Native Environmental Sovereignty Project

Fellows with the Native Environmental Sovereignty Project examine emerging Tribal roles in comanaging lands and resources. 

18th Annual Rennard Strickland Lecture 

13th Annual Indigenous Peoples Reception

Event flyer

Visit the following link to read the opening remarks as delivered by 2022-23 Native Environmental Sovereignty Project Fellow Chloe Tesch at the 13th Annual Indigenous People's Reception:

File 2023-ipr-land-acknowledgment-.pdf

These remarks were prepared in collaboration with ENR Program Assistant Madison Prue and with guidance from the Native American Law Student Association and the Many Nations Longhouse. Folks who choose to use these remarks as a land-acknowledgment reference should note that, rather than being rigidly formulaic, land acknowledgments require individual work and must evolve according to their context. 

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NESP Fellows 2023-24

Kiyava Deville - 3L 

Kiyava Deville, 3L

Kiyava was born in Ashland, Oregon, and moved to Eugene as a five-year-old. Since then, she has lived primarily in Eugene but also in Newport, Oregon, Texas, Spain, and South Korea. Growing up across these places helped Kiyava develop a deep appreciation for wildlife and nature. Growing up as a Tribal member further solidified this appreciation. Kiyava's understanding of the importance of the Earth's precious resources to Indigenous cultures led her to attend Oregon Law and focus her studies on environmental, Tribal, and Indian law. 

During her 1L summer, Kiyava gained real-world experience in environmental law by interning for Wildlands Network, a local nonprofit that aims to restore, reconnect, and rewild North America. This year, she is excited to serve as the Director of the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA). Through NALSA, Kiyava hopes to create a welcoming space for Indigenous law students and those interested in Tribal and Indian law. After graduation, she seeks to use her law degree to serve Tribal communities, either by working in Tribal law and Indian law, environmental law, or a combination of the three. 

Oprah Jerome - 3L

Oprah Jerome, 3L

Oprah grew up in South Florida with two former agricultural scientists as parents. Having been surrounded by people who shared a love for the environment, she, too, naturally grew up wanting to identify ways to make a positive impact on the Earth. As an undergraduate, Oprah attended Florida Atlantic University, where she majored in Political Science and earned a minor in Geoscience. She enrolled in law school hoping to leverage her understanding of the law to push for more environmentally friendly policies. 

Since starting at Oregon Law, Oprah has focused her studies on environmental and social justice. Having taken Indian Law and having served as the 1L representative for the Native American Law Student Association, she is excited to engage further as a Native Environmental Sovereignty Project Fellow. Outside of school, Oprah enjoys reading and spending time with her dogs and friends. 

Alexander Shadle - 2L

Alex Shadle, 2L

Alex grew up in the Rogue Valley of southern Oregon. He discovered his love for nature while exploring the rivers, forests, and mountains of his home. A "Double Duck," Alex attended the University of Oregon as an undergraduate, majoring in Religious Studies and History with a minor in Arabic. After graduating, Alex worked as an educator before finally returning to UO to pursue a law degree. During his first year at Oregon Law, Alex joined the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), participating in the Federal Indian Bar Association's national conference and supporting the Environmental and Natural Resources Law Center's annual Indigenous Peoples Reception. Now a 2L, he looks forward to exploring Indian Law, his role as a Native Environmental Sovereignty Project Fellow, and his responsibilities as NALSA's Treasurer. When he is not studying, Alex can be found at home baking or at the Junction City Pond practicing archery. 

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