Oklahoma Tribal Attorney Mr. Billy Shepherd

Mr. Billy Shepherd

Seminole Nation

Oklahoma Tribal Attorney

Tribal attorney, Billy Shepard, grew up in a chaotic environment with addiction, poverty, and family divisions. He shares how his background led him into a legal career of advocacy for tribal youth. As Shepherd’s dedication and experience expanded across tribal courts in Indian Country, so did his opportunities to represent tribal governments and their interests. Billy’s lessons cover important cases such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, McGirt, and tribal compacts. You’re sure to get a crash course in foundational tribal law and how it affects Indian Country today.

About this Class

Trailer Coming Soon.

1 hour 32 minutes

Advocacy, Business, Commmunity, Leadership

Lesson Plan

Lesson 1

Meet Your Indigenous Instructor – Tribal Attorney Billy Shepherd

2 minutes

Billy’s lessons cover important cases such as the Indian Child Welfare Act, McGirt, and tribal compacts. You’re sure to get a crash course in foundational tribal law and how it affects Indian Country today.

Lesson 2

Lesson 1 – Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE Test)

14 minutes

Billy Shepherd is a member of the Seminole Nation. He is an attorney and has a passion for advocacy and rehabilitation in Indian Country because of his own childhood struggles with a troubled home life.

Lesson 3

Lesson 2 – Indian Child Welfare Act

13 minutes

As he was growing up, Billy’s exposure to his tribal community was limited because his father was a product of the Indian Child Welfare Act. This has caused Billy to view his advocacy in courts as an opportunity to break oppressive cycles.

Lesson 4

Lesson 3 – Non Traditional Education Pathway

25 minutes

Billy Shepherd always had an interest in government and policy but struggled in his confidence to pursue college because of his impoverished upbringing with a single mom. Billy received a merit scholarship from the Seminole Nation and began his education.

Lesson 5

Lesson 4 – McGirt vs Oklahoma

29 minutes

Billy gives the history of tribal removal to Indian Territory/Oklahoma. As he walks you through the Supreme Court cases that set a precedence of sovereignty for the tribes, it becomes more clear where we stand in present day.

Lesson 6

Lesson 5 – Tribal Compacts

9 minutes

Tribal compacts are demystified as Billy teaches where they are used in Indian Country. Federal, state and tribal entities all benefit when they utilize compacts that are attached to specific resources.

Lesson 7