Sovereignty Symposium

Founded in 1988, Sovereignty Symposium is hosted by Oklahoma City University School of Law and Oklahoma City University.

“Inter-Tribal Ladies of Justice”
By Gordon Yellowman

2026 Keynote Panel

A historic assembly of five Native American U.S. District Court judges will headline Sovereignty Symposium XXXVIII, convening in Oklahoma City in June for a groundbreaking examination of ethical leadership and the protection of sovereignty through the federal bench.

This year’s event will be highlighted by a keynote panel discussion titled “Ethical Leadership: Honoring Sovereignty from the Bench.” The session will bring together a distinguished group of Native American federal judges to discuss the intersection of judicial ethics, leadership and tribal sovereignty.

Panelists:

• Honorable Sara E. Hill (Cherokee), U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma
• Honorable Ada Brown (Choctaw), U.S. District Court judge for the Northern District of Texas
• Honorable Lauren King (Muscogee (Creek)), U.S. District Court judge for the Western District of Washington
• Honorable Diane J. Humetewa (Hopi), U.S. District Court judge for the District of Arizona
• Honorable Sunshine S. Sykes (Navajo), U.S. District Court judge for the Central District of California

Thank you to our 2025 sponsors!