BBK Partner Ellen Grover Authors Law360 Article on Tribal Sovereignty
Grover Explores How Upholding Tribal Sovereignty Benefits Both the U.S. and Indian Country
Best Best & Krieger LLP (BBK) Partner, Ellen Grover, authored an article on Tribal Sovereignty for Law360 published March 19th, 2025. Grover emphasizes that tribal sovereignty is an inalienable right and rooted in self-determination. As described by Grover, the relationship between the U.S. government and tribes is one based on mutual recognition as sovereign entities, outlined in both the U.S. Constitution and treaties as a “government-to-government relationship.”
The article discusses the challenges faced by tribes due to recent shifts in federal funding policies, moreover how recent federal actions such as Executive Order No. 14151, have impacted tribal funding and services. Grover adds that these changes have created friction between evolving federal policy and the U.S.’s legal obligations owed to tribes. Because of these challenges, Grover highlights that tribes are advocating for continued federal support for tribal self-governance, arguing that federal policies should encourage not hinder tribal sovereignty, with access to funding for essential services like healthcare and public safety.
In Grover’s article, she draws from the historical context and bipartisan support for tribal sovereignty. Grover underscores the need to prioritize tribal self-determination as a key element in fostering effective local governance.
Read the full article here.
