Federal Indian/Tribal Law
At Henkels Law we work to educate ourselves and others on expressions of tribal sovereignty in juvenile issues, matters of due process, natural resource, and government tort claims issues, among others. We have consulted for and advocated on behalf of clients, tribal, nontribal, individuals and entities, in most of the tribal courts and tribal courts of appeals in Oregon and beyond.
Diane Henkels speaking at 2019 Access to Justice: Tribal Court and Tribal Members Civil Rights
2017 Chair of the Oregon State Bar Indian Law Section.
Henkels Law regularly represents clients in the tribal courts in Oregon and elsewhere. With in-house and outside experience in tribal courts and courts of appeals, we have worked in issues ranging from civil and criminal jurisdiction, natural resources code research, and drafting and enforcement of federal Indian law pertaining to Clean Water Act, cultural resources, Indian Civil Rights Act, Adoption and Safe Families Act, and other statutes. We have represented Indians and non-Indians in tribal courts, state administrative proceedings, and federal court in a wide variety of matters.
Recent work in this area includes:
Serving a term as a Tribal Court Associate Judge, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon
State court representation of Native family members in Oregon Indian Child Welfare Act matters
Training with the National Judicial College
Supported client’s participation in Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Tribal Court-led peacemaking process