Tribal Justice Department

Ggax Kuna’

Gakona Tribal Court

Authority of the Gakona Tribal Court

Traditionally, the laws and customs of the Gakona Tribe were enforced and practiced by the Gakona people without outside intervention. In modern times, the Gakona Tribal Council established and operated a tribal court under the inherent sovereignty of a federally recognized Indian tribe, under any delegated or implied authority by the state and federal Governments, and under Article 9 of the Gakona Constitution.

The judicial power of the Gakona Tribal Council shall be vested in the Gakona Tribal Judicial System, which shall consist of the Gakona Tribal Court, Gakona Court of Appeals, Gakona Justice Circles, and other Courts and Intertribal Courts as deemed necessary by the Gakona Tribal Council.

Purposes of the Gakona Tribal Court

The purposes of the Gakona Tribal Court are to address internal affairs, domestic relations, and to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the Gakona people and Tribe by addressing problems through a fair and consistent application of written tribal codes, unwritten traditional laws, and the cultural values and traditions.

Jurisdiction of the Gakona Tribal Court

The Gakona Tribal Court shall be a court of general jurisdiction and have the authority to exercise the inherent judicial powers of a federally recognized tribe, provided that the Tribal Court Judges shall have the authority to decide whether or not they shall hear a case filed with the Court.

The Gakona Tribal Court may develop and adopt written rules for practices and procedures, provided they do not conflict with the Native Village of Gakona Tribal Constitution or Tribal Codes.

The Gakona Tribal Court shall have the authority to exercise the inherent judicial powers of a federally recognized tribe. These powers include but are not limited to, matters relating to the governmental processes internal to the Tribe and over matters arising:

In the Gakona Tribe’s Indian country; and/or
Over all Tribal Citizens, enrolled or eligible, regardless of where they live or do business; and/or
Over all persons and entities who enter into consensual relations with the Tribe or tribal citizens, or whose activities affect the political integrity, economic security, or the health or welfare of the Tribe or tribal members; and/or
Over any matters so delegated or implied by Congress, or the State of Alaska.

Tribal Victims Support Services

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Crime victims are entitled to the following rights under the Victims of Crime Act:

• Right to due process
• Right to be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect
• Right to have your privacy protected
• Right to be notified of court proceedings
• Right to be heard
• Right to reasonable protection from the alleged offender
• Right to restitution
• Right to information and referral
• Right to apply for victim compensation
• Right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay
• Right to confer with the prosecutor on criminal charges against the alleged offender
• Right to copy of presenter report and transcripts
• Right to standing and remedies
• Right to access immediate safety and emergency shelter
• Right to apply for supportive services

If you are a Tribal Citizen, please click the ACE questionnaire button below to see if you qualify for services

ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Questionnaire

Victims Services Needs Assessment Survey

Tribal Protective Services Program

Tribal Protective Services is a program designed to provide safety, mobile advocacy, and support services for victims of crime.

Who does TPS serve?

Victim(s) of crime (VOC). A victim of crime is a term used for grant purposes, and TPS encourages clients to identify by whatever term they are comfortable with (i.e., survivor, overcomer, warrior, victim, client, beneficiary). A VOC is any gender of person who has been victimized by a traumatizing crime, either reported or not reported, which may include:

• Physical Assault Victims

• Adult Sexual Assault

• Abused As A Child

• Arson Victims

• Bullying Victims

• Burglary/ Robbery Victims

• Child Abuse Victims

• Child Pornography Victims

• Teen Dating Violence

• Child Sexual Abuse

• Domestic/Family Violence

• DUI Incident Victim

• Elder Abuse

• Hate Crime Victim

• Human Trafficking

• Theft Victims

• Identity Theft Victims

• Kidnapping

• Mass Violence Victim

• Vehicular Victimization

• Stalking

• Harassment

• Survivors of Homicide

Tribal Victim Advocacy Services

Native Village of Gakona’s TPS provides Tribal Victim Advocates that help provide immediate and long-term support to victims and their families. It’s important that the victim/family is connected to an advocate as soon as possible to ensure the victim’s needs are met. These include but are not limited to:

Safety Planning (Top Priority)

Creating safety plans, and providing emergency shelter and/or transitional housing.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate support for emotional and physical needs/ safety. During closed hours, please call the Victims Advocate cell for immediate assistance.

Case Management

Provides immediate and long-term support to victims of crime and their families.

Mobile Advocacy

A source to help victims navigate through the criminal justice system.

Financial Planning

Determine needs and options for Direct Services and Shelter/Housing Assistance by completing the Crime Victims Compensation application.

Outreach & Education

Provides training to Tribal communities and/or other partnered organizations to help bring education about victimization, trauma, and healing, as well as dynamics of power and control.

Court Related Services

Liaison with Court & Law Enforcement. The advocate can be used as a source to help VOC navigate through the court system, including but not limited to: transportation and accompaniment to court, information about legal resources/referrals, and assistance with filling out restraining/stalking/protection orders.

TPS Direct Services

TSP has a coordinated system of care and support services that assists clients. The priority is to empower victims in overcoming their traumas, healing, and reclaiming their lives through a holistic, victim-centered program. Services are determined through case planning and vary based on the client’s needs. Examples of services include but are not limited to:

Emergency Shelter Services/ Relocation Services

TPS may be able to assist VOCs in immediate danger with emergency shelter until relocation or a safety plan is developed. Other options vary on approval.

Medical/Mental Health Services

TPS may cover program-referred medical and/or mental health service costs that insurance won’t cover.

Transitional Housing

Short-term housing assistance, including rental or utility payment assistance and assistance with related expenses such as payment of security deposits and other costs incidental to relocation to transitional housing.

Voluntary Victim Support Services

Recipients of TPS case management may be provided additional support services after the immediate safety incident, including but not limited to counseling, family/group counseling, traditional healing activities/programs, childcare, and/or respite assistance for Elders needing supervision due to relocation/offender was care provider, and costs associated with life skills/ educational/job training, costs associated with the repair or replacement of property broken during a crime, such as broken doors, windows, or locks, and costs associated with legal assistance in civil proceedings related to the crime.

Burial Services

Funeral or Burial expenses for victims of homicide or murder includes transportation of the body, the funeral, and other related expenses.

Transportation Services

Address:

Native Village of Gakona

Tribal Justice Department

P.O. Box 102,
Gakona, Alaska 99586

Telephone:

907.822.1093 – Office

907.822.5997 – Fax
907.378.2336 – Victims Services/Emergency Cell

Email:

POSITION VACANT