Cheri Bellefeuille-Gordon Supreme Court Justice

Hello and greetings from the Chickasaw Nation Judicial Branch! We hope this update finds each of you in good spirits and good health.

Chickasaw Nation District Court/Court Advocates

The Chickasaw Nation District Court filed 32 new cases during March bringing the total to 192 for the year. District Court Judge Duck and Special Judge Rowe heard 83 cases bringing the total to 279 cases for 2008. Court advocates Darlene Cheadle and David Ponder assisted 94 clients during March for a total of 274 for 2008.

We also want to remind everyone of our expansion of court services for the Purcell area. Each Wednesday, Court Advocate David Ponder is at the Purcell Regional Office to assist our citizens. Court advocates are provided by the Judicial Branch to assist citizens with preparation of papers, provide information on presenting evidence to state your case before the Court and assist with preparing orders or final decrees to finalize the matter. To schedule an appointment with David, please call the District Court at (580) 235-0279 or (800) 479-1459.

In addition to our Purcell expansion, we will soon offer court advocate services to those residing in the Ardmore area. Candidates are being interviewed as we look forward to implementing these new services.

Chickasaw Bar Association Annual Meeting

The Chickasaw Bar Association hosted its annual conference on April 4, 2008 at the Winstar Golf Course in Thackerville. Chickasaw Bar members, attorneys and gaming personnel attended the meeting. Topics dealt with ethics, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and Tort and Prize Claim practice.

We would like to thank our speakers for the meeting: Dan Murdock, General Counsel, Oklahoma Bar Association; District Court Judge Aaron Duck; District Court Special Judge Dustin Rowe; Jennifer Barnes-Kerns, Asst. Attorney General, Chickasaw Nation Division of Justice; Kristine Huntsman, Staff Attorney, Chickasaw Nation Division of Justice; Jeff Keel, General Counsel, Chickasaw Nation Office of the Gaming Commissioner; Attorneys Wallace Coppedge, Nancy McAlister and Jim Wilcoxen; and Ben Barrick, Insurance Director, Chickasaw Nation Division of Commerce.

The Chickasaw Bar Association Annual Meeting concluded with the election of new officers for 2008. They are: Judge Aaron Duck, Chairman; Jennifer Barnes-Kerns, Chair-elect; and Niki Lindsey, Secretary. The Chickasaw Bar Association presently has 192 members.

For more information about the Chickasaw Bar Association, please call the Supreme Court at (580) 235-0281 or (800) 479-1455.

Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court News

The Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court Justices and District Court Judges recently attended the Federal Bar Association’s 33rd Annual Indian Law Conference in Albuquerque on April 10-11, 2008. This year’s conference covered the issues of tribal finance, labor concerns in Indian Country, tribal courts, Indian energy policy and a historical review of major Indian law decisions and legislation.

The conference was very educational and informative on relevant issues in Indian Country. It was great to see old friends and make new friends along the way.

Speaking of making new friends, the Judicial staff made many as we took part in the annual Children’s Fair on April 19 at the Agriplex in Ada. We set up a booth with games for the children to play, awarding them candy and toys for their efforts. We have a great staff and enjoy volunteering our time for the children.

Camp Yakni Moma Alphisa “Justice for a Nation”

I am pleased to announce that the Judicial Branch will be hosting camp Yakni Moma Alphisa or “Justice for a Nation” on August 4 and 5. This camp is for high school students considering a career in the law profession. Its purpose is to educate our youth about the operations of the tribe’s Court system. Students will meet tribal judges and justices, Chickasaw Lighthorse Police, Peacemakers and Court staff. In addition, students will participate in a mock trial and see first-hand how the District Court, Supreme Court and Peacemaking Court hear cases.

Camp Yakni Moma Alphisa will emphasize leadership, personal growth and building great friendships. Participants must have transportation to and from the clinic.

For more information, contact the Chickasaw Nation Supreme Court at (580) 235-0281 or (800) 479-1455.

Baby Update

I reported last month that we are having a girl. Oops! After numerous ultrasounds, it’s been determined that we are having a boy! We are excited and are looking forward to the birth in July. Thank you for the calls. Baby and I are doing fine.