On September 17, 2014, the national radio program Native America Calling, featured an hour-long episode on Tribal Healing to Wellness Courts and their effects in Indian country. Guests included Lauren van Schilfgaarde of the Tribal Law and Policy Institute, Hon. Chantel Cloud, Healing to Wellness Court Judge of the Southern Ute Adult Healing to Wellness Court, Regina C. Begay-Roanhorse, Healing to Wellness Court Coordinator of the To'hajiilee-Alamo Judicial District of the Navajo Nation, and Jamie Mike, Care Coordinator for the To'hajiilee-Alamo Judicial District of the Navajo Nation.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014 — Healing Through The Tribal Courts (listen)
Individuals across Native America have been through the court system after being arrested on drug and alcohol charges. They can face fines and jail time in state or federal facilities. But some tribal courts are taking a different approach. Recently they've implemented tribal healing to wellness courts that deal with members who commit alcohol and drug related crimes and struggle with addiction. These courts are modeled after state drug courts but they are take into account culture and language as a part of treatment and healing. Each tribal court can be very different from the next. How exactly do they work? Do you think healing to wellness courts are a good idea? Do you think they could help the people in your community begin the process of healing?