Presenting in the following sessions:
Oct 18, 2024
Indian Child Welfare Act Enforcement: A conversation about how and why Tribes might enforce rights under ICWA
2:30 PM-4:00 PM
PANEL 7
1.5 MCLE
Our closing panel will focus on the nuts and bolts of ICWA appeals in state courts while engaging audience members with a lighthearted game. The panelists will use the game to lead a conversation and cover the following topics: how to make a thorough trial record; factors to consider when deciding whether to appeal an ICWA case; danger zone topics; unique procedural appellate issues; and what solutions exist outside of appeals.
April Olson
Partner
Rothstein Donatelli, LLP
April Olson has served tribal governments for over 20 years, first as a social worker and now as an attorney and judge. April is currently a partner with the law firm of Rothstein Donatelli LLP. April practices exclusively in the field of federal Indian law and tribal law and her experience includes a wide variety of practice areas. April has represented nine tribes in ICWA matters in at least ten states across the country. She has provided ICWA representation to tribes at the trial court level and in appellate proceedings and filed an amicus brief in the Supreme Court case of Brackeen v. Haaland. April also serves as Chief Judge of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Court, where she handles child welfare matters, and April serves as an Appellate Justice for the Hualapai Nation and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
