Written Questions and Answers from Community Meetings

State Court Judges' Lack Of Knowledge Of Tribal Culture

State Court Staff's Lack Of Knowledge Of Tribal Culture

Poor Understanding Of Icwa Requirements By Judges

Attorneys

Social Workers

And Probation Officers

Perceived Unfairness Of Court Processes If Indian Victims Of Family Violence Are Involved

Services Provided To Family Violence Victims Are Not Culturally Competent

Lack Of Enforcement Of State Or Tribal Court Orders Protecting Family Violence Victims

Unclear Jurisdictional Boundaries

Prejudice And Discrimination Block Native American Voices From Being Heard

Slowness Or Lack Of Response (by Law Enforcement

Prosecutors

And The Courts)

Lack Of Information About What State Law Enforcement Can And Cannot Do On Tribal Lands

Lack Of Understanding By Law Enforcement Of Native American Culture And Mental Health Issues

Native American communities face significant "justice gaps" including state court judges' lack of knowledge of tribal culture, poor understanding of ICWA requirements, and perceived unfairness of court processes when Indian victims of family violence are involved. Most respondents (over 55%) reported that these issues were big problems in their communities. Other identified justice gaps include a lack of information about state law enforcement on tribal lands, lack of cultural competence in services provided to family violence victims, and unclear jurisdictional boundaries.

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