An Introduction to the

Tribal Supreme Court Project

The Tribal Supreme Court Project works to improve strategy and promote greater coordination in U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) cases that may affect the rights and interests of Tribal Nations. The project is staffed by attorneys from the Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians and consists of more than 300 volunteer attorneys, academics, and Tribal representatives from around the nation who specialise in federal Indian Law, Tribal advocacy, and SCOTUS practice.

In 2026, the Project will commemorate 25 years of service furthering the interests of Tribal Nations and Native American people as they appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. Save the date for an anniversary celebration to be held in Washington, DC, on September 17-18, 2026. Please check back for more details about events and resources that will be available in the anniversary year.

Current Term: October Term 2025

Selected Cases that we are Monitoring

A coordinated and structured approach to Tribal advocacy is needed to preserve Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and other rights and interests. The Tribal Supreme Court Project monitors selected Indian Law cases in the SCOTUS and occasionally in the lower courts. While the project works to keep our website up-to-date, please refer to the SCOTUS website for the most recent case information and dates.

Cert Granted

Cert Pending

Alaska v. United States (25-320)
12/9/2025 - Responses to Petition Due
Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313)
12/15/2025 - Response to Petition Due
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians v. Michigan (25-165)
12/3/2025 - Responses to Petition Due
Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382)
12/1/2025 - Response to Petition Due
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe (25-253)
11/21/2025 - Petition distributed for conference of 11/21/2025

In Alaska v. United States (25-320) (Fishing regulation under ANILCA), the amicus briefs in support of the Petition were filed. Responses to Petitions are due December 9, 2025.

In Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe (25-253) (Voting rights), the SCOTUS rescheduled the distribution of the Petition for Conference of November 21, 2025.

In Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313) (Federal recognition), the SCOTUS called for a Response to the Petition. The Response is due December 15, 2025.

In Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382) (State taxation in Indian country), the SCOTUS has extended the time to and including December 1, 2025, to respond to the Petition.

Calendar of Selected Upcoming Dates

View hearing dates, filing deadlines, and new cert review announcements.