BJA Tribal Courts Assistance Program

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 Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of Duck Valley are descendants of the Western Shoshone people and the Northern Paiute people living on the Duck Valley Indian Reservation, a beautiful, green valley on the Nevada/Idaho border. The town of Owyhee, Nevada, located on the Reservation, is the community center. The grant funds will be used by the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe to improve Tribal Court functioning by upgrading and purchasing equipment; providing staff training; and hiring a Bailiff/Process Server. The grant will help the Tribal Court ensure the continuity of traditions and culture while maintaining Tribal sovereignty and self-determination. An Advisory Board comprising the Chief Tribal Judge, Chief of Police, Prosecutor, Probation Officer, Court Clerk, and the Social Services and Behavioral Health Director will oversee the grant-funded program.

CA/NCF