Erick J. Giles

Erick Giles represents federally-recognized Tribal Nations, Indian families, and non-profit organizations. He concentrates his practice on a wide array of complex legal issues facing tribes, including federal Indian law, treaty rights, Tribal and individual land stewardship, state and federal regulations, commercial contracts, economic development, labor and employment, cannabis and alcohol regulations, and federal recognition. As a LEED-accredited professional with a technical understanding of environmental design, Erick delivers substantial value to his clients on land use and planning legal issues.

Erick brings a wealth of personal experience to his work. He is a citizen of the Mvskoke (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma from the Rekackv (Broken Arrow) Tribal Town and the Katcv (Big Cat/Tiger/Panther) Clan. When he was growing up, Erick’s family fought to keep their Broken Arrow land allotment from being sold and developed.

In his non-profit practice, Erick efficiently advises clients on non-profit organization development and management, and helps them to successfully navigate commercial transactions.

Erick is a recognized thought leader in the Indian law field. In 2016, he authored Indian Law Resource Center, Native Land Law: General Principles of Law Relating to Native Lands and Natural Resources, Lawyers ed. In 2015, he authored Climate Change Adaptation in Indian Country: Tribal Regulation of Reservation Lands and Natural Resources in the William Mitchell Law Review. Prior to joining Drummond Woodsum, Erick worked for the Indian Land Tenure Foundation concentrating on American Indian property rights and tribal economic development.

In his free time, Erick enjoys playing club league lacrosse, and he formerly played for the Haudenosaunee Nationals lacrosse team. He also gives back to the community through many organizations including the National Tribal Land Association, the Intertribal Tax Alliance, and the Haudenosaunee Nationals Development Group.