Indian Law Bulletins Updated 4/30/2025

U.S. Supreme Court Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/sct/2024-2025update.html

One petition for certiorari was denied 4/28/2025:

• Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians v. Burgum (24-622) (Michigan Indian Land Claims Settlement Act)

Federal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/federal/2025.html

• Lozeau v. Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (Criminal Jurisdiction; Tribal Conviction; PL 280)
• United States v. Bear Runner (Criminal Intent; Tribal Policy)
• Muscogee (Creek) Nation v. Tulsa County, Oklahoma, et al. (Criminal Jurisdiction; Tribal Sovereignty; Temporary Restraining Order)
• North Dakota v. United States (Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA); Special Use Permit)
• Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians, et al. v. Burgum, et al. (Land into Trust; Indian Gaming; Standing for Intervention)

State Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/state/2025.html

• Matter of A. R. E. (Indian Child Welfare Act)

U.S. Legislation - 119th Congress Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/legislation/119_uslegislation.html

• S.1508 - A bill to confer jurisdiction on the State of Utah with respect to civil causes of action arising on or within the Indian lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, and for other purposes.
• S.1513 - A bill to take certain Federal land in the State of Washington into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and for other purposes.
• S.1514 - A bill to take certain land in the State of Washington into trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation, and for other purposes.
• H.R.3073 - To confer jurisdiction on the State of Utah with respect to civil causes of action arising on or within the Indian lands of the Shivwits Band of Paiutes, and for other purposes.

U.S. Regulatory Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/regulatory/2025.html

• Proposed Information Collection Activity; Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Data Report, Tribal Assistance for Needy Families Annual Report, and Tribal Assistance for Needy Families Reasonable Cause/Corrective Action Documentation Process (HHS)

Law Review & Bar Journal Bulletin (contact us if you need help finding a copy of an article)
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/lawreviews/currentlr.html

• The Indian Child Welfare Act survives for now.
• "It doesn't rise to the level of crisis that other situations would." Indigenous self-determination and gendered violence in Alaska.
• Lexington Insurance Co. v. Smith: Ninth Circuit denies rehearing en banc to consider whether nonmember physical presence on tribal lands is required for tribal adjudicatory jurisdiction.

News Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/news/currentnews.html

This week, in brief:

• New Mexico judge orders remedial plan to improve public education for Native American students
• Why the San Manuel tribe is going back to its original name
• Arizona federal judge will consider Apache Stronghold’s petition to delay pending Oak Flat land swap
• Colorado among growing number of states aiming to strengthen local ICWA laws that protect tribal children and families
• Native American voters turned out big for Wisconsin Supreme Court election

Indian Law Bulletins Updated 4/23/2025

U.S. Supreme Court Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/sct/2024-2025update.html

One petition for certiorari was denied 4/21/2025:

• HCI Distribution, Inc. v. Hilgers (24-615) (State Taxation of Tobacco Product Sales by Tribal Entities)

Federal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/federal/2025.html

• Hackford v. United States Department of the Interior, et al. (Ute Partition Act (UPA); Tribal Membership)
• NDN Collective, et al. v. Retsel Corporation, et al. (Discrimination; Standing; Testers)
• United States of America, et al. v. Iski (McGirt v. Oklahoma; Intervention; Joinder)
• Fuson v. Office of Navajo and Hopi Indian Relocation (Navajo and Hopi Indian Land Settlement Act of 1974; Administrative Procedure Act)
• McLean v. United States (Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA); Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA))

Tribal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/tribal/2025.html

• In the Matter of the Constitutionality of NCA 24-077 (Constitutionality of Legislation; Separation of Powers)
• Boria v. Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise (Premises Liability; Open and Obvious Dangerous Condition)
• Duong v. Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (Public Policy Considerations; Notice of Defective Condition)

State Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/state/2025.html

• In re L.Q. (Indian Child Welfare Act)

U.S. Legislation - 119th Congress Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/legislation/119_uslegislation.html

• H.R.2929 - To extend the full measure of the Federal Government-to-government relationship between the United States and the Haliwa Saponi Indian Tribe of North Carolina.

U.S. Regulatory Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/regulatory/2025.html

• Major Portion Prices and Due Date for Additional Royalty Payments on Gas Produced From Indian Lands in Designated Areas That Are Not Associated With an Index Zone (Interior)

Law Review & Bar Journal Bulletin (contact us if you need help finding a copy of an article)
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/lawreviews/currentlr.html

• Arizona v. Navajo Nation: The fight for a permanent homeland.
• A cultural property interest: How Indigenous groups can use tort law to repossess their artifacts.
• "Political rather than racial in nature": Strengthening Morton v. Mancari using the Indian Commerce Clause.
• Recognition policies, self-determination, and access to legal redress for Indigenous Peoples in the United States, Australia, and Canada: A comparative study.
• "We stand with the water": Ojibwe treaty rights, the Walleye Wars, and the imminent thread of Enbridge's Line 5.

News Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/news/currentnews.html

This week, in brief:

• Religious funding debate revisits role of Indian boarding schools
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirms Line 5 tunnel review to move forward under shortened timeline
• Feds to move ahead on Oak Flat copper mine swap in Arizona, despite pending Supreme Court case 
• Trump FY 2026 budget aims to slash $900 million from Indian Health Service
• What the SAVE Act could mean for Native American voters

Indian Law Bulletins Updated 4/16/2025

U.S. Supreme Court Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/sct/2024-2025update.html

One petition for certiorari was filed 1/17/2025:

• Cromwell v. United States (24-6364) (Hobbs Act)

Federal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/federal/2025.html

• United States of America, et al. v. Ballard (McGirt v. Oklahoma; Intervention; Joinder)
• United States of America v. LaBelle (Aggravating Role Enhancement; Substantively Unreasonable Sentence)
• United States of America, et al. v. Iski (Criminal Jurisdiction; Indian Country; Intervention)
• United States of America, et al. v. Ballard (Criminal Jurisdiction; Indian Country; Intervention)
• Ute Indian Tribe of Uintah and Ouray Reservation v. United States Department of Interior, et al. (Trust Relationship; Land Restoration)

U.S. Legislation - 119th Congress Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/legislation/119_uslegislation.html

• S.1468 - A bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Alexander Creek, Incorporated, is recognized as a Village Corporation under that Act, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2815 - To provide equitable treatment for the people of the Village Corporation established for the Native Village of Saxman, Alaska, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2827 - To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois, and for other purposes.

U.S. Regulatory Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/regulatory/2025.html

• Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fisheries off West Coast States; Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery; 2025 Pacific Whiting Tribal Allocation and 2025 Incidental Set-Aside (Commerce)

Law Review & Bar Journal Bulletin (contact us if you need help finding a copy of an article)
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/lawreviews/currentlr.html

• Feed it to the ocean: The federal approach to decommissioning in Alaska Native climate adaptation projects.
• Old habits die hard: How the Maine Indian Claims Settlement Act perpetuates settler colonialism and denies Indigenous sovereignty.

News Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/news/currentnews.html

This week, in brief:

• Tribes, North Dakota partner to update 30-year-old textbooks on Native history
• Federal funding freeze halts key infrastructure projects in tribal communities
• Alaska Tribes sue US Army Corps of Engineers over approval of controversial gold mining operation
• Will Native Tribes secure Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument?
• RFK Jr. wants to target chronic disease in US Tribes. A key program to do that was gutted

Indian Law Bulletins Updated 4/9/2025

U.S. Supreme Court Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/sct/2024-2025update.html

One petition for certiorari was filed 9/26/2024:

• Kanam v. Burgum (24-1019) (Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994)

Federal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/federal/2025.html

• United States v. Christy (Indian Country)
• Cayuga Nation v. New York State Gaming Commission, et al. (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA); Eleventh Amendment Immunity)
• Tsi Akim Maidu of Taylorsville Rancheria v. U.S. Dept. of the Interior (California Rancheria Termination Act; Federal Recognition)
• Indigenous Peoples of Coastal Bend v. United States Army Corps of Engineers (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Clean Water Act (CWA); Administrative Procedure Act (APA))
• Zhinin v. Harry, et al. (Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA); Medical Clearance)
• Jones v. Redbird (Tribal Sovereign Immunity)
• Musick v. Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, et al. (Tribal Law Enforcement)
• Standing Rock Sioux Tribe v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, et al. (Administrative Procedure Act (APA); Issue Preclusion)
• Center for Biological Diversity v. United States Forest Service, et al. (National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); Tribal Consultation)
• Massapequa Union Free School District, et al. v. New York State Board of Regents, et al. (Dignity for All Students Act (DASA); Native American Mascots)
• Makah Indian Tribe v. Exxon Mobile Corp., et al., Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe v. Exxon Mobile Corp., et al. (Remand to State Court; State Law Claims Brought by Tribal Sovereign Entities)
• Courte Oreilles Lakes Association Inc., et al. v. Zawistowski (Clean Water Act (CWA); Standing; Irrigated Agriculture)

Tribal Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/tribal/2025.html

• Beck v. Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, et al. (Justiciability; Political Question Doctrine)
• Matos v. Mashantucket Pequot Gaming Enterprise (Board of Review; Procedural Due Process)
• Charles v. Boyd (Civil Assault; Civil Actions Law)

State Courts Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/state/2025.html

• In the interest of G.L.W. (Indian Child Welfare Act)
• In re C.J.J.I. (Indian Child Welfare Act)

U.S. Legislation - 119th Congress Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/legislation/119_uslegislation.html

• S.1131 - Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act / A bill to establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes.
• S.1181 - A bill to amend the Energy Policy Act of 1992 with respect to the Department of Energy Tribal loan guarantee program, and for other purposes.
• S.1301 - A bill to clarify the rights of Indians and Indian Tribes on Indian lands under the National Labor Relations Act.
• H.R.2345 - Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Establishment Act / To establish the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve in the State of Georgia, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2388 - Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe Project Lands Restoration Act / To take certain Federal land in the State of Washington into trust for the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2389 - Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act /To take certain land in the State of Washington into trust for the benefit of the Quinault Indian Nation, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2412 - Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act / To establish an Office for Indigenous Affairs, and for other purposes.
• H.R.2639 - To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to make permanent certain telehealth flexibilities under the Medicare program for telehealth services furnished by Indian health programs.
• S.Res.142 - A resolution recognizing the heritage, culture, and contributions of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women in the United States.
• S.Res.156 - A resolution commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act.
• H.Con.Res.24 - Authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha I.

U.S. Regulatory Bulletin
http://narf.org/nill/bulletins/regulatory/2025.html

• Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska (Interior)
• Information Collection: Tribal Participation in the Advance Notification Program (Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
• Notice of Final Determination on Expansion of Formula Area for the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria (HUD)

Law Review & Bar Journal Bulletin (contact us if you need help finding a copy of an article)
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/lawreviews/currentlr.html

• Flowing justice: Quantifying water rights in the wake of Arizona v. Navajo Nation — Navigating the legal oasis for Native American water sovereignty.
• Indigeneity, data genocide, and public health.
• Indigenous communities suffer multi-generational trauma ("susto") from the trafficking and slavery of Native women and children.
• The Ninth Circuit’s RFRA standard of “substantial burden” as applied to Native American sacred sites.
• Structural federal Indian law after Brackeen.

News Bulletin
https://www.narf.org/nill/bulletins/news/currentnews.html

This week, in brief:

• Haskell, SIPI employees reinstated but ‘doesn't change the fact of what happened’
• Tribes, environmental groups appeal to Michigan Supreme Court to block Line 5 tunnel under Straits
• Federal judge dismisses Standing Rock’s latest lawsuit over Dakota Access Pipeline
• Tribes, long shut out from their own health data, fight for access and sovereignty
• New Mexico becomes 20th state to guarantee students’ right to wear regalia