Copyright © 2003 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Cohosted by Duke University and The University of Montana School of Law Missoula, Montana.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for federal and tribal agency officials who want to develop a greater understanding and awareness of the unique legal relationship the U.S. government has with federally recognized Indian tribes. This course will examine the historical and legal underpinnings of the government-to-government relationship between the U.S. government and Indian tribes. The course will also clarify the consultation responsibilities that are imposed on federal agencies when they undertake activities that may affect Indian rights or interests, or trust resources.

Topics include: 1) the unique status of Indian tribes, 2) Indian land and treaties, 3) federal trust responsibilities, 4) government-to-government policy, and 5) consultation requirements. The course is designed to assist federal agency officials and their consultants in building a more effective day-to-day working relationship with federally recognized Indian tribes and Indian communities and will provide practical tips and suggestions for working with Indian tribes. There will be ample opportunity for discussion and questions.

Day 1 . Course Introduction; Federal Indian Relationship; Indian Country and Treaties; Federal Trust Responsibility; Government-to-Government Policies of the 20th Century; General Consultation Requirements; Obligations and Opportunities for Consultation.

Day 2 . Partnership Building; Partnership Success Factors; Review Problem and Work Group Exercise.

Day 3 (half-day) . Course Review; Presentation of Consultation Plans.

COURSE INSTRUCTORS: This course will be taught by an expert team of instructors with extensive federal agency experience and lawyers who specialize in Federal Indian law.

Karen Atkinson, Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP, formerly Senior Counsel to the Majority, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs

Maylinn Smith, Director, Indian Law Clinic, The University of Montana School of Law

Other Instructors TBD

GENERAL INFORMATION: Tuition: $750 before July 1, 2003 ($850 after July 1, 2003) Covers registration and instructional materials. Meals are not included.

Confirmation: Upon receipt of your registration fee, we will mail you a registration confirmation. Please call our office if you do not receive a confirmation.

Cancellation & Refunds: All speakers and companies listed have confirmed their participation. If for unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances a speaker cannot attend, instructional time will be filled with comparable instructors. If a course is canceled due to insufficient registrations, tuition will be refunded. Duke cannot be held responsible for travel costs or arrangements made by participants. Cancellation of registration requires 14 days written notice prior to course start date. Individuals who do not attend and fail to send written notice prior to the deadline will be charged the full tuition. You may send a substitute to attend the course in your place. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Hotel Accommodations: Participants are responsible for their own overnight accommodations. For your convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms at the Doubletree Hotel Missoula Edgewater, which is within walking distance (5 to 7 blocks) to campus and provides a special rate when reservations are made by Tuesday, July 1, 2003. Please call the hotel directly at 406-728-3100 to make your reservation under the "Tribal Consultation" block. You can also view information about the hotel visit Missoula Edgewater Doubletree online.

If you require transportation from the airport, the Doubletree Hotel provides shuttle service for all registered guests at no charge. To have a shuttle pick you up at the airport, upon arrival in Missoula, call the hotel using the complimentary phone that connects directly to the front desk (located in the baggage claim area at the Avis Car Rental desk). Taxicabs are available and most rental car companies have offices at the airport as well.

Please note: Due to peak tourist season, we recommend that you make your hotel and car rental reservations as soon as possible.

For more information and how to register: Visit http://www.env.duke.edu/cee/upcoming.html or call 919-613-8082.