Matsch v. Prairie Island Indian Community

SPECIAL TERM OPINION

TOUSSAINT, Chief Judge.

FACTS

Respondent Sally Matseh is a former employee of appellant Prairie Island Indian Community (the Community). Matseh brought suit in Goodhue County District Court in August 1994. In December 1994, the district court determined (a) it had subject matter jurisdiction over the dispute, (b) the Community had waived its sovereign immunity, and (c) because the tribal courts had concurrent jurisdiction, Matseh was required to exhaust her tribal court remedies before pursuing her claims in the district court. Matseh’s claims were dismissed without…