The presentation will begin by exploring the historical and contemporary contexts of tribal sovereignty, emphasizing the unique legal and cultural landscapes that shape tribal communities and their justice systems. Understanding this background is essential for fostering meaningful and respectful partnerships.
The presentation will highlight the multifaceted importance of partnerships between tribal communities and organizations that serve tribal members. These partnerships can bridge gaps in resources, knowledge, and infrastructure, ensuring that tribal members have better access to justice, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities. By working together, tribal communities and their partners can develop sustainable solutions that are culturally relevant and tailored to the specific needs of each community. In some tribal justice systems, a public defender or civil legal aid attorney are not always guaranteed. Tribal members may be unfamiliar with the law and how to navigate the justice system pro se. Native Americans in urban settings may be geographically distant from their community, and building sustainable partnerships can help connect them to resources and services that are accessible through their community.
The presentation will feature several case studies and success stories that illustrate the tangible benefits of effective partnerships. These examples will showcase collaborative initiatives that have led to improved legal services, enhanced community health, economic development, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Through these stories, participants will gain insights into the practical aspects of building and maintaining successful partnerships with tribal communities.
- Understand tribal sovereignty and legal landscapes
- Recognize the importance of partnerships
- Learn from case studies and success stories
Mary Rodriguez, JD
Program Attorney
National American Indian Court Judges Association
Mary Rodriguez began her law career training as a public defender at the University of Washington School of Law's Tribal Court Public Defense Clinic and worked as a tribal public defender for several Washington State tribes. Mary continued her tribal public defense work as the Director of Advocacy at the Center of Indigenous Research and Justice, in Seattle, Washington. In her current role, as a Program Attorney at the National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA), Mary works on the training, technical assistance, and policy side of tribal courts and programming related to traditional justice and holistic defense. Mary works remotely for NAICJA in Southern California.
Johanna Farmer, J.D.
Program Attorney
National American Indian Court Judges Association
Johanna Farmer, an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, joined the National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) as a Program Attorney in June 2022. Johanna works shaping policy and providing crucial training and technical assistance on a range of tribal justice issues. Her expertise spans from addressing collateral consequences to tackling complex challenges in child welfare. Previously, Johanna worked for over 13 years with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe; she completed her time there as the Itom Yoemia (known on the national level as the “Tiwahe” Initiative) Program Manager and Deputy Director of Economic and Community Development. She developed tribally driven service models and managed youth programs, including launching the Tribal Title IV-E plan and a truancy diversion program. Johanna earned a Juris Doctorate and an Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Certificate from the University of Arizona, and holds Bachelor's degrees in Political Science, Theatre Arts, and Native American Studies from the University of Minnesota, Morris. Inspired by her grandparents, World War II veterans and public servants, Johanna is dedicated to serving tribal communities and is a licensed attorney.
Rodolfo Sanchez, JD
Executive Director
DNA - People's Legal Services
RODOLFO D. SANCHEZ, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DNA – PEOPLE’S LEGAL SERVICES: Rodolfo “Rudy” Sanchez has almost thirty-five years of experience working with non-profit legal aid organizations, and he currently serves as the Executive Director of DNA – People’s Legal Services (DNA). Rudy works at DNA’s main office in Window Rock, Arizona, capital of the Navajo Nation. Rudy is licensed to practice law in Texas, Navajo Tribal Court, Hopi Tribal Court and he is admitted to practice in the Fifth and Seventh U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas, and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Rudy earned an undergraduate degree from Brown University and a JD degree from the University of Texas School of Law. Rudy and his wife Gloria have five daughters(Camelia, Diana, Eva, Marina, and Paloma).
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