Bozho Nikanek,
We hope this newsletter finds you well in these trying times. Here at the Native Nations Law & Policy Center, we are actively engaged in our mission to support the development of Native Nations. This summer, we have continued our work through research, programming, and active engagement with our Tribal Legal Development Clinic projects. Like many of you, we are undertaking this work in a “virtual” setting, as the country continues to battle COVID-19. Indigenous communities face unimaginable and disproportionate risk and limited access to resources in this pandemic. With compounding economic, health, and federal bureaucratic challenges, there is much work to be done to keep our communities safe and healthy.
In response to the brutal murder of George Floyd by police, we have seen an awaking to the devastating role systemic racism plays in our society. The Native Nations Law & Policy Center stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and other communities of color. We call for and strive to advance an anti-racist agenda as we work to advance Native Nations and all who are harmed by systems of racial oppression. As part of this endeavor, we stand committed to acknowledge our own biases and to maximize our role in addressing injustices. It is our responsibility to our community.
As we prepare for fall semester in our “new normal”, the Center is developing a series of programming for both the law school and greater Indian law community. Stay tuned for more information and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Angela R. Riley (Citizen Potawatomi Nation)
Professor of Law and Director, Native Nations Law and Policy Center