Federal & Tribal Indian Law Attorney

Federal Indian Law is one of the most complex and specialized fields of law in the United States. As a proud member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and a certified expert in Federal Indian Law, Tribal Law, and International Indigenous Human Rights Law, I offer certified expertise rooted in both professional scholarship and personal heritage. This unique perspective allows me to navigate the intricate jurisdictional webs of federal, state, and tribal law with authority and cultural competence.

Core Areas of Counsel for Tribal Nations

I provide comprehensive legal services to Indian tribes, tribal entities, and those doing business in Indian Country. I am dedicated to advancing the sovereignty and well-being of Indigenous Peoples through dedicated, culturally-informed legal counsel.

Tribal Governance and Sovereignty

I advise tribal governments on all aspects of governance, including drafting and amending tribal codes, constitutions, and policies. I am committed to strengthening tribal institutions and protecting the inherent right of tribes to govern themselves and their territories.

Economic Development & 638 Contracting

Economic self-sufficiency is a cornerstone of tribal sovereignty. I provide legal guidance on business formation, commercial transactions, and leveraging opportunities through the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) to empower tribes to control their own programs and services.

Cultural and Natural Resource Protection

I assist tribes in protecting their invaluable cultural heritage and natural resources. This includes advising on land co-stewardship agreements, navigating federal partnership opportunities, and defending treaty rights. I bring direct experience to these matters, having previously worked on issues of salmon protection, the use of GIS mapping software and cartographic evidence in legal cases, and the affirmation of tribal treaty rights. This background informs my strategic approach to land use, environmental protection, and securing water rights for tribal nations.

Tribal Housing Policy

I am a former Tribal Housing Director and Board Member with a proven track record in tribal housing, having helped secure millions through advocacy for tribal affordable housing development in California. I advise on policy development, navigating the complexities of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA), and leveraging financing mechanisms like Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to create safe and affordable homes for tribal members.

Tribal Data Sovereignty & Technology

I have published scholarship on emerging technologies such as Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) as well as blockchain and renewable energy. As such, I advise on establishing data governance frameworks that align with cultural values. This includes counsel on leveraging modern technologies like blockchain for cultural preservation, managing digital assets, and ensuring data is used for the benefit of the community, by the community.