Sarah Deer, citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma, Professor at the University of Kansas
Sarah Deer will share information about the history of violence against women and two-spirit (LGBTQ+) people in tribal communities and legal changes that will allow tribal nations to assert sovereignty over criminal and civil cases involving victims of crime. The keynote will highlight the role of advocates in engaging in law reform with an aim for justice for marginalized communities. Participants will learn historical context for sexual victimization in tribal communities, review basic legal restrictions on tribal jurisdiction over criminal activity and explore victim-led solutions to address the high rates of sexual assault in Indian country.