Spirit Lake Nation court maintains big caseload with less funds

Monday, April 8, 2013  

The chief judge for the Spirit Lake Nation in North Dakota says the tribe's court is understaffed and underfunded but believes progress is being made.

Judge Shirley Cain joined the court a little more than a year ago, The Grand Forks Herald reported. Since then, 1,501 parties have appeared before her despite a loss of another judge and a cut in her budget.

“It’s been a tough, tough year for the people of Spirit Lake,” Cain told the paper. “But we’re moving in the right direction. We are coming together as professional people, we’re communicating better, and we’re doing the best we can with what we have.”

The tribe has faced criticism over its handling of child abuse cases.

Get the Story:
Tribal judge says court, social workers see kids’ safety as top concern (The Grand Forks Herald 4/8)
Spirit Lake under renewed scrutiny (The Grand Forks Herald 4/7)
Outside officials say Spirit Lake tribe on right track with child protection (The Grand Forks Herald 4/7)

Related Stories:
Frontline: Small progress in addressing abuse at Spirit Lake (4/2)
'Kind Hearted Woman' follows Spirit Lake Nation abuse saga (3/25)
Native Sun News: PBS series tackles abuse at Spirit Lake Nation (3/12)