featuring CILS Executive Director Heather...