An Introduction to the

Tribal Supreme Court Project

The Tribal Supreme Court Project works to improve strategy and promote greater coordination in U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) cases that may affect the rights and interests of Tribal Nations. The project is staffed by attorneys from the Native American Rights Fund and the National Congress of American Indians and consists of more than 300 volunteer attorneys, academics, and Tribal representatives from around the nation who specialize in federal Indian Law, Tribal advocacy, and SCOTUS practice. When the project started in 2001, Tribal Nations in the Court were losing a historic low of 80% of their cases. In contrast, and with the leadership of the project, in the last decade they have won 70% of their cases.

Front of the Supreme Court building with blue sky

25th Anniversary

Tribal Supreme Court Project Celebrates 25 Years

In 2026, the Project is commemorating 25 years of service furthering the interests of Tribal Nations and Native American people as they appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. Save the date for an anniversary celebration to be held in Washington, DC, on September 17-18, 2026. Please check back for more details about events and resources that will be available over the course of the anniversary year.

Current Term: October Term 2025

Selected Cases that we are Monitoring

A coordinated and structured approach to Tribal advocacy is needed to preserve Tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and other rights and interests. The Tribal Supreme Court Project monitors selected Indian Law cases in the SCOTUS and occasionally in the lower courts. While the project works to keep our website up-to-date, please refer to the SCOTUS website for the most recent case information and dates.

Cert Granted

Cert Pending

Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313)
02/17/2026 - Response to Petition due.
Flintco LLC v. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (25-764)
02/04/2026 – Distributed for Conference of 02/20/2026.
Jacobs v. Oregon Department of Human Services (25-6586)
01/30/2026 – Waiver of Response filed.
Martorello v. Williams (25-829)
01/21/2026 – Distributed for Conference of 02/20/2026..
Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382)
12/15/2025 – Reply filed. 01/20/2026 - Redistributed for Conference of January 23, 2026. No formal action yet taken.
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe (25-253)
10/03/2025 - Reply filed. 11/05/2025 - Redistributed for Conference of 11/21/2025. No formal action yet taken.

Cert Denied

In Flintco LLC v. Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (25-764) (Arbitration agreement under FAA), Petition filed December 18, 2025. Waiver of Response filed January 26, 2026. February 4, 2026 - Distributed for Conference of February 20, 2026.

In Jacobs v. Oregon Department of Human Services (25-6586) (ICWA), Petition filed December 22, 2025. Waiver of Response filed January 30, 2026.

In Martorello v. Williams (25-829) (Indian Commerce Clause), Petition filed January 9, 2026. Waiver of Response filed January 13, 2026. January 21, 2026 - Distributed for Conference of February 20, 2026.

In Stroble v. Oklahoma Tax Commission (25-382) (State taxation in Indian country), Reply filed December 15, 2025. January 20, 2026 - Redistributed for Conference of January 23, 2026. No formal action yet taken.

In Chinook Indian Nation v. Burgum (25-313) (Federal recognition), the SCOTUS called for a Response to the Petition on October 14, 2025. The Response is due February 17, 2026.

In Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians v. Howe (25-253) (Voting rights), Reply filed October 3, 2025. November 5, 2025 - Redistributed for Conference of November 21, 2025. No formal action yet taken.

Calendar of Selected Upcoming Dates

View hearing dates, filing deadlines, and new cert review announcements.