Tribal Justice

Colville Site Visit
The Center for Justice Innovation’s Tribal Justice Exchange works with tribal communities across the United States to enhance their justice systems in ways that support tribal sovereignty.

The Center’s Tribal Justice Exchange has worked with more than 60 tribes across the country to implement innovative practices within their justice systems. These include prevention initiatives, youth engagement, diversion programs, restorative justice practices, Healing to Wellness Courts, reentry strategies, and other approaches emphasizing healing and community-building.

We offer a range of training and technical assistance services designed to promote tribal sovereignty by expanding tribal court jurisdiction, building collaborations with state and local partners, and developing new resources to support justice-involved tribal members.

The Western, adversarial system of justice often runs counter to the traditional practices of tribal communities. We recognize that approaches that work in state justice systems will not necessarily fit tribes' needs. Our Tribal Justice Exchange works with tribes to incorporate traditional practices and values into tribal justice systems.

Learn More →

Initiatives

  • Peacemaking Program

    Building on a traditional Native American approach to justice, the Center’s peacemaking programs focus on healing and community restoration rather than punishment.

Publications & Digital Media

See All Publications and Digital Media →

News

  • A Supreme Court Decision Keeps Children in Their Communities

    Native children navigating the child welfare system are uniquely vulnerable. Read about the recent Supreme Court decision that protects their right to stay connected to their families and communities—and the smaller, no less inspiring efforts to support them on the ground.

View Archive →

We work with reformers around the world.

Do you need help solving a problem, launching a new initiative or improving an old one?

Contact Our Experts →