Indian Water Rights and Water Law
Natural Resources

Even though federal laws and policies assure Indian tribes significant water rights, the outcomes of tribal water claims are far from certain. Tribes must compete with powerful political and economic forces for their share of this precious — and often scarce — natural resource.

This two-day class will cover the history of U.S. water policy, from the European settlement of the West to the Winters Doctrine to current “water wars.” More importantly, it provides practical strategies for protecting tribal rights, implementing on-reservation regulation of water use and identifying off-reservation factors that affect your tribe’s water supply and future growth.

Our experienced instructor will guide you through the maze of legal requirements, case law and tribal, state and federal regulations that impact your water resources. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss unique challenges that your tribe faces in guaranteeing its water rights.

Topics that will be covered include: