Law School Event Gives Insight into Indian Law
The event featured a screening of the documentary "Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice," followed by an insightful panel discussion with the filmmaker, Audrey Geyer, and local Native attorneys.
The panel featured Geyer and distinguished alumni Elaine Yellow Horse '22, Bryce Drapeaux '24 and Seth Pearman '12. Their discussions provided valuable insights into the intersection of law, culture and community, highlighting the ongoing efforts to strengthen tribal justice systems and promote cultural revitalization.
“I think this was important to our community, particularly for our Native law students and prospective Native law students, to see people from similar backgrounds as them having a legal career,” said NALSA Vice President Kolby Lintz, class of 2026.
The event examined critical themes such as nation rebuilding, tribal justice and cultural revitalization, by emphasizing the dual roles of Native lawyers: as professionals within the broader legal system and as integral members of their Native communities. This duality is crucial in addressing issues unique to Native populations, such as sovereignty, cultural preservation and legal reform.
Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for students to gain a deeper understanding of Native court systems. These systems often operate differently from the general U.S. court system, offering alternative approaches that could potentially inform broader legal reforms.
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