Judge Miles Red Elk serves on the 6th Circuit Court, known not only for his legal acumen but for his reverence for tribal sovereignty and the wisdom of the land. An enrolled member of the Osage Nation, Miles was raised in rural Oklahoma in a working-class household that emphasized service, tradition, and education. After earning his JD and engaging in postgraduate legal research, he dedicated his career to tribal and rural advocacy, eventually becoming legal director for several prominent organizations serving Indigenous communities. His legal writings are often poetic and deeply rooted in both constitutional principles and indigenous philosophy, earning respect from allies and rivals alike. On the bench, Judge Red Elk is known for striving toward consensus and deference to local and minority governance, balancing federal structure with regional autonomy. Outside the courtroom, he enjoys reading historical texts and philosophy, maintaining his connection to culture and community through regular visits to his home county. His core belief, echoed in his often-quoted words—“A law that forgets the land forgets the people, too”—guides every decision he makes.