The Team OSA News Channel

October 8, 2018

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OSA congratulates one of its founders and partners, Francisco Olea, who was awarded the Shannon Bybee Scholarship for his article on PASPA and its legal implications on Indian gaming.  Every year, the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) "awards prizes for the best scholarly research papers written on relevant gaming topics by accredited law school students." This year, Olea was one of two who were chosen to receive the Shannon Bybee Award for his article, “The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act and its Legal Implications: How Its Invalidation Will Impact Indian Gaming’s Legal and Regulatory Framework." 

Austin had this to say about Olea: "Frank never ceases to amaze me with his knowledge of gaming, which is rooted in years upon years of experience working in the gaming industry. That kind of knowledge is rare to see, and thus, Frank brings exactly what we were looking for when we founded OSA--practicality and experience. We are very fortunate to have him as a colleague, partner, and Sai (Yaqui word meaning "brother"). He's been out of law school for just a few months and already he's accepting awards! I've been out for awhile now and all I've received is backlash and criticism!" 

Olea will accept his award in Las Vegas on October 8, 2018. Again, congratulations to Frank, our  partner and Sai, who embodies everything OSA stands for!

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IAGA Announcement can be viewed here: https://www.theiaga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=163:iaga-announces-2018-shannon-bybee-scholarship-recipients&catid=22:press-release

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July 28, 2018

Joseph Austin and Antonio Solorzano traveled to the Mingus Mountains near Prescott Valley Saturday morning to speak to students. About 30 students participated in a camp this year called "Protecting Our Lands," hosted at the James 4-H Camp and Learning Center. Students represented over 10 Native Nations and learned about various topics such as tribal sovereignty, culture, law, policy, and leadership.

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Mr. Austin and Mr. Solorzano spoke to students about the realities of working in Indian Country, what it takes to succeed in life, financial literacy, and urged students to embrace who they are.

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Mr. Solorzano summed up the talk: "It's great to see kids doing this kind of stuff. If there's one thing I hope to impress upon the minds of these students, it's financial literacy and a view, no matter how dark it is, of the real world. I want to show them that there's a way to deal with the problems in Indian Country, and I think it's through the rule of law, changing it, influencing it, finding the holes. That's our job as attorneys."

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Mr. Austin had this to say, "When I was a student, I noticed that most professors taught like they spoke the word of God, expecting all their students to adopt their way of thinking and methods, like zombies. My professors taught me, expecting I'd become one of their zombies, but instead I became a wolf. If there's one method that I did learn from my professors, it's that if you want to make change, your best chance of doing so is by influencing the up and coming students, the future leaders. So when I do these presentations, I stand in front of students, look at their faces, and wonder who be the next one to join my wolf pack? Who will stand with me in the fight to save Indian Country?"

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Francisco Olea unfortunately could not participate in the talk due to unforeseen circumstances. We wish him and his family well. Like his partners, Mr. Olea remains dedicated to the empowerment of Native youth.

March 23-24, 2018

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Today, Team OSA arrives at Casino del Sol to help kick off the conference "All Roads Lead to Chaco Canyon."  OSA was one of the conference sponsors; it donated the conference swag and team members participated as speakers and panelists.

The conference was hosted by the University of Arizona College of Law and organized by Joseph Austin, Adam Crepelle, and Nancy Stanley. Many late nights and early mornings went into the creation of this event, which is perhaps the first of its kind. Mr. Austin and Mr. Crepelle had this to say about their conference, "We hope this will be one of many in the years to come, as these ideas will plant the seeds for a much-needed, new form of economic development in Indian Country. This year the road leads to Chaco Canyon, next year maybe it will lead to Cahokia, then Etzanoa, and eventually the World Trade Organization."

Many student volunteers donated their time and energy to helping make the conference a reality: Darrah Blackwater, Duane Cardenas, Zachary Forman, and Matthew Ramirez. Likewise, the following professors contributed much input into the planning and organization of the conference: Professor Melissa Tatum and Professor Rebecca Tsosie. Lastly, the conference would not be possible without the generous contribution and support of Dean Marc Miller of the University of Arizona College of Law. Dean Miller has continually demonstrated his support of the law college's students and alumni. Moreover, Dean Miller remains dedicated to supporting indigenous peoples right and education of indigenous peoples worldwide.