The 2010 Judges Benchguide - Indian Child Welfare Act is Now Available for Download!

California Indian Legal Services is proud to make available The California Judges Benchguide - The Indian Child Welfare Act (2010 edition). The Benchguide is available for free .pdf download on our website.  Please click on the image to view our Benchguide page.  It is also available under our Self Help & Community Legal Ed section under Indian Child Welfare materials.

California Indian Legal Services wishes to acknowledge the many CILS advocates, Indian law practitioners, state and tribal court officers, and California Indians who provided valuable feedback, documentation, and otherwise made contributions to the successful development of this Benchguide.

Carlino’s Event Center: Where California Tribal Courts Took Center Stage

The 4th Annual CILS California Tribal Courts Conference, held at the Rolling Hills Casino – Paskenta Band of Nomlaki facility, offered a variety of presentations and – for the first time – even mock trials.  The annual conference brought first-time and repeat attendees from all over the state as attendees listened to complex topics on California tribal jurisdiction, tribal customary adoption, and other key legal issues.  California, as a state affected

by federal Public Law-280, limits some of the tribal courts’ abilities to hear cases, but as CILS Sacramento Directing Attorney, Alex Cleghorn stated, “We are not talking about what [Public Law] PL-280 says California tribal courts can’t do. Rather, we are focusing on what California tribal courts can do.” And what tribal courts can do is substantial.  From the initial steps a tribal council may take when selecting a type of justice system, to a court’s  

implementation and judge selection, law enforcement agreements with the state and even creating a lay advocate program, tribal courts and tribal councils have options. CILS brought forth specialized speakers who shared their frank perspectives and lessons learned on the role of tribal courts.

Issues of bias, ethics and even disenrollment were explored.  One panel even addressed the Customary Tribal Adoption law which goes into effect on July 1, 2010.  The law provides for a new tribal adoption option in Indian Child Welfare cases and allows tribes to craft a tribal customary adoption order –

expanding the role for tribal justice systems.  For those who stayed for the full 2 ½ days of events, the mock trials appeared to cap the end of a

successful conference. Hearings on four cases examined how a court may tackle issues of DUI, drug possession, guardianship and child custody.  “Mock trials – great. Learned a lot,” was one comment.  “Great presentations,” said another.  For many attendees the special screening of “NOMLAQA BODA (I am Nomlaki)”, a documentary about the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki was both informative and exceptional.  The excerpt screening traced the impact of CILS’ recognition work and showed interviews with Paskenta’s tribal chairman, Everett Freeman, among notable Paskenta elders.  CILS is grateful for the support of Paskenta and our other sponsors.  We sincerely appreciate everyone’s attendance and hope to see your continued support at next year’s conference.  

TRIBAL COURTS CONFERENCE SOON TO BEGIN

May 19th is the first day of the upcoming CILS Tribal Courts Conference.  The 3-day event brings together California tribal courts and presents an opportunity for networking and learning about relevant issues being tackled by tribal courts today.  This year we are excited to add mock trials to the agenda.  The trials are expected to showcase different methods that courts use to adjudicate both civil and criminal legal issues.  The Conference, hosted this year by the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki at their Rolling Hills facility,  is drawing speakers on a variety of topics such as state court/tribal court relations, law enforcement, tribal customary adoptions and ethics.  Also scheduled is a presentation for tribes looking to start their own tribal lay advocate programs – creating more opportunities for members to participate and use their tribal court systems.   Registering online for the Conference is encouraged – a $20 discount is given to all who register online.  Follow the link to register: http://wwwcalindian.eventbrite.com/   

Same day registration will be limited so best to reserve your space now!

Happy Census Day!

Yes, April 1st is National Census Day.  If you have not yet mailed in your Census form, now is your chance.  The US Census will be mailing the forms a second time if they have not yet received a response from a household.  If you misplace or loose your form and need another, call the Telephone Questionnaire Assistance Center at 1-866-872-6868.  Households who have not returned their US Census form by April 19th, may receive a visit from a US Cenus worker.   Remember: Be counted!