Tribal Law & Government Conference
The annual Tribal Law & Government Conference at KU Law highlights how work addressing the emerging and historical problems of Indigenous law and governance are critical to strengthening tribal sovereignty.
The conference devotes significant scholarly attention to the study of organic tribal law, modern tribal governments and the evolution of tribal common law.
Sovereignty: Good Medicine for Healthy Nations & Healthy People
Haskell Indian Nations University Rising Voices, Changing Coasts Hub's annual Children’s Health and Climate Change Symposium is partnering with the University of Kansas School of Law's annual Tribal Law & Government Conference to host a joint event on November 12-13, 2026, at Haskell and KU. "Sovereignty: Good Medicine for Healthy Nations & Healthy People" will explore the critical relationship of public policy and law with the environmental degradation that accompanies global climate change. With the cooperation of the Native American Rights Fund and Tribal Nations, both days will feature discussions about the institutional and structural barriers to creating a healthier future for our children.
DAY ONE - Thursday, November 12, 2026
Haskell Indian Nations University
Haskell Auditorium
155 Indian Ave | Lawrence, KS 66046 (map and directions)
DAY TWO - Friday, November 13, 2026
University of Kansas School of Law
104 Green Hall
1535 W. 15th Street | Lawrence, KS 66045 (map and directions)
The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration includes breakfast and lunch both days, as well as a banquet Thursday evening. No CLE credit will be offered.
Schedule
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Haskell Indian Nations University
8 - 8:30 a.m. - Doors open (light breakfast & coffee served)
8:30 - 8:45 a.m. - Opening Protocol
8:45 - 9 a.m. - Welcome by Dan Wildcat
9 - 9:50 a.m. - David Gover (Pawnee & Choctaw)
9:50 - 10:10 a.m. - Break
10:10 - 11 a.m. - Bradley Davis
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Haskell student panel
12 - 1 p.m. - Box-style lunches w/the Native Chef, Dr. Daniel Wildcat & Alex Kimball Williams speaking about RVCC
1 - 2 p.m .- Manny Pino (Acoma Pueblo): Uranium threats on the Navajo Nation
2 - 3 p.m. - Brett Shelton: panel on co-management & importance of tribes maintaining access to medicinal plant collection for the health of their communities & children
3 - 3:20 p.m. - Break
3:20 - onwards - Haskell History panel, then visit the Haskell Cultural Center (optional)
6 - 7:30 p.m. - Banquet at Curtis Hall, Haskell Indian Nations University
Friday, November 13, 2026
University of Kansas School of Law
9 - 9:30 a.m.
Check-in and Breakfast
9:30 - 9:45 a.m.
Welcome and Blessing
Stephen W. Mazza | University of Kansas School of Law | Dean and Professor of Law
Shawn K. Watts | University of Kansas School of Law | Director, Tribal Judicial Support Clinic
Dan Wildcat | Haskell Indian Nations University | Faculty, Indigenous and American Indian Studies
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Tribal Health System's Role in Setting Standards for Healthy People
Vanessa Racehorse | University of Colorado Law School | Associate Professor of Law
10:45 - 11 a.m.
Break
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Sovereignty and Self-Governance for Healthy Tribal Communities
Jay Spaan | Self-Governance Communication & Education Tribal Consortium | Executive Director
12 - 1 p.m.
Lunch
1 - 2 p.m.
Health of Local Tribes
Darren Root | Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | Tribal Attorney
Joseph "Zeke" Rupnick | Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | Chairperson
2 - 2:15 p.m.
Break
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
Healthy Lands, Waters and Species
Estakio Beltran | Native Americans in Philanthropy | Partnership Advisor
Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson | Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition | Executive Director
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Shawn K. Watts | University of Kansas School of Law | Director, Tribal Judicial Support Clinic
Accommodations
Hampton Inn
2300 W. 6th St, Lawrence, KS 66049 (map and directions)
To book a room, call 785-841-4994 or book online
Mention: Tribal Law Symposium or group rate code TLS
Last day to book: Oct. 28, 2026
Rate: $110/night
The Oread
1200 Oread Ave, Lawrence, KS, 66044 (map and directions)
To book a room, call 785-843-1200 or book online
Mention: KU Tribal Law Symposium Guests Rooms Block
Last day to book: Oct. 12, 2026
Rate: $148/night + $25/day for parking
Holiday Inn Express
3411 S Iowa St, Lawrence, KS 66046 (map and directions)
To book a room, call 785-749-7555 or book online
Mention: KU School of Law Tribal Law Symposium
Last day to book: Oct. 11, 2026
Rate: $113/night
Program Accessibility
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Debbie Schmidt by October 30 at drschmidt@ku.edu or 785-864-5078, 771 TTY.
Questions?
Contact Shawn Watts, director of the Tribal Law and Government Center at KU Law, at shawn.watts@ku.edu or 785-864-4513.
Visit the Tribal Law & Government Center for details about past conferences.
