Indigenous Law Clinics
IPLP's philosophy is that education is not confined to the classroom. IPLP faculty also teach students how to take what they've learned in the classroom and apply it in the real world. Students have multiple opportunities for hands on learning, including:
Indigenous Peoples Law Clinic
Working under the supervision of Professor Robert Hershey, students in the Indigenous Peoples Law Clinic provide legal assistance to tribal governments, tribal attorneys, and non-profit organizations working with and for Indigenous people in the United States and across the globe.
The actual projects vary from year to year, but in the past have included:
- working on amicus briefs for cases pending before the US Supreme Court
- drafting legislation on topics ranging from limited liability companies to protection of cultural resources and sacred sites
- Working in tribal legal offices (prosecutors, public defenders and attorney general offices)
- Clerking for tribal judges
- establishing an established a court-appointed guardian-ad-litem program for the Tohono O'odham Indian reservation
Tribal Courts Clinic
Students provide research support to tribal courts in Arizona and the Southwest, including serving as law clerks, drafting rules and procedures, and drafting training materials.
International Human Rights Advocacy Workshop
IPLP represents Indigenous communities and other groups before a variety of international human rights bodies, including the Organization of American States and United Nations. Students will have the opportunity to work on these cases.
The classroom component will include an overview of the processes and procedures of the international human rights bodies and effective advocacy tools for human rights practitioners. After an introductory meeting at the beginning of the semester, each student will be assigned to a project. Students will work on their projects individually or in groups under the supervision of the instructor. The projects, along with assigned readings, will be the basis of discussion when the class meets during the semester.
UAnativenet.com
NativeNet is designed to share the knowledge and expertise of the University of Arizona's work with Indian Nations and Indigenous Peoples, and to deliver professional development and continuing legal education courses. The website also offers a wealth of free resources covering topics of interest to tribal leaders, students, educators, policy makers and journalists.
Certificate in Indigenous Governance
The Certificate is a non-degree 12 credit continuing education program designed to equip those working with and for tribal governments with the skills and tools necessary to build successful Native Nations. The faculty have a combined total of over 150 years of working with indigenous communities and bring their extensive practical experience to the classroom. Classes are a combination of on line, semester-long in person or intensive weekend or week-long on campus sessions. Certificate Program web site.
Indian Country Justice Partners
ICJP is a newly-formed nonprofit designed to bring together those who work in any aspect of criminal or civil justice systems in Indian country. In conjunction with its partner, IPLP, it will engage those groups in cross-disciplinary training to allow them to learn from one another and use their knowledge to strengthen tribal justice systems. ICJP invites membership and is open to individuals, government agencies or offices and training organizations working in Indian country.
