Sovereignty Specialist

A Sovereignty Specialist focuses on supporting the recognition, protection, and advancement of tribal sovereignty, ensuring that Native American or Indigenous tribal nations have the authority to govern themselves, manage their lands, and protect their cultural rights. This specialist works in service of the Indigenous Conservation Council’s Tribal Nation members and federal and state agencies, legal experts, and advocacy groups to ensure Tribal Nations can exercise their inherent rights to self-determination, governance, and territorial integrity through agreements and partnerships. Further, this position supports the Indigenous Conservation Council in upholding the sovereignty and self-determination of its Tribal Nation Members in all its actions.

Qualifications:
● Education: A bachelor’s degree in Indigenous Studies, Native American Studies, Law, Political Science, or a related field is typically required. A master’s degree or specialization in tribal law, Indigenous governance, or public policy is ideal.

● Experience: Several years of experience working with Native American tribes, tribal governments, or Indigenous organizations, particularly in areas related to legal advocacy, governance, or policy development.

● Skills:
o Strong understanding of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law, treaties, and Indigenous governance systems.
o Expertise in legal analysis, policy development, and public advocacy related to tribal sovereignty.
o Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
o Ability to work collaboratively with tribal leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders to achieve policy objectives.
o Knowledge of environmental law, land use, natural resource management, and cultural preservation issues affecting tribes..

● Other Requirements:
o Ability to travel as needed within the Chesapeake Bay watershed and particularly to what is now known as the Commonwealth of Virginia.
o Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently, remotely, and as part of a team.

Personal Characteristics:
● Respectful and culturally sensitive, with a commitment to promoting the values and goals of Indigenous communities.
● Solution-oriented and adaptable, with a proactive attitude in addressing challenges.
● Detail-oriented with the ability to manage complex tasks and maintain high standards of accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:
1. Advocacy and Representation:
a. Provides support to Tribal nations entering negotiations and formal agreements with federal, state, and local governments, advocating for the protection and enhancement of ancestral lands and waters.
b. Ensures ICC positions and practices support tribal sovereignty and self determination.

2. Legal and Policy Analysis:
a. Analyze and interpret laws, treaties, and (existing and new) agreements with Tribal Nation members and partners related to tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and land rights, including federal Indian law, tribal law, and international frameworks.
b. Provide legal and policy guidance to tribal governments or organizations regarding the development, implementation, and defense of sovereignty-related policies.
c. Support ICC Tribal Nation members in identification of legal and regulatory issues and obligations that are barriers to newly emerging ecosystem markets and identify mechanisms to enhance sovereignty.

3. Tribal Governance Support:
a. Support tribal governments in strengthening their governance structures, supporting the development of tribal laws, constitutions, and self-governance frameworks to address duty to care and heal ancestral lands and waters.
b. Work with tribal leaders to build capacity for self-governance, economic development, and social services that align with tribal sovereignty and their ancestral territories.
c. Provide support to effectively implement tribal consultation policies or help to develop these with Tribal Nation Members and identified leadership, staff or citizens to uphold
sovereignty.

4. Treaty Rights and Land Protection:
a. Support the enforcement and protection of treaty rights, land claims, and natural resource management as requested by Tribal Nation Members and provide engagement with legal partners to identify opportunities to reinforce tribal sovereignty in rematriation activities.
b. Provide tribal best practices for Indigenous mechanisms to resolve disputes over land, water, and natural resources and support reconciliation and healing processes.

5. Research and Policy Development:
a. Conduct research on emerging tribal sovereignty issues and related topics, including the impact of federal or state policies on tribal governance and self-determination on environmental and cultural resource protection issues.
b. Prepare reports and policy recommendations for Tribal Nation Members related to sovereignty and care of ancestral landscapes.

6. Education and Training:
a. Educate tribal members, government officials, and the broader public on the principles of tribal sovereignty, including its historical context, legal basis, and modern-day challenges.
b. Develop and deliver training and informational materials on issues affecting tribal sovereignty, self-governance, and treaty rights for Tribal Nation Members.

7. Collaboration and Networking:
a. Build and maintain relationships with other Tribal Nations, Indigenous organizations, legal experts, and government agencies to share resources, information, and best practices related to tribal sovereignty.
b. Stay informed about legal, political, and social developments affecting tribal sovereignty, ensuring that tribal interests are effectively represented in broader policy discussions.

$75,000 annually