Beyond November: Serving Tribal Communities Throughout the Year

November is Native American Heritage Month and we pause to recognize the histories, cultures, and resilience of tribal nations across Indian Country. This month there are numerous cultural exhibitions, educational and community events, and service projects being highlighted throughout Indian Country to encourage others to get involved and learn more about the tribal communities around them. As tribal citizens and members of vibrant tribal communities, Current Tribal Law & Policy, PLLC partners welcome this and every month as an opportunity to make greater connections with and serve the tribal communities that molded us and invite you to do the same.

Creating Lasting Impact by Listening to Tribal Citizens: Lydia Volunteers at the Catawba Nation

Last week, I had the pleasure of volunteering at the Catawba Nation's Legal Clinic. The Legal Clinic was a collaborative effort by the Catawba Nation, the Pro Bono Program at the University of South Carolina's Joseph F. Rice School of Law (Pro Bono Program), the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office, and the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services. There was a great turnout, with more than 15 attorney volunteers and several Tribal support staff coming together to serve the Catawba community. Volunteers throughout the day assisted over 20 Tribal citizens with a range of legal matters, including pardons, expungements, estate planning, and other issues. Legal clinics are a great way to serve any community due to the incredible impact resolving legal issues can make for an individual and their family. A huge hawu to Chelsea Colley, Tribal leaders, partners, and volunteers who helped make the Catawba Legal Clinic a success this year!

I always say, "our tribal communities have the answers, we just need to listen." This is just what Jeff Harris (Catawba) and I did in 2022 when we created the Catawba Legal Clinic. As Catawba in-house attorneys, we knew Tribal citizens had no shortage of legal questions and issues and needed legal help. The Catawba Nation Legal Clinic is the realization of our dream to meet community needs, along with determination and consistency. The first Catawba legal clinic exclusively served Tribal elders and was a collaboration between the Catawba Nation and South Carolina Legal Services. The following year, the Nation collaborated with the South Carolina Pro Bono Program to serve even more Tribal households. Since 2022, attorney volunteers and Tribal staff have come together to continue and grow the clinic. As of today, over 80 families have received help with their legal issues, resulting in a positive transformation in their lives!

The Legal Clinic was coordinated by Tribal staff and boasted more than 15 attorney volunteers.

My challenge to you is to purposefully learn about the tribes nearest to you and sincerely engage with the local tribal community beyond November. Getting involved in November is a great start, but be intentional about continuing your positive involvement and service to tribal communities throughout the year. This may look like attending public cultural events or getting involved in a nearby urban Indian organization or community. Remember, tribal communities have the solutions, so ask how you can best serve their needs.

Coming Full Circle: Amber attends the 2025 NC Indian Senior Citizens Coalition Conference

While Lydia was serving the Catawba Nation, I had the honor of attending and tabling at the 2025 North Carolina Indian Senior Citizens Coalition Conference. It was a wonderful day filled with meaningful conversations, new connections, and reconnecting with long-time friends. I’m excited to continue building these relationships and finding new ways for Current Tribal Law & Policy, PLLC to serve our elders and the tribal communities they call home.

This event held a deeper significance for me that I did not anticipate until I was setting up our table.

Not only was this my first time tabling for Current, but I was doing so in the building where I walked across the stage to receive my high school diploma in 2004.  Standing there again more than twenty years later as an attorney, advocate, and business owner was emotional in a way that’s hard to describe.  

2025 NCISCC Conference Attendees

In 2004, I never could have imagined the path my life would take. The journey between that graduation stage and today has been full of challenges, detours, and lessons I couldn’t have learned any other way. But every step brought me closer to the work I’m meant to do and ultimately brought me home equipped to serve tribal communities like my own across Indian Country.

Returning to this space as a representative of my own law firm, connecting with elders, and contributing to a conference rooted in community and culture felt like a true full-circle moment. It reminded me not only of how far I’ve come, but also of how deeply grateful I am for the opportunity to serve.

Miss North Carolina Native American Youth Organization draws the winning ticket for Current's free raffle.

I’m excited for what lies ahead, and I look forward to continuing the work to strengthen relationships, support tribal nations, and advocate for meaningful change. I hope you will consider doing the same beyond the month of November.