The Tribal Court exercises the Tribe’s inherent sovereignty and provides a user-friendly, culturally-appropriate forum for tribal citizens to address their justice needs. These judicial services are guided by the traditional values of respect, patience and the essential responsibility to safeguard the future of the Tribe by promoting healthy tribal families.
The Tribal Court is established by Articles VII, XI of the Tribe’s Constitution as a separate branch of government. The Tribal Court resolves matters by taking evidence and rendering both written and oral decisions. Each final decision of the trial courts comes with the right of appeal to the Supreme Court.
Beyond dispute resolution and adjudication, the Tribal Court provides outreach regarding tribal justice issues to the Alaska Tribal Judges Association, other individual tribes seeking assistance in building their tribal courts, as well as the United States of America and State of Alaska on a government-to-government basis.
The Tribal Court has subject matter jurisdiction over a large range of civil and criminal issues, including:
- Adoptions
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Divorce
- Domestic Violence
- Guardianships
- Marriage
- Paternity
Eligibility Requirements:
The Tribal Court shares concurrent jurisdiction with the State of Alaska over a wide range of legal issues. Generally, the Court has jurisdiction in a case where one or more parties are tribal citizens or eligible for enrollment with the Tribe. In addition, even in cases wholly involving non-members, jurisdiction to handle the matter can come through either expressed or implied consent.
Application Process:
Services are initiated by filing a petition with the Tribal Court.
Communities Served:
All communities where tribal citizens reside with the exception of Metlakatla.
Note: Tribal Court’s office is based in Juneau, Alaska. Court hearings may take place in-person in Juneau, Alaska or through web or tele-conference.