Michigan Indian Legal Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit legal aid organization that provides free civil legal services to low-income people who otherwise could not afford to hire an attorney. 

MILS was created to address the unmet legal needs documented in a study conducted by the Michigan Governor’s Commission on Indian Affairs in the early 1970s. The study found “[t]here are not enough attorneys available to Michigan Indians; when available, they are frequently unable to specialize in Indian rights cases because these are not fee-producing in nature; day to day criminal and civil cases are difficult to coordinate without funds to hire good legal help.” See Annual Report of the Commission on Indian Affairs, 1975. 

The core of MILS’s mission from its founding in 1975 is to provide quality legal assistance to Indian communities throughout the State of Michigan. Almost from its inception, MILS’ focus was on assisting tribes in Michigan regain federal recognition. Success in federal recognition efforts produced increased economic, educational and health care opportunities for tribal members. Around 2000, as the tribes in Michigan have gained federal recognition and achieved economic self-sufficiency, MILS’s focus has turned from tribal governance development to representation of individuals. Starting around 2007, MILS turned most of its attention to work for individuals in the tribal court systems. 

Today, MILS provides legal assistance, advice and representation in U.S. and tribal courts, promotes tribal sovereignty, and offer community education programs that promote greater understanding of the law. MILS' services have helped people use existing policies and laws to protect their property and assets, stay safe from physical, mental and financial abuse, avoid exploitation and safeguard their civil rights.

Our Mission

The mission of MILS is to improve the lives of Native American peoples, families, and communities through legal assistance and advocacy at no charge for those who are income-eligible for services. MILS is a specialized law office that serves the unique legal needs of the members of the native communities in Michigan to: 

• protect families and cultural practices, 

• secure fundamental rights and access to basic needs, and 

• challenge policies and practices that are harmful to our clients and client communities.