DOJ announces Indian Country crime initiatives

Law

Friday, October 30, 2009

Attorney General Eric Holder attended the second day of the Department of Justice tribal nations listening conference in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Thursday.

Holder announced the creation of the Tribal Nations Leadership Council to advise the department on Indian Country issues. The council, composed of tribal leaders representing the 12 regions of the U.S., will meet twice a year, he said. He also plans to visit reservations in the new several months.

Holder said the Obama administration supports passage of the S.797, the Tribal Law and Order Act, and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. He said the department will work with Congress to ensure Indian youth are a priority in the reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the department has provided nearly $400 million in grants to tribes and Alaska Natives.

Get the Story:
Tribal leaders pleased with Obama’s pledges (The Fargo Forum 10/30)
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Indian country happy with Obama efforts (The Republican Eagle 10/30)
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Holder dedicates money and plan to improving safety on tribal lands (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 10/30)
Holder: DOJ helping tribes reduce violence (Minnesota Public Radio 10/29)
Holder vows to help tribes fight crime (UPI 10/29)

Relevant Documents:
Attorney General Eric Holder Delivers Remarks at the Tribal Nations Listening Session (October 29, 2009) | Remarks by Attorney General Eric Holder at Press Conference Following Tribal Nations Listening Session (October 29, 2009)