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California Indian Legal Services

California Indian Legal Services
 
Apr01

Amicus Brief Thank You

Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl Amicus Brief available for viewing

On March 28, 2013 California Indian Legal Services (CILS) and Maureen Geary with Maier, Pfeffer, Kim & Geary, filed an amicus brief (“friend of the court brief”) on behalf of 63 California tribes and 5 Indian/tribal organizations with the United States Supreme Court in the Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl et. seq. The brief can viewed here and sets forth the issues in the case.

CILS would like to thank all of the Tribes and tribal/Indian organizations that supported the amicus brief and tribal attorneys that contributed their time and resources in preparing the brief.  The outcome of Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl et. seq. will have far reaching impact on every tribe in United States and the show of solidarity among California tribes will hopefully send a strong message to the Supreme Court of the importance of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

CILS remains committed to ensuring California tribes are heard on legal issues that impact your tribal communities.  Thank you again for all your support.

 

 
Mar25

Baby Girl case before Supreme Court

Adoptive Couple vs Baby Girl set for Argument before Supreme Court

Thank you to all who sent us their authorization to join the California Tribal Amicus Brief in Support of Respondents in the Case.  The Supreme Court has set Tuesday, April 16, 2013 to hear oral arguments in this important case.

 
Mar14

Supreme Court Case - Amicus Authorization

March 22, 2013 - Deadline for Authorization to Join California Tribal Amicus Brief in Support of Respondents in the Case:

Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl, Birth Father, and Cherokee Nation

If your Tribe would like to participate in the Tribal Amicus Brief the authorization must be in by 5pm, March 22, 2013.

On January 4th, the U.S. Supreme Court granted review of the above case involving the Indian Child Welfare Act.  This case has the potential to affect the rights of Tribes nationwide... On behalf of California Tribes, California Indian Legal Services will be filing an amicus brief (“friend of the court”) in support of the Birth Father and the Cherokee Nation.  CILS is asking all California tribes to join the amicus brief.  If your tribe or tribal organization would like to join the amicus brief, you may complete and submit the authorization (click link).

 
Jan31

Tax Assistance Has Arrived

Free Tax Assistance For
Low-Income Workers

Call us for assistance or follow the link to complete your own online 2012 Tax Returns

California Indian Legal Services (CILS) has begun offering its free tax assistance services.   Those interested in free assistance should call (800) 829-0284 extension 307 or go to the California Franchise Tax Board page for a list of free online tax return services.  The programs are designed to help you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, a special tax credit worth up to $5,891 for low income workers.  Don’t lose out on this great tax credit and don’t pay commercial tax preparers to help you get it.  Even if you don't qualify for this tax credit, CILS may still be able to assist you at no cost.

EITC Income Eligibility Levels for 2012 Tax Year*

No. of children

If taxpayer is single

If taxpayer is married

0

$13,980

$19,190

1

$36,920

$42,130

2

$41,952

$47,162

3 or more

$45,060

$50,270

* other factors also apply

 
More Articles...
Page 2 of 12

Newsflash

FTB 'Tribal Source' refund process

Process for submitting a claim for a refund of income tax that was improperly assessed.
 

California Fee-to-Trust Consortium Meeting

The next quarterly meeting is set for July 10-11, 2013 at Tuolumne Rancheria. Click here for more info.
 

2013 California State ICWA Conference

More information here. For registration form, click here.
 

Taxing Indian Country: Regulation 1616

Effective Feb 10, 2012 the California Board of Equalization implemented a new law re: Property Used in Tribal Self-Governance. On July 6, 2012 they issued a formal letter for landless tribes to claim exemption from sales/use tax. See Oct. 2012 Notice.
 

Prevent foreclosure: know your rights!

Click here for more info. 

 

ICWA Benchguide

Link to ICWA Benchguide

Poll

Are you interested in community trainings in your area regarding Indian law issues?
 

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In Memoriam

Leonard Bowman

September 27, 1941 – January 25, 2013

CILS is saddened by the death of the Chairman for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria. "He's been the ambassador for the tribe, for us." said Vice Chairman Dakota McGinnis, Jr.. Chairman Bowman was starting his third term as chairman, and had served on the council for nine years. The following appears courtesy of the Eureka Times-Standard, "Leonard Smith Bowman passed away on Friday, January 25, 2013 in his home at the age of 71. Leonard was born on September 27, 1941 in Fortuna, Ca to Leonard Putman Bowman and Lucille Bowman Brenard. Leonard was raised on the old Bear River Rancheria for the majority of his childhood by both his parents and grandparents Smith and Jesse Brenard. When Leonard was 16 years old he left Humboldt County to live with his aunt Ilene June Callahan in Sacramento, Ca where he began his first job at Hooten Tires. Leonard moved to Idaho a few years later to work for the Forestry Service. In the early 70's Leonard started a career as a long haul truck driver. During his career he met and married his soul mate, Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman, on June 06, 1976 in Webster Massachusetts. After retiring from truck driving Leonard and his wife Ellie managed coastal resorts all along the East Coast. In 1996 Leonard with his wife and children moved back to Humboldt County to assist his Tribe, Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria, in developing an economical future. In 2004 Leonard Smith Bowman ran for and was elected the Tribal Chairman of Bear River Band of Rohnerville Rancheria and served as the Tribal Chairman until his death. Leonard Smith Bowman's legacy as an influential Tribal leader is shown through his accomplishments and the successful enterprises he pursued. Leonard Smith Bowman was preceded in death by his loving wife Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman on December 29, 2012, his mother Lucille Bowman-Brenard, father Leonard Putman Bowman, grandparents Smith and Jesse Brenard, brother Kenneth Bowman and sister Diana Bowman. Leonard is survived by his aunt Ilene June Callahan, mother-in-law Goldie Ehrhardt, children Leonard A. Bowman, Randall Bowman, James Bowman, Dawn Bowman, Jeffery Bowman, Derek Bowman, Stormy Bowman and numerous cousins, grandchildren and extended family members. A Memorial Service and luncheon will be held on Sunday, February 03, 2013 from 12:00pm-4:00pm at the Tish Non Community Center in Loleta, Ca.” (Eureka Times-Standard published January 30, 2013.) CILS honors the memory of Chairman Bowman and offers condolences to the extended Bowman family and the Tribe.

 


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California Indian Legal Services (CILS) presents the information on this web site as a service for the Native American community, low income people and other Internet users, including members of the general public. Use of this site does not constitute, in any manner, an attorney-client relationship between CILS and the user. While the information on this site is about legal issues, it is not intended as legal advice or as a substitute for the particularized advice of your own counsel...See full Disclaimer.

 

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