Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) is calling on the state corrections system to incorporate a tribal justice program.

Schweitzer said the program would allow tribes to handle certain offenders in a culturally appropriate way. Similar programs in Canada have been successful, he said.

American Indians are four times as likely to end up in prison than non-Indians, Schweitzer said. He asked state corrections officials to study a tribal justice program.

Get the Story:
Schweitzer looks to tailor justice system to American Indian needs (AP 9/23)
Schweitzer looks to tailor justice system to American Indian needs (The Bozeman Daily Chronicle 9/22)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Montana governor on right track with tribes (03/16)
Woman defines role as Indian affairs coordinator (3/15)
Montana Natives take center stage at inaugural ball (02/14)
Montana governor appoints two tribal members (02/14)
Montana governor announces Indian affairs liaison (01/21)
Family of Indian women are key political players (01/13)
Three Indian women to help new Montana governor (11/24)
Indian lawmakers in Montana set priorities (11/17)