Announcements
Hi all--it's been very quiet for the past couple of weeks. This is honestly good news in ICWA land. There are, unfortunately, many things for tribes to be focused on right now that are not ICWA-related. This includes Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, proposed changes to the Census, and of course, the upcoming midterm election--with an unprecedented number of Native people running for office and focus on Native issues.
Speaking Events
I just finished up two presentations at NAICJA, including a panel on how much I hate AI. In truth, I mentioned books I've read and my concerns as both a lawyer and a law professor with the issues I'm seeing in the practice. But most importantly, beyond the need for regulation, I am concerned with cognitive off-loading. Use your own brain, friends. It's good for you.
Next week I will be at the annual conference for the Tribal In-House Counsel Association! Last year was the only one I've missed since this conference started and I truly think it is one of the best, most substantive, Indian law conferences out there. I will be talking about the Uniform State ICWA on Wednesday, 10/28, and then about litigating ICWA cases with in-house counsel on 10/29.
Immediately following, I will be presenting remotely to the Oklahoma ICWA conference on 11/3 (election day! Do you have a plan to vote?? I have already voted!!). I am doing both a case law review for 2026 and a Uniform State ICWA breakout session.
Finally, I will be in Seattle for a day later that week to do the PLSI/AILC Clerkship Training. I realized I've done a clerk writing and research training for each of these events, and it is always a pleasure.
East Lansing Varsity Soccer Season
Last night was the end of the East Lansing High School Boys Varsity Soccer season with a 3-1 loss to Caledonia in the second round of district playoffs. They had a winning record (11W-6L-2T) and on their record came in second in their conference.
We've watched the same boys play together on the same team in the East Lansing leagues and then high school for ten years. It was an emotional evening. On to hockey.
