Youvella v. Dallas

OPINION ANO ORDER

This case concerns the applicability of the doctrine of sovereign immunity to the actions of the Tribal Treasurer. We conclude that it does not apply because the Tribal Council did not formally direct such actions and the Tribal Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this case.

FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND 1

On July 13, 1992, the Kikmongwi of the First Mesa Consolidated Villages, Ebin W. Leslie, certified Steven Youvella and Richard Nayatewa (“Appellants”) as councilmen to the Hopi Tribal Council pursuant to the requirements of Article IV, Section 4 of the Hopi Tribal…