Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy
Where Legal Education Meets Indigenous Advocacy
For over 30 years, the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program at University of Arizona Law has combined rigorous legal training with real-world advocacy for Indigenous communities worldwide. What makes the IPLP Program unique is our approach to legal education. Students are trained in the classroom and in real-world settings by faculty who are leaders both in the fields of federal Indian law and tribal law, and as Indigenous human rights advocates in tribal, national, and international legal forums.
The IPLP Program consistently attracts one of the largest cohorts of Native and Indigenous law students in the country. As a law student, you will benefit from the support of the University of Arizona’s Native and Indigenous Law Students Association. You can also tap into our extensive alumni network for mentorship and job opportunities with tribes, private firms, and nonprofits. Throughout the academic year, IPLP offers robust course offerings and experiential learning opportunities.
IPLP Initiatives and Student Opportunities
- Unparalleled Experiential Learning: IPLP offers two year-round clinics focused on working with tribes and Indigenous communities around the world.
- Indigenous Rights & Protected Areas Initiative: aims to raise awareness and provide legal support to Indigenous communities impacted by protected areas.
- Native American Congressional Internship Program: gain practical experience with the Federal legislative process and tribal advocacy in Washington, D.C. with the Udall Foundation's Native American Congressional Internship Program.
- Indigenous Governance Program: through our partnership with the Native Nations Institute, students take accelerated Native nation building courses.
- Pascua Yaqui Tribe-University of Arizona Microcampus: the PYT-UA Microcampus represents a groundbreaking model for high-tech, place-based education rooted in tribal sovereignty.
- JD Certificate: The JD Certificate in Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy gives students professional training in federal Indian law, tribal law and tribal courts, and Indigenous human rights.
Sign up for our Newsletter
Sign up for the IPLP Program’s monthly newsletter, Notes from the Field, for more information about IPLP and updates on the research and advocacy work of IPLP alumni, students, and faculty.
“IPLP prepared me to take on the largest challenges in Indian Country by giving me the knowledge and confidence to stand my ground. As someone who did not know any lawyers growing up, the IPLP professors and staff were great in helping me transition to the lawyerly way of thinking and problem solving. I also appreciated the work that IPLP did behind the scenes to make sure that the rest of the law school faculty were eager to engage with us on Indigenous issues.”
Vince Redhouse (Navajo Nation), Executive Director of the Navajo Nation Washington Office| JD '21
Degrees and Certificates
Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) is available to students who have already earned a first law degree, allowing for in-depth specialization in Indigenous law and policy with faculty.
Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD)
The Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) program offers candidates an intellectually challenging opportunity for academic specialization in Indigenous law and policy.
Tribal Courts Certificate
The Tribal Courts and Justice Administration Undergraduate Certificate is designed to provide a strong foundation in the workings of tribal courts and justice systems.
News
Navajo Nation Fellowship Program
Arizona Law establishes the Navajo Law Fellowship Program which provides students additional financial aid, mentorship, Navajo law curriculum, externship opportunities.
Richotte Ushers in New Era for IPLP
Professor Keith Richotte, Jr. (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) joins as the new director of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) Program.
UArizona Opens Pascua Yaqui Campus
The microcampus's initial curriculum will include the Indigenous Governance Program courses focused on Native nation building.
Resources
IPLP Faculty
IPLP faculty are leading scholars in their fields and have decades of experience serving Indigenous communities.
IPLP Initiatives
IPLP faculty lead initiatives and projects with tribes and Indigenous communities around the world.