Family and Children Services

Tribal Government

In 2018, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Tribal Justice, conducted an assessment and planning review of the Tribal Court. The extensive review process resulted in an assistance grant from the BIA, Office of Tribal Justice Assistance. Those funds were used to hire a part-time court liaison, a part-time assistant court clerk, and contract for legal assistance with code writing and rule development. Additionally, some funds were used to train court bailiffs and make software updates in the Tribal Court’s case management system.

In an effort to enrich the Tribal Court with traditional elements, the Tribal Council commissioned Native founder, and owner, of High Rez Wood Company, Stephan Cheney, to design and craft a basket design clock, to pay homage to local basket makers, and three custom tables for the Tribal Court. The clock and tables were made from wood native to the Tribe’s traditional lands. When connected, the three sections of the table create a circle representing the continuity and unification of the Tribe’s people, culture, families, and land.

The Tribal Court has been, and remains, an important component to protecting the Tribe’s sovereignty.

New Tribal Court Table by Artist Stephan Cheney

Family and Children Services

Family & Children Services (FCS) is a Tribal department that receives complaints or referrals on allegedly abused or neglected tribal children, investigating and filing a petition with the Tribal Court where appropriate. FCS locates, certifies and supervises foster and relative placements. Department staff monitors tribal children while in placement. FCS appears in Tribal Court and prepares, with the assistance of the Office of the Tribal Attorney, and files dependency cases, case plans, pleadings, status reviews and may provide expert testimony as required by Tribal law. The FCS department also works closely with other internal tribal departments as well as works with outside agencies in creating solutions to child care and family services. The FCS department works closely with families in creating the best solutions for family safety.