Peacemakers at "The Movement of Movements: The Healing Worldview of Indigenous Peoples" Conference#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.

David Raasch to Serve on State Bar of Wisconsin CommitteeAdvisory 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

Article - "A Native American Tribe Is Using Traditional Culture to Fight AddictionPenobscot 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

Article - "10 Questions: Native American Judge Devotes Legal Career to Restorative JusticeChief 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. 

Article - "First Nations Court Smart Move"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.

Article - "Alaska State Court Acts to Advance Tribal Circle Sentencing"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

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

Video - "Restorative Justice: A Justice That Heals"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 2017Last week Indigenous Peacemaking Initiative members attended and hosted panels at the American Indian Justice Conference hosted in Palm Springs, CA. L-R: Brett Lee Shelton, Staff Attorney and Tribal Justice, Michael Petoskey, Chief Justice Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, Robert Yazzie, Chief Justice Emeritus, and Cheryl Demmert Fairbanks,

Photo - Training from Eastern Band or Cherokee IndiansSeveral 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.

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!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 CircleNPR'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 ConferenceOur 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. Pictured L to R: Judge William Johnson