From question to answers: the legal foundations of economic development in Indian CountryAbout this Event
📅 Dates: April 16–17, 2026
📍 Location: ilani Resort & Casino – Bear & Camas Room
🎓 CLE Credits: Submitted for approval in Oregon and Washington
⏱ Program Length: Two-day CLE program
👥 Audience: Attorneys, tribal judges, tribal leaders, and legal professionals
How do legal institutions shape economic opportunity in Indian Country?
Join leading scholars, tribal judges, and practitioners for a two-day CLE program exploring how tribal law, governance, and justice systems influence economic development on reservations.
Reservation Economics: This Is What It Trickles Down To explores the legal and institutional foundations that shape economic opportunity in Indian Country. Participants will gain practical insight into the legal frameworks that influence private sector growth on reservations.
This program is part of the Indian Country Private Sector Project, an initiative focused on strengthening tribal economies through private sector development, institutional capacity, and legal infrastructure.
Topics Include
• Federal Indian Law and professional ethics in tribal jurisdictions
• Tribal code development and economic governance
• Tribal courts and commercial dispute resolution
• Building private sector economies on reservations
• HR and employment compliance in tribal organizations
• Improving access to justice in tribal legal systems
April 16
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome & Breakfast Buffet
🕑: 09:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Federal Indian Law
Host: Adam Crepelle
Info: Learning Objective: Understand the legal foundations
of Federal Indian Law and the ethical duties attorneys
must uphold when practicing in tribal jurisdictions.
🕑: 11:10 AM - 12:40 PM
Tribal Code Reform
Host: Joseph Austin
Info: Learning Objective: Analyze how tribal code
development and reform strengthen governance,
support economic development, and enhance
legal certainty for Native nations and businesses.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:30 PM
Lunch Buffet
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:45 PM
Tribal Courts & Commercial Disputes
Host: Chief Justice Meredith Drent
Info: Learning Objective: Examine how tribal courts
resolve commercial disputes and apply common
law principles within tribal legal systems.
🕑: 02:55 PM - 04:55 PM
Developing a Private Sector on Indian Reservations
Host: Robert Miller
Info: Learning Objective: Identify legal and regulatory
frameworks that support private sector growth and
sustainable economic development in Indian Country.
🕑: 05:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks
Host: Adam Creplle
April 17
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Breakfast Buffet
🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:15 AM
WTH Does HR Have to Do With Making Money?
Host: Alexandra Mojado
Info: Learning Objective: Understand legal considerations
in employment practices, workplace compliance, and
personnel management that affects organizational
stability and economic success.
🕑: 10:25 AM - 11:40 AM
Adventures in Indian Country
Host: Chief Justice Meredith Drent
Info: Learning Objective: Panelists will share practical
experiences and discuss solutions to improve justice
delivery in tribal communities.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 11:50 AM
Closing Remarks
Host: Adam Crepelle
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Lunch Buffet
Event Venue
Ilani Casino, 1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield, United States
USD 39.19 to USD 103.22
