SHI virtual lecture to explore future of tribal sovereignty, self-governance

Sealaska Heritage Institute (SHI) will sponsor a virtual lecture tomorrow as part of its ongoing fall series, featuring prominent voices in Indigenous knowledge, art and culture, wildlife conservation and science.

The event will feature Richard Trudell (Santee Dakota Sioux), founder of the American Indian Lawyer Training Program (AILTP) and the American Indian Resources Institute, who will examine the current landscape and future prospects for tribal sovereignty and self-governance.

In his lecture, “The Road Ahead for Tribes as Sovereign Governments & Entrepreneurs,” Trudell will discuss the diversity of tribal governments in the lower-48 states, analyze recent challenges to tribal sovereignty and jurisdictional authority within Indian Country and explore pathways for strengthening tribal self-governance. Drawing from more than five decades of experience in Native American affairs, he will address how tribes can protect sovereignty, restore homelands and develop self-reliant community economies in today’s complex political environment.

Under his leadership, the AILTP launched groundbreaking initiatives including the Indian Law Reporter and fellowship programs for Native attorneys establishing practices near reservations. He has facilitated crucial tribal leadership forums with federal officials, including meetings that led to presidential summits during the Bush and Clinton administrations.

Trudell’s extensive career includes service on the national board of directors of the Legal Services Corporation under President Jimmy Carter, founding board membership with the Native American Rights Fund and leadership in the creation of numerous national programs serving Native communities. He holds degrees in accounting and law and is widely recognized for his ability to bring people together to address pressing challenges facing tribes.

The lecture is scheduled for noon, Tuesday, Nov. 19 via Zoom. The event will be livestreamed and posted on SHI’s YouTube channel.

Sealaska Heritage Institute is a private nonprofit founded in 1980 to perpetuate and enhance Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian cultures of Southeast Alaska. Its goal is to promote cultural diversity and cross-cultural understanding through public services and events. SHI also conducts scientific and public policy research that promotes Alaska Native arts, cultures, history and education statewide. The institute is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Council of Traditional Scholars, a Native Artist Committee and a Southeast Regional Language Committee.

CONTACT: Kathy Dye, SHI Communications and Publications Deputy Director, 907.321.4636, kathy.dye@sealaska.com.

Caption: Richard Trudell. Photo courtesy of Richard Trudell.