Native American Law Blog

U. of Saskatchewan College of Law seeks Research Chair

Canada Research Chair in Law (Tier 2)

The College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada seeks to recruit and nominate a Canada Research Chair in Law (Tier 2). The Canada Research Chair program (www.chairs.gc.ca) was established by the Canadian Federal Government with the purpose of attracting outstanding researchers to the Canadian university system. Tier 2 nominees should meet the requirements for Tier 2 appointment as defined by the Canada Research Chairs program: http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/nomination-mise_en_candidature-eng.aspx.

This Tier 2 Canada Research Chair is in the area of Indigenous Rights in Constitutional & International Law. Research in this area responds to the increasing interactions between constitutional protections for Indigenous rights at the domestic level and international law protections for Indigenous Rights, the latter of which received particular expression recently in the 2007 United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Constitutional law advocacy on Indigenous rights is increasingly drawing on international law claims. By identifying connections between Indigenous rights in domestic constitutional law and international law, this Canada Research Chair will advance the University of Saskatchewan’s position as a leader in research on Indigenous rights at an international level. The Chair will also contribute to the University’s sense of place within a province with a demographically significant Indigenous population. In addition, the Chair would enhance a number of the University’s signature themes. For instance, in relation to the public policy and sustainability dimension of the Energy and Mineral Resources signature area, one of the most significant developments in recent years has been the recognition of governments’ duty to consult with aboriginal people when governments are contemplating activity that could adversely affect aboriginal rights or aboriginal title to land. Most significantly, this kind of activity has involved energy generation and mineral resource extraction.

The College seeks scholars with demonstrated potential for international profile and impact for appointment as an Assistant, Associate, or full Professor. Candidates will have completed a Master’s or Doctoral degree in law or equivalent graduate qualification, with the candidate having completed his or her highest degree no more than ten years prior to nomination for the Chair. The successful candidate will have an outstanding academic record with a record of scholarship and a research plan that demonstrate the potential to contribute to the internationally acclaimed record of research and scholarship of one of Canada’s premier law schools.

The successful applicant will be expected to establish a highly productive scholarly agenda including the development of research relationships with researchers across Canada and internationally, to provide effective teaching and mentoring of J.D. and graduate students, to contribute to the core curriculum of the College, and to take on a leadership role appropriate for the appointed rank. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the qualifications of the candidate.

The College of Law has recently undergone a period of renewal and expansion. Its full-time faculty complement is 29, and two endowed visiting chairs bring distinguished scholars from around the world. In addition, the College is affiliated with the Native Law Centre, and offers an LL.M. degree which

attracts promising young researchers. Each year, the College actively pursues internationally recognized scholars to present seminars on a wide array of issues, and hosts at least one international conference.

More information on the College and on its strategic direction for the coming years can be found at www.law.usask.ca, or from Dean Sanjeev Anand at s.anand@usask.ca.

Generally, applicants should submit (1) a cover letter indicating interest in a CRC appointment that identifies the applicant’s academic and research accomplishments along with any teaching experience; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) the candidate’s undergraduate, law and graduate transcripts; (4) letters from three academic referees, (5) samples of academic writing, and (6) evidence of teaching effectiveness, such as evaluations, if available. Publications will not be returned and incomplete applications may not be accepted. Applications or inquiries should be sent to:

Dean Sanjeev Anand, JD, LLM, PhD

College of Law

University of Saskatchewan

15 Campus Drive

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A6

Telephone: (306) 966-5910

Fax: (306) 966-5900

s.anand@usask.ca

The position will remain open for at least six weeks after the posting date with applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged as the College will work with the successful applicant to submit a CRC nomination to the CRC secretariat by April 2012. The successful candidates may assume tenure track or tenured faculty positions at the University of Saskatchewan as early as July 1, 2012, however the final determination of eligibility for a CRC is subject to review and approval by the CRC Secretariat.

The University of Saskatchewan hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. The College of Law is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to further diversification of ideas. Members of these designated groups are encouraged to self-identify on their applications.

Canada Research Chairs are open to individuals of any nationality; offers will be made in accordance with University of Saskatchewan policy, the requirements of the Canada Research Chairs Program and best fit with the College’s core mandate and mission.

 

Vacancy: Assistant Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies

Vacancy: Assistant Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies

Fort Lewis College
Durango, Colorado

Fort Lewis College seeks a tenure track Assistant Professor to teach in the Department of Native American and Indigenous Studies. Applicants whose scholarship links with global Indigenous (First Nations, Pacific Islander, Aboriginal) media studies, economics, or contemporary political/social issues are encouraged to apply.
Teaching load is twelve credit hours per term. Teaching assignment may include the College's liberal arts core. This position is entry-level with a starting salary of $47,000.

Qualifications:
Ph.D. in Native American/American Indian Studies, First Nations, Indigenous or Ethnic Studies preferred; candidates with PhD or terminal degree in another field but with strong specialization in NAIS will also be considered. ABDs in same areas will be considered for initial appointment as Instructor.
Evidence of college teaching at both the introductory and advanced levels and in an interdisciplinary, collaborative liberal arts setting.
Evidence of scholarship or professional production within discipline.

Application Process:
Applications should be submitted electronically to boxer_m@fortlewis.edu and include a cover letter addressing research and teaching experience; a current curriculum vitae; a sample syllabus; and three letters of recommendation, one of which addresses teaching ability/experience by 5:00 p.m. [MST], January 6, 2012.
For questions, please contact chair of search committee, Dr. Majel Boxer, at boxer_m@fortlewis.edu

About the College
Fort Lewis College is a state-supported liberal arts college with its own governing board and is a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC). Total enrollment at the College is about 3,800 students (34.3% are ethnic minorities of which 20.8% are Native Americans and 7.6% Hispanic). Fort Lewis College offers accessible, high quality, baccalaureate liberal arts education to a diverse student population, preparing citizens for the common good in an increasingly complex world. Teaching is the first priority, and close student/faculty interaction is emphasized. Faculty are expected to be professionally active and involved in departmental and college service.

About the Area
Durango, a multicultural community and located in close proximity to the Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, Navajo (Dine') and Jicarilla Apache tribal nations, is the hub of Southwestern Colorado, located in a beautiful mountain valley with nearby peaks reaching 14,000+ feet. With an area population of 40,000, Durango is cosmopolitan for its size with an affluent art community, yet offers superb opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, mountain biking, kayaking and hunting.

Fort Lewis College does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or veteran status. Accordingly, equal opportunity for employment, admission, and education shall be extended to all persons. The College shall promote equal opportunity, equal treatment, and affirmative action efforts to increase the diversity of students, faculty, and staff. People from under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

Dr. Majel Boxer, at boxer_m@fortlewis.edu

-Carolyn

Winnebago tribe member overcomes, returns to help reservation

Single mother of three....coming from poverty on the Winnebago Reservation....who refused to be kept down, and is now a lawyer working on behalf of her tribe.

"The stress of family and work put a dent in her grades, but what mattered was getting the law degree and bringing it back to Winnebago, which she did in 2003 with a general counsel position at Ho-Chunk Inc., the tribe's economic development corporation.

"She could be a highfalutin' lawyer in California or New York, but she chose to raise her family here," said adopted sister Martin. "She's one of the few people who got out and got an education and came back to the tribe."

So this CAN be done.

This particular story was published over a year ago.....sorry I didn't spot it and spread it around sooner.

To Ms. Danelle Smith:  Well done.

You can find the whole story HERE.

twp

Native Americans file suit over alleged boarding school abuse

From the Washington Post:  "

SEATTLE — Eight Native Americans filed suit Tuesday against the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, claiming the agency placed them in a mission boarding school where they say they were sexually abused by a Jesuit priest decades ago.

The plaintiffs are now adults in their 50s and 60s living in Washington and Montana. They were wards of the state when the abuse occurred, and officials failed to ensure their safety, said their attorney, Blaine Tamaki."

See the full story HERE.

Another eagle feather case for the courts.....

The Albuquerque Journal reports HERE that:

"A Kewa Pueblo medicine man has pleaded guilty to violating the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, in a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

In a news releases, U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales said that Martin Aguilar, 47, entered guilty pleas Wednesday to two counts of a four-count indictment filed in November 2010.

Aguilar pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of a bald eagle and the unlawful possession of a bald eagle. The indictment had also  charged Aguilar with the unlawful bartering of a golden eagle and the unlawful possession of a migratory bird, a red-tailed hawk.

Aguilar acknowledged that he had not applied for or obtained permission to kill, take or possess a bald eagle from the federal Interior Department as required by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. Aguilar also admitted that he is a medicine man at Kewa, formerly known as Santo Domingo Pueblo, and that he has shot and killed five bald eagles since 1992.

Aguilar entered his guilty pleas conditioned on reserving his right to have the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals review recent orders by U.S. District Judge M. Christina Armijo denying Aguilar’s motions to suppress evidence in the case and to dismiss the charges."

 

Webinar on Cherokee Freedmen situation scheduled

Tuesday, November 15th, 5:30pm PT / 7:30pm CT / 8:30pm ET

MJIL Program Co-Director and Professor Tim Pleasant will make a brief presentation on the status of the Cherokee Freedman and discuss the legal aspects of that ongoing controversy. Also covered will be a brief discussion of the MJIL program, including curriculum and admissions, as well as a demonstration of some of the features of the online classroom used by the MJIL program.

All are welcome....just go to http://webinar.indianlawmj.com at the requisite time and login....

Presidential Proclamation -- National Native American Heritage Month, 2011

The  White House
Office  of the Press Secretary
For  Immediate Release November 01, 2011

Presidential  Proclamation -- National Native American Heritage Month, 2011

NATIONAL  NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH, 2011 BY  THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A  PROCLAMATION

From  the Aleutian Islands to the Florida Everglades, American Indians and Alaska  Natives have contributed immensely to our country's heritage. During National  Native American Heritage Month, we commemorate their enduring achievements and  reaffirm the vital role American Indians and Alaska Natives play in enriching  the character of our Nation.

Native  Americans stand among America's most distinguished authors, artists, scientists,  and political leaders, and in their accomplishments, they have profoundly strengthened the legacy we will leave our children. So, too, have American Indians and Alaska Natives bravely fought to protect this legacy as members of  our Armed Forces. As service members, they have shown exceptional valor and  heroism on battlefields from the American Revolution to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Native Americans have demonstrated time and again their commitment to advancing  our common goals, and we honor their resolve in the face of years of  marginalization and broken promises. My Administration recognizes the painful  chapters in our shared history, and we are fully committed to moving forward  with American Indians and Alaska Natives to build a better future together.

To  strengthen our economy and win the future for our children, my Administration is addressing problems that have burdened Native American communities for too long.  We are working to bolster economic development, expand access to affordable  health care, broaden post-secondary educational opportunities, and ensure public  safety and tribal justice. In June, I signed an Executive Order establishing the  White House Rural Council, to strengthen Federal engagement with tribal  governments and promote economic prosperity in Indian Country and across rural  America. This comes in conjunction with several settlements that will put more  land into the hands of tribes and deliver long-awaited trust reform to Indian  Country.

To  bring jobs and sustainable growth to tribal nations, my Administration is connecting tribal economies to the broader economy through transportation  infrastructure and high-speed Internet, as well as by focusing on clean energy  development on tribal lands. First Lady Michelle Obama's recently launched Let's  Move! in Indian Country initiative will also redouble efforts to encourage  healthy living for American Indians and Alaska Natives. These actions reflect my  Administration's ongoing commitment to progress for Native Americans, which was  reaffirmed last year when we announced our support for the United Nations  Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Through a comprehensive  strategy where the Federal Government and tribal nations move forward as equal  partners, we can bring real and lasting change to Indian Country.

This  month, we celebrate the rich heritage and myriad contributions of American  Indians and Alaska Natives, and we rededicate ourselves to supporting tribal  sovereignty, tribal self-determination, and prosperity for all Native Americans.  We will seek to strengthen our nation-to-nation relationship by ensuring tribal  nations have a voice in shaping national policies impacting tribal communities.  We will continue this dialogue at the White House Tribal Nations Conference held  in Washington, D.C. next month. As we confront the challenges currently facing  our tribal communities and work to ensure American Indians and Alaska Natives  have meaningful opportunities to pursue their dreams, we are forging a brighter future for the First Americans and all Americans.

NOW,  THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue  of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2011 as National Native American Heritage Month. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this month with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 25, 2011, as Native American Heritage Day.

IN  WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United  States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK  OBAMA

 

-Carolyn

Call for submissions: Indigenous Law Journal

I was just forwarded this announcement: Download Call for Submissions Winter 2012

This is their last call for submissions for Winter 2012 (Vol 11). If you intend to submit, please refer to the instructions for authors on the Indigenous Law Journal website by clicking here.

-Carolyn