Tlingit & Haida invites new Staff Attorney Heidi Davis to join their team

In a significant move, the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska has appointed Heidi Davis as their new Staff Attorney for the Office of the President.

Born and raised in Sitka and Juneau, Heidi Davis has dedicated her academic journey and career to working with Alaska Native people. After graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and political science, she went on to obtain her juris doctor degree from the same university's School of Law, graduating in May 2021.

Before pursuing her law degree, Davis worked for the State of Alaska as an in-court clerk for the Juneau Trial Courts. She later began her service as a public defender.

Madeline Soboleff-Levy, general counsel for Tlingit & Haida, believes that Davis's appointment will help the Tribe achieve its goals of obtaining the legal support needed for self-governance and self-determination. Davis will provide legal counsel and representation to Tlingit & Haida in various areas, including tribal government, federal-tribal relations, federal-state relations, tribal jurisdiction, environmental and natural resources law and policy, economic development, employment, contracts, code drafting, and compliance.

President Richard Chalyee Eéesh Peterson of Tlingit & Haida expressed his encouragement at seeing graduates return home to work for their people. Heidi Davis, who is from the Raven Coho clan, is a great example of this, as she is eager to teach her children how to pick berries and fish in Southeast Alaska.

Davis's connection to her roots runs deep. She enjoys exploring tide pools and going on hikes in Juneau, activities she did as a kid while growing up in Southeast Alaska. Davis currently resides in the region and is thrilled about coming home to work for her people.

Davis began her service with the Tribes in January 2020. Her appointment marks a promising step forward in Tlingit & Haida's pursuit of self-governance and self-determination.