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. Conferences typically offer CLE credit for a fee.
2025 Tribal Law & Government Conference
Strengthening Institutions for Tribes during Trump 2.0
Friday, November 14, 2025 | 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Check-in and breakfast begin at 9 a.m.
104 Green Hall - KU School of Law
1535 W. 15th Street | Lawrence, KS (map and directions)
The conference is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Lunch will be provided.
No CLE credit will be offered.
Register by November 3.
Schedule
9:00 - 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
9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
Panel: Strengthening Tribal Courts
Nikki Borschardt Campbell | National American Indian Court Judges Association | Executive Director
Layatalati Hill | National American Indian Court Judges Association | Board of Directors
10:45 - 11 a.m.
Break
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Panel: Strengthening Tribal Environmental Stewardship
Larry Innes | Olthuis, Kleer, Townshend LLP | Partner
Charissa Miijessepe-Wilson | Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition | Co-Director
12 - 1 p.m.
Lunch
1 - 2 p.m.
Panel: Strengthening 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.
Panel: Strengthening Tribal Education
Mackie Moore | Haskell Indian Nations University | Interim President
Representative | Native American Rights Fund
3:15 - 3:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Shawn K. Watts | University of Kansas School of Law | Director, Tribal Judicial Support Clinic
Program Accessibility
If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Debbie Schmidt by October 31 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.
