Yurok Tribal Member Named Senior Assistant Attorney General for Native American and Tribal Affairs for the State of California

Yurok Citizen Christine (Butler) Williams Brings 25 Years of Relevant Experience to the AG’s Office

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently hired the Honorable Christine (Butler) Williams to serve as the Senior Assistant Attorney General for Native American and Tribal Affairs.

“Christine exemplifies visionary leadership in tribal justice. Her ability to build bridges across jurisdictions, elevate Indigenous legal systems, and lead with integrity will make her an extraordinary asset to the AG’s office and a powerful force for progress in California,” said Joseph L. James, the Chairman of the Yurok Tribe.

“It is an honor and a privilege to take on this new position,” (Butler) Willaims said. “The decision to take on this important role is not one I made lightly.  The work I was able to be a part of developing tribal courts, providing training and consulting services to the Cal State System and representing Tribes, especially my own Tribe in the Yurok Office of the Tribal Attorney, will be a continuing source of pride as I move forward in this new chapter of my career.  I plan to use my skills and experience to positively influence tribal communities across the state for the benefit of all of California.”

As the Senior Assistant Attorney General for Native American and Tribal Affairs, (Butler) Williams will serve as a technical expert and legal advisor to the Attorney General, Governor, and state agencies on complex tribal issues such as cultural resource protection, civil and criminal jurisdiction, gaming compact negotiations, and government-to-government consultation. She will also develop and analyze legislation affecting Native American communities, provide legal counsel to other state and local agencies, and ensure compliance with laws and regulations concerning tribal lands and resources.

(Butler) Williams, a Yurok citizen, is a nationally recognized authority in Indian Law and a steadfast champion for tribal sovereignty. She has 25 years of experience in tribal jurisprudence with a focus on Indian child welfare, tribal court development and cultural resource protection and repatriation under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). For the past fifteen years, she has worked as Chief Judge for seven tribes across the state. Additionally, she developed the first joint Family Wellness Court in California and only the second in the nation. Rooted in restorative justice, the dual-jurisdiction, culturally responsive Family Wellness Court in El Dorado County was established to support families impacted by substance use and address child welfare challenges. The court is used as a model throughout the United States. She has served as member of the California Judicial Council’s Tribal Court State Court Forum and a Tribal Court representative on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit Tribal and Native Relations Committee since it was formed in 2024.