Tribal Court The Tribal Court was established by Articles VII, XI of the Tribe’s Constitution as a separate branch of government to exercise the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty and provide a culturallyappropriate forum for tribal citizens to address their judicial needs. The Executive Council, Judiciary Committee, elected Justices and Tribal Court staff continue to work toward expanding and sustaining the Tribal Court’s judicial services. The Tribal Court is available for and has subject matter jurisdiction over:
Ka’illjuus Lisa Lang Chief Justice Elected October 1, 2020
Adoptions Child Support Child Custody
Child Welfare Divorce Domestic Violence
Guardianships Marriage Paternity
The Tribal Court’s judicial services are guided by the traditional values of respect, patience, and the essential responsibility to safeguard the future of the Tribe by promoting healthy tribal families. The Tribal Court resolves matters by taking evidence and rendering both written and oral decisions. Each final decision of the Trial Court comes with right of appeal to the Tlingit & Haida’s Supreme Court which is composed of three elected Justices. Beyond dispute resolution and problem solving, the Tribal Court provides technical assistance to Alaska tribes in building tribal court capacity and is currently developing various alternatives for dispute resolution and restorative justice models that can be utilized by Tlingit & Haida’s Tribal Court in Juneau and shared with Tribal Courts throughout Southeast and Alaska.
Jaagal Aat Michelle Demmert Chief Justice January - April 2020
“Exercising our inherent tribal sovereignty for the benefit, health and wellbeing of our tribal citizens." 38
The Tribal Court’s top priority for 2020 was employee recruitment and the continued development of the Tribal Justice Systems through Victims Services planning and organization of the Tribe’s Wellness Courts for families affected by the opioid and substance misuse crisis. The Tribal Court met or exceeded most of its 2020 goals.
2020 Highlights Planned and implemented COVID-19 emergency protocols and work-from-home plan with continual increase in cases filed and hearings held at the Trial Court level. Established multi-disciplinary team to aid in development of the Tribe’s Wellness Courts. Partnered with the Tribal Family & Youth Services department and tribal citizens Lyle and Kolene James to facilitate virtual Elders Talking Circles. Partnered with the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center and Alaska Native Justice Center to host a 13-week Domestic Violence Advocacy series virtually. Awarded a three-year Department of Justice grant to increase staffing and address other related needs for Tlingit & Haida’s Victims of Crime offices in Southeast Alaska (Juneau and Prince of Wales Island). Provided administrative staff support to the Judiciary Committee and Violence Against Women Task Force. Participated in planning meeting to address the future space needs of the Tribal Court and its programming.
