10 Most Influential Native American Lawyers and Scholars

Published in

Heritage Digest

13 min readJun 2, 2024

The contributions of many influential lawyers enrich the history of Native American law. These individuals have played pivotal roles in advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Native American tribes. Their work has left an indelible mark on legal and cultural landscapes. Here are ten of the most influential Native American lawyers throughout history:

Charles F. Wilkinson (1941-Present)
John Echohawk (1945-Present)
Vine Deloria Jr. (1933–2005)
Evelyne Bradley (1925–2013)
Michael Burrage (1950-Present)
John Martin (1784– 1840)
Ada E. Deer (1935–2023)
Larry Echo Hawk (1948-Present)
Carol Jean Vigil (1947–2009)
Arvo Mikkanen (1961-present)

1. Charles F. Wilkinson (1941-Present)

Charles F. Wilkinson, born on July 29, 1941, emerged as a prominent figure in American legal circles, particularly in environmental law, Native American rights, and public land policy. His upbringing and educational background played a significant role in shaping his career. Wilkinson completed his B.A. at Denison University in 1963 and earned his LL.B. from Stanford University in 1966. This strong academic foundation set the stage for his diverse and impactful career.

Wilkinson’s career is marked by significant achievements and contributions to law, especially concerning environmental issues and Native American rights. He was admitted to Arizona, California, and Oregon state bars and served in various legal capacities. He was an associate at Phoenix and San Francisco law firms and a staff attorney at the Native American Rights Fund in Boulder. His academic career was equally notable, with professorships at the University of Oregon and the University of Colorado School of Law. Wilkinson’s work extended beyond academia as he played key roles in various organizations and government departments, mediating negotiations and contributing to policy development.

His major achievements are rooted in his profound impact on legal education and policy. Wilkinson authored several influential books and articles, shaping discourse in federal Indian law, public land and resources law, and environmental policy. His dedication to teaching was recognized with multiple excellence awards. He also contributed significantly to the legal status of Native American tribes, advocating for a balance between sovereign independence and the practical limitations these communities face. Wilkinson’s work reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development, respectful treatment of natural resources, and Native American rights, leaving a lasting legacy in legal scholarship and practice.

2. John Echohawk (1945-Present)

John E. Echohawk, born on August 12, 1945, into the Pawnee tribe, is a notable Native American attorney and a pivotal figure in the self-determination movement for Native Americans. His journey began with his birth into a Pawnee family, where he was raised with a strong connection to his tribal roots. This upbringing undoubtedly influenced his later dedication to Native American legal and political issues.

Echohawk’s educational achievements are significant, particularly his distinction as the first Native American to graduate from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1970. This milestone set the foundation for his career, where he dedicated his legal expertise to advancing and protecting Native American rights. His journey in law was a personal triumph and inspired his younger brother, Larry Echohawk, to pursue a similar path in law and politics.

As a lawyer, Echohawk’s major accomplishments are deeply intertwined with his advocacy for Native American rights. He was a founding member of the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) in 1970, a non-profit law firm akin to the NAACP in its civil rights activism. Under his guidance, NARF focused on key issues such as preserving tribal existence, protecting resources, and promoting human rights. Echohawk’s work has led to significant legal victories, including the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. His ongoing contributions to the field were recognized in August 2023 when he was honored with the American Bar Association’s Thurgood Marshall Award, a testament to his enduring impact on legal advocacy for indigenous communities.

3. Vine Deloria Jr. (1933–2005)

Vine Victor Deloria Jr., born on March 26, 1933, near the Oglala Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in Martin, South Dakota, emerged as a prominent Native American author, theologian, historian, and activist. His early life on the reservation, under his father's influence, Vine Victor Deloria Sr., an Episcopal archdeacon and missionary, and his mother, Barbara Sloat, provided a rich cultural and spiritual foundation. This background undoubtedly influenced his later work and dedication to Native American rights and issues.

Deloria’s educational journey was diverse and profound. After attending reservation schools and graduating from Kent School in 1951, he completed a degree in general science at Iowa State University in 1958. Initially intending to follow in his father’s footsteps in the ministry, Deloria earned a theology degree in 1963. However, his path turned toward law, and he graduated from the University of Colorado Law School in 1970. This transition marked the beginning of his significant contributions to Native American legal and political advocacy.

Throughout his career, Deloria made substantial contributions to Native American rights and legal issues. As the executive director of the National Congress of American Indians from 1964 to 1967, he was pivotal in revitalizing the organization and significantly increasing its tribal membership. His involvement in establishing the Institute of American Indian Law and the Institute for the Development of Indian Law was crucial in providing legal training and assistance to Native American tribes and courts. Deloria’s expertise was further highlighted in his role as an expert witness in the Wounded Knee Trials in 1974, where his testimony contributed to the recognition of the Sioux Treaty of 1868. His academic career and activism positioned him as a leading voice in the discussion of Native American rights and sovereignty. After retiring in May 2000, Deloria persisted in his writing and speaking engagements. He passed away on November 13, 2005, in Golden, Colorado, due to an aortic aneurysm.

4. Evelyne Bradley (1925–2013)

Evelyne E. Bradley, born on March 1, 1925, in Fort Defiance, Arizona, was a trailblazing Navajo judge and one of the first women to hold this position within the Navajo Nation. Her upbringing in Cross Canyon near Ganado, Arizona, deeply rooted in the Navajo clan traditions of Bitter Water born for Towering House, and her grandparents’ clans of Red House People and Cliff Dwellers People, shaped her connection to her heritage. She completed her education at North Phoenix High School and the Haskell Institute, now Haskell Indian Nations University, laying the groundwork for her future legal career.

Bradley’s career was marked by a dedication to both the U.S. and Navajo governments. Before ascending to the judiciary, she worked in various capacities, including for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Office of Navajo Economic Opportunity, and the Navajo Housing Authority. Her role as a court reporter further solidified her path toward becoming a judge. In 1984, she made history by becoming a Navajo Nation district judge, serving in the judicial districts of Ramah Navajo Indian Reservation, Tuba City, and Kayenta, Arizona, until her retirement in 1995.

After retiring from the Navajo Nation bench, Bradley continued her legal service as an elected Justice of the Peace for Navajo County, Arizona. Her tenure was distinguished by significant contributions to the Navajo Nation, including administering the oath of office to President Joe Shirley, Jr., for his second term in 2007. Evelyne Bradley passed away on May 21, 2013, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer for women in the legal profession within the Navajo Nation, along with a large and loving family. Her life and career are a testament to her dedication to justice and community.

5. Michael Burrage (1950-Present)

Billy Michael Burrage, more commonly known as Michael Burrage, was born on June 9, 1950, into a Choctaw family in Durant, Oklahoma. As an enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation, his upbringing was deeply influenced by his tribal heritage. He pursued higher education at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1971 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1974. Burrage’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for his distinguished career in law.

Notable private practice and federal judicial service achievements characterize Burrage’s professional life. He began his career at the Stamper and Burrage law firm in Antlers, Oklahoma, where he worked until 1994. That year marked a significant transition in his career when President Bill Clinton appointed him as a federal district judge for Oklahoma’s district courts. Burrage’s tenure as a judge was highlighted by his appointment as Chief Judge of the Eastern District of Oklahoma in 1996, serving all three courts until his retirement in 2001.

After retiring from federal judicial service, Burrage returned to private practice and significantly contributed to the legal field. He founded the Burrage Law Firm PLLC with his family, demonstrating a commitment to the legal profession and family enterprises. Burrage also became a Managing Partner at the Whitten Burrage Law Firm, further expanding his legal expertise. Notably, he represented the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma as general counsel and ambassador to the U.S. government, showcasing his deep connection to Native American roots and ability to bridge tribal and federal legal matters. His family, including his brother Steve, a former Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspector, and his son Sean, who served in the Oklahoma Senate and as President of Southeastern Oklahoma State University, reflects his legacy’s continuation in public service and education.

6. John Martin (1784–1840)

John Martin, a distinguished judge of the Cherokee Tribal Court, was born in 1784. His unique heritage as one-eighth Cherokee, with blond hair and blue eyes, set him apart in his community. Despite lacking formal legal training, Martin was appointed one of the first judges on the Cherokee Tribal Court in 1822. His service extended until 1828, and he was addressed as Judge Martin for the rest of his life. He also served as Treasurer for the Cherokee Nation and was a key figure in the Cherokee Constitutional Convention, establishing a national government for the tribe.

His mixed heritage influenced Martin’s early life. His mother, Susannah Emory, was one-quarter Cherokee and raised within the tribe. His father, John Martin Sr., was a trader and a captain in the American Revolution. Raised in this culturally rich environment, John Martin Jr. received a home education from a tutor hired by his father. Following the deaths of his parents, Martin continued his formal education away from home, laying the groundwork for his future in leadership and law.

Significant changes marked Martin’s life in Georgia. Inheriting a fortune from his father, he established a home in White County, Georgia, before 1818. His involvement in the Cherokee delegation to Washington, D.C., and as a signer of the Calhoun Treaty in 1819 demonstrated his early engagement in tribal and national affairs. The Indian Removal Act of 1830, however, dramatically affected his life, leading to the loss of his Georgia homes and a move to Indian Territory in 1837. In Indian Territory, Martin was elected as the first Chief Justice of the Cherokee Supreme Court in 1839, a position he held until he died in 1840. His leadership and legal contributions during this turbulent period were crucial to the Cherokee Nation’s efforts to establish and maintain its sovereignty and legal system.

7. Ada E. Deer (1935–2023)

Ada Elizabeth Deer, a prominent member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, was born on August 7, 1935, in Keshena, Wisconsin. Growing up on an Indian reservation, Deer was deeply rooted in her Menominee heritage. Her educational journey took her to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1957 and a Master of Social Work from the New York School of Social Work in 1961. Her commitment to social work led her to serve with the Peace Corps in Puerto Rico and later work as a Menominee social worker, bridging her understanding of social issues with her tribal identity.

Deer’s advocacy for Native American rights was a significant aspect of her career. Returning to the Midwest after completing her graduate studies, she settled in Minneapolis, where she became a vocal advocate for Native Americans in urban areas. Her activism was crucial during the era of federal termination of tribes, particularly in her opposition to the Menominee Termination Act of 1954. As a leader of DRUMS, Deer fought against the detrimental effects of tribal termination and played a key role in regaining federal recognition and sovereignty for the Menominee tribe, culminating in the Menominee Restoration Act signed by President Nixon in 1973.

In the federal government, Deer’s impact was profound. Appointed Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs by President Bill Clinton in 1993, she became the first woman to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs, where she served until 1997. Significant contributions to the rights and welfare of Native Americans marked her tenure. It included roles such as a delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Committee and Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Deer’s leadership and commitment to improving the lives of Native Americans and strengthening tribal governments were widely recognized and celebrated throughout her career. She passed away on August 15, 2023, leaving a legacy of advocacy and service.

8. Larry Echo Hawk (1948-Present)

Larry J. Echo Hawk, born on August 2, 1948, in Cody, Wyoming, is a distinguished American attorney, legal scholar, and politician deeply rooted in his Pawnee Nation heritage. His upbringing in a family involved in the oil and gas industry, with a move to Farmington, New Mexico, before starting first grade, significantly shaped his perspectives. His education began at Brigham Young University on a football scholarship, where he earned degrees in physical education and zoology and later served in the United States Marine Corps. Echo Hawk then pursued law, obtaining a Juris Doctor from the University of Utah and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

A series of pioneering achievements mark Echo Hawk’s legal career. Beginning his career with California Indian Legal Services, he eventually opened his practice in Salt Lake City, Utah. His legal expertise led him to serve as general legal counsel for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Fort Hall, Idaho, and as a special prosecutor for the Navajo Nation. His political career flourished in Idaho, where he served two terms in the Idaho House of Representatives, was elected Bannock County prosecuting attorney, and made history as the first Native American elected Attorney General of Idaho.

Echo Hawk’s contributions to Native American issues have been significant. Appointed by President Obama as the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs, he played a crucial role in increasing land held in trust for Native American tribes and implementing the Tribal Law and Order Act. His involvement in various boards and councils, including the Coordinating Council on Juvenile Justice and the American Indian Community Resource Center, underscores his commitment to Native American rights and justice. As of 2022, Echo Hawk continues to influence policy and legal matters, serving as special counsel on Native American affairs in the administration of Utah Governor Gary Herbert.

9. Carol Jean Vigil (1947 - 2009)

Carol Jean Vigil, born on October 24, 1947, pioneered the American judiciary. As a member of the Pueblo people, Vigil’s upbringing and heritage played a significant role in her career. She achieved a notable first by becoming the first Native American woman elected as a state district judge in the United States and the first female Native American state court judge in New Mexico. Her education, completed at the University of New Mexico, where she received both her bachelor’s and law degrees, laid the foundation for her trailblazing legal career.

Vigil’s legal journey began with her being the first Pueblo woman admitted to the New Mexico state bar. She initially worked for the Indian Pueblo Legal Services Inc., demonstrating her commitment to serving her community. Her career progressed as she took on roles such as Assistant Attorney General under New Mexico Attorney General Jeff Bingaman. She entered private law practice in the mid-1980s, notably serving the Tesuque Pueblo people. Vigil also authored the original tribal codes for the Taos and Tesuque Pueblos, reflecting her deep involvement in Native American legal matters.

As a state judge in New Mexico’s 1st Judicial District, Vigil made significant contributions to the legal system. Sworn in in June 1998, she became known for her critical rulings, including upholding state court jurisdiction over tort claims filed by customers of Native American gambling enterprises. Her commitment to justice and fairness was evident in her approach to cases, particularly those involving child support and domestic violence. Despite retiring in 2005 due to health concerns, her impact on the legal field, especially for Native American communities, remains profound. Carol Jean Vigil passed away on March 27, 2009, leaving a legacy as a dedicated and groundbreaking jurist.

10. Arvo Mikkanen (1961-present)

Arvo Quoetone Mikkanen, born in April 1961, has made significant strides as a legal professional with Native American heritage. His educational journey began with an A.B. magna cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1983, where he received numerous academic awards. He continued his legal education at Yale Law School, graduating in 1986. Mikkanen’s Native American (Kiowa, Comanche) and Finnish descent have played a pivotal role in his career and his contributions to indigenous legal matters.

Mikkanen’s legal experience is both extensive and diverse. Beginning his career with clerkships for Judge Lawrence S. Margolis and Judge Robert M. Parker, he has been a federal prosecutor since 1994, handling various cases from violent crimes to administrative law. His involvement in over 750 cases in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma highlights his significant role in federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases. Before this, he was an associate attorney at the Andrews Davis law firm, demonstrating his proficiency in various legal domains.

In addition to his prosecutorial work, Mikkanen has held notable judicial positions. He served as a judge of the Court of Indian Offenses for the Anadarko Area Tribes and as chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. Numerous published opinions marked his contributions to these roles. Mikkanen’s recognition in the field is further evidenced by several awards and honors, reflecting his commitment to justice and protecting Native American children. His teaching activities and service as president of the Oklahoma Indian Bar Association for over 30 years demonstrate his dedication to legal education and advocacy for Native American rights.