Resolution 2020-22: Fairbanks Based Tribal Court

WHEREAS, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) is an Alaska Native tribal health and social services consortium established by the Interior Alaska tribes and tribal communities, to provide a unified voice in advancing sovereign tribal governments through the promotion of physical and mental wellness, education, socioeconomic development and culture of the Interior Alaska Native; and

WHEREAS, TCC and the Interior Tribes strive to support tribal self-determination, improve community wellness, and reverse health, education and socio-economic disparities of Native people; and

WHEREAS, Tribal courts are a powerful tool to address substance abuse, child neglect, criminal activity, domestic violence and other community issues; and

WHEREAS, Tribes often face challenges presiding in cases of tribal members outside their village; and

WHEREAS, Many tribal members live in Fairbanks and are not currently provided the option to access tribal courts; and

WHEREAS, There is increased funding for substance abuse courts and other specialty courts.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Tanana Chiefs Conference Full Board of Directors, directs TCC to develop a plan and seek funding, to create a tribally authorized Fairbanks based tribal court to serve Fairbanks tribal members and those cases referred by tribes that are unable to hear the case in the village based tribal court.

Submitted by: Nulato Tribal Council