Tribal Justice

Each year Tanana Chiefs Conference, in partnership with the National Judicial College and University of Alaska, hosts the Alaska Tribal Court Development Conference where basic tribal court development and current topics are discussed. The Conference is intended to provide information to tribes just beginning tribal court development, for tribes that want to enhance or make modifications to their courts, and for tribes pursuing on-going tribal court information specific to Alaska.

TLPI staff Heather Valdez Singleton gave a presentation on the California Forum teleconference regarding the June convening in LA. Other general updates were provided on the call.

TLPI will convene a group of judges from operational and developing tribal-state court forums from around the nation. The meeting will provide unique opportunities for peer to peer networking, and participants will engage in discussions about common challenges and promising strategies to overcome those challenges. One tribal and one state court judge from 11 forums will be be invited to participate.

Center staff conducted 2 phone calls and 4 email correspondence with the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians regarding the domestic violence court advisory board and with the project coordinator to discuss basic needs and suggest programs and domestic violence courts for a future site visit.

TLPI staff Naomi Miguel attended the NCAI pre meeting: Tribal, State and County Relations: Coordinating Jurisdictions for Safer Shared Communities to provide information on TLPI resources and TA available. Naomi shared the forthcoming "Tribal-State Court Forums Annotated Directory" with the group.

Center staff conducted 2 phone calls and 8 emails with the Mille Lacs Tribe to discuss changes in the planning team and to discuss strategy moving forward. Also discussed next steps on the construction of a community survey.

Contacted Jessica Cash reentry coordinator, Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe, to offer technical assistance.

Emily LaGratta, John Butler, and Mike Rempel presented on the topics of “Evidence-based practices and procedural justice” to senior staff from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.

Emily LaGratta moderated a panel, on which Aisha Greene presented, a session called “Assessing Defendants for Criminogenic Risk and Need: Navigating the Theory and Potential Pitfalls of Evidence Based Assessment.” The audience included approximately 20 defense attorneys and other defender agency staff members.

Carol Fisler moderated a panel entitled “Difficult Issues in Mental Health Courts” for an audience of approximately 55 judges, court coordinators and administrators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, case managers, treatment professionals, and probation officers.based on the project action plan; and assisting with project implementation and sustainability.