Physical Address
357 Agency Rd,
Lapwai, ID 83540
For more than three decades, Julie S. Kane has been a steady and trusted presence within the Nez Perce Tribe, offering legal guidance, mentorship, and leadership across multiple Tribal departments. Kane has officially retired effective December 31, 2025, concluding 34 years of dedicated service to the Nez Perce people.
Kane’s professional journey with the Tribe began when Doug Nash encouraged her to move to Lapwai and join the Tribal legal team. At the time, she was practicing as an Assistant Attorney General in Washington and her husband, Dan Kane, was working for CRITFC. The opportunity brought the couple home to Lapwai, beginning what Julie describes as “a new start” both personally and professionally.
Commitment to High, Quality Representation
During her tenure, Kane became known throughout Indian Country for her steadfast commitment to high, quality legal work and her deep respect for the Tribe’s sovereignty, values, and history. She shares that the Tribe’s reputation for excellence is one of the accomplishments she is most proud of.
“Our documents are high quality, whether it’s a memo, research paper, or court filing,” she said. “People across Indian Country know who the Nez Perce Tribe is, and they know the high level of work the Tribe produces.”
Kane credits former members of the Office of Legal Counsel team, including Doug Nash, Rebecca Craven, Heidi Gudgell, and many others, for shaping the office into what it is today. She also acknowledged the colleagues she leaves in charge, noting she has “no doubt” they will continue to provide the well, respected representation the Tribe is known for.
Strengthening Sovereignty and Treaty Rights
Throughout her career, Kane played an instrumental role in protecting Nez Perce sovereignty. Among the accomplishments she highlights is the ongoing expansion of Tribal-led education for the LC Valley and surrounding communities.
“This information is valuable and important,” she noted. “It is coming from us, not from a book.”
Kane also referenced landmark work such as securing a favorable Solicitor’s Opinion supporting the Tribe’s bed and banks claim in the Clearwater Basin. She played key roles in major legal challenges, including reservation boundary disputes and complex water rights matters in the Snake River Basin Adjudication.
“These cases tested us,” she reflected, “but they also strengthened the Tribe’s position and protected important rights for future generations.”
Lessons, Teachings, and Relationships
Kane speaks with deep gratitude about the people who shaped her journey, leaders such as Julia Davis-Wheeler, Silas Whitman, and Rachel Edwards. She also carries wisdom from past conversations, including the guidance offered by Wilfred “Scotty” Scott:
“Act like a duck and let the water roll (or unearned criticism) off your back.”
She shared that serving the Tribe has enriched her both personally and professionally. Personally, she values the relationships built over decades with Tribal members, elders, colleagues, and community partners. Professionally, she appreciates the wide breadth of experience the work provided her.
Her reflections on community also include moments of learning, such as experiences of acceptance even during difficult times. “People in this community are inclusive,” she said, noting that those lessons will stay with her long into retirement.
Guidance for Future Attorneys
Kane hopes the next generation of Tribal attorneys carries forward a principle passed down by Bob Anderson:
“Be quiet, listen, and learn.”
Her own career reflects this approach, careful listening, thoughtful analysis, and a deep respect for culture and sovereignty guiding every decision.
A Legacy of Excellence
In her retirement letter, Kane acknowledged the coworkers who supported her journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the Tribe. She shared that the years “passed quickly” and that her time with the Tribe was made meaningful by mentors, colleagues, and leaders who offered guidance and support.
Above all, she says she will miss the relationships, both within the Tribal government and across the many agencies and partners she has worked with.
As the Nez Perce Tribe honors Julie Kane’s 34 years of service, her legacy will continue through the teams she mentored, the sovereignty she helped protect, and the legal foundation she helped strengthen for the benefit of future generations.Qe’ci yew’yew for Julie Kane’s years of service to the Nimiipuu Nation. The Nez Perce Tribe extends its best wishes as she enters retirement and the next chapter of her life.
