On October 21, 2025, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit heard argument in Tix v. Tix. NARF Staff Attorney Leonard Powell delivered exceptionally strong advocacy, clearly laying out why the case belongs in Tribal court. As Powell emphasized, “The question is whether there is concurrent Tribal jurisdiction over a divorce that involves the distribution of Tribal resources and the care and custody of Tribal children, where the state has recognized that the Tribal court is the more appropriate forum.”
At its core, the case asks the court to affirm Tribal jurisdiction in matters that directly impact Tribal citizens, Tribal resources, and the well-being of Tribal children: areas where Tribal courts have long held expertise and inherent authority.
Following the hearing, the court will consider the arguments presented and determine whether the Tribal court possesses jurisdiction. A decision affirming Tribal jurisdiction would not only ensure that this family’s case is heard in the most culturally appropriate and legally sound venue, but it would also reinforce the broader recognition of Tribal courts’ authority in family law matters.
You can listen to the hearing on the court’s website.
Learn more about Tix’s efforts to defend Tribal court jurisdiction.
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