Effective and respectful partnerships with Tribal Nations require more than good intentions, they demand a foundational understanding of history, law, and culture. Please join us for this comprehensive webinar designed for animal welfare professionals working alongside and in partnership with Tribal communities.
Recording date: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at 12n Pacific for 2 hours.
The recording can be viewed on Maddie's University.
Through the guidance of @Karen Diver-former White House Special Assistant to President Obama for Native American Affairs and a national leader in tribal governance-participants will gain critical insights into the historical and legal framework that shapes tribal sovereignty. She will be joined by Marta Pierpoint, Esq., the Executive Director of Humane Society of Western Montana.
Attendees will explore the government-to-government relationship between Tribal Nations and Federal and State governments, beginning with treaty-making and continuing through key legislation and court decisions that impact jurisdiction and self-determination. The webinar emphasizes that Tribal Nations are not homogenous; each tribe has its own government structure, laws, and cultural perspectives. Understanding these distinctions is essential for building trust and fostering long-term, respectful collaboration.
This webcast includes:
● the historical and legal foundations of tribal sovereignty
● treaties and the ongoing federal trust responsibility
● differences in tribal, state, and federal jurisdiction
● the diversity of Tribal Nations and the importance of cultural competence
● navigating partnerships in the context of animal welfare, including regulatory and legal considerations.
● case studies highlighting successful collaboration and common pitfalls
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be better prepared to work with Tribal Nations as true partners, recognizing and respecting their sovereignty, honoring their unique histories, and aligning animal welfare efforts with community values and governance structures..
This webinar has been approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. Earn up to 2 Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (CAWA) continuing education credits by The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) and the National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA).
About the presenters
Karen Diver, Senior Advisor to the President, Native American Affairs, University of Minnesota
Karen was a past Chairwoman of the Fond du Lac Band of Chippewa, and President Obama's Native advisor. She has been in higher education for eight years working on Tribal issues. Her board work includes Great Lakes Fishery Commission and Honoring Nations at the Harvard Kennedy School. Karen's education includes a Bachelors in Economics degree University of Minnesota, Duluth, and a Masters degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School.
Marta Pierpoint, Esq., Executive Director, Humane Society of Western Montana
Marta moved to Montana over twenty-five years ago, leaving her San Francisco law practice to join Triaxsys Research, LLC as a partner. After serving as Vice President to Triaxsys for three years, Pierpoint switched gears to fuel her passion for education, employed in leadership positions in both public and private academic domains. In 1998, Pierpoint joined the Humane Society of Western Montana as a member and enthusiastically supported the mission in a variety of roles from foster to board chair until nine years ago when she was ultimately hired as Executive Director. During her tenure HSWM has grown from a shelter primarily focused on serving the approximately 1,400 pets in the building to a premier animal welfare organization influencing policy and practice across the state to improve the lives of pets. HSWM now serves thousands of animals a year within and far beyond the shelter walls with a robust team of veterinary, behavior and animal care specialists.
Marta is a frequent speaker on topics pertaining to nonprofit leadership and progressive animal welfare practices. In addition to her Juris Doctor, Pierpoint holds a Fellowship Certificate in Shelter Leadership from the University of Wisconsin Shelter Medicine Program.
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Alison Gibson
Media Projects Manager
Maddie's Fund
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