Tribal Judicial System
The Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Tribal Court is here to serve the needs of our Tolowa Community by serving all of the members of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation.
Location
110 First Street, Suite B
Smith River, CA 95567
Phone: 707-487-6425
Fax: 888-468-8221
Hours: Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm
Staff
Devon White – Tribal Court Administrator
707-487-6425
Email tdn.tribalcourt@tolowa.com
Elsie Petrie – Tribal Courtroom Clerk
707-487-6425 ext. 1162
Felicity Lopez – Tribal Court Clerk
707-487-6425 ext. 1160
Mission
Tribal Empowerment Through Effective Administration of Equal Justice For All.
Goal
Serve Tribal Citizens needs by improving the welfare of our community. Enhancing Tribal Sovereignty through development of culturally appropriate laws and exercise of tribal jurisdiction.
Overview
Having an effective judicial system is a critical component of Tribal sovereignty. This Court works hard to enhance Tribal sovereignty through the development of culturally appropriate laws and by exercising Tribal jurisdiction. The Court hears cases on a wide variety of topics including cases involving child welfare and guardianship’s. Dispute resolution in the Tribal Court is culturally appropriate, informal and non-adversarial as possible.
Projects
- Creating “bench guides” for child welfare cases
- Developing juvenile wellness court
- Conducting court evaluation to improve access to justice and see what tribal citizens would like from the court.
- Create Judicial Oversight Committee (JOC)
- Find a home (building) for the court that is more suitable for the growth and needs of the court.
Programs
- Tribal Court Improvement Program
- Juvenile Wellness Court
- Mediation Program
- Self Help Desk
Available Court Services
- Adoption
- Child Welfare
- Child Custody
- Child Support
- Guardianship
- Marriage
- Dissolution
- Domestic Violence
- Name Change
Additional Information & Resources
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New Updated Court Forms and Legal Documents Coming Soon!