FROM THE ARCHIVE

DOJ: No California tribes applied

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JULY 7, 2000

The Department of Justice on Thursday confirmed through a spokesperson that no California tribes applied for funding through the Department's Drug Court Program Office.

A report by the Los Angeles Times on July 5 stated that California tribes were "passed over" for funding. The report also stated the Department promised not to overlook tribes in the state.

However, no tribes in California applied for the "competitive discretionary program," Doug Johnson of the Department of Justice confirmed.

"We must have an application," Johnson said, in order for a tribe to be considered.

Grants totaling more than $5 million were awared to 44 tribes and Alaska Native Villages through the Department of Justice. The funds are being used by tribes throughout Indian Country to enhance, implement, or plan drug courts in their communities.

Many California tribes do not have an existing court system, due to the Public Law 280, a 1953 law which granted the state criminal and civil jurisdiction over reservations.

Related Stories:
Tribes awarded key funding (Tribal Law 7/7)
Tribal grantees in Drug Court Program (Tribal Law 7/7)
Tribes miss out on funds (Tribal Law 7/5)

Relevant Links:
Public Law 280: Issues and Concerns for Victims of Crime in Indian Country (Melton, Gardner. Tribal Court Institute)