Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma & Descendent of the Ahtna Athabaskan of Alaska
Federal Tribal Attorney
Lael Echo-Hawk is a tribal attorney in Washington D.C. Her Indigenous Class brings an exciting perspective on federal Indian law, policy and advocacy for Indigenous people.
Lael was born and raised in Delta Junction, Alaska. Her grandmother’s leadership inspired her future work and advocacy as a tribal federal lawyer.
Lesson 2
Lesson 1: Charting Your Own Course
16 minutes
Lael found herself in a remedial math class at the end of high school but she didn’t let that derail her from attending University. Later, an abusive relationship rechartered her path to law school.
Lesson 3
Lesson 2: Becoming a Baby Lawyer
25 minutes
Lael finds her voice in law school. She starts her first job as a baby lawyer. Lael covers treaty responsibilities of the federal government and tribes. A fork in the road leads to an incredible opportunity in Washington, D.C.
Lesson 4
Lesson 3: Tribal Gaming
6 minutes
Lael finds herself working on expanding modern gaming regulations for Indian Country. These rules set a precedent for tribes to adopt better technology and work more closely with federal agencies and legislators.
Lesson 5
Lesson 4: Tribal Sovereignty
16 minutes
Lael defends a tribe that finds themselves in favor of a Supreme Court decision to implement gaming on traditional tribal lands.
