NCJ Number
175689
Date Published
1998
Length
39 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes conclusions of U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) consultations with Alaska Tribal Governments to mitigate service gaps and resource needs in Alaska Native villages.
Abstract
One of the major topics addressed by meeting participants was the need to improve tribal-state-federal law enforcement coordination and problems in and barriers to law enforcement. Suggested solutions included empowering and funding tribal courts; educating DOJ personnel regarding tribal perspectives and needs and establishing a native desk at DOJ; basic law enforcement and community policing training; and addressing alcohol/substance abuse relationship to crime and treatment needs. Other problem areas included family and domestic violence, sexual assault and victim advocacy; juvenile justice and child abuse, neglect and delinquency; and tribal courts and tribal justice systems. Suggested solutions to those problems included sensitizing State goverments and the Federal Government to the fact that natives are suffering from prisoner-of-war syndrome; reviving spirituality, ceremonies and cultural roots; and reviewing and applying United Nations human rights standards for indigenous peoples, which include the right to develop and maintain judicial institutions. Meeting participants heard presentations and comments from government officials, tribal elders, social workers, and residents of Native communities.