Trust Responsibility Enforcement

The firm has substantial experience enforcing the federal-tribal trust relationship on behalf of Indian tribes. We have brought several claims against the United States to secure compensation for and correct federal mismanagement of tribal trust funds, timber, uranium, oil, gas, and coal. For example, the firm negotiated two of the largest Indian Claims Commission settlements in history on behalf of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians.

The firm also has been involved in substantial litigation before the Court of Federal Claims, the Federal Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court regarding misconduct by the Secretary of the Interior in reviewing and approving coal royalties and lease amendments for the Navajo Nation. The firm currently represents four Indian tribes in litigation before the Court of Federal Claims to recover compensation for losses caused by federal mismanagement of tribal trust funds and resources.

The firm's work goes beyond litigation, however. The firm advises its tribal clients on a broad range of administrative and legislative matters affecting tribal trust resources. The firm also is helping the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians implement a long-range program to restore its forest.

On behalf of the Shii Shi Keyah Association, an unincorporated association of Navajo allottees, the firm filed the first certified class action lawsuit under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act of 1982. This lawsuit resulted in the reformation of the Department of the Interior's management and accounting practices and the establishment of an Indian Minerals Office. The case has had nationwide impact.