OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL

Mission

The OAG’s purpose is to assist the government to build its Nation, and to help its citizens improve their quality of life by providing sound legal advice to the Nation.

Services Provided

The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) provides legal advice to the Nation, including Executive Department Programs and Offices in addition to the Legislative Council and its Committees.  Attorneys from the OAG regularly appear in federal, state, and tribal court(s) to protect the Nation’s interests in legal proceedings.  For example, the OAG represents the Nation’s interests in Indian child welfare matters, water rights negotiations, gaming regulation, voting rights, environmental and sacred sites protection, and opioid litigation.

The OAG reviews and negotiates contracts, intergovernmental agreements, and memoranda of understanding with private parties and governmental entities. Additionally, the OAG drafts comments on proposed federal regulations and/or programs that implicate the Nation’s interests.  The OAG is also responsible for any other matters as directed by Legislative Council, including preparing resolutions and providing legal advice and opinions to Council and its Committees to assist them in conducting their business. 

The OAG is also charged with overseeing and advising the Nation on the compilation and adoption of a comprehensive code of the laws of the Nation as, in the Attorney General’s Opinion, are required for the orderly management of the Nation’s affairs and the regulation of persons and activities within the Nation.   

The Attorney General manages the OAG, which currently consists of a Deputy Attorney General, seven Assistant Attorneys General, a Legal Advocate, and support staff.  The Attorney General also manages the work of outside counsel and is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Nation’s Prosecutors’ Office, which consists of a Chief Prosecutor, an Assistant Chief Prosecutor, two prosecuting attorneys, victim rights advocates, and support staff.

Contact Us

Office of Attorney General
Office: (520)383-3410
Howard M. Shanker, Attorney General