Dot Lake Village v. Dená Nená Henash, D/b/a Tanana Chiefs Conference

Summary

The court affirmed dismissal of Dot Lake Village's suit against Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), holding that TCC qualifies for arm-of-the-tribe sovereign immunity under the five-factor framework and that neither the superior-sovereign nor ultra-vires exceptions permits the suit to proceed. The court also held that Dot Lake waived sovereign immunity as to prevailing-party attorney's fees by initiating the action. The opinion notes that the decision does not serve as precedent.