Tribal Justice

In this clip we meet Abby Abinanti and Claudette White, the Chief Judges for their respective tribes. They work to heal and restore their communities as well as fight for sovereignty and independence.

Judge Abby Abinanti explains that tribes need to create their own models for justice and healing because state court methods are ineffective in a tribal setting. We meet Taos Proctor, who in sharing his experience with drug use, shows that cultural understanding and shared community are essential to rehabilitation.

Taos explains to the court his history of drug use and his current efforts at rehabilitation. Judge Abby Abinanti offers the court’s support.

In this clip we see scenes from Taos’ rehabilitation as he spends time with his son and works on building a house. We also hear about his past from the perspectives of his uncle and girlfriend. Abby and the court remain supportive.

Taos continues to work on building a house for girlfriend and son. He checks back in with Abby who pushes him to pursue attaining a GED.

In Tribal Justice, two Native American judges reach back to traditional concepts of justice in order to reduce incarceration rates, foster greater safety for their communities, and create a more positive future for their youth. By addressing the root causes of crime, they are modeling restorative systems that are working. Mainstream courts across the country are taking notice.