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 Filed
Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313)
01/14/2026 - Response to Petition Due
Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians v. Michigan (25-165)
12/15/2025 – Reply filed
Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382)
12/15/2025 – Reply filed. Distributed for Conference of January 9, 2026.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe (25-253)
11/21/2025 - Petition distributed for Conference of 11/21/2025. No formal action yet taken.

In Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382) (State taxation in Indian country), Response to Petition filed December 1, 2025. Distributed for Conference of January 9, 2026.

In Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians v. Michigan (25-165) (Tribal fishing rights), Reply filed December 15, 2025. The Clerk can now distribute the Petition for Conference.

In Alaska v. United States (25-320) (Fishing regulation under ANILCA), Responses to Petition filed December 9, 2025. The Clerk can now distribute the Petition for Conference.

In Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313) (Federal recognition), the SCOTUS called for a Response to the Petition. The Response is due January 14, 2026.

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. No formal action yet taken.

Calendar of Selected Upcoming Dates

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