The Tulalip Tribal Elders Panel is a diversion program that uses traditional methods to teach young defendants how to conduct themselves properly as members of the tribe. The panel's work was recently recognized with a Local Hero Award by the Washington State Bar Association.

At their request, young Native American adults over 18 are referred to the Elders Panel by the Tulalip Tribal Curt for minor offenses such as possession of alcohol, possession of marijuana, or criminal mischief. The panel members meet with the offender and put together a plan that may include community service, letters of apology, anger management classes, spiritual activity, or even interviewing relatives to create a family tree.

Participation in the elders program allows the young offender to avoid prosecution. Upon successful completion of the program, the charges are dismissed.

Mentoring by tribal elders is believed to help young people reconnect with their culture and values, making them less likely to re-offend.

Tulalip Tribal Court judge Gary Bass has referred more than 25 youths to the Elder Panel in the past three years. "With the ones who are successful in Elder Court, we don't wind up with them back in criminal court," he said. "You get them to start learning about their culture, their heritage, and you can actually change the way they act in their life."

Members of the panel include Virginia Carpenter, Donald Hatch Jr., Katherine Monger, Eleanor Neilson, William Shelton, Lee Topash and Arthur H. Williams Sr.

blog comments powered by Disqus