Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program

The CFTC - U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is proposing a rule that could strengthen federal control over prediction markets while making it harder for states and tribes to challenge sports-related event contracts, Tribal Business News reports.

Why this matters:

— Tribal leaders argue many of these contracts function like sports betting
— The proposal reinforces the CFTC's claim of exclusive federal jurisdiction
— Legal experts say the rule doesn't adequately address tribal gaming compacts, sovereignty

At stake is more than prediction markets.

The larger question is who gets to decide what constitutes gaming in the digital economy: tribes, states or federal regulators.

This debate is headed well beyond sports wagering.

READ: https://bit.ly/4evPSdC

Worth sharing with tribal leaders, gaming executives and policymakers.

Justice in Indian Country starts with strong, prepared Tribal Judges. ⚖️🪶

The inaugural National Tribal Judicial Academy is here and we want YOU in the room.

🗓️ Aug 10–13, 2026

📍UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law, Thomas & Mack Moot Court Room - Las Vegas, NV

🏛️ UNLV’s William S. Boyd School of Law × National Judicial College

📚 Real courtroom simulations. Expert faculty. Skills that last a career.

💰 $1,000 tuition | Scholarships available; apply when you register!

And because this is the founding class? We have a few special surprises in store because being first deserves to be celebrated. 🎉

Limited seats. Register here: https://judges.org/courses/national-tribal-judicial-academy/

Last week, members of the PITU Puow'wan Program took a group of 10th-12th graders to Nevada for the third annual College Prep Camp.

To see some photos from the trip and read more, click here: https://pitu.gov/2026-college-prep-camp-gallery/

🏛️ Exciting opportunity for tribal leaders and professionals!

The Tribal Leadership Council is offering an Executive Certificate in Tribal Sovereignty & Economic Leadership — a powerful 3-day program covering everything from Federal Indian Law and Tribal Governance to Finance, Ethics, and Strategic Communications.

📅 July 28–30 (All Day)
📍 UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, Thomas & Mack Moot Court Room

Topics include:
✅ Federal Indian Law
✅ Tribal Governance
✅ Economics & Finance
✅ Organizational Leadership & Management
✅ Ethics
✅ Strategic Communications & Marketing

💰 Registration: $1,500
🔗 Register now: https://tinyurl.com/5n82nz8b
🏨 Host Hotel: Palms Casino Resort → https://book.passkey.com/e/51139781📧 Questions? [email protected]

Don't miss this incredible chance to strengthen your leadership and expand your knowledge in tribal sovereignty and economic development. Seats are limited — register today! 🌟

This month, the Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program Professor Addie Rolnick presented at the Law and Society Association, joining a panel on juvenile justice and children’s rights  ⚖️

Her paper, “A Plain Denial”: Reclaiming Equal Protection in American Juvenile Law, co-authored with David S. Tanenhaus, Justin Iverson, and Danielle L. Silvestri, examines how equal protection arguments can be a meaningful tool for protecting children’s rights and why courts should take them seriously. The paper is published in the Seattle University Law Review.

📖 Read it here: https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sulr/vol49/iss1/5

Summer is officially here! In Las Vegas, the heat is turning up and we are definitely feeling it 🔥

 ☀️ As the longest day of the year reminds us of the sun’s strength, we’re grateful for the light, the land, and the communities we get to walk alongside. 

Happy Summer Solstice!

Why We’re Paying Attention to Prediction Markets As a Native law student and young professional engaged in tribal governance, gaming and federal Indian law, we have been paying close attention to the rapid rise of prediction markets and the debate surrounding their regulation. What began as an academic topic has become a real-world issue with pote...

Please Join Us in Welcoming Danielle Ta’Sheena Finn to the Black Hills Powwow Board!

We are honored to welcome Danielle Ta’Sheena Finn (Wichahpi Sakowin Win) of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to the Black Hills Powwow Board.

Danielle has dedicated the past 8 years to serving the He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate as the Miss He Sapa Win Pageant Director, helping mentor young women, support contestants, and strengthen one of our most cherished traditions.

Her lifelong connection to the Wacipi, combined with her extensive leadership, legal expertise, and commitment to Indigenous communities, will be a tremendous asset to our organization as we continue to grow while honoring the traditions and values that make He Sapa Wacipi so special.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Danielle to the Board. We look forward to her continued leadership and service.

Welcome, Danielle!