Ever since I was a little girl, my Dad taught me that I was a sovereign citizen of the Diné. He took that responsibility seriously. He made sure I understood that sovereignty was not just a word spoken in meetings or written in history books…
…sovereignty was our identity, our responsibility, and our right as Tribal people.
Part of that teaching included reading federal regulations and Tribal laws. I cannot say I enjoyed sitting down with those little booklets he handed me as a young person. At the time, I certainly did not understand why it mattered so much to him that I read and understand them. In fact, I still have a few of the very regulations he gave me to read tucked away.
Little did I know that those early lessons about Tribal sovereignty, federal regulations, and the importance of understanding our rights would eventually shape the course of my professional life. While my career did not center on the exact laws my Dad first introduced me to, the foundation he gave me led me to build a career grounded in federal regulations and advocacy for Tribal communities.
Today, nearly 22 years after I started Personnel Security Consultants, I have trained and spoken to thousands of individuals across the country on the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act through trainings, conferences, and advocacy work. Our mission has expanded as Tribal personnel nationwide now utilize our in-person classes and online training to fulfill fingerprint certification requirements, conduct thorough background investigations, execute precise case adjudication, and navigate critical compliance audits.
Over the years, I have come to deeply appreciate laws like the Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act, the Indian Self-Determination Act, and the Tribal Controlled Schools Act. On the surface, they may appear to be just ink on paper. But when understood and used correctly, they become powerful tools that help protect Tribal sovereignty and uphold the inherent rights of Tribal Nations.
Our ancestors endured unimaginable hardships and fought tirelessly so future generations could continue to exercise sovereignty as Nations. That responsibility now belongs to us.
As we recently observed Memorial Day and move into the summer season, I find myself reflecting with gratitude on all those who work every single day to protect our Tribal communities — advocates, leaders, educators, social workers, law enforcement officers, health professionals, and community members alike.
Each of us has a role in ensuring we never forget who we are as Tribal people.
As members of Tribal Nations, we are uniquely positioned to use these laws not simply as regulations, but as tools for protection, healing, self-determination, and nation-building.
My Dad understood that long before I did.
And for that, I will always be grateful.
Michele’s Tip for the Month
“Do not just be familiar with your Tribe’s policies — truly know them, keep them updated, and apply them consistently. Those simple acts help protect and strengthen Tribal sovereignty.”