Three Arizona Law Students Complete Udall Native American Congressional Internships

In the summer of 2009, three James E. Rogers College of Law students, Sherri Mitchell, a member of the Penobscot Tribe of Maine; Mica Gilmore, a member of the Navajo Nation; and Torivio Fodder, a member of the Pueblo of Taos, were among 13 Udall Interns who successfully completed the Morris K. Udall Foundation Native American Congressional Internship in Washington, DC.

Ms Mitchell worked full-time for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of the Solicitor, where she observed the federal executive and legislative processes first-hand. Special enrichment activities provided her with opportunities to meet with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.  While interning, Mitchell conducted research on the U.S. position on the U.N. Declaration on Indigenous Human Rights.

Regarding the internship, Mitchell stated, “The Udall internship provided me with an opportunity to actively participate in the practice of Indian Law. My position with the Department of the Interior, Solicitor’s office, provided me with hands on experience on a variety of Indian legal issues. I can’t imagine a better opportunity for a student interested in the field of Indian law than the one I had this summer as a Udall intern.”

Ms Gilmore worked full-time for the U.S. Department of Defense, Army-Civil Works, Tribal Regulatory Affairs, where she observed the federal executive and legislative processes first-hand. Special enrichment activities provided her with opportunities to meet with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C. While interning, Gilmore researched Everglades restoration, focusing on reconciling the relationship between Army Corps of Engineers and the Miccosukee Tribe.

Regarding the internship, Gilmore stated, “This is a great experience. You have so much exposure to the many different facets of governmental work. The public sector was not an idea in my mind, but after this summer, I am interested in the public sector and would like to work with the Federal Government in the future.”

Mr Fodder worked full-time for U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, where he observed the federal executive and legislative processes first-hand. Special enrichment activities provided him with opportunities to meet with key decision-makers in Washington, D.C.  While interning, Fodder researched the opportunities for reform of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Regarding the internship, Fodder stated, “The Udall Internship provided me with a tremendous opportunity to gain an insider’s view of how the policies that affect my people are made and the chance to learn firsthand from key policy makers in Washington, D.C.  It also gave me the unique chance to get to know some of the finest students that Indian Country has to offer.  The opportunity to forge new friendships with tomorrow’s leaders from across the Land and to work with America’s leaders today was a truly enriching experience. The program fulfills the Foundation’s mission in fostering civility, integrity and consensus to the utmost. Nowhere are these values more seamlessly brought together than through the Udall Native American Congressional Internship Program.”

This highly regarded internship program is intended to provide Native Americans and Alaska Natives with an insider's view of the federal government. The internship is located in Washington, D.C., and is known for placing Native students in highly sought after positions in Senate and House offices, committees, Cabinet departments and the White House, where they are able to observe government decision-making processes first-hand.

The Morris K. Udall Foundation was authorized by Congress in 1992 to honor Congressman Udall’s legacy of public service. The Foundation is supported by a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury and contributions from the private sector. Congressman Udall served in the House of Representatives for three decades, a career distinguished by civility, integrity and consensus. He championed the rights of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, using his leadership in Congress to strengthen tribal self-governance and national environmental policy.