White Earth Tribal Court Project

The White Earth Band of Chippewa Indians is a federally recognized tribe located in northwestern Minnesota and spanning the counties of Mahnomen, Becker and Clearwater Counties. With this funding, White Earth will: Goal 1) Promote community safety and quality of lives of people in the community by reducing recidivism including rearrest, re-conviction, and incarceration.  The Court is requesting funding to hire two (2) tribal assistant correction agents to work collaboratively with the department of corrections to identify Native American offenders returning to the Reservation.   Planning and assessments will occur prior to offenders being released from prison.  The tribal assistant corrections agents will facilitate a WECARE assessment prior to release and to provide probation services while in the community.  They will also make referral, based on Level of Need, to services including the grass roots Warrior Path program. 

 A Pardon and Forgiveness Code and Policy will be drafted to address the barriers to finding housing and employment. 

To build community and a strong collaboration, state and county agencies will receive training on White Earth history, historical trauma, trauma informed care and Anishinabe values. 

Anticipated outcomes include: Reduction of county jail and prison admission rates, reduction of revocation/ recidivism rates for the counties and reduction of district court caseloads through diversion, reduction of crime/police service calls, and ultimately reduce the financial burden on both county and tribal resources. 

White Earth is requesting $896,359 under Purpose Area 3.  The receipt of funding for Purpose Area 3 is not required for the implementation of any other purpose area being requested.