NIGA hosts a variety of topics at annual Mid-Year Membership Meeting at the Mohegan Sun

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September 18, 2019


Uncasville, CT – September 18, 2019 – Tribal Sovereignty Immunity kicked off the legislative discussion at the NIGA Mid-Year today with a panel of experts including Jonodev Chaudhuri, partner at Quarles and Bradley LLC and Mark Van Norman, of MVN Consulting.

The discussion centered around protecting tribal sovereign immunity which provides Indian tribal governments with legal defense from lawsuits absent consent of the government being sued. The legal doctrine was established to shield governmental revenues from potentially limitless liability and lawsuits, which could threaten essential government services and programs.
While tribal sovereign immunity is acknowledged as a core aspect of tribal sovereignty and a key to self-sustaining tribal government economies, the doctrine is under growing threat in the federal and state courts, and by some in Congress.

Chaudhuri said Indian Country has a leadership role to play among the energizing industries promoting and protecting tribal self-government and self-determination. We have skin in the game.”

Van Norman said, “We have the inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through the Creator. Sovereignty and Self-government is essential to tribal self-sufficiency.”