This CLE is co-sponsored by the Elder Law Section and Anishinabe Legal Services.

A basic review of the government to government relationship between the United States and the Native American tribal people who were living on the land prior to the establishment of the United States and beyond, with an emphasis on the Ojibwe and Dakota Tribes of Minnesota.   This is a basic course and is meant as a way to have a basic understanding of Federal Indian Law.  This is for attorneys who are inexperienced in Federal Indian Law but want to know how to better understand their Native American clients or anyone who needs a refresher course.  The content will emphasize details unique to the tribes currently in Minnesota and provide basic information about their tribal courts and tips for tribal court practice, in addition to a review of history.  

This session is one of two being offered to provide background education for attorneys interested in providing pro bono assistance to Native American Elders through a combined effort of Anishinabe Legal Services, the Elder Law Section of the MSBA and the Minnesota Board on Aging.  These two legal sessions, one focused on Federal Indian law and history, including information about practicing before Tribal Courts, and a second providing instruction on how to develop a basic will for Native American clients, will be offered by the MSBA in May and early June.  An in-person legal clinic for basic wills and estate planning services will be held in Mahnomen, Minnesota, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with technical assistance and support provided by ALS for pro bono attorneys.