Robert Harper (JD, MA, MA) is America’s leading expert in conflict resolution with Tribes. Over 20 years, he has helped more than 730 people from 510+ organizations transform their work with tribes through advising, mediation, facilitation, and training.
But, he is still a beginner, just like all of us—working in new situations, with unfamiliar tribes, on special subjects. Sound familiar?
Harper grew up in the Flathead Valley—between the Blackfeet and Flathead Indian Reservations. Troubled by conflicts between Native and Non-Native people, he embarked on a career in government affairs, working with Tribes and public agencies throughout the U.S.
He became inspired by relational breakthroughs in his work—from historic water rights agreements to cultural and land repatriation efforts. In 2018, he left the civil litigation world and formed Seventh Sovereign to build better relations with Tribes.
Harper’s expertise fuses culture, communication, and the law. He advised executives and elected officials as well as all kinds of subject matter specialists—from archaeologists to social workers. A recipient of the John Marshall legal writing award, he authored many interdisciplinary publications, and taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses at multiple universities.
His recent conference work showcases innovative approaches to tribal consultation, treaty rights, and negotiations. His mediation and advisory work emphasizes formal partnerships as alternatives to litigation.
Each month, he sends in-depth insights to 24,000+ professionals just like you HERE.
EDUCATION
JD
Univ. of MT School of Law
MA—Geography
Univ. of MT
MA—Communication Studies
Univ. of MT
BA—Political Science
Hampden-Sydney College
ADVANCED CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
American Indian Law
Natural Resources Conflict Resolution
Basic & Advanced Mediation
Basic & Advanced Negotiation
Facilitation & Process Design