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The Humanities Research Center and the Upper Mattaponi Tribe are excited to host the 2nd Annual Judicial Summit for the Tribal Nations of Virginia. This Summit brings together tribal leaders, judges, attorneys, advocates, educators, and community members from Virginia Tribal Nations to discuss the future of Indigenous justice systems grounded in Native values, healing-centered leadership, sovereignty and proactive community wellness.

Schedule

8:30 AM - Arrival and Continental Breakfast
Arrive and Networking

9:00 AM - Opening and Welcome
Opening & Welcoming Remarks from HRC Director, Cristina Stanciu, Ph.D., introducing VCU Provost Arturo Saavedra, Ph.D.

9:30 AM - Virginia Tribal Leaders Panel: Reflection, Progress, and Vision

• Chief Frank Adams, Upper Mattaponi Tribe
• Chief Stephen R. Adkins, Chickahominy Tribe
• Chief Ann Richardson, Rappahannock Tribe
• Chief Kevin Brown, Pamunkey Tribe

10:30 AM - Indigenous Concepts of Justice
Professor David Wilkins, Lumbee Citizen. Jepson School of Leadership Studies, University of Richmond

11:30 AM - Upper Mattaponi High Court Justices: Reflection and Recognition

• Melissa Holds The Enemy, Chief Justice
• Jack Trope, Associate Justice
• Brian Cameron, Associate Justice 

12:00 PM - Lunch, Recognition of Dignitaries, and Cultural Presentations
Cultural songs, history, and recognition of honored guests.

1:00 PM - Tribal Constitutions and the Judicial Branch
"Indigeneity and the Scales of Justice"
Richard Monette, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa; Professor Emeritus, University of Wisconsin Law School

2:00 PM - Tribal Courts: "The why, the How and the Endless Possibilities"
Heather Mitchell, Chief Judge, Kiowa Trial Court, Carnegie, Oklahoma

3:00 PM - Open Forum: Final Thoughts, Reflections, and Acknowledgments
Audience discussion and reflections.

3:30 PM - Closing Recognitions

4:00 PM - Conclusion