SUMMIT FOR NORTHWEST AMERICAN INDIAN LAW (SNAIL)

Oregon Law's Native American Law Students Association (NALSA)—in partnership with the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center and Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger LLP—successfully launched the inaugural Summit for Northwest American Indian Law (SNAIL), a new public conference focused on legal issues facing Indian Country. The first ever SNAIL took place at the William W. Knight Law Center on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Selected by the students of NALSA, the theme for this year's conference was Moving Beyond Acknowledgment.

Access the presentation slides from the keynote address by Charles F. "Chuck" Sams III — "Pathways, Challenges, and Promise in Native American Indian Law: Taking a Long View in our Symbiotic Relationship with Nature."

Questions about the Native American Law Students Association and/or the SNAIL? Contact NALSA at uonalsa@uoregon.edu.

Agenda

Saturday, February 7, 2026

William W. Knight Law Center | Many Nations Longhouse

12:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Check In (Wayne Morse Commons)
1:00 - 1:30 p.m. | Opening Remarks (Room 110)
1:30 - 1:45 p.m. | Break
1:45 - 2:45 p.m. | Panel #1: Perspectives from the Private Practice (Room 110)
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. | Break [light refreshments provided] (Wayne Morse Commons)
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Panel #2: Representing Tribal People(s) and Interests (Room 110)
4:15 - 5:15 p.m. | Keynote Address: Moving Beyond Acknowledgment (Room 110)
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. | Community Dinner & Closing Reception (Many Nations Longhouse)