Tribal Law and Resources

Governance and protection of natural resources on tribal lands is the subject to a complex and unique interplay between federal, Tribal, and state authority. Cultural practices and traditions, as well as historic treaty rights, add complexity to the practice area.

This area of environmental law concerns itself with the rights of tribes, resource management, differing obligations, and legal frameworks of environmental protection in the context of Tribal treaties and sovereignty. Protection of tribal traditions and cultures often conflict with development and growth goals in geographic areas; ACOEL fellows work on all aspects of this specialized area and several are enrolled tribal members.