To All Tribal Leaders:

The Native American Rights Fund (NARF) has just issued the 5thCircuit Court of Appeals briefing schedule. The United States’ and tribal defendants’ Opening Brief and all supporting (amicus) briefs are due on January 14, 2019. 

NARF’s deadline for signing on to the amicus brief will be end-of-day Thursday, January 10, 2019.  NARF expects to circulate a draft on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Any tribal nation, inter-tribal organization, and ICWA organization interested in signing on to the amicus brief can contact Dan Lewerenz at lewerenz@narf.org and Erin Dougherty Lynch at dougherty@narf.org at NARF.  You can also contact Dorothy Alther at dalther@calindian.org or at 760-746-8941, or any CILS office for more information.   

There is no need to submit a Resolution or formal letter authorizing the tribes’ or organizations’ consent to be listed on the amicus.  You can simply email Dan or Erin at NARF or any CILS office.