CTAS FY21 PA#2 Bois Forte Band of Chippewa

CTAS Application Cover Sheet

 
Federally Recognized Tribe

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is a federally recognized tribe located in St. Louis in Minnesota. With this funding, the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa will develop a Comprehensive Tribal Justice Systems Strategic Planning.

Authorized Designee

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa is a tribal organization located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. Cathy Chavers is a duly authorized designee of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, a federally recognized tribe. The tribe has (1) authorized Cathy Chavers to submit an application on behalf of the tribe and (2) stated its support for the project and its commitment to participate in the project upon receiving this funding. With this funding, the Bois Forte Judicial Services will develop a Comprehensive Indian Tribal Justice System Strategic Plan that will improve the public safety and victim services in the tribal community.

Abstract: CTAS FY21 Bois Forte

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has made funding available to assist eligible tribes in the development of a comprehensive and coordinated approach to public safety through a Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) grant. Tribes can apply for seven separate programs under a single grant application. Eligibility requirements are a Federally Recognized Tribal or Tribal Consortium.

The Bois Forte Tribal Government has authorized the Bois Forte Judicial Services to submit a CTAS grant application in the amount of $150,000 to address public safety concerns on the Bois Forte Reservation 

The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, located in northern Minnesota comprises the reservations of Nett Lake, Lake Vermilion, Deer Creek and lands held in Trust known as Indian Point and Sugar Bush. The reservations are geographically separated by approximately of 60 miles. The tribe’s ownership of lands within its boundaries are a checkerboard pattern with non Band members and Timber Companies owning approximately one third of the reservation. The Tribes total enrollment is 3,570 with approximately 1200 residing on the reservation.

As other rural communities nationwide, employment opportunities are few resulting in many residents considered as low/limited income households. Stressors identified among community members surveyed at Bois Forte include financial, poor health and substance abuse. These factors often lead to other problems such as crime, child welfare and/or domestic violence. Tribal Court staff assert that it has become apparent that there is a need for program collaboration in order to provide meaningful services for the betterment of families and individuals involved in these situations. With CTAS funding, the Judicial Services is proposing to bring programs together to development of a comprehensive strategic plan that will  benefit the people that are most in need. A full time administrative position will commit his/her time to coordinate this project to ensure that the process proceeds timely and efficiently. This project will meet the Department of Justice and Bois Forte Tribal Government goals to improve public safety in tribal communities.