The Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV, in partnership with the Tribal Leadership Council, announced the establishment of the Tribal Leadership Council Endowment. This landmark gift represents the first endowed scholarship established by a Native American nonprofit organization in the law school’s history.
The scholarship will be awarded to tribal citizens of federally recognized tribes who are pursuing a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree at the Boyd School of Law and participating in the INGG Program. The first scholarship will be awarded when the endowment is fully matured after additional contributions are made in addition to the initial seed contribution.
“Investing in the legal education of tribal citizens at the William S. Boyd School of Law is generation-changing,” said Danielle Finn, assistant professor-in-residence and director of the INGG Program. “A scholarship that helps one tribal citizen has a ripple effect; it supports not just the student, but also a family, a community, a Tribal Nation and all of Indian Country. As the inaugural Tribal nonprofit to endow at Boyd Law, the Tribal Leadership Council is truly empowering the next generation of Native attorneys.”
“The Tribal Leadership Council is honored to invest in the future of Tribal sovereignty through this endowment,” said Justin Barrett, TLC president. “We believe that empowering Tribal citizens with a legal education is one of the most powerful tools we have to strengthen our nations. By supporting the next generation of Native attorneys, we are investing in the long-term self-determination and prosperity of Tribal communities across Indian Country.”
This endowment further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two organizations. The Tribal Leadership Council recently partnered with the law school to launch the Executive Certificate in Tribal Sovereignty and Economic Leadership. Offered through the INGG Program, the certificate is designed to cultivate leaders who can master the intersection of Tribal governance, business strategy and organizational leadership. Together these initiatives represent a bold, unified vision: A future where Tribal nations and/or Tribal citizens have the legal and leadership talent they need to thrive on their own terms.
The community is invited to contribute to this historic fund. Every contribution helps us achieve our goal to ensure that more Tribal citizens can access the legal education they deserve and that Indian Country’s future is shaped by its own voices. To make a gift to the Tribal Leadership Council Endowment, visit impact.unlv.edu/campaign/775976/donate.
Established in 1998, the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has more than 400 students and offers three juris doctor degree programs: a full-time day program, a part-time day program and a part-time evening program. The school also offers a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Gaming Law and Regulation and three dual degree programs: the J.D./MBA, J.D./M.S.W. and J.D./Ph.D. It is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools. For more information about Boyd Law, visit law.unlv.edu and stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X.
The Indian Nations Gaming and Governance Program was established in 2020 thanks to the generosity of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation. The program provides specialized academic training for law students, public programming for diverse audiences, academic and policy research and educational forums examining current challenges and successes in tribal gaming, regulation and governance. The faculty and leadership of the program possess vast experience in the realms of education, gaming, federal Indian law, tribal law and tribal governance. The Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program is committed to helping Indian Nations use gaming to build a stronger future.
The Tribal Leadership Council is a national organization committed to advancing the sovereignty, leadership and long-term sustainability of Tribal nations across the United States.
Founded with a mission to build capacity and strengthen Tribal governance, TLC provides dynamic programs, professional development opportunities and practical tools that empower Tribal leaders, administrators and policymakers to create lasting, positive change within their communities.
TLC serves as a hub for leadership training, strategic planning and intergovernmental collaboration, offering a variety of in-person and virtual events throughout the year — including its signature Annual Tribal Leadership Conference and a series of hands-on regional trainings and workshops. These gatherings provide Tribal officials and staff with access to industry experts, peer-to-peer networking, and proven strategies for addressing today’s most pressing challenges in areas such as economic development, governance, public health, infrastructure and community engagement.
To learn more about TLC’s programs, resources and upcoming events, visit triballeadershipcouncil.com.
