Did you know…
Heyyy everyone! I’ve got a combo of sobering news and exciting news. The sobering news has to do with the government. They always seem to be on our backs, right? And that hasn’t changed at all. It’s 2021 and we’re STILL dealing with government injustice in regards to our people. I don’t know about you, but this is not worth the cost of admission. I want my money back. Since that isn’t likely to happen anytime soon, we’ll just start with a quick (and I do mean quick) summary of what the government can do with our land once we die.
Did you know that just by writing a will, you control who gets your land. You could will it to your tribe, your grandchildren, even your great-great-grandchildren even if they are non-Indian.
Did you know if you draw up a will, you control how your land is handled. You have control even after your death.
Did you know that just by drawing up a will, you are saving your family from conflict, confusion, and many times, the cost of legal fees.
Most people find it hard to talk about death on a personal level. The business of death makes that conversation even harder, but we need to talk about it. Without the conversation, you can’t control how you want to die, and if we neglect the business part of things, administrative nightmares can occur for your loved ones.
So start the conversation. Tell your family what you want. Call Ms Roberta Armstrong and explore your options with her. Estate planning, death and living wills, and power of attorney can solve a lot of problems. It’s hard enough for your loved ones to lose you, don’t make things harder for them.
Get involved by asking questions. Stay informed by continuing the conversation. Share information by telling everyone what you are learning. Take control!
Did you know I am accepting our Elder’s Jolette Bird Bear of the Fort Berthold Reservation Call to Action.
To know more about the injustice of the timing and method the Department is using in rolling out these new regulations, listen to the video on our Blog post: Elder’s Plea to Delay AIPRA Rulemaking during Pandemic.
These new rules will give Native Americans even less due process and protection for Indian landowners. It is vital that you be involved and learn what these new regulations mean for you and your future generations. The proposed changes and presentation materials can be found on our Blog page: AIPRA Proposed Rule Presentation Materials.
We hope you Join the Discussion by signing up for our Blog newsletter at www.NativeProbate.org. Get Involved, Stay Informed, and Share Information.
For your FREE Indian Will, please visit our Blog page: Free Indian Wills Until March 8, 2021.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Attorney Roberta Armstrong at Roberta@IndianWillsOnWheels.org
- Mari Lopez
I am Wambli Wakita Wiyan of the Four Feathers clan of the Lakota Nation. I am trying to help the tribal community by Joining the Discussion.
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Unfortunately the lady is wrong. My significant left a will, declared valid by the probate judge as well as the tribal probate judge. After 8+ years I am waiting for their decision to give it to his relative, who was excluded in his will or to his gift to me. His will is being ignored.
Thank you Ms. Renee for your comments. We know the Office of Hearing and Appeal who handles Indian Probate are slow, but we had idea 8+ years!!! That’s a long time to settle an estate. Thank you sharing. This is the type of information we need to share with the Department. Will the new proposed changes to the regulations address your experience…?
Oh Ms. Renee, I’m so glad you responded!!!! 8 Years!!! I’m so sorry you’re going through all this. Hard enough to lose a lifelong mate, but to have to deal with the governmental machine on top of that? Ridiculous.
Really, though. I’m glad you posted this information. NativeProbate.org is collecting information so we can address these issues. I sincerely hope that the proposed changes will address this issue, and I know Ms. Roberta Armstrong will do everything in her power to deal with it in the best way she knows how.
Please, keep us informed on how else we can help.
The complete list of proposed changes can be found here: http://www.FederalRegister.gov
You can summit your comment on the proposed changes directly to the Department here: FederalRegisterCommentPage
If you have any questions or comments, she can be reached at Roberta@IndianWillsOnWheels.org
The Government moves at a snail’s pace, regardless if you have a last will and testament. Especially when there are issues in the probate like contesting the will for example.
My nephew is the oldest grandchild and he has an adopted Aunt from a different tribe. There was no will and this unenrolled Aunt has everything. What can my nephew do?
The complexity of Indian land is that the probate law is based on here the allotted land of the deceased is located, i.e., what reservation? AIPRA allows for adopted children to be treated as children. However with an Indian Will one can decide what and who gets their property. For your FREE Indian Will, please visit our Blog page: Free Indian Wills Until March 8, 2021, the deadline to comment on the proposed AIPRA regulations.