LAWRENCE — American Indian law scholars and advocates will gather in Lawrence this week to discuss legal issues surrounding Indian gaming. The 21st annual Tribal Law & Government Conference, "Indian Gaming in the 21st Century," will take place Friday, March 10, at the University of Kansas School of Law. The conference is open to the public.

“The 470-plus gaming facilities in Indian country grossed over $29 billion dollars in 2015,” said Elizabeth Kronk Warner, director of KU Law’s Tribal Law & Government Center. “The industry has a profound impact on Indian country and the entire nation. By discussing these important issues, KU Law is at the forefront of legal matters facing native communities.”

Jonodev Chaudhuri, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, will deliver the keynote address. A member of the Muscogee Creek tribe, Chaudhuri oversees the regulation of more than 450 Indian gaming facilities associated with nearly 242 tribes across 28 states. He formerly served as senior counselor to the Department of the Interior’s assistant secretary for Indian affairs, providing guidance on policy issues ranging from gaming, to economic development and energy, to tribal recognition.

Other presenters:

Richard Frias, partner, Frias Indian Law and Policy

partner, Frias Indian Law and Policy Steven Light, associate vice president for academic affairs and co-director, Institute for the Study of Tribal Gaming Law and Policy, University of North Dakota

associate vice president for academic affairs and co-director, Institute for the Study of Tribal Gaming Law and Policy, University of North Dakota Yonne Tiger, attorney at law

attorney at law Russ Brien, attorney, Brien Law LLC

attorney, Brien Law LLC Mark Dodd , executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency

, executive director, Kansas State Gaming Agency Kaighn Smith Jr., Drummond Woodsum, Attorneys at Law

Chaudhuri’s address will be followed by two panel discussions exploring hot topics in Indian gaming. The program will conclude with a presentation on ethical obligations in affirmative tribal sovereignty matters.

Six hours of CLE credit, including one hour of ethics, are approved in Kansas and Missouri. Preview the schedule on the conference website.