Kira Adkins
No self-location available.
Daniela Alberti
My name is Daniela Alberti. I am studying English, Legal Studies, and Political Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I live and learn on the ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk Nation. This is very different from the small town in New Jersey where I am from. Moving to Wisconsin for my undergraduate degree was never something I thought would change how I view the country we live in. I have learned through many courses the appreciation this state has for the land we are on, and the opportunities that have risen for all the students within the indigenous communities. My understanding of law, research, and responsibility has been shaped by my education and the relationships that continue to guide how I approach this work. I come to this project as a student-researcher who is still learning how legal systems operate in practice and how they affect real people and communities beyond the classroom.
My academic interests in law and governance are closely tied to questions of power and justice. Through my coursework and research experiences, I have become increasingly aware that legal research is never neutral and that the perspectives researchers bring to their work shape outcomes in meaningful ways. I recognize that I hold privilege as someone who has access to higher education and legal training, and I understand that this access carries responsibilities—particularly when working with Indigenous legal systems and communities whose sovereignty has historically been undermined by settler colonial law.
I approach this work with humility and an understanding that my role is not to speak for communities but to support accessibility, clarity, and respect within our research practices. Following principles of accountability, I locate myself here to acknowledge who I am, the privileges and limitations I bring, and my commitment to carrying this work forward with care!
Alexandra Amato
As someone raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, I was raised by my parents Angela Montgomery and John Amato to continuously learn about the personal history of those around me. I strive to learn as much as I can in the places I have been fortunate enough to live in, and learn about the people I am lucky enough to have put in my life.
I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison graduating in May 2025 with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and certificates in Health Policy and American Indian and Indigenous Studies. I am employed by the Pediatric Auditory Experience and Brain Lab under Dr. Carlos Benitez-Barrera. For the past three years, we have been researching questions that impact children with hearing loss and various types of hearing amplifications. Throughout my time at the PAEB Lab, I was able to learn about the funding aspects of research, the permitting side, and the public side of research. This experience will be extremely valuable as I continue my path to securing a health policy certificate as understanding health research is crucial to writing effective health policy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on the Oneida Court of Appeals Project. It has provided me invaluable instruction on legal writing and the nuances of tribal appellate proceedings. Thank you for the chance to be a part of this great work!
Zoe Armbruster
My name is Zoe Armbruster, which means "gift of life." The story of my name reflects a deep connection to the idea of renewal and continuation—an ever-present reminder of the role I play in my family’s legacy and the work I am committed to.
My ancestors hail from various parts of Europe, including Switzerland, Scotland, Germany, Austria, Poland, France, and the Netherlands. These diverse origins reflect the complexity and broad connections that bind me to different lands and histories. My family is a blend of biological and fictive ties—each one carrying stories, cultures, and values that have shaped me. These ties stretch outward, backward, and across generations, grounding me in a network of histories and experiences.
My grandfather and his 11 siblings emigrated from Switzerland to the U.S. as young adults. They moved to Wisconsin and established one of the leading cheese factories in the country. Their migration was driven by a combination of opportunity and the ambition to build a new life in America. This journey to Wisconsin marks the starting point of my family’s presence in North America and roots me in the narrative of settler migration, industry, and the pursuit of economic prosperity.
The land I live and work on, located in Wisconsin, holds a history deeply intertwined with both settler narratives and Indigenous ones. The territory I occupy is part of the land that was originally stewarded by the Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, and Potawatomi peoples, whose histories, cultures, and rights have been deeply impacted by colonization. While my family’s arrival in this land was driven by a desire to build and create wealth, the ongoing impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous communities remains present. My family’s success in Wisconsin—largely based in agriculture and industry—was built upon a system that disregarded the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples.
My ancestors, though they fled war and oppression in Europe, were also beneficiaries of the settler colonial system that displaced Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands. This realization prompts me to consider the ways in which settler colonialism has shaped not only my family’s history but also my own life. The privileges I inherit as part of the settler colonial system compel me to question how I can use my position and knowledge to advocate for justice and decolonization.
As I continue my studies and work in the legal field, especially with the Tribal Court of Appeals, I must engage critically with my role in this broader historical context. I hold a responsibility to acknowledge the harm caused by colonization, both in terms of land dispossession and the erasure of Indigenous cultures. At the same time, I am committed to amplifying Indigenous voices, advocating for sovereignty and justice, and decolonizing the legal systems that perpetuate systemic violence. My journey is one of understanding my privilege, my roots, and the role I play in reshaping the future of justice for all communities.
Wrigley Bastian
My name is Wrigley Bastian. Christinia Cherry, my mother, made sure I faced the east when I was born. It was important to her; she wanted me to be blessed with many good beginnings and few bad endings. She is a strong Ojibwe Kwe who is a part of The Stolen Generation. She helps me be the best version of myself. Paul Bastian, my father, loves me the best that he can and makes sure I will always be happy. He is a stubborn man who teaches me to follow my heart and be kind. Camden Bastian and Easton Bastian are my supportive and brave younger siblings, whom I will always protect.
I grew up in many places, never staying in one spot for too long. It can be challenging to feel connected to an area when you know you will leave soon. Despite this I have gotten to know the areas of Wisconsin that I have lived in with the fondness of a friend.
I was in poverty for most of my younger years and it has taught me to love and respect every being. From the protection of the trees to the birds with their songs and the abundance of the lakes. Due to the support of family and friends I am free and able to be myself. With my zest for life, justice, learning, reading, music, small moments, my Native Heritage, and more, it is hard for me not to find joy.
I am a first-year student getting my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison where I study English, Law, and Native American studies. My dream is to be able to ask people “how can I help?” and be able to help. The transition to college from high school was challenging but knowing that I had so many people behind me to support me, those passed and those present, made it worthwhile. At college I have been able to learn more about myself and my values as a Native American student and I cannot wait to see what the future here brings.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with the tribes of this project. It was a great experience, and it is one that I will carry with me into the future.
Helena Bello
My name is Helena Bello. Before coming to Madison for college, I had lived my whole life in Washington, DC on the lands of the Nacotchtank (Anacostan) people. I am of mixed heritage — half-Mexican and half-white (German/English/Irish) and I carry with me the histories and cultures that come from both sides of my family.
As a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I live and learn on Ho-Chunk land, the ancestral home of the Ho-Chunk Nation. I recognize the ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples here and honor the long-standing stewardship they have provided to this land. Additionally, as someone who hopes to pursue a career in environmental law, I understand that protecting the environment cannot be separated from respecting Indigenous sovereignty and learning from Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous communities have cared for the land since time immemorial, and their stewardship offers important strategies and knowledge that can be applied to many environmental issues. This class has provided many learning opportunities about Indigenous values - the 4 R's for example (Responsibility, Respect, Relationality and Reciprocity), and these can be used to implement environmental protection strategies that are equitable and just.
As I continue on my career path towards becoming a lawyer, I will bring with me the lessons I've learned in this class and I hope to learn more lessons from Indigenous people in the future. Bringing these lessons and values with me is incredibly important as I am committed to listening, supporting sovereignty, and applying these lessons and values in my future work. I am thankful that I have had the past two semesters to work on this project, to learn more about Native law & culture, and to gain knowledge and lessons that will stick with me.
Abigale Boetel
I am a student of history, legal studies, and political science raised on Dakota homelands in Minnesota. My relationships with the Project, the casework, and the Indigenous communities are all directly impacted by my unique perspectives as a student and legal co-researcher. My perspectives have all been shaped entirely by the communities, teachers, and relationships with the world around me. My relationships with my community in rural Minnesota have shaped my understandings of the world in formative ways that I will always carry with me, and I carry the experiences from my relatives which allowed me to first be born and raised in that specific community. In my time spent as a student at the University of Wisconsin, my experience has also been shaped by my identity as a first-generation college student and a female legal scholar. I recognize the privileges I hold within these relationships as a white person with the ability to access a higher education, especially in a way that my relatives before me haven't been able to. I recognize the roles and responsibilities I take on as a participant in this project, and also as a student and a prospective member of the American criminal justice system. I am committed to recognizing my roles in all the relationships I have in my life and utilizing them to provide the most good for myself and those with whom I am in relationships with. Following Indigenous research principles of relational accountability, I locate myself here to state who I am accountable to, why I do this work, and the direction I hope to move along with the communities I am a part of and those I wish to learn from.
Diana Bonilla
No self-location available.
Jack Brady
My name is Jack Brady. I was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin but have lived in Grafton, Wisconsin for most of my life. I am from my mother, Maria, who was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and my father, Kelly, was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I have three younger siblings, two brothers: Grant and Ronan, and one sister: Emerson.
My dad’s side of the family is predominantly Irish, and so my parents brought me and my three siblings to Irish Fest in Milwaukee as soon as they could. Irish Fest is something I will always remember very fondly. Getting potatoes with melted cheese, fish frys, shamrock cookies, great music, the skyglider, and great company. The list goes on and on of the fun activities and great food that I shared with my family, friends, and strangers.
The sense of comradery I felt at Irish Fest was carried into the annual “Brady Bike Trip.” Every summer, my grandpa organizes the logistics for the entire extended Brady family to come to a place in Wisconsin to camp, bike, and share in each other’s company. Also invited are significant others, and friends, in the hopes they will join in the activities and tradition. I aim to carry this comradery that I learned from my family wherever I go, with the hopes that I can create positive, fun, safe, and learning environments wherever I go.
This project, and being at UW-Madison as a whole, was extremely beneficial in allowing me to meet, and learn, from people from all different ways of life and backgrounds. Growing up in a small town in Wisconsin, there was not much diversity. I will always treasure the wide breadth of people I met and learned from through my classes, this project, my catering job at the Union, and just walking around campus.
I graduated from UW-Madison last spring (spring 2024), and have just finished my 1L year at Northern Illinois University College of Law. Being a part of this project was an extremely great opportunity to learn from Michael and my peers about the law and the Oneida Nation. The project honed my legal writing, as well as my speaking skills, which was extremely helpful to me as a rising 1L last year.
I feel eternally grateful that I was recommended to the project by Professor McBride, and will always look back fondly on my time with my project. Thank you Michael!
Ella Buffalo
My name is Ella Buffalo. I come from my mother, Beth Buffalo, who has taught me to always be kind and to see situations from multiple perspectives. I also come from my father, Henry Buffalo III, who has taught me to voice my opinion and be a leader. I always try my hardest to fulfill my roles as Daughter, Granddaughter, Sister, Friend, Scholar, Learner, Researcher, and many more with grace and respect.
I come from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. I also come from my grandfather, Henry Buffalo Jr., who is a tribal judge and attorney. He has taught me and his other grandchildren much about our background and culture, as well as about his work and the legacy he has left behind.
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. I have always been fascinated by the law, specifically Tribal Law. That is exactly why I am a part of the Oneida Tribal Court of Appeals Research Project. I love that I am able to interact with Tribal law on such a level and I cannot wait to see where the future brings me. I am (hopefully) a future law student. I hope to use this incredible experience from my undergraduate years in my future scholarship and career.
Eleanor Buono
My name is Eleanor Buono, and I come from a close-knit family that has shaped my values and identity in profound ways. I am the daughter of Rob and Liz and the younger sister of Grace. Beyond these immediate bonds, I cherish my roles as a granddaughter, cousin, niece, and friend to the many other important people in my life. My heritage reflects a blend of Italian ancestry from my father’s side and both Irish and Italian roots from my mother’s. This cultural combination has profoundly influenced my sense of family identity, fostering values, traditions, and a deep appreciation for togetherness.
One tradition that stands at the heart of my family’s core is the ritual of family dinners—a shared cornerstone of both my parents’ upbringing. Growing up, the four of us would gather around the dinner table every evening, a special space where we shared our days, discussed current events, and simply enjoyed each other's company. Once a week, our table grew larger as we welcomed extended family and friends, creating a space filled with laughter, connection, and love. While the physical dinner table varied over the years, it was never about where we sat but who was there. These meals taught me an invaluable lesson: relationships are sacred. No matter who sat at our dinner table, they were always welcomed, and it was here that I first learned the importance of hearing diverse perspectives and opinions. These conversations were as educational as any classroom setting, offering lessons in curiosity, empathy, and understanding. I often came to the table with questions and curiosities from my day, eager to learn more. My parents instilled in my sister and me the value of keeping an open mind and seeking out new knowledge every day.
This mindset has carried into my academic journey, where I have sought out courses that challenge me and introduce new ideas. When my advisor mentioned the opportunity to take a class on Tribal Courts, I was immediately intrigued, as tribal law was a topic I had never encountered in my studies. Through this experience, I have gained insight into an entirely new sector of law, learning how to analyze complex legal cases and distill them into clear, accessible explanations. This project has deepened my understanding of the law’s power to educate and connect people from all walks of life.
Santiago Butler
My name is Santiago Butler, I am of Oneida Nation and Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians descent, and of Irish, French, and German descent from my mothers side, and Otomí and Mexican from my Dad’s side. I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin for the most part moving around with my parents and my older sister, along with my younger sister who came later on. I am lucky enough to have been provided with a household that has continued to support all of my endeavors, in high school but also extracurricular activities. It was easy leaving for college with one of my only struggles being, having to find my own way.
I am both a first-generation student and citizen as my father came here as an immigrant. And because of that, the amount of uncertainty and imposter-syndrome hits hard. I, however, continued to realize that I do belong in an academic community, be it Madison or otherwise. This University has allowed me to try new things that I never thought possible for someone that is a first-generation person on so many levels.
For as long as I've been here, I have made it a priority to grasp the opportunities put in front me. I have not looked the gift horse in the mouth, per se. I have made a community for the NDGNS program, Wunk Sheek, Twin Tails, The Wisconsin Men's Lacrosse Team, and so many others. I thought that I would have to tough it out and forge a path out of my own wit, but the resources and people that have been in front of me have paved that road; All I have to do is run it and make a new path for those who come after. The Seven Generations.
The Tribal Court of Appeals Project has been one of those experiences that has been paved for me and others. I will be pursuing a career in law, hoping to help Indigenous people wherever their troubles may be. Having this experience will be crucial in making sure that, when the time comes, I will know what it’s like to work with cases. It has been invaluable to me to help my nations.
Abhita Chakravarti
My name is Abhita Chakravarti. I was born in Philadelphia, PA and grew up mostly in the Chicago suburbs. My parents are both from India, but my dad was born in West Bengal and my mom was born in Dundee, Illinois. My heritage is rooted between two cultures with one in India and one in America. Growing up, I learned how to navigate and respect the traditions, values, and expectations of both worlds.
Living in this middle ground has shaped who I am. It taught me to be open minded, adaptable, and aware that there are many different ways of seeing and experiencing the world. This has also made me realize how much privilege I carry by growing up in the U.S., and how important it is to recognize the histories of the land I live on. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I study Political Science and Global Economics. I understand that my opportunity to learn here is because of the Ho-Chunk Nation, who lived on this land long before colonization. Knowing that I benefit from these systems pushes me to keep learning and support Indigenous rights whenever I can.
Community has always been an important part of my life, especially through my large extended family, who I rely on for support and advice. Beyond family, I have built community through my involvement in voter organizations, my work in legal research, and my time on a dance team where teamwork and a shared goal have made friends into family. This reminds me that my identity is not something I build alone, but something shaped by the people, places, and histories I am connected to.
As I continue my education and work, I am committed to learning, building strong relationships, and giving back to the communities that support me. I am grateful for the people and places that have shaped me, and I hope to move forward in ways that show care and respect for both my roots and the land I am on.
Sandy Chen
My name is Sandy. I am a senior undergraduate student majoring in Psychology and Legal Studies with certificates in criminal justice and Chinese professional communications. I was born in New York City, and in my younger days, I was raised in China by my grandparents. And in my later childhood, I grew up here in Marshall, Wisconsin, with my family, so my ancestral lands are also of the Ho-Chunk people.
Growing up, my perspectives were mostly shaped by the relationships I had with my immediate family and a few relatives. I was taught to always be respectful and gratefulfor my privilege and all that I have in my life. My dad taught me how to work on my flaws and weaknesses to make them a strength, my mom taught me how to be kind and empathetic, and patient with all, and my brothers taught me how to be myself and how to take up space in the world. Other people who shaped my relationships in life were the best friends I had in school; I had two best friends. One of them taught me how to love others and how to interact with others with an open mind, the other taught me how to love myself and how to be loved by others through grace, and letting them be in my life without making them prove their loyalty. I carry these beliefs into my roles as a student, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a co- researcher, a classmate, a coworker, and a future social worker.
Growing up as an Asian American woman in a predominantly white and Latinx community, I had not only learned the culture of the white people that grew up in Marshall, but also the Latinx culture as a whole. I still continue to this day to fill the gaps of communities and cultures I have not experienced since I was a child, and continue to understand various and interconnecting identities that exist to this day. Through TCAP, I have learned various things in the indigenous culture of the Oneida Tribe through appeal cases, through existing Oneida laws and procedures, through Instructor Michaels' accounts and teachings on the Oneida Tribe, and through group discussions. TCAP taught me to be mindful of the land, the nature, and my relationships to these things that surround me every day, and how important they are to my community and the people within it. I hope to continue to be able to remember and hold the importance of relationships and communities within me while continuing in the career of social work to ensure I can best help those in the community to the best of my ability. As I head home for winter break and continue my last semester here at UW-Madison and onwards, I look forward to continuing to use what I have learned about relationships and community to further the legal and social aspects of our world, even something as little and simple as starting with my family.
Silas Moses Cleveland
No self-location available.
Camryn Cohen
Born and raised in Los Angeles, California by a successful businessman, stay-at-home mother, and three overbearing older brothers. My life before college consisted of music, a passion for history, and the need for constant noise.
I am currently a senior in college with graduation fast approaching. I am graduating with a degree in Consumer Behavior and will continue my academic career in law school. Following my passion for music I hope to study entertainment law. I want to be an entertainment lawyer so that I can help musicians protect themselves in a tough industry, while also lifting their careers so they can share their passion with others.
Throughout my college career, I have been able to meet new people, experience a new place, and learn beyond the classroom. All of my experiences have taught me how to be independent and self-sufficient while learning to lean on support systems and community. I have experienced several support systems in college, including teachers, friends, mentors, and self-confidence. Now, as graduation is in my sights, I feel a more accurate sense of independence. I have learned that independence is not about being alone but being able to surround yourself with people who support you and give you a safety net while you learn and grow.
I continue to learn and grow as my academic career continues and find that self-definitions are always changing. I have experienced different phases in life and continue to update my self-identification as I become older and slightly wiser. I am grateful for my experience in this course and the chance to grow and learn from a different community.
Emma Contreras
My name is Emma Contreras. I am of Menominee and Absentee Shawnee descent on my mother’s side and Mexican-American on my father’s side. I grew up in Appleton, Wisconsin with my parents, two younger brothers, a younger sister, and our dog Corazón (“heart” in Spanish). I recognize how lucky I am to have grown up in such a big, loving, and at times dysfunctional family. This made it hard for me to leave home to go to college, but as a junior now with a dual major and three certificates, I know that my time here at UW-Madison has been worth it, and has shaped me in ways I never imagined.
Being a first-generation student, I arrived on campus carrying both excitement and uncertainty, but Madison quickly became a place where I could thrive and explore who I am. In my three years here, I’ve created a community that feels like a second home: friends who ground me, meaningful involvement in extracurriculars and campus events, and having access to Indigenous student spaces. These are the opportunities I dreamed of growing up, and they’ve given me the room to grow into myself with confidence and purpose.
The Tribal Court of Appeals Project has been one of the most valuable and priceless experiences I’ve had in my time at UW-Madison. Although I am not pursuing a career in law, I felt strongly about contributing to a project that directly supports Tribal Nations and strengthens tribal sovereignty. Being a part of this, in being trained in legal analysis and supported through writing case summaries, allowed me to participate in work that genuinely matters to Indigenous communities. As someone who carries Indigenous heritage and also benefits from being part of a land-grant institution, my presence in this project reminded me that even though I’m not entering the legal field, I still hold responsibility for how I show up and honor the sovereignty and lived experiences of the communities whose court opinions we were summarizing.
Throughout the semester, I got the chance to connect further with my peers and Michael, and I was never without support or guidance. This project taught me far more than just legal terminology, and for that I am forever grateful.
Ashley Green
My name is Ashley Green. I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in a suburb nearby called Woodbury. My mother is also from Minnesota; her parents came here from Texas so my grandfather could play football for Michigan State and eventually the Minnesota Vikings. My father was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, and moved to Minnesota for law school. He is a district court judge, while my mother works for the state of Minnesota as the Director of the Crime Victim Reparations. My parents both worked very hard for their positions, both earning J.D.s from the University of Minnesota Law School.
I am a Black woman with roots in the deep south. Since my family is primarily from Louisiana and Texas, I have Creole ancestry. I grew up in a predominantly white suburb, but surrounded myself with a diverse group of people anyways. The history of my people partially shaped who I am as a persoon, and I have always been instrumental in fighting for the rights of Black and Brown people. I am also part of the LGBT+ community, so I experience the intersection of both racially marginalized and sexually marginalized identities at once.
I am a senior legal studies and journalism double major with a concentration on criminal justice. I acknowledge that the history of my people and the indigenous people are similar for many reasons, and I wish I could say the reasons are positive. We have a shared history of struggle, subjugation and the oppression of our cultures and values. To this day, our people are systematically marginalized and kept from equal opportunities. However, as a woman who grew up on stolen land, it is my responsibility to acknowledge the differences in our histories and actively do my part to help repair the harm caused to the indigenous peoples. I live in solidarity with those communities, and I view my commitment to righting the wrongs of the past as a great strength.
My career aspirations revolve around the responsibility I feel I have to my community. I want to reform the criminal justice system, particularly as it pertains to historically underrepresented populations. I hope to provide counsel, support, and resources to those affected by it, as well as work alongside programs that focus on restorative justice as a means of preventing vulnerable communities from getting caught up in the legal system.
Madeline Green
I am a senior at UW–Madison studying political science, journalism, and criminal justice. I spent the first 14 years of my life in Jefferson, Wisconsin, a small rural town about 40 minutes outside Madison. Growing up, my values centered on Christianity and family, two principles that remain the most important to me today. I was raised knowing I was loved, supported, and that my well-being mattered.
In 8th grade, my parents separated, and my mom moved back to Milwaukee, where she grew up. The transition was difficult, but my faith in God and His plan carried me through high school and continues to guide me now. My mom lives on the north side of Milwaukee, a low-income area, and throughout high school, I witnessed many things that inspired me to pursue a career in criminal law and to advocate for people who are often overlooked by our legal system.
After graduating high school, God led me to O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, where I completed my first year of undergraduate studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. There, I formed meaningful connections with the Native Hawaiian community and learned about the importance of land, culture, and daily practices, as well as their rightful place on the land. I have had the opportunity to be involved in land and beach cleanups and community fundraisers that brought me closer to the community, experiences I will never forget. Although UH–Mānoa ultimately wasn’t the right university for me, my time there deepened my passion for law and strengthened my desire to uplift voices that are too often silenced.
I never expected to return to Wisconsin to finish my undergraduate degree, but that is where God led me. I transferred to UW–Madison in the spring of 2024, and since then, I have felt both overwhelmed and fulfilled by the meaningful opportunities this university has offered me. My time with the Tribal Court of Appeals Project has been especially impactful. I am grateful to be part of something larger than myself and to learn about tribal culture in a new and meaningful way. This class has not only reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a legal career but has also broadened my understanding of the world, something for which I will always be grateful.
Throughout my life, I have been blessed with experiences that have expanded my worldview and shaped who I am. I am forever grateful to God for these opportunities and for the path He continues to lay before me.
Carol Gross
My name is Carol Gross, and I was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to my parents Michael and Sandra Gross. I have one older brother Sid, who has always been very good to me, no matter how annoying he could be at times. Growing up I was forced to spend all my time outside. At the time, I was a little embarrassed to have parents who, if the sun was out even slightly, made me and my friends play outside. It even became a joke among my friends that if we wanted to play something inside, we couldn’t go to my house. In retrospect, I am so glad I had all of those years connecting with nature and growing up in the grass. Especially now as a senior in college who spends most of her days locked in a library staring at her computer, it is nice to reminisce.
My favorite thing to do is swim and I swam competitively most of my life. While I loved to compete and I treasure every time I get to be in the water, I feel a deeper connection to natural bodies of water. My mom raised me on the belief that you should never pass up the opportunity to jump in water whenever it is presented to you, and I stick to this philosophy religiously. I’ve swam in all kinds of bodies of water from the Mediterranean Sea to Norwegian fjords to glacial lakes in the boundary waters. As fortunate as I am to have had these experiences, nothing will beat swimming lazily in a Minnesota lake on a hot summer day with my family.
For me, water is a form of renewal and swimming is ritualistic in a way. In our last in-person class we talked a lot about the importance of water and our connection to it, which felt very affirming for me. Having something so specific and tangible as a reminder to ground myself in the moment has been very important in my life. Through this project I have learned more ways to ground myself. It has been nice to have a form of work every week that’s different than my other classes and in a way doing casework has been a form of renewal. I’ve tried to approach this work with a sense of gratefulness, mindfulness, and empathy as this is a time my work can make an actual impact on people. I am very grateful for this opportunity and have learned a lot about legal work, tribal law, and Indigenous ways of knowing.
Ciarra Hardtke
My name is Ciarra Hardtke. I was raised by my mother and father, Amy and James Hardtke, to be an accepting and open-minded person. I am white and American, though my ancestors were from France, Ireland, and Germany. I recognize that as a white American I am inherently privileged.
I grew up in De Pere, Wisconsin. For my undergraduate degree, I moved to Lawrence, Kansas to attend the University of Kansas. I received a B.A. in Political Science with minors in Economics and Public Policy in the United States from the University. After receiving my undergraduate degree, I moved to Madison, Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin Law School. In each of these places, I started to understand that I was using land taken from Indigenous peoples. I continue to always try and acknowledge and remember that many institutions and buildings which I use occupy land which were unjustly taken from Indigenous peoples.
During my first summer as a law student, I worked as an intern for Justice Ann Walsh Bradley. During my second summer, I worked as a summer associate in Cleveland, Ohio. In my final year as a law student, I worked as a Teaching Assistant for the Tribal Court of Appeals Project. In that role, I learned more about Tribal Nation customs, legal systems, and beliefs. In my future role as a litigation associate, I hope to continue to find ways to recognize and contribute to Tribal Nation sovereignty.
Mathilde Hardy
I’ve grown up moving through different “bubbles of life”, as I like to call them. My first was when I lived in France, where my mom is from, for 6 years of my life. We then moved back to Edina, my “second bubble”, where I have lived close to my dad’s family for the past 16 years of my life. This put much distance between one important part of my identity: my indigeneity and connection to my ancestors of White Earth in northern Minnesota. Although the distance was shortened once we moved back, the Edina bubble felt much more sheltered and protected which is something I grew up to understand later on. Because of this, I felt disconnected from some parts of my identity including my indigenous identity. My grandpa also dealt with much generational trauma in his childhood that he rarely spoke about so I didn’t get as many opportunities to learn from him, understandably.
When I reached my teens I still lacked a complete understanding and acceptance of my indigenous identity and it bothered me because I felt lost. However, my parents continuously taught me to follow my intuition and to never stop exploring. That’s what I’ve been doing ever since: seeking as many new opportunities and experiences that help me grow, especially in understanding my ancestors' past and culture. I joined the Indigenous Club at my high school and participated/volunteered with the Division of Indian Work in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’ve also grown to enjoy traveling very much especially while at UW-Madison with the opportunity to study abroad twice and pursue a major in International Studies. It’s given me a profound perspective of the world while getting to know people of various backgrounds and cultures. One of my favorite memories is connecting with the indigenous people of Patagonia in Argentina who also endured a terrible history of violence and continued discrimination. I had the incredible chance to interview them and present their story at a research symposium.
My continued curiosity is also thanks to the amazing professors I’ve learned from and of course, being part of the Oneida Tribal Court of Appeals Project with Michael. It allowed me to understand another complicated yet very interesting aspect of tribal function, especially when it comes to its legal system, which is something I knew very little about. Overall, it was an honor to be able to contribute to this project that taught me valuable analytical and reflective skills. I am excited to see how the project continues to serve the Oneida Tribe for years to come, so thank you for a wonderful experience!
Nasra Hassen
My name is Nasra Hassen. I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota, but I was born in Jigjiga, in the Ogadenia region of Ethiopia. Before settling in Ogadenia—our tribal homeland, which was taken by Ethiopia during the Somali-Ethiopian war—my grandparents lived in Somalia. They were forced to flee due to the conflict and resettled in Ogadenia after the war. My family is full Somali, and from a young age, I was taught to value and remember my lineage. This was something my grandfather instilled in me early on, emphasizing that my heritage was an essential part of who I am and something I must carry with me wherever I go. By the age of six, I could trace my ancestry back to my eighth great-grandfather. When I was eight years old, my family left Ethiopia and immigrated to the United States in search of better opportunities. We moved three times before finally settling in Minnesota. As an immigrant, adjusting to life in America was difficult—learning a new culture and language was challenging, and confronting the reality that skin color carried a different weight here than it did back home was even harder.
With all the identities I carry, I made a promise to always advocate for others. This passion led me to pursue law. I wanted to understand the intricacies of the law and how it affects every individual in this country. Beyond that, I sought to learn how America, as a global power, impacts people beyond its borders. I learned about the history of Indigenous peoples in America and the horrific treatment they endured at the hands of white settlers. I understood the pain, anger, and resentment—emotions my grandparents often expressed when speaking about the history and current state of Somalia and Ogadenia. This understanding motivated me to take courses focused on Indigenous law and culture. I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the relationship between Indigenous legal systems and American law, and to broaden my understanding of Indigenous communities. As someone who is passionate about learning about different cultures and histories, this was a perfect opportunity.
Now, as I near the end of my time at UW–Madison, my career goals have changed. Although I no longer plan to become a lawyer, my commitment to advocating for others and being a voice for those who need one has only grown stronger. My eagerness to explore the world, to learn about diverse cultures, and to meet people from every corner of the globe remains unwavering. No matter which career path I ultimately pursue—even if it is far from the legal field—this mission and passion will always be at the heart of everything I do.
Sara Hegde
Hello! My name is Sara Hegde, and I come from a close family of my mother, Karla, and my father, Hemant. I am also the younger sister of Alyssa and Neil. I was born in Ogden, Utah, and moved to Eau Claire, Wisconsin at age five. My parents come from different cultural backgrounds, and have taught me to be open-minded and considerate of others who have different experiences. Growing up in a mixed culture household has had its challenges, but I think it has made me a better person. I am limited in my knowledge of the land I reside on, but I hope to grow in my understanding and appreciation of it. This land was the land of Indigenous people, and acknowledging that as much as I can is a goal of mine, especially as I benefit from the effects of colonialism and displacement.
Much of my current responsibilities are with education. I am currently a Legal Studies and Sociology major. My Sociology major especially has taught me a lot about people and different cultures and behaviors. Along with my studies, I have also had the opportunity through UW-Madison to be a part of Alternative Breaks. This club is a community service club, and it has taught me a lot about communities, and the best way to involve yourself within them. I have found a great community of people within Alternative Breaks, and the Wisconsin Union Directorate. Through both of these groups, I have been welcomed, and have learned how to create welcoming spaces for others.
I also work as a camp counselor. The camp I work at resides on Anishinaabe land, and is something I need to continuously acknowledge, and teach to the children I take care of. The camp is in New Auburn, WI, on Long Lake. Working as a camp counselor has shown me the importance of kindness and patience. Both are things that I hope to continue working on throughout life.
In the fall I will continue my schooling. I know that there will be many new challenges, but I know that what I have learned, and the communities I've been able to take part in will ground me. Thanks to my time at UW-Madison, I have grown a lot as a person, and expanded upon what I've learned in childhood and from my family. This class especially has shown me a lot, from a technical standpoint, as well as a holistic one. Whether it be learning about passive voice, or taking breaths before class, everything I've learned has been invaluable. I am incredibly grateful, and thank you so much for this opportunity!
Claire Hovland
My name is Claire. I am a student studying Psychology and Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. I was raised in McFarland, Wisconsin on the ancestral lands of the Ho-Chunk people.
Growing up, my perspectives were mostly shaped by the close relationships I hold with my family. My mother taught me to be empathetic and kind, my father taught me to be strong and fight for what I believe in, and my grandmother taught me to be curious and to question the world around me. I carry these beliefs into my roles as a student, leader, daughter, sister, friend, co-researcher, and future legal professional.
Having grown up as a white woman in a predominantly white community, my perspectives and knowledge hold gaps that I continuously work to fill. My time at UW Madison has simultaneously helped me fill those gaps, and made me realize how many more there are. While studying the legal system in specific, I’ve learned about gaps between law in theory and law in practice that I never knew existed. Additionally, having learned about issues in access to justice throughout my time as a student made working on this project meaningful to me. The Tribal Court of Appeals Project has taught me the importance of holding relationships with my community and the communities I work with. As I move to a career in the justice system, I hope to continue to center community relationships while increasing access to justice. I look forward to bringing this knowledge, and much more that I gained while working on this project into my life, my work, and my community.
Lauren Jentsch
My name is Lauren Jentsch. I was raised just outside of Milwaukee in New Berlin, Wisconsin, a place we referred to as a bubble growing up. My parents grew up on family farms that have since disappeared, and chose to move to the city. My family is firmly middle-class, with my mom working as a public school teacher and my dad being a self-employed website developer. Both of them prioritized their work passions and love growing up, teaching my sister and I to do the same as we explored our future careers.
As a white woman, I have inherent privileges and access to many opportunities in life. Having grown up in a bubble and predominantly white community, I lacked exposure to alternate viewpoints and my knowledge of history contains gaps that I continuously work to educate myself on. My community growing up lacked information on traditional, values, and responsibilities of other cultures and communities.
I am a sophomore getting my degree in Political Science and Legal Studies at University of Wisconsin - Madison, an institution that reflects many of the same issues as my hometown. My goal is to preserve the love of learning about other people and their stories, and the land we occupy. The land my family has occupied is land that did not belong to us and was taken by force through various colonial governments. The first generations of my family came to Wisconsin for economic opportunity and benefitted from systems that privileged their European status. In my education, I use my family history to connect with questioning the system I was raised in while exploring how to use my voice to increase awareness of others’ stories for people who grew up in similar communities to mine.
As I continue my work in the legal field, I acknowledge the necessity of working within the broader historical context, holding myself responsible to challenge colonial viewpoints and maintaining space for Indigenous voices, while also being conscious of the space I occupy as a professional and as a person. I hope to continue to engage with the community I have found as part of this project and beyond. I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve had access to so far and hope to help provide the same opportunities to the generations of lawyers and scholars that come after me.
Casey Kim
My name is Casey Kim. I was born to my mother, Young-jin Kim, and my father, Young-yong Kim. Both of my parents are immigrants from Korea, and I am the first generation of my family born in the United States.
I grew up in Omaha Nebraska, but I had the chance to attend UW-Madison for my undergraduate degree after my parents moved to Wisconsin. After graduating, I stayed in Madison to work as a substitute teacher before returning to UW to attend law school. In law school, I worked as a project assistant for the State Democracy Research Initiative, interned at an immigration law firm, and at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
As I am reaching the end of my law school journey, I am grateful for the opportunities that have shaped my commitment to public service and community-centered work. As this semester’s law student co- researcher, I am honored to help preserve the history and promote the sovereignty of our nation’s tribal governments.
Laila Kirstein
My name is Laila Kirstein. I am from my mother, Kimberly Kirstein, and my father, Ilia Kirstein. I identify with my roles as friend, daughter, sister, student, worker, researcher, artist, hiker, and volunteer.
I was born into a Russian and Jewish American family and raised in Parsippany, New Jersey. Growing up, my family instilled in me the values of openness, community, and service. They encouraged me to embrace new experiences and to foster connections through volunteer work. I continue to honor these values by engaging in a variety of extracurricular activities and collaborating with diverse communities.
Currently, I am a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I will be graduating in May. I am passionate about my majors in Psychology and Legal Studies and am exploring ways to combine these interests as I consider my future career path.
For the past two years, I have worked as a student supervisor at the Pyle Center in the catering department, where I manage events and guide fellow employees. Additionally, I work as a research assistant in the Learning and Transfer Psychology Lab, where I facilitate studies on cognitive processes. I am also on the executive board of Psi Chi, the Psychology National Honor Society, where I help plan events and connect with new members.
I gained legal experience interning with the UW-Law School’s Restraining Order and Survivor Advocacy Clinic helping to provide legal support to survivors of intimate partner violence. This experience helped inspire me to join the Tribal Court of Appeals Project, which has allowed me to deepen my understanding of Indigenous legal and cultural issues and expand my perspective. As I approach graduation, I am excited about the future and eager to continue combining my passions for psychology, law, and community service in meaningful ways.
Ethan Ladd
hello and best wishes. I am from my mother and father, Donna and Andrew Ladd, who raised me to be a leader in my community. As a son, brother, nephew, uncle, student, community member, and myself, I attempt to lead through example. With the morality my parents instilled in my soul, I govern myself with the basic tenets of respect for others, respect for myself, kindness, compasion, loyalty, hard work, dedication to love, and basic decency.
I grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin, in the same childhood home that raised my two older brothers. I frequented a few other places on an annual basis that I also consider home, including Minocqua, Wisconsin, to fish and enjoy the North Woods, and Negril, Jamaica, where I became fond of the ocean, sand and beaches, Jamaican people and culture, and different cuisine. Additionally, I call Spring Green, Wisconsin, home. I grew up visiting my grandfather who lived on eighty acres in Sauk County. This home is where I developed respect for nature: its liveliness; its creatures; its sounds, sights and smells; and its sense of solitude, self-reflection, and growth. At the same time, my family occupies land that, for centuries, was lived on and respected by thousands of indigenous peoples before me. This home is where I have come to evaluate colonial procurement of land and its artificial designation of “private property.”
Currently, I am enrolled in Legal Studies 400 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison where I’ve continued to develop a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between indigenous peoples and the colonial land structure I’ve inherited. I work part-time at the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. As a marketing employee in the book industry, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of Wisconsin’s history, including both the people who have inhabited the region for the past two centuries and the people who have raised their children here for thousands of years. My education and career both reflect a deep passion for history. At the same time, however, history has led me to develop a sense of justice and injustice, and pursue a future where I can become a dynamic individual that works towards a better version of humanity.
I am pursuing a J.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School. I hope to continue my education in both history and justice through studying law. Though my future is uncertain, and I am unsure what my career may entail, I strongly believe that I will continue to develop as a leader, community member, and advocate for justice until my life concludes. In the near future, I am committed to working with Tribal Nations as both a state employee, publishing books on Indigenous history, and as a project member in the Court of Appeals Project. In both the present and future, I am committed to learning from diverse voices who have often been marginalized throughout recent colonial times. In the extended future, I am committed to advocating for justice and making an impact on my community to better understand past injustices and work towards a future in which everyone may peacefully coexist.
Cade La Londe
My name is Cade La Londe. I am a junior undergraduate student majoring in English (Creative Writing), Political Science, Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. I was born in Shorewood, Wisconsin and shortly after moved to Mequon, Wisconsin. I have lived my entire life on the ancestral lands of the Ho- Chunk people.
My perspectives are shaped from where I come, and I come from a politically divided, white household. My mom taught me about my position in America as a white male, the advantages it lends me, and how to move through my life empathetically with it. She taught me kindness and justice, how to give and love unconditionally, and how to recognize the consequences of carelessness. My dad taught me about my position in America with access to means and education, the advantages it lends me, and how to move through my life intelligently with it. He taught me discipline and dedication, how to seize opportunity and better myself, and how to be grateful for all that is bestowed upon me. Their ideals have coalesced into the person I am today and guide the actions I have taken throughout my life, including through this project.
Out of respect for the teachings of my parents, to fulfill my desire for knowledge, and to further my goals of tangibly improving the lives of others, I pursued legal internship opportunities. The Tribal Court of Appeals project struck my interest when it was proposed to me by my counselling advisors, and I took the opportunity. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to not only be given law-school level knowledge and analytical techniques but also be given the chance to deeply learn about the cultural and legal traditions of Oneida Nation. The project's goals and the lectures on Oneida culture have helped me recognize all I should be grateful for, like the water that I drink, the air that I breathe, the ground on which I walk. Recognizing these things reminds me of my responsibility in moving kindly and purposefully with all that surrounds me.
I am bestowed a responsibility with the information and skills I have gained through my tenure in this project, and I look eagerly towards fulfilling it as I poise myself for law school in the coming years.
Kaylee Lafernier
My name is Kaylee Lafernier. I was born in the small town of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where I spent most of my childhood before I recently relocated to a nearby city called Waukesha. I am from my mother, Natalie, who was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and my Father, Travis, who was also born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but soon after moved to the Red Cliff Reservation in Bayfield. I have two brothers, one older, Chase, and one younger, Levi. I identify with my roles as daughter, sister, friend, worker, researcher, and student. I also come from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. I know this is something I belong to; however, my indigenous identity was a foreign concept to me before this year. With these identities I hold, I attempt to be a kind, understanding, compassionate, respectful, hardworking, empathetic soul that carries me through my life.
I am a current undergraduate senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Psychology and legal studies with a certificate in criminal justice. I have always had a particular interest in the criminal justice system and law, specifically the psychology of criminal behavior. Although the legal system is an interest of mine, it is not what drove me to participate in the tribal court of appeals project, but rather to learn more about my tribal nation identity. I carry the knowledge I gained from the Tribal Court of Appeals project very near and dear to my heart, as it has allowed me to learn more about my tribal roots and shape my tribal identity. Furthermore, this project has given me an opportunity I would never have had otherwise, and for that, I am deeply grateful and will continue to carry the knowledge with me into whatever comes next.
Xhuljana Latollari
My name is Xhuljana Latollari. I was born in Pogradec, Albania but have lived in Madison, Wisconsin for most of my life. I was raised by my parents Valmira and Niko Latollari who taught me to value family and relationships. Growing up in a small town, I came to appreciate the little things that were available to me. I found peace in the nature surrounding me and loved by those closest to me. I cherish the way I was brought up and continue to remain connected to my roots.
Moving from Albania to Wisconsin was a huge change for me. It was unfamiliar and not something I liked at the time. I felt disconnected from my background, and this was something I battled with for a very long time. This new place felt foreign and not like home. Slowly, I began to build my life in Wisconsin and became more familiar with the area that I was now occupying. However, part of me yearned for a stronger relationship with my roots. So, I did just that. I was able to find a balance between my old home and my new one. It was a journey filled with obstacles, but I was able to persevere. I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. As graduation nears, I am preparing to continue my academic career in law school. Throughout my time as an undergraduate student, I’ve become more conscious of the land I inhabit today.
After taking EDPOL320: Climate Change, Sustainability, and Education, I came to learn more about the land our university is built on. The University of Wisconsin- Madison occupies ancestral Ho-Chunk land, and acknowledging this history has allowed me to deepen my understanding of my presence here. This encouraged me to look for ways that I could contribute, and I felt that the Tribal Court of Appeals was the perfect way to get involved and make a difference. I wanted to help, and through this project, I believe I was able to do so.
I am thrilled that our work is helping the Indigenous community by making casework more accessible. Additionally, I was able to increase my knowledge of the relationship between Indigenous legal systems and American common law. This understanding is one I will carry with me as I further my academic career, and my goal is to continue to find ways to help and further my education of Indigenous legal systems. I am excited about the future and eager to make an impact.
Taylor McCaa
I am a Communication Arts student with certificates in Criminal Justice and Digital Cinema Production. I grew up in Minneapolis, MN on Dakota land. Growing up in Minneapolis, community and conversations of justice are values that I was raised with, and because of this, I often think about responsibility, representation, and storytelling. This has influenced my work on this project, with the legal materials we work with, and the Indigenous communities connected to this researched.
My perspectives are shaped by the people who raised me, the teachers who challenged me, and the communities that influenced how I understand the world. I recognize the privileges I hold as someone able to pursue higher education and learn about legal systems from within an academic space. I also recognize the gaps in my own understanding and the responsibility I have to continue learning with care and humility.
As a co-researcher, I understand that my role is not neutral. The way I interpret information, organize stories, and engage with legal traditions comes directly from my own lived experiences. By locating myself here, I am naming who I am accountable to, my home community in Minneapolis, the Tribal nations this Project supports, and the relationships that allow me to take part in this work. As I head back home to Minneapolis in December I look forward to bringing the knowledge I learned from this class into the future work I do, serving communities.
Jakob Mills
My name is Jakob Mills. I am a white, cisgender, heterosexual male of European ancestry. I have inherent white and male privilege, and so I must use the power this privilege gives me to assist in the creation of a learning, work, and societal environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all. I am a descendant of English, German, Irish, and Swedish settlers who came to the American continent over the past few centuries. While these nationalities represent the peoples my ancestors belonged to, I share a limited cultural connection to these regions today and am an American. I recognize that while I am American by birth, this identity is the result of centuries of oppression, forced relocation, and many other atrocities. Thus, it is my responsibility as an American to learn about these atrocities, acknowledge them, and keep them from being repeated.
I am a scientist, someone passionate about justice and the fair application of the law and society, and a teacher and communicator. It is my responsibility to educate myself, interact with all in good faith, and work to check my biases and other assumptions. Further, I am responsible for using the power that I have to better the spaces I inhabit. In science, this means committing myself to learning more about the universe around me. In legal studies, this means approaching things from an objective, open mindset determined to understand others' experiences and work to better them. In teaching and science communication, this means to meet every person where they are at and work to make science accessible to them. Before any of this work can begin, it is my responsibility to care for my own physical and mental well-being so that I may approach each situation with as open, kind, attentive, and thoughtful a mind as possible.
Maggie Munson
My name is Maggie Munson. I am primarily an English and Irish woman who comes from farmers and teachers, who helped instill the value of hard work, and academics and scientists, who taught me the value of curiosity. My last name, Munson, means “truth conquers all.” I hope to always seek the truth and serve others.
I come from seven generations of Wisconsinites, and I grew up in Plymouth, Wisconsin, a rural area of the state. Though I know it as Plymouth, the Menominee nation called it Quit Qui Oc (land along the crooked river) since time immemorial. My grandmother, a fifth-generation Wisconsinite who spent time growing up on a farm, knows a plethora of Wisconsin’s plants, birds, fish, and animals. She passed much of this knowledge down to me. I recognize that what I have learned about the land from seven generations pales in comparison to indigenous knowledge accumulated over thousands of years. I also recognize that my ancestors contributed to the decline and decimation of indigenous people and cultures. As I grew up, my grandmother tried to keep indigenous knowledge alive by taking me to museums curated by indigenous people and a powwow in Lac du Flambeau. These experiences inspired me to take Legal Studies 400.
Today, I am a senior triple-majoring in political science, legal studies, and history at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am also a varsity student-athlete in cross country and track here. I decided to work on the Tribal Court of Appeals Project by enrolling in Legal Studies 400. During this project, I read and analyzed Oneida Appeals Court cases and volunteered at Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) environmental law firm. At MEA, I got to help build their social media outreach and work on publicizing issues like Line 5 and PFAS. When I told my grandmother that I would be analyzing court cases for the Oneida Nation, she was excited, and we had deeper conversations about the histories of native nations.
Throughout the semester, she mailed me newspaper and magazine clippings she read about indigenous history around Plymouth and Lac du Flambeau. Working on this project allowed me to serve the Oneida Nation and grow my legal analysis skills, but it also strengthened my relationship with my grandmother.
Lauren Noble
My name is Lauren Noble. I was born and raised in Kenosha, WI, on the shores of Lake Michigan. My mother was born in London, but ethnically, my family ancestry is the typical mix of Western European countries you often hear from white Americans. In my case, mainly Irish, Italian, and German heritage. But I mostly refer to myself as white. From a socio-cultural standpoint, I acknowledge the inherent privileges that looking the way I do has afforded me. And the privileges passed down to me from a colonial history of white dominance. Along with this, I find it important to recognize that the school I attend rests on the land of the Ho-Chunk people. While my ancestry has benefited from (and possibly perpetuated) the colonization of Natives, I must recognize, take responsibility, and do everything I can to promote tribal sovereignty.
While I didn't leave my home state for college, I have been extremely blessed to travel far and often. Having been to over thirty countries, living in Paris, and gearing up to live abroad again have been some of my life's greatest gifts. I have always been drawn to experiencing other cultures, whether that be volunteering with a native youth project on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota, teaching English in Thailand, desert camping in Morocco, or doing legal work for the Oneida Appellate Court system. My thirst for new experiences has taken me to some interesting places, gaining culturally-sensitive knowledge that would not be otherwise accessible.
I hope this drive for cultural empathy will continue throughout my legal career. I think being an educated global citizen should be at the forefront of all attorneys' minds. This is why this class is so important to me. Learning and understanding the 4 R's of Indigenous values (Responsibility, Respect, Relationality, and Reciprocity) will be useful in whatever legal path I find myself. I think the skills law school teaches you are extremely valuable. It is a person's responsibility to use those skills to further the greater good. Michael has taught us that the legal profession is a great tool for making connections, building community, and promoting accessibility for others. With the skills and knowledge gained in this course, I hope to do just that in my future legal career.
Ysa Pakowski
My name is Ysa Pakowski. I am a senior studying Biology and pursuing a certificate in Criminal Justice. I was born in the suburbs of Chicago in Illinois, completed my freshman year at a school in Michigan, and then transferred here to Madison for my remaining three years. I have lived on the ancestral lands of the Pottawatomie tribe and as a student at UW-Madison the Ho-Chunk nation.
My perspectives were shaped from my family. Both my parents are teachers in high schools and now my brother is as well. I grew up with learning about the struggles that other students face in and out of school and how educators can help them grow and succeed even through tough times. I learned to take life from a student-first perspective, which is in whatever job I am doing or working on, is to put the people I am doing it for first in my mind to make sure the effort and quality will enhance their experience and life. My parents tried and are continuing to advocate for the students in their school to have a positive, safe, and welcoming educational experience because they know it will benefit them in the future.
This is the approach I took when working on the Tribal Court of Appeals Project. I wanted to make sure my work and the legal analysis of these cases was sufficient and helpful to those in the Oneida nation. This experience has been incredibly educational, through both learning about legal analysis and learning about Oneida culture and traditions. I am extremely grateful that I was able to participate in this project and I will carry what I learned in this class onward with me into the future.
I am excited to continue to pursue the legal skills that I learned here further on in my career, but also the cultural traditions as well. I will remember to take my breathes before starting my important events and connect more with the environment in my daily life.
Christopher Rajchel
Pōsōh, newīhswan Christopher Rajchel. I was born and (mostly) raised in Appleton, WI on the banks of the fox river in a valley my Grandma would insist is called Ahkōnemeh. My father, also named Christopher was born and raised in Wisconsin to a Menominee mother. My mother Holly Harris Rajchel was born in the state Mississippi to a primarily Irish and Welsh family as were her parents. I have a sister named Ari who I cherish in every memory growing up together. Most of the time I rarely identify with race (usually others decide that) but when I do I say I am mixed, though usually I prefer Menominee and/or Irish-American. Heritage if you cant already tell is heavily emphasized in both sides of my family and has given me a great appreciation for both my personal history as well as the histories of others.
I am a son, a brother, and a student who has been blessed to spend a lot of my life in different circumstances and places which has cemented curiosity and understanding as values that I live for. These experiences of both privilege and hardship at times have shaped me into a person who aspires to be fair minded and just. I value the collection of context and perspectives from as many people as possible for its own sake. But I was also taught by my family to give back in almost anyway I can to the people and communities that are gracious enough to teach me.
I have been again blessed to be a student here for a short 2 years studying legal studies and policy, with aspirations for law school. Here I could also interact with and contribute to the different communities on campus and in the wider city. I took this opportunity with the Oneida Appellate Court as a last way to take advantage of this schools connections to do a little bit for a community I wouldn't have usually interacted with. The Native community on campus has readily opened itself to me so I saw this as a way of repaying that as well. This project has given me practical skills and a sense of fulfillment that I haven't gotten with most of my other classes here. All for the small contribution of my time toward a project that truly evokes student passion and contributes to real gains in tribal sovereignty. I am happy to know that the skills I have gained in this class and project will be put to further use for other communities and people as I progress into a legal career.
Leila Schiegg
My name is Leila Lehua Schiegg. I am from my mother, Jade Schiegg, and my father Tony Schiegg. I character myself by the roles of daughter, sister, student, researcher, helper, worker, artist, runner, and friend.
I was born into a Hawaiian and German family. I aim to celebrate this in as many ways I can and am very fortunate to be able to go visit my family on the Islands when I can.
I currently am a Senior at UW-Madison and am planning to attend law school next fall. I am graduating a semester early and plan on staying in Madison as I love the city and value the time I have remaining with my college friends.
I work at the School of Education as a business office assistant. My friend originally got me the job years ago, and I have grown very appreciative of the staff and space. I oversee events that happen in the building and help different departments book their rooms. While I don’t plan on utilizing all of these skills long-term, it provides financial flexibility and teaches me interpersonal skills.
I have always valued working with different people groups to learn about different perspectives. In past internships such as the Public Defenders or the Central Wisconsin Center I have been given the opportunity to interact with many different individuals.
I have also always placed great value in my Hawaiian heritage. To honor it, I try my best to retain my Hawaiian language skills, and some native chants and songs.
I felt that this class would allow me to combine a few different interests. I did not previously have experience working with Indigenous groups from Wisconsin. However, I thought the opportunity to learn about a new culture and possibly help them while expanding my legal knowledge would be an amazing opportunity.
Jonah Schmidtke
No self-location available.
Cal Schneider
I am Cal Schneider, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, studying Political Science and Legal Studies with a certificate in Criminal Justice. I hope to pursue law school after undergrad in hopes of helping those who need it.
I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood in the Chicago suburbs. While I do not come from an Indigenous background or have experience living on a tribal reservation, I have approached this project with an open and empathetic mindset. As a white male at a predominantly white institution, I recognize the privilege and power I hold. I am committed to using this awareness to amplify the voices of marginalized groups and engage meaningfully with perspectives different from my own. It is my responsibility to approach the Tribal Court of Appeals Project with humility, respect, and a willingness to learn. As a student at UW-Madison, I view this project as an invaluable opportunity to grow in understanding and to contribute thoughtfully to efforts that uplift underrepresented communities. By engaging deeply with this work, I aim to honor the trust and traditions of the Tribal Court system while broadening my own capacity for empathy and advocacy.
Hanna Skenandore
My name is Hanna Skenandore. I come from my mother, Jodi, who taught me empathy, self-determinism and to be kind who comes into your life. My father, David, who has taught patience and to use my humor side.
I grew up on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. I have lived in the same land my entire life. I am an enrolled member of Oneida Nation and Turtle clan.
I am in my senior year of undergrad, and plan to graduate in the spring with a degree in Bachelors of Social Work. I am in the middle of my applications for Masters of Social work, once I hear back from my programs I will pursue a Masters.
I joined this class last spring, and decided to take it for an additional semester. This semester was unique because I got work with another tribe to read through cases, and make Indigenous Art work that potentially be used for the class. In addition, this class honed my skills in critical analysis, creative expression, and problem-solving, all while engaging with real-world challenges in tribal communities.
Currently, I am an intern at Family Voices of Wisconsin with the UW Madison Social Work program. I work with families with children that have special health care needs, input and review sensitive information, data entry for outreaching, assisting in focus groups and attending conferences. I am deeply interested in this field, since my end of the semester project focuses on Indigenous families.
Raymond Spors
My name is Raymond. I was raised by James and Jennifer in West Bend, Wisconsin, a suburb of Milwaukee. I grew up in a house right on the Milwaukee River, surrounded by forest and nature. This has always been very important to me. I appreaciate the natural world and how the different elements of nature come together to give us what we need every day. I think one perspective that I try to use every day is one of gratitude.
My parents taught me this. My family has had a lot of crises over the years and there is a lot of generational trauma, however my family also certainly has some elements of privilege. My mother always told me to recognize those advantages and be grateful for those things that not everyone gets to experience. For me, this course has been one of those experiences. I am so incredibly grateful for the relationship with our tribal partners. Being able to contribute to the community has been so fulfilling and I have learned so much, not only about legal casework, but also via the cultural exchange that has occured through this partnership.
As I finish my degree this semester, I hope to attend law school next fall. I have spent my time in Undergrad working in politics, including the past 6 months or so at the Capitol building. In this role, I have worked with constituents in their concerns. Hearing so many people share stories about how they are unable to navigate the legal system is disheartening. This project has given me a way to contribute towards helping people with that problem. By helping our Tribal partners develop an accessible database that helps non-lawyers understand their rights, I can help give back before I even attend law school.
I am deeply grateful for the amazing experience this class has provided me and for the opportunities the world has given me.
Tenyang Tsarong
My name is Tenyang Tsarong. I was born to my mother, Dechen Tsarong and father, Paljor Tsarong. I was raised in Northern India, living in Dharamshala–a small town in the Himalayan Ranges–and in Dehradun, a city in the Himalayan foothills. For most of my life, I have lived close to nature. I grew up in a home near a forest in India, where the chirping of the birds and the sound of a nearby river were always in the background. Since moving to the U.S five years ago, I’ve lived in Colorado, near the Rockies in the suburbs of Boulder, where the pine trees and mountains reminded me of the Himalayas. I now call Madison, Wisconsin my home. Here, I enjoy sitting on the banks of Lake Mendota and walking along its shores. I cannot imagine a life away from the mountains, trees, and water. If I cannot be close to all of them, I at least need to be near one.
As a Tibetan, I was raised with the values of kindness, generosity, and empathy. My family also emphasized the importance of following one’s passions and giving back to the community in our own unique ways, whatever those may be. I have been privileged to witness strong role models within my community–people who documented Tibetan history, stood up against oppression, advocated for victims of domestic abuse, and founded schools for children of Tibetan and Himalayan descent to preserve our language, culture, and traditions. These interactions have greatly shaped who I am today.
I identify as Tibetan-Indian, a woman, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and a friend. Growing up in a country where violence against women is a daily reality, I care deeply about advocating for victims of abuse and for individuals from minority communities, many of whom have been pushed to the margins of society. I am currently pursuing a BA at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Legal studies and a certificate in History. I will graduate in May 2025. Through my studies, I have developed a strong interest in reforming the U.S Criminal Justice System. In the summer of 2025, I am excited to intern at EXPO (Ex-incarcerate People Organizing), a non-profit organization that supports ex-incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into society. EXPO also provides transitional housing for ex-incarcerated women who are far more likely to suffer abuse than the general population. In my future work, I hope to continue combining these two passions–criminal justice reform and advocacy for victims of abuse.
Hayley Wagner
My name is Hayley Wagner. I was born in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, before moving to the neighboring city, Wisconsin Rapids. I grew up in a very loving and supportive family, with a mom and dad and an older brother, Wesley. My family prioritized spending time together, so I was rarely lonely, which is something I’m extremely grateful for. Growing up in a White, middle-class family has shown me great privilege, which my parents made sure to make me self-aware of. I recall frequently discussing political and social issues with my parents, which helped shape the character and perspective I have today. The supportive and active parenting approach from my mom and dad mostly shaped my perspectives on life.
I am a first-generation college student studying Legal Studies while receiving certificates in Criminal Justice and Global Health. I have always enjoyed connecting with people and have had an interest in the criminal justice system. Growing up in a predominantly white community has only fed my desire to branch out and work with a diverse range of people.
My approach to this project was similar to my approach in my academic experiences, which is to be open-minded and willing to learn about new topics and cultures. This project not only met these expectations but exceeded them. I have really valued the practices, such as giving thanks to our surroundings, people, and things within our surroundings, during lecture as an example of a cultural practice for Indigenous Peoples.
I am grateful for the experiences this course and semester as a whole have given me and cannot wait to incorporate the skills I have improved in future endeavors.
Linnea Weber
As a scholar studying legal studies, political science, and German, it is important to recognize and be aware of the world around me. I grew up in the Milwaukee suburbs–a place with extensive indigenous history including of the Menominee, Ho-Chunk, and the Potawatomi. It is also important to recognize my parents and grandparents and the impact they have had on me by prioritizing my education, ensuring my wellbeing, and constantly supporting me. Stemming from a long line of educators, they utilized their own respective knowledge and experiences to help me become well rounded and conscious. This is a privilege that I am lucky to have and has certainly shaped me. It is also important to be conscious of the relationships the people around me have, and how this impacts their actions accordingly. As I go on to hopefully become a lawyer, I will be aware of the greater picture of the law; how impactful, in a positive or negative way, it is to so many people in the system. It is important to recognize that we work with real people with real stories and treat them as such. The relationships that we hold as researchers–with Oneida, the people in our cases, and with each other – are not to be underestimated. These relationships, and our own respective backgrounds, help keep us aware, and should not be neglected. I locate myself here today to recognize this and to keep doing so.
Amaya White
I am Amaya White, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Legal Studies and obtaining certificates in Criminal Justice and Educational Policy. I am planning on attending law school post graduation in order to fulfill my lifelong goal of entering a career where I serve others, which I plan to do with my J.D.
My interest in serving others, especially minorities, stems from my life experiences where I have had the opportunity to work with and experience several different walks of life. I grew up in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, which is a small reservation nestled in the woods of Northern Wisconsin. I am an Indigenous woman, as my parents are both Indigenous and grew up on the same reservation. As a child I grew up somewhat poor with my parents and at the time my two siblings. My mother worked very hard and got a degree in nursing from a local community college when I was about 5 or 6. This provided us with many more opportunities, which I am grateful for. My mother working as a nurse and my father working provided us stability. Two years ago, she received her masters degree and is a nurse practitioner, which has opened plenty of new doors for our family which we previously did not have. Growing up on a reservation, I have experienced pervasive struggles such as watching others struggle with addiction and premature death..
The struggles I have witnessed have provided me with an important tool: resilience. Resilience has gotten me through everything so far, and has landed me here, working with the Tribal Court of Appeals Project. My interest in working with the Oneida Nation and the Tribal Court of Appeals Project stems from a sense of familiarity and desire to serve those similar to me. Working with a tribe and Indigenous people allows me to work with material and concepts that I am familiar with and have an interest in. This Project represents me in a lot of ways, in terms of growth, personal experience, and racial background. I am fortunate to be able to help tribes and groups who have inadequate support and resources, as I come from almost a similar background. Working on this project reminds me to be grateful for everything that I have gotten through to be here and to be thankful to have made it through struggles.
Miinan White
Aaniin, my name is Miinan White and I have been fortunate enough to have parents Brandy and Odawa White. My nani Brandy has shown me selflessness, passion, and determination. My father Odawa pushes me to be my best self and would do anything to ensure my happiness in life.
I am an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and have strong roots in the LCO Band of Superior Ojibwe. There, I am a lifelong learner in our traditional ways and am forever grateful to be able to follow the ways of my grandparents and their grandparents. I am constantly learning from my grandparents who teach at the LCO schools as well as my parents who work for the tribal college.
I am currently an undergraduate in my junior year here at UW Madison. I am studying legal studies with certificates of policy and American Indian studies. My goals in life are to work in the legal field to better my community. I enjoy learning about business law as well criminal law. I have interned under Native Law Group and worked for the Ho-Chunk Nation over the summer.
I took this class last spring to better my legal writing and learn from a tribal court to understand the intricacies. From this, I was able to better my legal writing and connect with community members, professors, and students.
Samuel White
No self-location available.
Michael Williams
Michael Williams ni: yukyats. Wakeskle:wake niwaki’talo:tʌ. Onʌyoteˀa·ká· ni·i. Taluʔkowanhné Kawyhuhatati nu: teknakehle. I am from my mother, Jacqueline Gerhardt, who raised me to be a peaceful person. I attempt to perpetuate peace while enacting my roles as Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Uncle, Learner, Scholar, Researcher, Education Facilitator, Attorney, Developer, Entrepreneur, Musician, Artist, Gamer, Community Servant and Myself.
I was born in Milwaukee, where I have precious collection of memories with my mother, and two sisters, Katelyn Popp (then, Garza) and Skylur Jensen. I grew up on the Oneida Reservation in one of our “Sites” of Department of Housing and Urban Development – HUD Housing. In childhood, I spent my time running through the woods, chasing my cat, playing with my dog, riding bikes with my friends, playing board games with my family, and playing video games on my PlayStation 2. I went to school off-reservation at Seymour Community School District. I met many amazing teachers there who helped me foster a love of learning and community. Teachers like Mrs. Cartier, Mr. Lowney, Mr. Butch, Mr. Vine, Mrs. Tupper, Mr. Thompson, Mrs. Jelenic, Ms. Druckery, Mrs. Bucheger, Mrs. Lemke, and Mrs. Harpold all developed my ability to engage with school and develop as a person. From elementary school to high school, I stayed very involved: Soccer, Destination Imagination, Forensics, Basketball, Solo & Ensemble, Musical, and Yearbook. Additionally, I worked throughout middle school and high school as a babysitter, dishwasher, busser, runner, McDonald’s crew and crew trainer. While in high school, I attended the Information Technology Academy, which provided me academic pre-college training, technology skills training and an admission-conditioned scholarship to the University of Wisconsin Madison. Through the program, I learned to develop websites, program computers, use professional photography equipment, and design illustrations.
After graduating high school in 2017, I traveled from Oneida to UW-Madison. At UW-Madison, I gained a new community and many new resources of institutional knowledges. As a student, I worked for the Information Technology Academy to teach their technology curriculum, and during my time, I redeveloped the python programming courses, started their livestreaming services, and supported their Indigenization efforts. I also was paid as an officer of Wunk Sheek, the Indigenous student organization that hosted 90+ events and 3 powwows during my tenure on leadership. My college path allowed me to spend 1 year researching trust in journalism with Dr. Susan Robinson, spend two years studying Hoocąk (the Ho-Chunk language), spend two years studying Anishinaabemowin (the Ojibwe language), spend three years on the planning committee of the On Wisconsin Annual Spring Powwow, and spend 1 year researching perceived racial misclassifications with Dr. Anna Fetter. And in 2021, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Certificate in American Indian Studies.
After graduating, I was accepted to UW-Madison Law School. Before attending law school, I completed a preparatory program from the American Indian Law Center (AILC) called the Pre-Law Summer Institute (PLSI). In the summer after my first-year of law school, I worked with the PLSI teaching incoming law students the basics of Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Federal Indian Law. My second year of law school, I worked with the UW Law School Family Court Clinic, and Family Legal Advocacy and Support Clinic to help individuals with family law issues. Also in my second year, I earned the highest grade in Federal Indian Law with Professor Richard Monette. In my final year, I began working with the Open Law Library and developed the Tribal Court of Appeals Project. Throughout all of law school, I participated in the Indigenous Law Students Association, and helped plan the Coming Together of Peoples Conference (CTOPC), the longest-running, student-led, free Indigenous Law Conference in the nation.
Currently, I work full-time with the Open Law Library. As a Codification Attorney, I work with governments to publish their legal materials, like codes, resolutions, and cases. While deeply passionate about my day job, I am dedicated to using my education to better the community and help the people.
Cadyn Yandell
I grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My heritage is Irish, German, and African American. I present as a white woman with green eyes, fair skin, and light brown hair. My outward identity posed no trouble to my development in an incredibly segregated city. However, my cultural heritage is vastly different from my lived experience in the 2000s. Poverty is intertwined with almost every generation in my heritage. As a child, I felt the constant tension between having enough to get by and keeping our heads above the water.
I attended a Catholic high school which was a new experience for me culturally and spiritually. I grew up agnostic with influences of Buddhism in my life and was generally opposed to religion. I was drawn to this school out of a desire to continue relationships with the friends I grew up with. I learned that I did not like many things about Catholicism, most notably their perspectives on female modesty. I found the sexualization of high school girls to be distasteful and in direct opposition to what Catholics teach.
However, this was also the first time I noticed inadequacy between myself and my peers. I was suddenly surrounded by wealthy individuals with strong ties to the Catholic community in Milwaukee. My family had too much money to truly struggle, but not enough money to keep up with my new peers. This tension has followed me into my young adulthood and drives me to break the cycle of financial difficulty in my family for the generations to come.
In my pursuit of educational attainment and financial stability, I attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This is a land grand university, built on the sacred lands of Teejop, home to the Ho-Chunk people. Since my freshman year commencement, the idea that we operate on stolen land has been repeated. However, I still had no appreciation for the complex cultures that existed here before me.
My first connection to Native cultures was a white Irish science teacher in middle school, Mr. Rauworth. This man married a Native woman and was enthralled with their history and traditions. Although he attempted to integrate native culture into our lesson plans and activities, the weight of Native history was lost on me.
I did not interact with Native culture again until my senior year of college when I joined the Tribal Court of Appeals Project at UW–Madison. Although I spent the last three years learning about legal studies through my major, I had not yet interacted with Tribal law in any capacity. Over the semester, I found myself climbing a massive learning curve by interacting with the Oneida Tribal Court of Appeals.
To understand how tribal courts function, I had to partially disengage myself from my American perception of the justice system’s role in civil and legal disputes. I realized that tribal courts play a much larger and more integrated role in their communities. The majority of cases I was presented with handled procedural disputes among business employers and employees. This is in sharp contrast to the appeals cases I would typically read in an American law class.
I had to remind myself of my position in this research to appreciate the rightful belonging of our work to the Oneida Tribe. Without a deep understanding of the culture, history, and systems that shape Oneida law, my interpretations and contributions to their work were inherently colonizing. Each data point I created was informed by my American values as a researcher. I realized that the untouched case law that was handed down to me will return to its owner with a new and potentially unappreciative take on their complex legal system.
My recent interactions with Native history have undoubtedly affected my self-perception as an American legal scholar at a land grant university. The systems I live by are incredibly different from those embodied 200 to 12,000 years ago by Native nations on this land. I am a twenty-one-year-old Irish, German, and African American woman living and profiting off Teejop land. I am the product of the continued colonization of Native lands, customs, and systems. As I continue to benefit from the erasure of Native culture, I am determined to remember my place on land that is not mine to occupy. Although I cannot restore what has been lost, I can embody the enduring values of community health and environmental sacredness through the lens that I live.
Annie Yu
My name is Annie Yu. I formally study political science, French, criminal justice, and public policy. Within the framework of the Project, I am fascinated by the indigenous discourse surrounding sovereignty, recognition, "belonging," legal pluralism, and displacement.
I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but my situational context is very different from that of my ancestors. My parents and their parents and so on and so forth are native to Eastern China. As someone brought up in homogenous suburbia but in an Asian household, I've had to balance four responsibilities.
First, recognizing the Ho-Chunk, Potawatami, Menominee, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Oneida Nations, whose land, water, and air I utilize every single day. Second, engaging with the existing community around me and embracing our relational differences. Third, continuously remembering my roots through the practice of Chinese cultural traditions. Fourth, taking advantage of my privileged position as a first-generation citizen, accessing the higher educational, intellectual, social, and professional opportunities uniquely available to me.
I approached this Project intellectual curiosity. By contributing to casework and reading the supplemental literature, I've challenged my previous assumptions and have widened my understanding of place, relations, and intentional storytelling. I leave this project with more than academic lessons. Experiencing gatherings of food and hearing from indigenous peoples directly have fueled my commitment to creating room for conversation about and actively working to help vulnerable populations.
I feel very lucky and humbled to have had the chance to work on TCAP. I look forward to reflecting on this experience throughout my professional journey and internalizing my evolved roles as a learner, listener, researcher, and advocate.