Michigan Indian Legal Services

06/04/2026

On the first day it is legally allowed, Consumers Energy has requested to raise power rates $456 million. It’s the utility’s largest ask in more than 20 years – for the second year in a row.

06/03/2026

Do you know a northern MI business, organization or non-profit leader that deserves to be recognized and celebrated? Nominate them today for your nominee's chance to be honored with a feature profile in our upcoming 5th Annual 'Leaders of Northern MI' publication! https://www.record-eagle.com/nmileaders

06/02/2026

Hey Detroit community! 📢 We are seeking a new team member for our Youth Program. Let’s build a stronger future for our youth, together. 🪶
Tag someone who may want to join the team!
✨ See flier for more details.

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

06/02/2026

We are currently accepting applications for a Racial Justice Attorney position at our Ypsilanti office. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and dynamic attorney to take a lead role in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and coalition-building to advance a statewide race equity and justice agenda that will address structural racism in laws, policies and practices that lead to and keep communities of color in conditions of poverty.

For more information, please visit mplp.org/jobs. Applications are due Friday, June 26.

06/02/2026

Happy Pride month!

Legal Protections for the Two Spirit Members of our Communities

06/02/2026

Today marks the 102nd anniversary of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924, also known as the Snyder Act, which granted U.S. citizenship to Native Americans born in the United States.

This history is deeply connected to NCAI’s own legacy of advancing Native citizenship. In 1923, Ruth Muskrat Bronson, a Cherokee Nation citizen, young student, and advocate, addressed President Calvin Coolidge at the White House and called for Native Americans to be recognized as U.S. citizens while preserving “the best that is our own civilization.” The following year, President Coolidge signed the Indian Citizenship Act into law. Decades later, Bronson went on to serve as NCAI’s first Executive Secretary, Treasurer, editor of The Washington Bulletin, and a lifelong advocate for Tribal Nations.

However, federal law did not immediately guarantee full civic participation. Many Native people continued to be denied access to the ballot in states across the country. Miguel Trujillo, an activist, veteran, and citizen of Isleta Pueblo, was instrumental in the 1948 landmark case Trujillo v. Garley, which helped secure voting rights for Tribal citizens in New Mexico. Still, attacks on Native voting rights continue today.

As we reflect on this history, NCAI honors the generations of Native leaders, veterans, advocates, and communities who fought for citizenship, equal access to voting, self-determination, and the protection of Tribal sovereignty.

We also thank those who continue this work today to ensure access to the ballot box, full participation in the democratic process, and protection of the fundamental rights of Tribal citizens.