Indigenous, Indian, and Aboriginal Law Commons^™

Groundwater In New Mexico, Darcy Bushnell

Publications

No abstract provided.

Fall 2012 Utton Center Newsletter, Utton Center, University Of New Mexico - School Of Law

Publications

No abstract provided.

Kirtland Afb - Bulk Fuels Facility Spill: Regulatory Authority Under Rcra And History, New Mexico Environment Department, University Of New Mexico - School Of Law

Publications

No abstract provided.

“Indians, In A Jurisdictional Sense”: Tribal Citizenship And Other Forms Of Non-Indian Consent To Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction, Paul Spruhan

Faculty Scholarship

Can tribes exert criminal jurisdiction over non- Indians who consent, by whatever means, to adhere to tribal laws? Has federal Indian law, and tribes’ reaction to it, changed the universe of tribal jurisdiction so significantly that non-Indians can truly never be subject to tribal criminal law? This article explores the concept of consent as a still viable theory of tribal criminal jurisdiction. I first examine some historical examples of non-Indian consent through adoption or naturalization under tribal law, and reactions to such consent by federal officials. I then discuss modern examples of tribal law theories of consent, primarily through recent …

Order Of Determination Of Water Rights For The Owyhee River And Its Tributaries, Including The Rights Of The Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Of The Duck Valley Reservation, Shoshone-Paiute Tribes Of The Duck Valley Indian Reservation, Nevada, United States

Native American Water Rights Settlement Project

Settlement Agreement: Agreement to Establish the Relative Water Rights of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation and the Upstream Water Users, East Fork Owyhee River (2006) contained, at the 368th page, as Appendix B to In the Matter of the Determination of the Relative Rights in and to the Waters, Both Surface and Underground, Within the Drainage Area of the Owyhee River and its Tributaries Located within the East For Owyhee River Area, Elko County, NV, Order of Determination, From the Office of the State Engineer of Nevada, 2012. Parties: the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley …

Law School A Wellspring Of Future U.S Leaders, Kevin Washburn

Faculty Scholarship

People sometimes ask me if our country has too many lawyers. Well, yes, and it has led to our success. Trust is based on the best judicial system in the world and a strong commitment to the rule of law.

Law School A Wellspring Of Future U.S. Leaders, Kevin Washburn

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Summer 2012 Utton Center Newsletter, Utton Center, University Of New Mexico - School Of Law

Publications

No abstract provided.

American Indian Water Right Settlements, Darcy Bushnell

Publications

No abstract provided.

New Mexico Ex Rel. State Engineer V. Aamodt, No. 66cv6639 (D.N.M.), New Mexico State Engineer

Publications

No abstract provided.

The Indigenous Legal Tradition As Foundational Law, Christine Zuni Cruz

Faculty Scholarship

This chapter is drawn from a transcribed joint presentation made by Christine Zuni Cruz (Isleta/Ohkay Owingeh) and Casey Douma (Laguna/Hopi-Tewa) at the Pueblo Convocation in April 2012 at Tamaya. Sections I, II and V are based on the presentation made by Christine Zuni Cruz; Sections III and IV summarize the presentation made by Casey Douma. Section VI combines the concluding thoughts of Zuni Cruz and Douma. Special thanks to Aaron Sims (Acoma Pueblo) for producing the computer images for Figures 1 and 4. Figures 1 and 4 are adapted illustrations created by Christine Zuni Cruz in an earlier article (Zuni …

What's At Stake For Tribes? – The U.S. Department Of Justice Office Of Legal Counsel Opinion On Internet Gaming, Testimony Of Dean Kevin K. Washburn, Oversight Hearing Before The United States Senate Committee On Indian Affairs, 112th Congress, Second Session, Kevin Washburn

Faculty Scholarship

The recent opinion by the Office of Legal Counsel has created a lot of activity after years of uncertainty about the legality of Internet gaming in the United States. Internet gaming poses a threat of unknown magnitude to brick and mortar casinos, including Indian casinos. Because internet activities are difficult to regulate across state boundaries and national uniformity is likely to be more effective and more efficient than multiple state regulatory structures, Congress should federalize the regulation of Internet gaming. Congress should, however, consider the important role that Indian gaming has had in lifting the socioeconomic status of Indian people …

Judicial Selection Methods, Tribal Politics, And Strong Government: Navajo Nation At The Crossroads, Bethany Sullivan

Tribal Law Journal

This article by Bethany Sullivan examines the judicial selection methods of the Navajo Nation and its impact on the Navajo Nation. After surveying the various methods of judicial selection by both the United State and Navajo Nation, the author explores potential changes to the existing selection methods of the Navajo Nation. Ultimately, however, the author argues for the maintenance of the existing selection methods and warns against future efforts to reform the Navajo appointive system.

Northern Cheyenne Tribe: Traditional Law And Constitutional Reform, Sheldon C. Spotted Elk

Tribal Law Journal

This profile by Sheldon C. Spotted Elk examines the U.S. Government's infringement on the Northern Cheyenne's political sovereignty. Most significantly, this profile examines the relationship between the oral history of the Northern Cheyenne and its impact on traditional tribal governance and law. Following the Northern Cheyenne's adoption of a modern constitution, many members fought to continue living under a traditional constitution. Ultimately, the Northern Cheyenne a written IRA compatible constitution while maintaining an oral constitution. The delicate balance allows the Northern Cheyenne to address modern issues while also keeping the fundamental traditional and customary law of the tribe alive.

Salmon People In An Era Of Depleting Salmon: The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community’S Climate Adaptation Action Plan As A Manifestation Of Tribal Sovereignty, Kelly Davis

Tribal Law Journal

Climate change presents novel challenges to indigenous peoples striving to maintain their place-based subsistence cultures. Climate change is altering physical environments, tribes are experiencing detrimental impacts, and adaptation is necessary to preserve indigenous lifestyles. The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, a Coast Salish tribe in northwestern Washington State, has taken the initiative in tribal climate change adaptation efforts.

In 2010, the Swinomish Office of Planning and Community Development issued a thorough Climate Adaptation Action Plan, which delineates strategies the vulnerable coastal, salmon-dependent tribe must take. Resilient social systems, like American Indian tribes, are capable of anticipating and planning for the future. …

Soft-Voiced Warrior Song, Donald G. Mcintntyre

Tribal Law Journal

Soft-Voiced Warrior Song is a mixed media construction. The piece started with a basic image of a man’s head, using black acrylic paint on a white canvas. This is to suggest that in the beginning things were, for the most part, black and white. The laws of engagement were simple. It was essential to maintain harmony with one’s environment. Among the Anishinabek, to sustain this balance, the Soft-Voiced-Warrior-Song was employed; this was a way of recognizing your place within the environment to determine if diplomacy or war was the most likely to return unity. Song was a method of listening …

Lines Of Tribe, Christine Zuni Cruz

Faculty Scholarship

It is important to begin by explaining why I take the title of my essay from the statement in President Barack Obama's 2009 Inaugural Address: "the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve." During the address, his words affected me and they remained with me long afterward. President Obama may very well have meant what he said in a metaphoric or figurative sense; I have certainly been provided with many interpretations and assurances by most that a literal meaning was not his intent and that he instead spoke in a good way of the beneficial melting of divisions between us." It …

Picuris Pueblo Tribal Court Handbook (2012), Tribal Law Journal Staff

Tribal Law Journal

This handbook helps take some of the mystery out of practicing in tribal courts. Without the necessary information to learn new rules and protocols many attorneys are understandably reluctant to practice in a new jurisdiction. As a result, tribal courts are underused or misused. This handbook is intended to help attorneys and advocates become more aware of the various individual tribal court systems and to learn their rules and protocol.

Response To House Memorial 41 Requesting A Study Of The Use Of Natural Gas As A Transportation Fuel, Kevin Washburn, Kevin Boberg, Jeffrey Kendall

Faculty Scholarship

This paper addresses legal, logistical and technological issues related to the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel in New Mexico. It was prepared at the request of the NM State legislature in House Memorial 41.

Legislature Mustn't Rush Redistricting (No One Size Fits All In Judicial Selection), Kevin Washburn

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Hoping For A Smooth [Redistricting] Process This Time, Kevin Washburn

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Community Growth And Land Use, Susan Kelly

Publications

No abstract provided.

United States' Statement Of Claims Of Water Rights In The New Mexico San Juan River Basin On Behalf Of The Navajo Tribe, United States

Native American Water Rights Settlement Project

United States' Statement of Claims of Water Rights in the New Mexico San Juan River Basin on Behalf of the Navajo Tribe: Parties: United States, New Mexico, Navajo Nation. Contents:

I - Introduction, p.5;

II - Scope of Claims, p.5:

A. Legal Basis;

B. Lands for Which Water Rights are Claimed;

C. Priority Date;

D. Categories of Water Use;

E. Subsequent Revision or Supplement to Claims;

III - Claims on Behalf of the Navajo Nation, p.9:

1. Domestic, Commercial, Municipal, and Industrial
2. Heavy Industrial Activities
3. Livestock
4. Historic and Present Irrigation
5. Future NIIP Irrigation
6. Additional Future Irrigation – PIA Claims
7. Impoundment Storage …

Supplemental Partial Final Decree Of The Water Rights Of The Navajo Nation, 11th Judicial District, San Juan County, State Of New Mexico

Native American Water Rights Settlement Project

Supplemental Partial Final Decree of the Water Rights of the Navajo Nation: Parties: Navajo Nation, NM, New Mexico, USA, United States.

Contents:

1. Jurisdiction, p.2; 2. Supplemental Decree, p.2; 3. Reserved Rights, p.2, including a) Livestock Water Use, p.4, b) Irrigation Water Use, p.6; 4. Water Rights Acquired under State Law, p.18; 5. Depletion Limits, p.22; 6. Allottees, p.24; 7. Limitations, p.24; 8. Disclaimers, p.27; 9. Jurisdiction after Entry of Decree, p.26; 10. Metering of Water Uses, p.26; 11. Records of Water Use, p.28; 12. Administration, p.32. [Source: https://sjrbadjudication.nmcourts.gov/navajo-inter-se-ab-07-1.aspx]

Winter 2011 Utton Center Newsletter, Utton Center, University Of New Mexico - School Of Law

Publications

No abstract provided.

New Mexico’S Major Reservoirs: An Overview, Susan Kelly, Diego Urbina

Water Matters!

This paper describes the salient facts about the major water storage reservoirs in New Mexico. For each reservoir, we address the purposes of water storage allowed by law, storage capacity, the responsible operating agency, and some key operational issues. This is by necessity a vast simplification of the topic.Books, articles, research reports, operation manuals, and other materials on these topics run into the hundreds. Millions of dollars have been spent on technical studies and computer models to understand,and sometimes alter, the operations of various dams and reservoirs.

Ogalala Sioux Tribal Profile, Karen Kimbro Chase

Tribal Law Journal

This profile offers an excellent overview of Oglala Sioux law, both traditional and modern. Like many tribes, the Indian Reorganization Act had a major impact on the contemporary law of the Oglala Sioux. While the IRA resulted in tribal constitutions that reflected the values of the U.S. Constitution, this profile examines the traditional and customary law that was subsequently incorporated into the Oglala Sioux Constitution. This profile includes a brief history of the Oglala Sioux, overview of traditional law, governmental structure, summary of contemporary law, and history of political activism.

Ho-Chunk Nation Tribal Law Profile, Daniel B. Snyder

Tribal Law Journal

In this tribal profile provides an excellent point of reference for practitioners dealing with any legal matter within the Ho-Chunk Nation. Starting with an overview of the legal history of the tribe, including modern government and law, the author examines the traditional legal practices and responsibilities of the Ho-Chunk. Mr. Snyder then explores the modern judicial and legislative branches, and their work to preserve the tribe's traditional laws and customs.

Reassessing Concurrent Tribal-State-Federal Criminal Jurisdiction In Kansas, Aliza Organick

Faculty Scholarship

This Article questions the continued viability of the Kansas Act federal legislation, which extended Indian country criminal jurisdiction to the state of Kansas, while leaving unimpaired preexisting tribal and federal jurisdiction over the same offenses. This Article concludes with recommendations for legislative reform and the consideration of intergovernmental agreements with an eye toward providing a solution that respects modern policies of tribal self-determination, protects the financial resources and judicial economy of state and tribal courts, and protects the rights of defendants who may be subject to multiple prosecutions for the same offense.

Tribal Court Convictions And The Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Respect For Tribal Courts And Tribal People In Federal Sentencing, Barbara L. Creel

Faculty Scholarship

This article critiques a proposal to include tribal court criminal convictions and sentences in the federal sentencing scheme. The proposal, as articulated by Kevin Washburn, calls for an amendment to the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to count tribal court convictions in calculating an Indian defendants criminal history score to determine a federal prison sentence. Currently, tribal court convictions are not directly counted in criminal history, but may be used to support an 'upward departure' to increase the Native defendant's overall federal sentence. Washburn's proposal seeks to gain 'respect' for tribal courts, based upon a premise that tribal convictions must be afforded …