News – “New Poll: When It Comes to Addressing Crime, New Mexico Voters Want Rehabilitation not Incarceration

Posted on November 13, 2018.

More and more, people are starting to see the benefits of alternatives to the adversarial system. A recently published poll in New Mexico reveals that 75% support rehabilitation and treatment over punitive approaches to crime, click on the picture below to view the summary of the poll conducted by nmSAFE Coalition.

Denver, CO – Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative to Present at AFCC 13th Annual Symposium on Child Custody

Posted on November 6, 2018.

On Friday, November 9, 2018 IPI members Tim Connors and Brett Shelton will present at the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) for an afternoon (3:30-5:00 PM) session: Evidence Reboot: From Traditional Custody Evaluation to Peacemaking. If you are in the area, come out and see IPI in action!

Lansing Michigan “Tribal Justice” screening with special guest Abby Abinanti

Posted on October 23, 2018.

On October 31, 2018, there will be a special screening of the documentary “Tribal Justice” along with a talk by the Honorable Abby Abinanti, one of the two Tribal Judges featured in the film. The event will take place at the Michigan Hall of Justice in Lansing, from 9 am to noon, and will also […]

Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Honor Peacemaker Timothy Connors

Posted on October 12, 2018.

The Nme’ Peacemaking Gavel by Patrick D. Wilson About three years ago my good friend and fellow Peacemaker Judge Timothy Connors attended the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Sturgeon Release. Tim relayed that he was immensely moved and felt a profound connection to the Sturgeon and to the release program. I helped put on […]

Senate Indian Affairs Committee Hears Testimony from Yurok Tribal Court’s Abbi Abinanti

Posted on October 11, 2018.

Peacemaking Judge Abby Abinanti, Chief Judge of the Yurok Tribal Court, spoke to congress in regards to Justice for Native American Youth, follow this link: “Justice for Native Youth: the GAO Report on ‘Native American Youth: “Involvement in Justice Systems and Information on Grants to Help Address Juvenile Delinquency.’” to read the transcript.

Posted on September 19, 2018.

Carson Smith of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma traveled to Caux, Switzerland this July to speak at the Caux Forum on “Just Governance for Human Security”. The international cross-section of participants at the event created a perfect environment to discuss human rights on a global scale. Carson’s presentation generally focused on Peacemaking in the United […]

NEWS – Life Comes From It – first of its kind grantmaking circle

Posted on September 5, 2018.

The Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative is pleased to be helping spread the word about the establishment of a new initiative, Life Comes From It. This is a first of its kind grantmaking circle where decisions are made by people heavily steeped in restorative Justice, transformative justice, and indigenous peacemaking. Life Comes From It describes its mission […]

Article: “Penobscot Nation drug court finds success by connecting participants with their roots”

Posted on August 29, 2018.

Penobscot Healing to Wellness Court has been in existence for 10 years and is benefiting the community in numerous ways, check out the article and the success of one man’s healing journey. Penobscot Nation drug court finds success by connecting participants with their roots

“Spirituality and Peacemaking” – Peacemakers From Across Turtle Island Gather for Advanced Training

Posted on August 28, 2018.

Pictured here are participants in the Advanced Peacemaker Training Course, “Spirituality and Peacemaking” which took place on, August 24, 2018 at the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court Building in Manistee, Michigan. We are grateful to all of the fantastic Peacemakers who attended and shared their knowledge.

Prairie Band of Potawatomi Nation Hosts IPI

Posted on August 15, 2018.

On August 3, 2018 the Prairie Band of Potawatomi Peacemakers presented to the All- Potawatomi National Gathering Judicial Conference. Also there to share their knowledge were Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative members.

Peacemakers at “The Movement of Movements: The Healing Worldview of Indigenous Peoples” Conference

Posted on June 21, 2018.

#TBT to last week when Karen Biestman (Stanford University), Brett Lee Shelton (IPI Senior Staff Attorney), and Jasmine Yepa (Jemez Pueblo), spoke about IPI’s work and advances in Peacemaking at the National Native Philanthropy Institute at Santa Ana Pueblo on June 14.

Peacemakers At Work -Pokagon Basket of Tribal Wisdom Training

Posted on June 21, 2018.

Monday, June 11, at Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, in preparation for a peacemaking training, IPI Advisory Committee member Cheryl Fairbanks, Pokagon traditional leader Clarence White, IPI Advisory Committee member and Chief Judge of Pokagon Tribal Courts Michael Petoskey, IPI Senior Staff Attorney Brett Lee Shelton pose after meeting to discuss traditional dispute resolution in Pokagon […]

Basket of Tribal Wisdom – Weaving Tradition and Justice (June 12-13, 2018)

Posted on June 5, 2018.

Pokégnek Bodéwadmik (Pokagon Band of Potwatomi) and the Native American Rights Fund will be hosting a joint workshop combining basket weaving and Native Justice/Peacemaking Principles facilitated by Cheryl Fairbanks and Brett Lee Shelton of the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative. See the flyer for details.

David Raasch to Serve on State Bar of Wisconsin Committee

Posted on April 9, 2018.

Advisory Committee member David Raasch (Stockbridge-Munsee) will be serving on a committee to address disparate and mass incarceration in Wisconsin. He will be joining the committee be on April 17, 2018. Dave will likely be promoting circle processes in sentencing and re-entry contexts, as he often does. More information can be found at: “Mass and Disparate […]

Screening – “Tribal Justice” and discussion Ethical & Jurisdictional Considerations

Posted on April 5, 2018.

IPI’s own, Chief Justice Michael Petoskey will be speaking on a panel after the movie screening, provide unique insight of tribal courts and peacemaking models . If you are in the area, check it out, see flyer below for details!

Article – “A Native American Tribe Is Using Traditional Culture to Fight Addiction

Posted on March 16, 2018.

Penobscot Nation located in Maine has set up a Health to Wellness Court to help their citizens overcome addiction. For the past 5 years, using a cultural curriculum and talking circles, this article highlights the journey of one Penobscot citizen on his journey to recovery. Read the article and view the short video here: https://news.vice.com/en_us/article/59knjz/a-native-american-tribe-is-using-traditional-culture-to-fight-addiction

Article – “10 Questions: Native American Judge Devotes Legal Career to Restorative Justice

Posted on March 8, 2018.

Chief Judge Abby Abinanti of the Yurok Tribe gives an enticing interview to the American Bar Association Journal including her dedication to the tribal court’s approach of justice including a wellness program, community restitution program led by a community-based approach to restorative justice. Read more here: http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/native_american_judge_restorative_justice

Article – “First Nations Court Smart Move”

Posted on February 28, 2018.

After viewing the movie Tribal Justice, a compelling editorial in support of restorative justice implementation in tribal courts is supported and published in the Prince George Citizen. To read the editorial, click here. More about the film Tribal Justice can be found at https://vimeo.com/196530073.

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian Completes Peacemaking Training

Posted on February 20, 2018.

The Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI), with several advisory committee members, completed a two part peacemaking facilitation training for Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribe officials, community members, and staff. Follow this link for the written materials developed for the attendees EBCI Oct. 2017 and Jan. 2018 – PM Training Materials.

Article – “Alaska State Court Acts to Advance Tribal Circle Sentencing”

Posted on February 7, 2018.

The Alaska Supreme Court has adopted two rules – Criminal Rule 11(i) and Delinquency Rule 23(f) – which authorize judges to refer cases to tribes and other entities for recommendations as to the appropriate sentence or disposition. This was done at the recommendation of the court system’s Fairness, Diversity and Equality Committee. Retired Superior Court […]

Exit, Pursued by a Bear: Why Peacemaking Makes Sense in State Court Justice Systems | Judicial Division

Posted on February 7, 2018.

Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) Advisory Committee member Tim Connors was published in the American Bar Association’s Tribal Courts Journal, describing peacemaking courts in Michigan and a basic understanding of peacemaking. Other IPI Advisory Committee members mentioned are Chief Judge Michael Petoskey, Shawn Watts, and Cheryl Fairbanks. Read this enlightening article by following the link below. Source: […]

Video – “Restorative Justice: A Justice That Heals”

Posted on February 7, 2018.

While there are many similarities between restorative justice and peacemaking, they are not the same. Fania Davis provides insight. Follow link to view her discussion. http://magazine.naropa.edu/2017-fall/features/restorative-justice.php

Photos – IPI at American Indian Justice Conference 2017

Posted on December 11, 2017.

Last week Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative members attended and hosted panels at the American Indian Justice Conference hosted in Palm Springs, CA.

Photo – Training from Eastern Band or Cherokee Indians

Posted on December 1, 2017.

Several advisory committee members of the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) provided an advanced peacemaker training for community members, tribal officials and staff at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, NC. The training included materials developed specifically for the Tribe’s use in the community.

Article – “Native American Judge Shows Peacemaking Courts Offer a Model for Reform”

Posted on November 30, 2017.

Yurok Tribal Court Judge Abby Abinanti uses a distinct approach in court room, highlighted in this article. As more tribes exercise their sovereignty, tribal courts are returning to traditional methods of restorative-justice through peacemaking programs and alternative sentencing. Other peacemakers also weigh in on the status of tribal court program development, challenges, and success stories. […]

American Indian Justice Conference – December 7-8, 2017 SAVE THE DATE!

Posted on November 2, 2017.

The National American Indian Courts Judges Association with the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative of the Native American Rights Fund will host the AIJC Conference at Agua Caliente Reservation December 7-8th. Save the Date! Check out the flyer for more information.

D.C. School Implements Restorative Justice Circle

Posted on October 30, 2017.

NPR’s Morning Edition featured Ron Brown College Preparatory school that focuses on helping young men of color. Listen to how restorative justice circles are helping guide their students here.

Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative Presents at NAICJA 2017 Conference

Posted on October 13, 2017.

Our Peacemakers have been busy sharing their knowledge! This week, members of NARF’s Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) Advisory Committee spoke on the panel “Peacemaking without Borders: Building Tribal-State Bridges” at the National American Indian Court Judges Association National Tribal Judicial and Court Personnel Conference.

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma – Peacemaking Training Photo

Posted on October 13, 2017.

At the end of September the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative partnered for a peacemaking training.

Peacemaking at Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe – 9/29/17

Posted on October 13, 2017.

An article published in The Mashpee Enterprse newspaper shares lessons of Peacemaking and traditional ways of resolving disputes, check out more here: “Tales From Granny Squannit: Peacemaking At the Forefront For Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe“

Tulalip Tribes – Healing to Wellness Court 10/9/17

Posted on October 10, 2017.

Tulalip Tribes are nine months into their Healing to Wellness Court focused on a team based approach for restorative justice. Overseeing the new inaugural program class are law and justice officials, counselors, and peer and family support. The first class is set to graduate in 2018. Check out more about this unique program at Healing […]

August 22-24th Circle Peacemaking Facilitation Training – Anchorage, AK

Posted on August 21, 2017.

Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. & The Resource Basket Present this training supporting Restorative Practices for Alaska Native Youth at Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa (401 E. 6th Avenue Anchorage, AK). Participants will learn and share the intentions, philosophies and styles of different approaches to using a Circle for restorative practices, and identify an […]

8/21 TODAY! “Tribal Justice” Will Be Streaming on PBS

Posted on August 21, 2017.

On Monday night, PBS POV will be showing the film, “Tribal Justice.” NARF’s Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative has worked closely with the film’s makers to raise awareness about indigenous justice in its many forms. We hope that you will take the time to see this film. Watch it on PBS POV or stream it free for […]

NAICJA Webinar 8/22 – “Planning the Healing to Wellness Court: Inspiration and Vision to get Started”

Posted on August 18, 2017.

NAICJA’s upcoming webinar looks like a great way to gather information about developing Peacemaking in your communities, check out the details at https://naicja.wildapricot.org/news/5019885 Wondering how to get started in developing a Healing to Wellness Court for your Tribe? In this free webinar you’ll learn more about developing your vision and plan as well as hearing lessons […]

Training – Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma September 2017

Posted on August 17, 2017.

On September 19-20th the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) including several advisory committee members will be providing a private advanced peacemaker training for community members, tribal officials and staff at the Choctaw Nation in Durant, OK. The training will include materials developed specifically for Choctaw Nation’s use and also cover the Nations own Peacemaking Act. The […]

Training – Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians October 2017

Posted on August 2, 2017.

October 23-25th the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative (IPI) with several advisory committee members will be providing a private advanced peacemaker training for community members, tribal officials and staff at the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, NC. The training will include materials developed specifically for the Tribe’s use in the community.

Congratulations Hon. Tim Connors – NCJFCJ Justice Innovation Award Recipient!

Posted on July 21, 2017.

Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative Advisory Committee Member the Honorable Timothy Connors of the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County, Michigan was selected for The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) Innovator of the Year! Judge Connors’ work implementing Native American methods of peacemaking in tribal and community courts is deserving of recognition, thank you Tim! […]

Video – “Judge Spends Night In Jail With Man He Sentenced”

Posted on June 21, 2017.

Compassion can go a long way, check out this news clip of a North Carolina Judge who helped this man get through his sentence. http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/judge-spends-night-in-jail-with-man-he-sentenced/

“Tribal Justice” Film wins 2017 Cinetopia Film Festival Director’s Award!

Posted on June 16, 2017.

We are happy to announce “Tribal Justice” directed by Anne Makepeace has won the Festival Director’s award after a 11 day film festival held in Michigan, Cinetopia. Two Native American judges reach back to traditional concepts of justice in order to reduce incarceration rates, foster greater safety for their communities and create a more […]

Video – Indigenous Peacemaking

Posted on June 14, 2017.

Are you tired of the adversarial court system and the harm that it inflicts on your community? Want to learn more about traditional practices for resolving disputes? Check out this video from the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative. The video includes people from around the nation talking about their unique experiences with peacemaking in a variety of […]

Peacemaking and Family Courts in Washtenaw, MI

Posted on June 5, 2017.

Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative Advisory Board Member the Honorable Timothy Connors is featured in this short film about his work with the Michigan Child Welfare System and his work using a restorative justice approach and Native American traditions for healing in his courtroom. Watch the video here by Michigan Radio.

“Tribal Justice” Film Screening at Cinetopia Film Festival – Michigan

Posted on May 24, 2017.

“Tribal courts number in the hundreds throughout the United States. They offer a traditional, communal justice system for Native Americans and have become beacons of criminal justice reform due to their emphasis on restoration and rehabilitation rather than punishment and incarceration.” Join the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative in the screening of this important film and learn […]

Law Review Article – “Anishinaabe Law and The Round House”

Posted on May 15, 2017.

Matthew Fletcher wrote a great law review article on traditional dispute resolution see abstract below. Abstract: This paper addresses the Indian country criminal justice system’s difficulties through the context of the Great Lakes Anishinaabeg’s traditional customs, traditions, and laws, and their modern treatment of crime. Louise Erdrich’s The Round House expertly captures the reality of crime […]

Possible Funding Opportunity – Lannan Indigenous Community Program

Posted on April 27, 2017.

Lannan Family Foundation is dedicated to cultural freedom with one of their programs being The Indigenous Communities Program (ICP). The ICP supports the resolve of Native Americans to renew their communities through their own institutions and traditions click here for more information (a link to funding requests can be found on the right hand panel): […]

Announcement – Courses for Tribal Judges

Posted on April 27, 2017.

The National Judicial College is holding courses in Advanced Tribal Court Management (June 19-22nd), Court Management for Tribal Judges and Personnel (August 21-24), and Advanced Tribal Bench Skills: Competence, Confidence, and Control (October 23-26). For more information and to register click on the link below! Courses for Tribal Judges

Alaska Southeast Tribal Justice Court Grows

Posted on April 27, 2017.

Alaska Public Media highlights work being done in Southeast Tribal Court, one major focus is developing systems for young offenders, as well as those at risk of getting into trouble. That includes an early diversion program, which offers counseling and tutoring while encouraging involvement with extended family and cultural activities. “If we don’t intervene early, […]

IPI Shares Peacemaking Knowledge at 7th Annual Cyber Conference

Posted on April 26, 2017.

Recently, members of the IPI participated in the 7th Annual International Cyber-Conference in Dispute Resolution hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks. This year’s conference focused on terrorism and indigenous peacemaking. The indigenous peacemaking dialogue was hosted by Polly Hyslop, Brett Lee Shelton, Robert Yazzie, and Mike Jackson. Indigenous Peacemaking work was highlighted on how […]

Peace Circles Models – A Virtual Circle on Peacemaking

Posted on April 17, 2017.

When: Monday, April 24, 2017 Time: 12 pm PT/1 pm MT/2 om CT/ 3 pm ET (90 minutes) Registration: https://ta2ta.org/webinars/registration/peacemaking-webinar.html Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative advisory board members Cheryl Fairbanks, Robert Yazzie, Shawn Watts, and Brett Lee Shelton will present during this webinar. See flyer below for more information

7th Annual International Cyber-Conference on Dispute Resolution

Posted on April 6, 2017.

When: Wednesday, April 12, 2017 (use the helpful chart below to find your timezone) Where: Join the cyber-conference using this link: imsweb.csudh.edu/cyber_conference/ Session Time, AK Time, PDT Time, MDT Time, CDT Start of Conference […]

Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative Advisory Committee Meeting – Pictures

Posted on April 6, 2017.

In congruence with the Lewis & Clark Law School colloquium in March, the IPI Advisory Committee held a meeting to provide guidance to the project and to discuss current and future work relating to the peacemaking work around the country. Frybread Productions was also present to capture some of the wisdom of the IPI Advisory […]

Judge Tim Connors to Present at World Peacemaking Conference

Posted on March 31, 2017.

Date: April 1, 2017 Where: University of Michigan at the Michigan League 911 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 40109. The conference is open to the public. Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative advisory committee member Tim Connors will present at a breakout session at 10:30 AM Saturday at the Rotary World Peacemaking Conference. The breakout session is […]

Lewis & Clark Hosts Colloquium – Pictures

Posted on March 30, 2017.

Earlier this month, the Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative and Indian Child Welfare advocates came together at Lewis & Clark Law School for the ICWA & Peace Circles Colloquium. Below are a few of the pictures from a successful event with IPI Advisory Committee members and allies.

48th Annual National Tribal Judicial and Court Personnel Conference is Accepting Requests for Presentation Proposals

Posted on March 24, 2017.

Date: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 – Friday, October 13, 2017 Where: Isleta Resort & Casino – Albuquerque, NM Conference Theme: “Tribal Justice: Building and Strengthening Relationships and Partnerships” The National American Indian Court Judges Association (NAICJA) is soliciting requests for presentation proposals for their annual conference. NAICJA is a Peacemaking Alliance member and focuses on strengthening […]

Michigan Judicial Institute – Advanced New Judges Seminar

Posted on March 22, 2017.

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 9:00 AM – Friday March, 31, 2017 4:00 PM Where: Crowne Plaza Hotel- Lansing, MI Michigan Judicial Institute is holding a two day seminar packed with a variety of topics. NARF’s Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative project’s Advisory Committee member Hon. Timothy Connors is hosting a roundtable discussion about the Intersection of […]

Drug Court Begins In Forest County (WI)

Posted on March 16, 2017.

Thursday (3/9/17) was the first day for Drug Court in Forest County, a joint effort from the state court system at the Forest County Courthouse and Forest County Potawatomi Tribal Court to get persons convicted of drug offenses into treatment. Listen to the full report at the WXPR 91.7 Public Radio website.

Tribal Justice: Film Premier and Trailer

Posted on January 26, 2017.

Watch this 4-minute trailer for a new film showcasing tribal traditions being brought forward to good effect in California… Wonderful expression of how and why this all works! http://www.makepeaceproductions.com/tribaljustice/spotlight/

Deadline Extended for Position Announcement: Oregon

Posted on January 18, 2017.

Position Announcement: Tribal judge position in Oregon, very limited hours per week, with some peacemaking interface. Currently it is part-time but it could become more if the Tribal Healing to Wellness Court (Drug Court) becomes operational. Deadline extended to February 24, 2017. CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS TRIBAL COURT 1245 Fulton […]

Video: Peacemaking: In the Courts and Community

Posted on December 22, 2016.

This video was produced by the Washtenaw County (Michigan) Peacemaking court, and also features peacemakers and participants from the Skyline High School peacemaking program, both of which incorporate native values and are based on collaborative efforts with local tribes.

Ontario approves establishment of Indigenous People’s Court in Thunder Bay

Posted on December 22, 2016.

The Chief Justice’s Office, in the Ontario Court of Justice has approved the establishment of an Indigenous People’s Court in Thunder Bay. The new Court will use a restorative justice approach to sentencing. It will also emphasize Indigenous culture and traditions to help heal Indigenous clients in conflict with the law. Read the full announcement […]

Joint therapeutic court launches in Kenai

Posted on December 19, 2016.

The Henu’ Community Wellness Court is on the brink of admitting its first participant after more than a year of work to get off the ground. A joint therapeutic-style court formed between the state and the Kenatize Indian Tribe, the program will target and admit those facing long felony sentences relating to substance abuse or […]

A Mexican Indigenous Community Finds Its Own Way

Posted on December 19, 2016.

Dispute resolution and many other functions of government are handled on a radically local level in this Mexican indigenous community. Not that long ago, community members fought to reestablish their rights to govern themselves, free from the colonial and cartel forces that have previously taken them for granted. Read more about their community at the […]

Exit, Pursued By a Bear: Why Peacemaking Makes Sense in State Court Justice Systems

Posted on December 1, 2016.

Michigan Judge Timothy Connors advocates peacemaking as an alternative path because “it works,” explaining that this alternative path for state courts helps them live up to their public responsibility to help heal controversy. The article includes reference to the NARF Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative as well as two advisory committee members – Shawn Watts and Cheryl […]

The Indigenous Practice That Is Transforming the Adversarial Process

Posted on December 1, 2016.

A brief but comprehensive read from The Judges’ Journal providing background in several areas. First, the author recounts the historical origins of use of circles for justice practices and describes the Kake, Alaska, practice of using circles – Grief Circles, Peacemaking Circles, Suicide Prevention Circles, Celebration Circles, and Sentencing Circles to name a few. Next, […]

Michigan’s Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum – Attempting Great Things

Posted on December 1, 2016.

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Bridget McCormack explains how Michigan’s tribal , state , and federal courts have created a unique partnership regarding tribal children and families—drawing on their shared goals of ensuring the proper administration of justice within their jurisdictions, resolving disputes in a manner that will be respected and enforced across jurisdictional lines, and […]

SAMHSA Is Accepting Applications for 2017 Grants

Posted on December 1, 2016.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is accepting applications for fiscal year 2017 Grants to Expand Substance Abuse Treatment Capacity in Adult Treatment Drug Courts and Adult Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts. Up to $54.6 million in funding is available over the course of three years. APPLICATION DUE DATE: December 12, 2016 […]

Washtenaw County Peacemaking Court Evaluation of Implementing Peacemaking in a Non-Tribal Court System

Posted on December 1, 2016.

Peacemaking and Parent Partners Evaluation (2016) Evaluation of the Washtenaw County (Michigan) Peacemaking Court, which incorporated peacemaking within their court in the fall of 2013. The program’s goal is to increase satisfaction of litigants and improve public trust in justice. Since the inception of the peacemaking court, over 40 peacemaking facilitators have been trained. Trained […]

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Alaska’s First Joint State-Tribal Wellness Court Officially Established

Posted on October 25, 2016.

The Kenaitze Indian Tribe has officially entered a historic government-to-government partnership with the Alaska Court System, signing an agreement to create a joint-jurisdiction state-tribal therapeutic court that will serve people across the central Kenai Peninsula later this year. Representatives of the tribe, state court and the Office of the Attorney General signed the agreement Thursday […]

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A Framework for Understanding Tribal Courts and the Application of Fundamental Law

Posted on September 28, 2016.

Through an examination of scholarly articles, this paper discusses traditional tribal justice systems set in tribal communities. This effort establishes a framework for understanding tribal courts and the unique challenges they face. Read the full scholarly article by April L. Wilkinson in Volume 15 of the Tribal Law Journal at the University of New Mexico […]

Report on Holistic and Traditional Justice Roundtable

Posted on September 19, 2016.

This publication provides a detailed description of the “Holistic & Traditional Justice Roundtable” held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on November 13, 2015 (see Appendix B). More than 24 Indian Law experts attended the Roundtable and participated in a full day discussion, which yielded considerable insights on holistic and traditional justice. Among the attendees were tribal […]

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Tlingit & Haida: Tribal youth court could launch in a few weeks

Posted on August 31, 2016.

About 30 tribal officials and community members recently discussed ways to get a new youth court up and running in Juneau. It’s an opt-in program for youth tribal members in Southeast Alaska that’s an alternative to the regular justice system. Read the full story at the KTOO Public Media website.

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Restorative Justice Returning to Tulalip Courthouse

Posted on August 23, 2016.

What’s the surefire way to stop a behavior? Punish it, right? From schools, to workplaces, animal training to penitentiaries we see examples everywhere. Obviously, punishment works or we wouldn’t keep doing it. Except, in some cases, common wisdom is entirely wrong. Punishment doesn’t work, as evidenced by the number of repeat offenders in jails and […]

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There Is Hope: Time to Follow an Indigenous Model for Peace in America

Posted on July 16, 2016.

I’m a disciple of John Mohawk, a dearly departed Seneca philosopher and professor. He introduced me to the Great Law, a model for peacemaking and peacekeeping amongst warring nations—communities where there is a genuine divide. I’m simply going to quote his 2004 take on the Great Law from “The Warriors Who Turned To Peace” and […]

New tribal court programs aim to reduce recidivism

Posted on May 19, 2016.

Two new tribal court programs are getting off the ground at Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. They’re focused on reducing recidivism. It’s part of a larger conversation to identify what’s holding some people back from reaching their potential. Namely, things such as childhood trauma, unstable home lives and a disconnect from culture. Read […]

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DWI court’s treatment program promotes Native culture

Posted on December 28, 2015.

ALBUQUERQUE — Inside the busiest courthouse in New Mexico, Arnett Tafoya stood in the same courtroom where he had appeared numerous times after being charged last year with drunken driving. This time, things were different. There was cake on a table, and Bernalillo County Judge Maria Dominguez praised Tafoya for completing a regimented, court-run treatment […]

New joint tribal-state court established

Posted on October 16, 2015.

For the first time in Alaska, there will be a joint tribal-state court. A Kenaitze tribal judge will sit side-by-side with a state judge and have equal say in decisions. It will be a wellness court that hears criminal cases involving substance abuse, and will start taking up to 20 participants in March. Currently, tribal […]

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Tribal courts have lessons for children’s courts, judges’ panel says

Posted on September 4, 2015.

SANTA FE, N.M. — Peacemaking practices used in indigenous American cultures can have a place in courts dealing with child abuse and neglect within tribes and in nontribal courts, says a new national panel that includes two local judges. Read the full September 4, 2015, article at the Albuquerque Journal website.

When Justice Doesn’t Work: A NARF Attorney on Restoring the Circle

Posted on May 29, 2015.

Most Americans can turn to the courts for remedies to injustice. However, the mainstream justice system may not provide comfortable solutions, and sometimes isn’t even available, for Native people, said Brett Lee Shelton, an Oglala Lakota attorney with the Native American Rights Fund, a nonprofit law firm that has defended the rights of Indians and […]

Funding Opportunity: Safety and Justice Challenge (March 2015)

Posted on March 1, 2015.

(FUNDING OPPORTUNITY) DUE DATE: March 31, 2015 The MacArthur Foundation has announced a five-year $75 million investment in a major new initiative called the Safety and Justice Challenge, to address over-incarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails. Core to the Challenge is a competition that will fund 20 jurisdictions working […]

Natick peace-making circle aims to resolve racial tensions

Posted on January 3, 2015.

Looking for a way to resolve the racial tensions in their own towns and beyond, around 25 people attended a peace-making circle at the Common Street Community Church Saturday afternoon. The exercise, according to leader Michelle Cromwell, is a “powerful mixture, elixir” of Native American tradition and more modern conflict resolution methods, and is intended […]

Lac du Flambeau Tribe is banishing people as anti-drug strategy

Posted on September 5, 2014.

The Lac du Flambeau Tribe is meeting the challenge of drug abuse on its reservation with sentencing alternatives based on tribal tradition. This article discusses two of those, banishment and a Zaagiibagaa Healing to Wellness Court, as innovative ways to help foster healing and reduce crime. Learn more from the September 5, 2014, article at […]

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Funding Opportunity: Journalists and Writers Foundation’s Peace Projects

Posted on September 1, 2014.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITY DUE DATE: September 30, 2014 The Journalists and Writers Foundation’s Peace Projects is seeking proposals for conflict resolution and peacebuilding projects that support reconciliation and dialogue in communities experiencing conflict.

Navajo Nation Court moves Naize case to peacemaking program

Posted on May 13, 2014.

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – The Navajo Nation District Court has referred a case brought by Speaker Johnny Naize against 12 members of the Navajo Nation Council and a legislative worker to the nation’s peacemaking program. Window Rock District Judge Carol Perry issued the order on May 7 after hearing that both parties expressed a desire […]

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Aboriginal Person’s Court: ‘It’s a court that’s evolving’

Posted on May 9, 2014.

Brantford’s Aboriginal Persons’ Court may be in its infancy but is already making a difference, says the judge who was the driving force behind the local court initiative that focuses on healing and rehabilitation of native offenders. “I think we’re seeing good results. It’s a court that’s evolving,” said Ontario Court Justice Gethin Edward. Read […]

Tribal judge works for Yurok-style justice

Posted on March 5, 2014.

Native American jurisprudence has evolved since tribes began to regain their sovereignty, returning to traditional values of respect, community support and responsibility, and collective healing — for victims, perpetrators and the circle of lives they touch. Abinanti, who in 1974 became the first Native American woman admitted to the State Bar of California, has been […]

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