ATHENS, MI – Travis Trueblood has been appointed Associate Justice Pro Tempore of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Supreme Court. An enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Trueblood will fill a vacancy created by an expired term of office.
“Justice Travis Trueblood is a distinguished attorney who has expertise in federal Indian law,” said NHBP Chief Justice Leander Bergen. “We look forward to serving with him.”
Trueblood was sworn in on June 15, 2023, by the NHBP Tribal Court for a six-year term of office that is effective immediately.
With decades of experience representing tribes, corporations, non-profits and individuals, Trueblood understands the legal issues unique to tribes and sovereignty. To meet the specialized legal needs of Native American tribes and their stakeholders, he provides advocacy on a broad range of Indian law issues in federal courts and in proceedings before federal agencies.
Trueblood serves as a Major in the West Virginia Air National Guard, and is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He volunteers throughout the year mentoring Native attorneys and as an advocate for children in immigration removal proceedings. Trueblood’s prior experience includes positions as a federal law enforcement officer and as a Special United States Attorney in the Middle District of Florida and the District of Maryland. He is a licensed attorney in Florida, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Texas.
“I am honored to be selected to serve in such a trusted capacity,” said Trueblood. “I will do my absolute best to honor the Seven Grandfather Teachings while carrying out the duties of the office.”
The mission of the NHBP Tribal Court is to implement the delegation of Constitutional judicial authority from the people of the tribe consistent with self-determination, the sovereign powers of the Nation, traditional values, fairness and justice.
