Mvskoke/Creek Nation

Judge, Mvskoke/Creek Supreme Court

Judge Montie R. Deer has had a distinguished career spanning tribal, state, and federal legal systems. Judge Deer is the Chief Justice for the Iowas of Kansas and Nebraska, as well as Supreme Court Justice for the Mvskoke/Creek Nation. He recently retired from the District Court bench for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Prior to that position, he served as Attorney General for his own tribe, the Mvskoke/Creek Nation. Judge Deer’s highest profile position came in 1998 when he was appointed by President Bill Clinton and confirmed by the United States Senate as Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission. From 1994-1998, Judge Deer was Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Kansas. From 1983 to 1994, Judge Deer served as a District Court Judge for the State of Kansas, presiding over approximately 200 jury trials. From 1975 to 1982, he was a practicing attorney with several firms in Kansas. Judge Deer has also served as Director of Legal Services for the North Topeka Indian Center, Member of the Board of Directors for the Mid American All-Indian Center and Member of the Wichita Warrior Society. He has many years of experience providing education, including teaching at the National Judicial College and serving as Associate Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa.