The free event in the law school courtroom is open to the public. The mission of the USD NALSA chapter is to provide for the professional advancement of its members; to promote legal education of Native Americans and other minorities; and to create an understanding and interest in issues affecting Native Americans and other minorities. Every other year, since 1990, NALSA sponsors the symposium that aims to promote awareness of issues in Indian Country.

The schedule:

Wednesday, March 30

Noon -- Opening prayer by Gene Thin Elk and keynote address by the Hon. Jill Tompkins, chief justice and director of the Penobscot Indian Nation Judicial System

2 p.m. -- Stephen Pevar book signing, “The Rights of Indian Tribes,” and social hour in the Davenport Evans Student Commons

3 p.m. -- First session, “Oglala Sioux Tribe v. Van Hunnik:” attorney Dana Hanna, who represents the tribe, and Stephan Pevar, an author and ACLU attorney who also represents the tribe

Thursday, March 31

9 a.m. -- Second session, information and discussion panel on Bureau of Indian Affairs guidelines: Chase Iron Eyes, Lakota People’s Law Project; Danelle Daughtery, BIA Great Plains regional director; and Mark Fiddler, adoption attorney from Minnesota

10 a.m. -- Professor Frank Pommersheim book signing, “Tribal Justice: 25 Years as a Tribal Appellate Justice,” and social hour in the Davenport Evans Student Commons

11 a.m. -- Third session, “Adoptive Couple v. Baby Girl” U.S. Supreme Court case: Mark Fiddler, adoption attorney and counsel for the adoptive couple; Frank Pommersheim, professor, USD School of Law; Wenona Singel, associate professor of law, Michigan State University College of Law; and Addie Rolnick, associate professor of law, University of Nevada, Las Vegas William S. Boyd School of Law

Noon -- Closing prayer by Gene Thin Elk

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