Opinion ID: 1438862
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The Oglala Sioux/C & W Construction Contracts

Text: This case has a tortuous procedural history, encompassing no fewer than five different courts and one arbitral forum. While convoluted, this history is essential to our analysis. The matter began in 2002, when C & W Enterprises, Inc. (C & W), itself a Native American-owned business, entered into four separate contracts with the Oglala Sioux Tribe (Oglala Sioux or Tribe). The contracts are referred to as the: (1) Multi-Gravel project; (2) Manderson to Wounded Knee project; (3) Cuny Table project; and (4) Base and Blotter project. Each contract obligated C & W to perform road construction on the Oglala Sioux Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe is federally-recognized. The contracts were funded by federal funds administered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, pursuant to the Indian Self Determination Act, 25 U.S.C. § 450 et. seq. The first three contracts contained explicit clauses waiving the Tribe's sovereign immunity. Each stated: [T]he Oglala Sioux Tribe grants a limited waiver of its immunity for any and all disputes arising from this Contract, including the interpretation of the agreement and work completed or to be completed under the Contract; provided, however, that such waiver extends only to the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Transportation's specific obligations under the Contract; and further provided that such waiver shall extend only to the extent necessary to permit enforcement by the Subcontractor. The three contracts also provided for Claims Resolution, stating: The parties agree to bring any and all claims in the first instance to the Oglala Sioux Tribe Executive Committee for non-binding mediation, and thereafter to the South Dakota Federal District Court, and in the absence of Federal Court jurisdiction, the parties agree to arbitration in accordance with the Construction Industry Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association in effect at the time of this Contract. In the event there exists no Federal Court jurisdiction and the parties proceed to arbitration, the award rendered by the arbitrator shall be final, and judgment may be entered upon it in accordance with the applicable law in any court having jurisdiction thereof. In the event either party does not timely comply in accordance with the Construction Industry Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association, said party waives its right to arbitration and judgment may be entered in the amount in dispute in accordance with applicable law in any court having jurisdiction thereof. The Base and Blotter contract contained different language, and a different dispute resolution regime: The Oglala Sioux Tribal Court will resolve all disputes arising under this contract. Tribal substantive laws regarding contracts shall apply to such disputes. If no tribal substantive laws regarding contracts exist, then the Tribal Court will apply South Dakota law as a guide.... The parties agree to bring any and all claims in the first instance to the Oglala Sioux Executive Committee for non-binding mediation presided over by a mutually agreed upon mediator. If mediation fails, then the aggrieved party may initiate a civil action in the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court.