The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University unveiled the nation’s first programs in Indian gaming and self-governance. The programs increase opportunities for students to land careers that make an impact in tribal communities.
“We are building upon our world-class Indian Legal Program to ensure that our students receive the best possible education and real-world experience that they wouldn’t get anywhere else,” said ASU Law Dean Douglas Sylvester.
Lawrence Roberts and Ann Marie Bledsoe-Downes, both of whom served in leadership roles the Department of the Interior’s Indian Affairs office under former President Barack Obama’s administration, will run the programs. Roberts, the full-time executive director and professor of practice, is also a citizen of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin. Bledsoe-Downes, director of the programs and professor of practice, is executive vice president of community impact and engagement at Ho-Chunk, Inc.
The new programs offer a focused degree in the Master of Legal Studies and Master of Laws. The two distinct degrees provide students the chance to pursue a career path in Indian gaming or tribal self-governance from executive positions with tribes and tribal entities and more, according to ASU News.
“Tribes and other employers are investing resources in on-the-job training because these focused master’s degree programs are not offered by any other law school in the country,” Roberts said. “Our graduates will be able to hit the ground running, saving both time and resources for a broad spectrum of employers.”
Bledsoe-Downes will work with each Indian gaming and tribal self-governance student to provide them personalized assistance.
“We want to build career prospects for our students and see a strong cohort come through the programs and be excited and pleased about their experience,” Bledsoe-Downes said.
With the Indian gaming focus area, ASU Law is providing in-depth courses for students on the regulation, compliance and implementation of Indian gaming, which generates annual revenues in excess of $33 billion with more than 680,000 employees.
“ASU is a very fine institution that has spread a lot of good will, energy and education to Indian Country,” said National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Stevens Jr. “Our tribal gaming industry houses a powerhouse of expertise and knowledge. It’s an honor to work with ASU Law to help develop a solid and successful degree program.”
