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 found the ICWA was constitutional except for certain provisions of the […]
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 state water rights and part 2 on federal reserved water rights – or Winters rights – […]
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 political and legal landscape, and a […]
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 Center. Tribal Council Members and top leaders in Sycuan’s Management Team had the opportunity to present a special […]
Legal Clinic – Sacramento Area
Sacramento Legal Clinic 12 16 21
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 courts is the case of In re M.M. (2007) 154 Cal.App.4th 897. In re M.M.: […]
