Berkeley Law’s Center for Indigenous Law & Justice and Indigenous Journalists Association Launch National Collaboration
Berkeley, CA – March 26, 2026 – The Center for Indigenous Law & Justice (CILJ) at Berkeley Law and the Indigenous Journalists Association (IJA) have entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on advancing education at the intersection of journalism and Federal Indian Law.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening reporting that impacts Native Nations by increasing legal literacy, promoting accurate representation, and supporting culturally informed approaches to journalism.
Across Indian Country, issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, jurisdictional complexities, tribal water rights, gaming, child welfare, and natural resource protection demand informed, accurate, and sustained national coverage. Yet these issues are often shaped by complex legal frameworks – including tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and federal Indian law – which this partnership responds directly to by equipping journalists with the legal knowledge and context necessary to report with clarity, accuracy, and respect.
Through collaboration, CILJ and IJA will develop and deliver educational programming for journalists on key areas including federal Indian law, tribal sovereignty, jurisdiction, and best practices for reporting in and with Native Nations and tribal communities. The partnership will also create opportunities for dialogue between journalists, legal scholars, tribal leaders, and practitioners to deepen understanding of the complex legal and community issues shaping Indian Country.
“This partnership recognizes the critical role journalists play in shaping public understanding of Native Nations and tribal sovereignty,” said Merri Lopez-Keifer, Executive Director of the Center for Indigenous Law & Justice. “By working together, we can ensure that reporting on Indian Country is grounded in legal accuracy, cultural respect, and a deeper understanding of tribal governance.”
Rebecca Landsberry-Baker, Executive Director of the Indigenous Journalists Association, emphasized the importance of equipping journalists with the tools to report responsibility, “Journalists need access to clear, accurate information about Federal Indian law and tribal systems. This partnership helps meet that need while centering Indigenous perspectives and community-informed practices.”
The collaboration builds on prior work between the organizations, including a jointly hosted webinar in November 2025 that provided journalists with foundational training in Federal Indian Law. The program drew national participation and attention, including coverage by the Poynter Institute, underscoring the growing need for accessible, high-quality legal education for reporters covering Indigenous issues.
The agreement reflects the parties’ shared goal of improving the quality, accuracy, and integrity of reporting affecting Native Nations. Under the MOU, CILJ will provide subject-matter expertise and support curriculum development, while IJA will lead outreach to journalists and media organizations and assist with program delivery. Together, the organizations plan to offer webinars, workshops, conference programming, and co-developed educational resources.
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR INDIGENOUS LAW & JUSTICE AT BERKELEY LAW
The Center for Indigenous Law & Justice at Berkeley Law advances the study and practice of Federal Indian Law and Tribal Law through education, partnerships, and public engagement. As it grows, the Center is building a national platform to elevate Tribal Law in legal education and expand support for the sovereignty and self-determination of Native Nations.
ABOUT THE INDIGENOUS JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION
The Indigenous Journalists Association supports Indigenous journalists and promotes accurate, ethical, and culturally-informed coverage of Indigenous communities. IJA works to advance Indigenous representation in media and improve reporting on issues affecting Native Nations.
