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Every January, the University of Arizona College of Law’s Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program and the Native Nations Institute come together to offer the January in Tucson (JIT) intensive education session. For three weeks, distinguished faculty members from around the world gather to teach and discuss Indigenous governance and Indigenous rights with leaders, practitioners and community members.
This year’s program was especially significant, as it marked the first time JIT resumed its in-person offerings since 2020. JIT 2023 offered 19 courses on a variety of topics related to Indigenous governance, including Native nation-building, Native economic development and Indigenous data sovereignty.
The JIT faculty included four IPLP alumni: Professor Tory Fodder (JD ’10, SJD ’12 ) taught Indigenous Peoples and the Environment; Professor Alison Vivian (SJD ’14) co-taught Constitutions of Indigenous Nations; Professor Francisco Olea (JD ’18) taught Tribal Gaming Law and Regulation; and Professor Ibrahim Garba (SJD ’20) co-taught Indigenous Research Governance.
Participants in the program came from a range of backgrounds, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Technology Sydney. The Native Nations Institute’s Tribal Professionals Cohort also brought seven participants from seven Native nations.
JIT is more than just a series of classes on Indigenous topics; it provides an opportunity for Indigenous peoples from all over the world to engage in dialogue and share perspectives on familiar challenges. As Indigenous Governance Program Manager and Professor of Practice Tory Fodder noted, "We are obviously thrilled to have had such wide participation from tribal leaders, students, and professionals from all over the world. We look forward to drawing from the feedback of our guests and hope to make January in Tucson 2024 even better."
To learn more about JIT, see the full story here.
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