PROGRAM OUTLINE
Friday, January 23, 2009
SESSION ONE
Setting the Law and Policy Context:
The Courts and The Congress
Topics & Speakers:
The Evolving Field of Federal Indian Law and Policy: Progress and Setbacks—David H. Getches, Dean & Raphael Moses Professor of Law, University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, CO
The Restoration of Tribal Sovereignty: Some Thoughts on Progress to Date and the Work Ahead—Charles Wilkinson, Distinguished University Professor & Moses Lasky Professor of Law, University of Colorado School of Law, Boulder, CO
A Look Forward: Tribal Governments, the Political Landscape, and the 111th Congress—Patricia M. Zell, Partner, Zell & Cox Law, P.C., Alexandria, VA and Former Staff Director and Chief Counsel, Indian Affairs Committee, United States Senate; Eric D. Eberhard, Distinguished Practitioner in Residence, Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, WA and Former Staff Director and Legislative Counsel, Indian Affairs Committee, United States Senate
SESSION TWO
Enhancing Governance in Indian Country
Panel Presentations & Discussion:
Over the course of the past two generations, tribal governments have evolved from small organizations dominated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs to multi-faceted, full-service sovereign governments. At the same time, tribes continue to face many headwinds, especially from the Supreme Court. The objective of this session is to engage tribal leaders in a dialogue directed at developing an aggressive proactive agenda focusing on enhancing tribal self-government and community building.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Indian Country and the Obama Administration—(An Advisor on Indian Issues to the Transition Team or a Representation of the Obama Administration)
SESSION THREE
Tribal Governments and the New Administration
Panel Presentations & Discussion:
President-elect Obama has identified key priorities for his Administration, including health care, energy, and economic stimulus. Other areas, including the administration of justice in Indian Country, must be given individualized attention. It is fundamental that Indian Country has distinctive needs that must be addressed consistently with the unique needs of Indian people. On many issues, congressional appropriations play an essential role. This panel will address these issues.
Luncheon Speaker
Hon. Daniel K. Inouye
Chairman, Appropriations Committee, United States Senate
Member, Indian Affairs Committee, United States Senate:
SESSION FOUR
Forging a Progressive Blueprint for Change
Panel Presentations & Discussion:
During the first three sessions of the Forum, many different approaches toward progress and reform will have been discussed. This closing session will be an opportunity for panelists and attendees to engage in some strategic thinking and to prioritize proposals and make recommendations on which proposals should be pursued in the short term, mid term, and long term.
For more detailed information and the full forum program, download a Microsoft® Word or Adobe® PDF document outlining more of the forum agenda here:
