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 abuse 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 abuse 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.
Discuss why tribal leadership engagement is critical to community acceptance and sustainability of a victim services program, and identify methods to keep tribal leadership involved.
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.
Learn about the federal laws and tribal remedies available to protect victims of domestic violence. Discuss the safety needs of victims and how tribal court civil and criminal remedies (such as protection orders and criminal sanctions) are important to safeguarding victims. Review reparations for victims that should be considered by the tribal court for damages resulting from crimes or acts that have already occurred. Victim centeredness during the trial process will be emphasized.
Examine key predictors of under aged substance abuse. Discuss the long-term impact of under aged substance use, prevalence rates among tribal communities, and strategies to reduce or delay under aged substance use in tribal communities.
Learn about the Tribal Justice System Planning Process (TJSPP) principles and how a comprehensive tribal justice system strategic plan can improve public safety and the quality of life in your community. This online training course is designed for grantees who have not participated in the onsite TJSPP course, as well as non-grantee tribes.
Gather basic knowledge about vicarious trauma within a tribal context and the impact on service providers’ health and well-being. During the webinar, we will explore how tribal programs and leadership can use the OVC Vicarious Trauma Toolkit to create more trauma informed, healthier work environments; a particularly important goal given existing challenges and stress imposed by the global pandemic.
Explore successful examples of tribal youth police and criminal justice explorer programs and the related positive outcomes including, but not limited to: leadership skill development, rise in self-esteem and confidence, and formal interest in pursuing tribal law enforcement or related criminal justice career paths. Discuss multidisciplinary and community policing partnerships that helped lead to program success, as well as additional youth engagement strategies.
