Review the steps Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe, took to overcome jurisdictional barriers to achieve implementation of state legislation known as the Poarch Band of Creek Indians – State Police Powers Act (Alabama Act #2018-393). Review the specific barriers that were overcome such as lack of state recognition, no available copies of MOU’s that were in prior existence, inability to use state academy for training; not honoring tribal courts, etc. Discuss how this enhanced multi-jurisdictional partnership has supported increased public safety for the Poarch Creek community.
Become more mindful of the need to implement and sustain tribal sovereignty, unique to your nation, into all aspects of your tribal justice system. During the webinar series, you will learn more about tribal sovereignty, how it might be exercised or how it is exercised in your own community, and what to consider as you begin your tribal justice system planning process. You will also learn a process to take steps to identify opportunities for the inclusion of customs, traditions, and values into your tribal justice systems.
Discuss an overview of peer recovery support services (PRSS) as part of a comprehensive program to address substance misuse within tribal communities. Explore specific models of PRSS implementation within tribal communities. Identify benefits of PRSS as well as common challenges and barriers. Examine important considerations related to building comprehensive intervention strategies to respond to alcohol and substance misuse issues in tribal communities including PRSS. Engage in an opportunity to have your questions about PRSS answered by tribal PRSS practitioners during the Q&A portion of the webinar.
View this webinar to learn about an important funding opportunity available for tribal communities – the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s (BJA) FY 2023 Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use Program (COSSUP) Site-Based Solicitation. BJA is seeking applications to respond to illicit substance use and misuse to reduce overdose deaths, promote public safety, and support access to treatment and recovery services in the criminal justice system, and strongly encourages tribal communities to consider applying under Category 1c. Additional available relevant funding opportunities for tribal communities are also reviewed.
Discuss the value of peer recovery support services (PRSS) to enhance substance use recovery. Explore the history of peer support as an effective intervention for tribal populations. Engage in peer exchange with tribal representatives who have implemented a peer support program, including an opportunity for Q&A. This webinar will review a new valuable resource available to support tribes interested in implementing a PRSS Program, Culturally Responsive Pathways to Peer Programming in Tribal Communities. Discover available grant funding and training and technical assistance opportunities.
This foundational session explores how cultural identity, traditions, and community belonging serve as powerful protective factors in tribal probation and reentry work. Participants will examine strategies for integrating tribal customs, ceremonies, elders, language, and storytelling into supervision and case planning. The session will also address the impact of historical trauma—including colonization, forced removal, and systemic marginalization—on justice-involved tribal individuals and communities. Emphasis will be placed on culturally grounded, strengths-based approaches that honor Indigenous knowledge systems while supporting healing, accountability, and reintegration.
This session emphasizes the importance of collective reintegration in tribal communities. Participants will explore the roles of family, clan, and tribal systems of support in probation and reentry work. The session will focus on how to coordinate effectively with tribal courts, behavioral health, housing, education, spiritual leaders, and culture keepers. Emphasis will be placed on incorporating culturally grounded practices like Talking Circles, Peacemaking, and restorative approaches that reflect community values and shared responsibility.
Explore Tribal Law Enforcement Intervention and Deflection (LEID) as a pathway to reduce unnecessary justice system involvement for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders by connecting them with appropriate treatment, behavioral health and social services. Review successful practices for identification, screening and referral of program participants. Examine relevant Tribal LEID case studies and successful program models. Participate in a six-step process to map out how to create a Tribal LEID program specific to your community, identify resources and key stakeholders, and identify action steps to initiate and evaluate your program.
Explore Tribal Law Enforcement Intervention and Deflection (LEID) as a pathway to reduce unnecessary justice system involvement for individuals with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health disorders by connecting them with appropriate treatment, behavioral health and social services. Review successful practices for identification, screening and referral of program participants. Examine relevant Tribal LEID case studies and successful program models. Participate in a six-step process to map out how to create a Tribal LEID program specific to your community, identify resources and key stakeholders, and identify action steps to initiate and evaluate your program.
Hear from current tribal law enforcement practitioners about successful strategies they have used in recruiting and retaining tribal officers including advertising of positions, recruitment practices, benefits, community partnerships, and more.
