Homecoming is quickly approaching! Join us October 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the Arizona Law Red & Blue BBQ and throughout the weekend for events around the University of Arizona campus, including the TEDxUofA event, “Desert Genius,” on Friday, October 18.

A student in the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) program was recently quoted extensively in a Forbes article discussing how conservation efforts in Tanzania are harming indigenous people. Doctor of Juridical Science (SJD) student Fredrick Ole Ikayo, who is a lawyer in Tanzania, shared his insight on “7 Myths Harming The Maasai People In Tanzania.” Fred discusses the government’s conflicting mandates for tourism, conservation and safeguarding the interests of the indigenous Maasai people, and how the exclusionary protected area-based approach to biodiversity protection is used to justify the disempowerment and displacement of the Maasai people in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be featured in the Forbes article and to shed light on the ongoing human rights abuses in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA). More importantly, my contribution to the article is one way to continue to advocate for change and amplify the voices of my community,” said Fred.

To learn more about the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy (IPLP) program, including what students like Frederick Ole Ikayo and faculty are up to, subscribe to the IPLP’s monthly “Notes from the Field” newsletter.

The September Notes from the Field introduces us to three other new IPLP students:

Grant Schoen is a first-generation law student. He attended Pepperdine University, where he completed a Bachelor of Science in business administration. During his undergraduate studies, Grant played all four years of Division I baseball for the Waves. 

“As a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, I have an interest in tribal law and in practicing real estate law after graduating. The University of Arizona has a unique tie to Indigenous peoples, a big factor in my decision to attend. I know this University will provide me and many others with a unique opportunity to practice law stemming from a variety of different fields. I can’t wait to continue my learning here at U of A,” said Grant.

Damon Jack Clark is a member of the Navajo Nation, and is from Asaayii (Bowl Canyon), New Mexico. He is Tó'áhání (Near the Water) and born for the Tábaahí (Water's Edge) clan. Damon graduated from Harvard College in 2017 with a concentration in Social Studies. Before law school, Damon worked for the Office of Navajo Nation Government Development, White House Office of Management & Budget, and the 2020 Arizona Democratic Campaign. These professional experiences led Damon to law school, specifically University of Arizona Law for the IPLP Program. He hopes to bring his legal education home and improve the standards of living in his community.

Elaine Porokwa is from Tanzania and a member of the Maasai Indigenous community. Elaine graduated from Middlesex University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Laws degree. Following her graduation, she joined the Pastoral Women’s Council, where she discovered her passion for advocating for Indigenous peoples’ rights. This newfound interest led her to the IPLP Program at the University of Arizona College of Law. She hopes that her journey through law school will equip her with the knowledge and capacity to advocate for Indigenous peoples, especially in Tanzania. 

“I am excited to start my journey at law school and beyond grateful for the funding provided by the University of Arizona. I chose University of Arizona Law specifically for its IPLP Program, and I am excited to absorb as much knowledge as possible. I look forward to applying what I learn to my future practice,” said Elaine.