OCU Law Tribal Sovereignty Institute

10/08/2026

Many thank yous to the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribe and the Tribal Justice Center for having us out to take part in celebrating the phenomenal talent of Chief Gordon Yellowman, especially his contribution to this year’s Sovereignty Symposium with the Inter-Tribal Ladies of Justice piece. Oklahoma City University School of Law

Chief Gordon Yellowman, Artist; Governor Reggie Wassana; Chief Justice Ryland Rivas; Emily Eleftherakis, Director of the Tribal Sovereignty Institute, OCU School of Law; and Lieutenant Governor Hershel Gorham.

09/16/2026

We still have a few spots open for our upcoming service dates if you or any tribal member that resides in Oklahoma is interested. Many thanks to the Oklahoma Bar Foundation and the Indian Land Tenure Foundation for their continued support of the American Indian Wills Clinic.

07/16/2026

Thank you for coming out to visit!

This past week, President Howard Valandra and Program Officer Harold Compton visited tribal partners in Oklahoma, focusing on ILTF’s Estate Planning and Services Program through site visits in the Osage, Pawnee, and Kiowa Nations.

A highlight of the trip was President Howard Valandra’s July 15 visit to Oklahoma City University School of Law, where he met with Emily Eleftherakis, Executive Director of the Tribal Sovereignty Institute. ILTF and the Institute have partnered for 11 years to provide estate planning and will-writing services to Tribal landowners, with continued collaboration ahead.

Estate planning is a key tool to prevent further fractionation of Indian land and ensure it remains in Native ownership. ILTF supports this work through education and legal services for landowners. Learn more: iltf.org

06/12/2026

06/03/2026

Thank you so much Ginny and the team at Rock The Native Vote for having Director Eleftherakis on the show. We really enjoyed the conversation!

05/01/2026

Last week we had the opportunity (and honor) to have students from the Tribal Industry and Kiowa Language classes come visit the Tribal Sovereignty Institute in addition to touring Oklahoma City University and Oklahoma City University School of Law. We were thrilled to have them make the drive and appreciate the Admissions crew at both campuses showing them around and treating them to lunch. We look forward to having you back as Stars!

02/17/2026

The theme for the 38th annual Sovereignty Symposium is "250 Years Later: Sovereignty, Survival, and Self-Determination."

"250 Years Later: Sovereignty, Survival, and Self-Determination" highlights the enduring presence and resilience of Tribal Nations throughout the history of the United States while acknowledging the complex legal and political challenges they have faced since 1776. The theme invites reflection on how Indigenous communities have preserved their identities, governments, and culture despite shifting federal policies and legal doctrines. It also looks to the future, emphasizing modern tribal leadership, self-governance, and the continued pursuit of true self-determination in the next era of Indian law.

Join us June 15 & 16 at OKANA – registration is open now at thesovereigntysymposium.com.

02/12/2026

We still have a few spots left at some of our service dates this semester, interested individuals must call the Clinic directly to complete a phone intake. Wills only, the Clinic does not handle Trusts or Joint Wills.

02/05/2026

Mark your calendars! Registration coming soon.

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