Tribal

California Court Dismisses Tribal Cardroom Lawsuit Over Technical Oversight

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A lawsuit brought by a California tribal cardroom has been dismissed due to a procedural issue, leaving the future of the cardroom in question. The court’s decision was based on technical grounds rather than the merits of the case. The cardroom, which had sought to challenge the legality of certain state regulations, failed to meet specific filing requirements, resulting in the dismissal of the case. This outcome speaks to the intricate legal landscape that tribal entities navigate in California, where gaming laws are tightly regulated. Tribal gaming has been a contentious and … Read more

Bridging Cultures: Judge David Avraham Voluck Harmonizes Indigenous Justice with Environmental Law in Alaskan Tribal Courts

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Sitka, Alaska – David Avraham Voluck, a distinguished member of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, serves as Chief Judge of the Sitka Tribal Court, where he facilitates dispute resolution among the Tlingit and Haida nations. His reputation for wisdom and fairness has led him to be invited as a judge for various other tribes, including the Unangan Aleuts of St. Paul Island and the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council. Voluck’s commitment to the cultural integrity of Alaskan Natives is evident in his work. With a background in environmental law, he often finds himself in a unique position … Read more

Oregon Takes a Bold Step: New Bill Empowering Tribes to Reclaim Jurisdiction on Tribal Lands Signed into Law

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Salem, Oregon — A new law aimed at simplifying jurisdictional complexities in Oregon’s Indian Country has been signed by Governor Tina Kotek. The legislation, which garnered unanimous support in both chambers of the state Legislature, was enacted on May 22 and will establish a formal process for tribal nations to request changes to state jurisdiction on their lands. The law specifically addresses the implications of Public Law 83-280, enacted in 1953, which allowed certain states, including Oregon, to claim jurisdiction over tribal lands. This has complicated criminal and civil matters, as jurisdiction often varies based … Read more

Major Drug Trafficking Ring Dismantled: Extensive Operation in Eastern Washington and Montana Spread Deadly Drugs Across Tribal Lands

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SPOKANE, Wash. — A substantial law enforcement operation across Eastern Washington and Montana has culminated in the conviction of Luis “Colorado” Esquivel-Bolanos, a 45-year-old native of Guerrero, Mexico, on multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearms. Esquivel-Bolanos’ trial, which began on April 14 under U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice, ended with federal jurors finding him guilty. Esquivel-Bolanos now faces life imprisonment at his sentencing scheduled for July 16, with potential deportation proceedings also looming. The case against him unfolded over several months, involving an intricate network of law enforcement agencies. His arrest … Read more