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
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. Lunch will be provided. No CLE credit will be offered.
Registration will open soon.
Schedule
Coming soon.
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 (link coming soon)
Mention: KU Tribal Law Symposium Guests Rooms Block
Last day to book: Oct. 12, 2026
Rate: $110/night + $25/day for parking
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.
