Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Court
Welcome to the Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Court Page
welcome to the yakutat tlingit tribal court
overview
The Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Court was established in 2019 and has grown to encompass three full time staff members. The Court provides community wide help for victims of crime, serves as an advocate for children who are tribal members, and is in the process of building a local court to serve Yakutat.
Tribal Court Directory
Yakutat Tlingit Tribal Court | 606 Forest Hwy. 10 | P.O. Box 418, Yakutat, AK 99689
Shelley Bremner
email: [email protected]
phone: (907) 784-3238 ext. 109
email:
phone: (907) 784-3238 ext.
email: [email protected]
phone: (907) 784-3238 ext. 110
mobile: (907) 410-7399
email:
phone: (907) 784-3238 ext.
email: [email protected]
phone: (907) 784-3238 ext. 111
Indian Child Welfare Advocate
Advocating for Stronger and More Resilient Families
The role of the Indian Child Welfare Advocate with our tribal court is to be present and advocate for the rights of Alaska Native/American Indian children and their families who come under investigation with the Office of Children’s Services (OCS).
Our Advocate accompanies OCS investigators to your home to ensure that your rights are being upheld and to ensure that children are not removed unnecessarily from your custody. In the event that your child is removed, we work with OCS to write manageable case plans and connect you with services that you qualify for. We also participate in team meetings and court hearings.
In addition, we advocate for children whose parents have had their rights terminated. We help make sure that placements are with family or in Indian homes. We also participate in adoptions. Our overarching goal is to strengthen our tribal families, and to provide stability to the people in our program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) is a long-standing federal law protecting the well-being of Native children by upholding family integrity and stability.
The tribe that you belong to, under ICWA, is called the intervening tribe. In this question, we would not be the intervening tribe so our help would be limited, but we can attend OCS visits and help you apply for other services you may qualify for from the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe.
Visit the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA)‘s resource page for more Frequently Asked Questions about ICWA.
crime victim services advocate
A New Community-Wide Program for Victims of Crime
When it comes to lending a hand to those who need help, no community does it better than Yakutat. We are here for each other. The Crime Victim Services program is the latest manifestation of this community value. If you’ve had the misfortune of a crime committed against you, our program is designed to help you get back on your feet. We provide crisis intervention, emergency resources, in-home client visits, and can connect you to other essential services.
If you are an adult resident of Yakutat and you are a victim of crime, you may be eligible for:
• Counseling Assistance with White Raven Center
• Childcare Assistance
• Emergency Supplies (Bugout Kits)
• Emergency Housing Assistance (Hotel Nights)
• Gasoline Vouchers
• Food Vouchers
• Housing Assistance
• Information and Referrals
• Victim Advocacy/Accompaniment
• Individual Advocacy
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. Everyone who is a resident of Yakutat is eligible for this program.
It is not necessary to file a police report, but we highly recommend it.
No. Your advocate and officers of the Yakutat Tribal Court do not provide legal advice. However, we are pleased to refer you to someone who can.
The state of Alaska statute 12.55.185 (16) defines the term as: (A) a person against whom an offense has been perpetrated. Offenses can be violent or non-violent crimes.
Our mission is to support survivors of crime in our community with victim-centered policies and practices.
Yes, we can accompany you to important court dates, help you file a police report, and meet with you to provide individual support on a case by case basis.
• Respect for People’s Rights and Dignity
• Competence
• Integrity
• Professional Responsibility
• Concern for Others’ Welfare
• Social Responsibility
domestic violence advocate
Currently, there is significant statewide effort to reduce violence against women. This is being addressed at the state level with the submission of bills concerning assault and sex offenses. Although these bills do not specifically target American Indian/ Alaska Native victims, Alaska Native women account for more than half of all sexual assault victims within the state.
Regional data also reveals that over 50% of women have experienced intimate partner violence, sexual violence, or both in their lifetime. These efforts are supported by local data, as well. The main focus is to address violence against Native Alaskan women issues within Yakutat, specifically targeting Assault and Domestic Violence.
The Domestic Violence Advocate will spearhead the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Project, which aims to remedy the current local situation by enhancing the Tribe’s ability to respond to violent crimes against Indian women, promote victim safety, and develop education and prevention strategies.
The goal of this project is to increase tribal capacity and empower our own community with resources and tools that will allow us to understand and address violence against Alaska Native women. The Tribe believes it is vitally important that these issues are addressed at the tribal level with special regard to traditional and cultural views.
Crime Victim Shelter / Safe House
Emergency and Transitional Housing for Yakutat
The Yakutat Tlingit Tribe sends our heartfelt thanks to our partner organizations SEALASKA, Rasmuson Foundation, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, and the Yak Tat Kwaan, Inc. for their generous donations that made our vision of building a Crime Victim Shelter/ Safe House in Yakutat a reality!
One of the great challenges of living in Yakutat is finding housing. Housing shortages also create a ripple effect in households where domestic violence or other crimes occur because there are few places for victims of crime to stay and some of those places may lead to revictimization or cause instability within the family unit. We want to make sure that no one has to choose between their well-being and safe housing.
Emergency Housing For You and Your Family
We help with housing needs when you need them most. Some program participants may qualify for transitional housing. Emergency housing is available to you and your children, subject to space availability.
Our goal is for you to be safe and to help you heal from the crime that has been committed against you.
Transitional Housing - A Program with One Requirement: Your Participation
This 3-12 month program is for participants who want to break the cycle of crime and create better living situations for themselves and/or their families. We will share more of the details of this program as the services come online.