Laying the Foundation:
Strengthening Court Practices Under VAWA
A TUITION-FREE EVENT BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE COW CREEK BAND OF UMPQUA TRIBE OF INDIANS & OJS TRIBAL JUSTICE SUPPORT
March 4-5, 2026
Starting at 9:00 am at Seven Feathers Casino & Resort
Please join us for expert-led, practice-driven sessions focused on strengthening domestic violence responses across systems.
Day 1, March 4 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
AGENDA AT A GLANCE
AZALEA AND BIRCH CONFERENCE ROOMS
BREAKFAST | 8:30-9:30 am
Welcoming & Traditional Opening | 9:00-9:15 am
Opening Prayer
Building Effective Multi-Disciplinary Teams
Leila Edwards
Attorney, Guardian ad Litem Services
BREAK | 10:45 am-11:00 am
Bridging Tradition and Law: Cultural Considerations in Tribal Court Cases
Gina South
Juvenile Division Chief, Assistant Prosecutor, Choctaw Nation
LUNCH | 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
How to Advocate for Tribal Children in the State Juvenile Justice System and/or Start Doing it Yourself
Addie Smith
Senior Consultant, The Whitener Group
BREAK | 3:00 pm-3:15 pm
Panel | 3:15 pm-4:45 pm
Perspectives from the Bench: The Art of Appellate Court Review
Moderator: Judge Ron Whitener
Panelists: Judge Lisa Atkinson
Judge Cheryl Fairbanks
Wrap Up | 4:45 pm-5:00 pm
Evening Activity | 6:30 pm-8:00 pm
t’ǘl [t’-OOL]- Bone Dice Game
End of Day 1
Day 2, March 5 | 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
BREAKFAST | 8:30 am-9:30 am
Day 1 Reflections | 9:00 am-9:15 am
Full Faith and Credit under VAWA: Drafting Effective Tribal Court Orders
Tim Simmons
General Counsel, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians
BREAK | 10:45 am-11:00 am
LUNCH | 12:30 pm-1:30 pm
Inside the Courtroom: Best Practices in Tribal Court
Hon. Ron Whitener (Squaxin Island Tribe)
Chief Judge for the Tulalip Tribes (retired), Co-Owner of The Whitener Group
CLOSING | 3:00 pm-3:30 pm
End of Training
Continuing Education
Those who intend on receiving credits must sign in and sign out with their accurate contact information at registration.
Questions or need a certificate of completion? Email trainings@whitenergroup.biz after the event.
CLE'S PENDING APPROVAL
OREGON
10.5 CEU CREDITS APPROVED
Book Your Stay at Seven Feathers Casino & Resort
March 3-5, 2026
146 Chief Miwaleta Ln, Canyonville, OR 97417
Room Block Deadline Has Passed.
If you would still like to book a room, just not with the govt. rate, please visit their website: link
