Brie Coyle, Co-President
coylebm@uw.edu (509)
240-4769
- 2011 Moot Court Participant, 2nd place overall advocate
- 2011-2012 National NALSA Board, Area 7 Representative
- Yakama Nation's Office of Legal Counsel, Summer Fellow
Rachel Saimons, Co-President
rsaimons@uw.edu, (425) 503-9187
I was an active member of NALSA last year as a 1L Representative,
which I enjoyed immensely. I was fortunate to spend this summer
interning in Arizona for DNA People's Legal Services, and I am truly
excited to participate in the Tulalip Tribal Defense Clinic this
year. I look forward to all of the events we have planned for NALSA
in the coming months, and hope to better connect with the
Indian/Tribal law community in the Seattle area and beyond.
Ethan Jones, Vice President
eajones@uw.edu, (206) 707-6973
I studied business and Native American history as an undergraduate
at the University of Washington. My work with the Duwamish Tribe in
their struggle for federal recognition, and my experience as a small
business owner convinced me to pursue a
career as an attorney. I was a 1L NALSA representative, and worked
as a summer associate for Galanda Broadman PLLC dealing with Indian
law and business law issues. This year I will be participating in
the Rural Alaska Tax Assistance Program.
Michelle Taft, Treasurer
mtaft@uw.edu, (253) 223-9106
I think that Indian law is extremely important in Washington because
we have such a strong Native presence in our state. My interest in
Indian law stems from the knowledge that regardless of whether I end
up working directly for a tribe or native clients, a foundation in
Indian law will allow me to have a better understanding of the
tribal legal systems in Washington. I hope that by taking an active
role in NALSA I can continue to learn about social and legal issues
that affect tribes in Washington and what I can do personally and
professional to support tribes as they tackle those issues.
Andy Murphy, Secretary
agm27@uw.edu, (801) 696-5836
I joined NALSA to get a better appreciation of a fascinating area of
law that directly impacts many communities. Along with co-President,
Brie Coyle, I reached the finals of the NALSA National Moot Court
Competition in 2011. In preparing for that competition, I realized
the breadth and depth of Federal Indian Law and haven’t been able to
leave it alone since then. I look forward to continuing my education
and exposure to Indian Law and tribal communities through the many
events and projects NALSA plans to complete this year.
Jody Olny, Position
Member of Muscogee Creek Nation, descendant of the Karok and Nez
Perce Tribes and the Yakama Nation
jmo@uw.edu, (206) 375-4333
My interest in Indian law and involvement in NALSA stem from my
Native culture, connection to my family and desire to live and work
within the Native community. My focus this year will be increasing
visibility and awareness of what is going on at the UW School of Law
within the greater UW Native community, the Urban Indian community
and tribes throughout Washington State. I will also be working to
reach out, inform and encourage Native students to pursue an
education in law.
Felecia Shue, Outreach Director
Puyallup/Makah
shuef@uw.edu, (206) 327-4498
My interest in Indian law begins with my having grown up with pride
in being Native American. With relatives involved in tribal
government as well as in the tribal justice systems I became aware
that tribal people as individuals often live much more difficult
lives than they should have to because native peoples are often
unfairly exploited. From this, I believe that would not occur
so easily if more people who understand our values have legal
educations and can help design systems that allow us to thrive with
our unique potential that includes tradition, creativity and
innovation.
My commitment has always been to help others to be able to have
basic needs and to learn skills so they can become more
independent and help others as well. In Indian law, there are so
very many different ways to do that, from tribal court systems, to
tribal businesses, and on and on as the possibilities are endless. I
want to make as much of a difference in my lifetime as I can
by making the best use of the law to enhance how we can help each
other.