Upcoming Events
February 10, 2026
A Conversation with Professor Seth Davis: Tribal Courts & Their Role in the American Legal System
Please join Professor Seth Davis and the Honorable Victorio Shaw for a discussion about tribal court jurisdiction and the role tribal courts play in the American legal system. Attendees will hear from Tribal Court Judge Victorio Shaw about his experiences as a judge and tribal advocate. This conversation will also provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of tribal sovereignty and how tribal courts interface with state and federal systems. The event will take place in the Goldberg Room on Tuesday, 2/10/26, from 5:00–6:00 PM, and pizza will be served!
Past Events
Special Event Spotlight
Ceremony and Reception Honoring Graduating Native American Students, 2025
On May 15, 2025, the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice hosted an Honoring Ceremony and Reception at the UC Botanical Garden celebrating the graduating members of NALSA and Native American students at Berkeley Law. NALSA Co-Presidents Camryn Valetta Towle and Amber Frank opened the afternoon with heartfelt remarks, welcoming graduates, their families, and the community into a space of celebration and reflection.
The program featured Professor Seth Davis’s personal tributes to each graduate, a slideshow capturing their journeys through law school and NALSA, and a traditional Blanket Ceremony—a deeply significant tradition in many tribal communities that symbolizes respect, protection, and the graduates’ transition into the next chapter of their lives. Each graduate was wrapped in a blanket as the community recognized their accomplishments and the hopes they carry forward for their families and Nations. This year’s honorees included Mackenzie Gettel (Iowa Nation), Dylan Good (Maidu), Grace Li (Modoc Nation Descendant), Robin Martinez (Navajo), Joseph Ross (Cherokee Nation), Washakie Tibbetts (White Earth Ojibwe & Wind River Shoshone), and Lucas White Moon (Gros Ventre).
Assemblymember James C. Ramos—the first California Native American elected to the California State Legislature—delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of defending tribal sovereignty and promoting Native self-determination. Reflecting on historical challenges and ongoing legislative efforts, he inspired graduates and guests alike. The Center also honored Assemblymember Ramos, Terri Ramos, and Joseph Lindsay for their lasting contributions to Native students and communities. Executive Director Merri Lopez-Keifer presented each honoree with a blanket, recognizing Terri Ramos as “a pillar of strength in her family and community,” while Joseph Lindsay was celebrated as “a powerful advocate and mentor for Native American students,” whose guidance has instilled “confidence, purpose, and belonging.”
Acting Dean of Admissions Joseph Lindsay closed the celebration with a message of pride and encouragement, sending graduates forward with gratitude and collective support. This gathering reflected the essential roles of family and community in every graduate’s success, honoring their collective resilience and the enduring bonds that sustain tribal communities.
October 15-16, 2025
Advancing Tribal Sovereignty and Justice: A Landmark Two-Day In-Person Gathering
This event centers on collaboration among sovereigns, respect for Indigenous legal systems, and advancing tribal sovereignty and justice for tribal communities.
October 15: Navajo Nation Supreme Court Oral Argument. Experience the Navajo Nation Supreme Court in a rare live oral argument session, showcasing Indigenous law in action.
October 16: Three Sovereigns, One Conversation. Join judges from Tribal, State, and Federal courts for a historic roundtable discussing joint jurisdiction in Indian Country, exploring shared principles, challenges, and innovative partnerships across sovereign justice systems.
Other Events of Interest (not at Berkeley Law)
September 3, 2025
Judicial Council of California – Safer Together: Implementing Firearms Policies
CILJ Executive Director Merri Lopez-Keifer will speak during the Plenary Session on Navigating Jurisdiction in Indian Country: Collaborative Approaches to Firearm Regulation and Public Safety.
September 19, 2025
Judicial Council of California – Improving Access to Justice Through Recognition & Enforcement of Tribal Court Orders
CILJ Executive Director Merri Lopez-Keifer will present and lead a discussion on the cross-jurisdictional enforcement of domestic violence and other protective orders recognized under the Violence Against Women Act. Topics include the scope of required recognition and enforcement, challenges faced, and potential solutions to improve access to justice.
More Past Events
Spring 2025
50th Annual Indian Law Conference Attendance
CILJ sponsored NALSA to attend the Federal Bar Association’s 50th Annual Indian Law Conference in Albuquerque, NM.
November 15, 2024
New Voices in Citizenship, Democracy, & Indigenity Workshop
November 1, 2024
Panel Discussion with EPA Officials: Careers in Environmental Law & Justice
October 18, 2024
A Conversation with Judge Sunshine Sykes
October 17, 2024
A Conversation with Professor Elizabeth Hidalgo Reese
March 11, 2024
Justice, the Law, & Storytelling: A Conversation with Yurok Chief Judge Abby Abinanti & New Yorker Journalist Sarah Stillman