Michael brings more than 20 years of experience serving tribal nations as both an attorney and a natural resource professional. His background includes over 17 years as in-house counsel for the Nez Perce Tribe, where he specialized in Indian law, treaty rights, natural resources management, environmental law, and government-to-government relations. During that time, he led and supported complex negotiations, consultations, and intergovernmental agreements involving Tribal, federal, state, and local governments
In his new role at SCC, Michael will guide and strengthen the Commission’s tribal affairs work. He will support meaningful government-to-government engagement, help advance tribal priorities across SCC programs, and work closely with tribal nations, conservation districts, and partners statewide. His leadership will play an important role in enhancing collaboration, supporting stewardship of natural resources, and ensuring SCC’s work reflects and respects the needs and perspectives of tribal communities.
Biography
Michael Lopez is an attorney and natural resources professional with more than 20 years of experience serving tribal nations. For over 17 years, he served as in-house counsel for the Nez Perce Tribe, specializing in Indian law, treaty rights, natural resources management, environmental law, and government-to-government relations. He has led and supported complex negotiations, consultations, and intergovernmental agreements involving Tribal, federal, state, and local governments.
Michael also served as the Native American and Alaska Native Senior Program Manager for the Udall Foundation’s U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution, where he led initiatives focused on tribal consultation, conflict resolution, and collaborative natural resource management.
He holds a Juris Doctor and Certificate in Environmental and Natural Resources Law from Lewis & Clark Law School and a Master of Biological Sciences from the University of Minnesota. He is a member of the Washington, Oregon, and Idaho state bars. A Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, he served in Burkina Faso and the Central African Republic. Throughout his career, Michael has remained committed to advancing tribal interests, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships, and promoting stewardship of natural resources.