Author: Ed Nephler

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) Tribal Court is seeking a summer judicial clerk. This will be an unpaid clerkship unless the candidate receives payment through an external source. LTBB is an Indian tribe located in Emmet County, Michigan. The Tribe’s Reservation encompasses the beautiful waters of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. The Tribal Court is a court of general jurisdiction hearing cases including, but not limited to: criminal, civil, specialty courts, eviction and child welfare cases. The Tribal Court is looking for applications from students interested in working on a huge variety of legal issues. No prior Indian law classes are required, but a genuine interest in Indian law and strong legal research and writing skills are necessary. The following are examples of projects and work typically done by LTBB's summer clerks:  Observing Specialty Court hearings; Researching Domestic Violence programs that can be integrated into the Tribal Court; Research and writing for the Tribal Court; Research and writing for the Appellate Court; Reviewing novel procedural and constitutional issues; Assessing, reviewing, and writing court rules and/or court procedures; Working with other units of Tribal Government; Working on child welfare/juvenile matters and cases. There are significant cultural events and activities occurring on the Reservation the Tribal Court allows time for and encourages our summer clerks to be involved in Tribal functions, events, and activities, as well as activities in the outlying community. Our clerks attend community activities, sacred fires and feasts, learn how to cut sweet grass and birch bark and participate in a variety of traditional activities. We assist students in locating appropriate and affordable summer housing. We are a family-friendly employer. Please email cover letters and resumes to Jody Gasco at jgasco@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov.  We will request transcripts and writing samples for people we are interested in interviewing....

LTBB is beginning to vaccinate Priority 10, which is all LTBB Citizens, all Native Americans, all Tribal & Tribal employee household members, and all Tribal Community members, including Natives and non-Natives.   To get on the vaccine scheduling list, please email covidvaccine@ltbbodawa-nsn.gov or call our COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at (231) 242-1780.

The Election Board is seeking two community members to serve as official Poll Sitters for the 2021 Election Days. Qualified applicants must be at least 18 years of age and cannot be LTBB Tribal Members or related to any election candidates. Details and application are available on the Election Board webpage....

Call to Election packet mailing are available on the Election Board webpage The Call to Election Packet includes: LTBB 2021 Call to Election Notice Nomination Application Nomination Petition Criminal Background Authorization Form Candidate Financial Disclosure Form Candidate Statement Guidelines for 2021 and a Voter Registration Form....

Aanii Citizens, As the Executive recommendation for the Tribal Government building is to limit as much in person contact time in office as possible the Tribal Council Office will function in full service offsite as staff works from home. Please know that our staff is fully equipped to continue to provide the best communication and services on behalf of our Citizens. In addition to working offsite, and as in person contact is by appointment only, please also know that I will be your point person should you need to set up an in person appointment. Contact will be held outside of the building at an acceptable social distance with mandatory mask wearing by both parties. Additionally, though our office phones transfer to our cell phones, you may also contact my cell number 231-881-8704 directly for communication purposes to further ensure you are receiving the assistance you need. Miigwech for your understanding and stay safe. Michele Portman-LaCount Legislative Office Manager...