Grand Traverse Band Tribal Court Assistance Project

This award is made under the FY 2008 Tribal Courts Assistance Program and it supports the development, implementation, enhancement, and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. Allowable elements under the program may include, but are not limited to: establishing a core structure for a tribal court; improving case management; training court personnel; acquiring additional equipment and/or software; enhancing prosecution and indigent defense; supporting probation diversion and alternative sentencing programs; accessing services; focusing on juvenile services and multi disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse; and structuring intertribal or tribal appellate systems.

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians (GTB), known as the Anishnabek or the Three Fires Confederacy, include members of the Ojibwe, the Odawa, and the Potawatomi people. The GTB Reservation, on the western shore of the Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan, is home to more than 1,600 members living on the Reservation and in the surrounding six-county area. The GTB will use Tribal Courts Assistance Program grant funds to ensure its continuity of tribal traditions and culture while maintaining its sovereignty and self-determination by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of its Tribal Court. Presently handling more than 600 criminal, civil and family cases per year, the Court will purchase new computer hardware/software and other equipment; upgrade court security; and provide advanced legal education training for judges and staff. The Court will undertake this effort in collaboration with an advisory team that will include a Judge, Court Administrator, Clerk, and representatives from the Tribal Council, Probation, Corrections, Police Department, community and other appropriate stakeholders.

CA/NCF