DOJ awards $82.7M in tribal justice grants

Thursday, November 29, 2007  

The Department of Justice on Wednesday announced $82.7 million in grants to tribes for law enforcement and justice system improvements.

“We recognize that tribal communities face many challenges today. Although the most effective and locally appropriate solutions to their diverse problems come from the tribes themselves, the federal government is committed to being a full partner in their efforts to improve public safety,” said Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey, who was confirmed to his post earlier this month. “These grants will help tribes develop and implement their own law enforcement and criminal justice strategies.”

According to DOJ, more than $46 million was awarded through the newly-created Grants to Tribal Governments Program and the Transitional Housing, Rural, Arrest and Tribal Women’s Coalition Program. The money will be used to combat domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

Government statistics show that American Indian and Alaska Native women are more likely to be sexually assaulted than other women.

Other grants were: $14.7 million for 92 tribal police departments and governments in 23 states; more than $7.8 million awarded through the Tribal Youth Program; more than $5.5 million awarded through the Tribal Courts Assistance Program; more than $2.9 million awarded through the Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Demonstration Program; more than $3.5 million awarded to the Children's Justice Act Partnership for Indian Communities; nearly $1 million awarded through the Tribal Juvenile Accountability Discretionary Program; $880,000 for technical assistance under the Adam Walsh Child Protection Act; and $220,000 through the Tribal Criminal History Records Improvement Program.

Get the Story:
Press Release: $82.7 Million Provided to Tribal Communities for Law and Justice System Improvements (DOJ 11/28)

Amnesty International Report:
Full Report | Press Release

Online Discussion:
Violence against Native American and Alaska Native Women (April 24, 2007)

Relevant Links:
Join Voices with Native American and Alaska Native Women and Take Action to Stop the Violence - http://www.amnestyusa.org/maze
Senate Indian Affairs Committee - http://indian.senate.gov

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