MSU Law students honored with Udall Foundation Native American Congressional internships

Michigan State University College of Law 1L student Kacey Chopito and 2L student Austin Moore have received Native American Congressional Internships from the Udall Foundation that provides educational opportunities related to the environment and natural resources, Native American health care and Native American tribal policy.

Chopito is the first member of the Pueblo of Zuni to be selected as a Udall Intern. A recent graduate of Syracuse University, he studied history and political science and served as president of Indigenous Students at Syracuse, an organization that advocated for the visibility and awareness of Indigenous cultures and issues.

At MSU Law, he intends to complete the Indigenous Law Certificate Program. His current interests involve addressing environmental and natural resource issues that affect Indigenous communities. He plans to continue advocating for Indigenous water rights and cultural resource protection.

Moore is the first member of the Samish Indian Tribe to be selected as a Udall Intern. During law school, he interned for the legal department of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and is currently working in the Indian Law Clinic at MSU.

After graduation, he plans to work in Washington, D.C. as an advocate for Tribes on the national level.