Continuing Legal Education Seminar a Smashing Success
Report from Okmulgee, OK, Tribal Headquarters of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation by Faye Hadley, Native American Resources/Instructional Services Law Librarian
The first annual CLE hosted by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was held in Oklmulgee, OK on Thursday and Friday, April 24 & 25, 2003. The theme of this year's CLE was "Doing Business in Indian Country," and it featured several professors from the University of Tulsa College of Law. Professors Bill Rice, Judith Royster, Melissa Tatum, Vicki Limas, and Montie Deer all gave very informative and polished presentations and added invaluably to the seminar proceedings. The theme of "Doing Business in Indian Country" was addressed in various ways. From Judith Royster's and Melissa Tatum's discussion of civil and criminal jurisdiction in Indian country to Bill Rice's rousing talk concerning tribal sovereignty, to Vicki Limas' highly informative presentation on employment issues in Indian country, and finally Montie Deer's knowledgeable forum on gaming in Indian country, the theme was very well-covered.
The inception of this CLE grew out of the inspired idea of Judge Patrick Moore (Muscogee District Court and TU LL.M. student). It was realized with aplomb, thanks to the organizational skills of Professor Shelly Grunstead (University of Oklahoma and TU LL.M. student).
The facilities at OSU-Okmulgee were well-suited to hosting a seminar of this size (approximately 100 attendees), as were the dining facilities. Two outstanding luncheons were prepared and served by the OSU-Okmulgee Culinary Arts students. The conference attendees also enjoyed an evening of delicious bar-b-que at the Tribal Bingo Hall where a few dollars may have been lost, but friends were made. All-in-all it was an outstanding event, and those of us who were fortunate enough to have attended this inaugural conference look forward to next year's CLE in Okmulgee.