WHO WAS THIS COURSE CREATED FOR?

The Law of People and Place is a week-long field course in natural resource and Indian law, offered in collaboration with the University of Montana's Blewett School of Law‘s 17th annual Summer American Indian and Indigenous Law Program. The field course is cross-listed for graduate credit in the University of Montana’s Master of Public Administration Program and open to students in Native American studies, journalism, environmental studies, social work and others who are interested. Attorney and practitioner participation in this field course may be available, depending on the number of qualifying students.

The Law of People and Place is a good fit for people who are...

• excited to do serious learning outside, in community, while moving through a wild landscape.
• interested in exploring the nexus of culture, geography, and the law, through experience and dialog.
• curious and open to new ideas and adventures.
• willing to contribute positively to a diverse group.

ABOUT THE FIELD COURSE

This place-based learning experience focuses on the Salmon and Lochsa River systems and the myriad natural resource, environmental, governmental, legal, policy, and practical issues embedded in the region. We approach these issues by immersing ourselves in the place and working to understand the ways in which law and policy interact with it. Aside from the course faculty, students will hear from tribal representatives, private conservationists, federal land managers, and other stakeholders involved in management of the Nez Perce region. Themes explored include the myth and reality of public lands; tribe-inclusive forest planning, wildlife management across jurisdictions; wilderness; water law; cooperative management; and the intersection of tribal rights, sovereignty, and interests with federal, state, and private interests - both historical and continuing.

COURSE AGENDA TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON

COURSE DETAILS

Your program cost includes:

• the fully accredited course, materials, and associated academic credits (Note that the University of Montana charges an additional credit processing fee, payable through CyberBear.)
• all meals and snacks from dinner Day 1 through lunch Day 7
• professional, licensed river guides, boats, gear, and all river safety gear
• all permitting + access fees

Because we believe teachers and students need regenerative outdoor experiences more than most, Freeflow always extends a small discount to contracted educators and enrolled students. We also offer a small discount to our alumni. Because we believe in paying our instructors, facilitators, support staff, and guides an equitable wage, we do not offer individual discounts that compromise the integrity of those wages. If you need financial support, please consider applying for our scholarships.

Space on this adventure is limited to 12 participants. We will close registration once the roster is full. Please apply early. Registration is also subject to instructor approval, based on review of the applicant’s essay (not more than 500 words) describing their interest in the course.

Participants must bring their own camping gear (tent + sleeping bag + sleeping pad). These items may be rented from UM’s Campus Recreation Outdoor Program or, in the case of tents, borrowed from Freeflow. (Please tell us if you need any camping gear and we will help you track it down!)

We encourage you to seek additional financial support from your organization or employer, as Freeflow courses may be taken for professional development or continuing education. 

STUDENTS | subsidized student price is $2249 for the full field course

PRACTITIONERS | $3249 for practicing attorneys, educators, administrators, journalists, and other professionals

Guide gratuities are not included in the program cost. We strongly suggest giving your river guides some love, and we are happy to discuss norms for tipping – just ask.

All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Payment plans are available. Payments can be made by mailing in a good old-fashioned check, or by credit card or bank transfer via our online payment system. Read more about the registration process and payment options here.

CLAIM YOUR SPACE

Reinvigorate your learning or work and build creative community this summer. Click APPLY NOW to begin your adventure. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION TO THE LAW OF PEOPLE AND PLACE.

Registration for this field course is subject to instructor approval, based on review of a personal essay of 500 words or less. We strongly suggest you type your essay elsewhere, save it, and then copy and paste into the proper field of this electronic application.

Here's what you'll be asked to write: "Please describe your interest in the course. Be sure to share with us why this field course is essential for YOU, your work, your education, and / or your personal development."