On August 13-15, 2019 members from various Alaskan Tribal communities gathered at a Circle Facilitator workshop to learn, exchange knowledge and practice how Circles are being utilized by Tribal Courts to improve outcomes for tribal youth. 

The 3-day workshop provided a highly interactive setting where participants working with youth had the opportunity to partake in a circle facilitator role using under-age drinking cases as a real-life scenario. 

OUR PRESENTERS 

• Lisa Jaeger, Tribal Government Specialist presented on tribal court codes and ways for tribal court to take cases as well as restorative justice;
• Kimberly Martus, RurAL CAP Community Technical Assistance Coordinator, spoke on the topic of Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts – particularly the tribal ten key components when considering the specific and unique needs of youth;
• Curt Shuey of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe led the Circle Process with an overview on Circle Peacemaking and Circle Keeping guidelines.
• Helen Gregorio of Togiak, presented on Tribal Healing to Wellness Court used in Togiak when working with the youth and family to reduce criminal offenses through therapeutic and cultural interventions – all with the mission to improve the safety of the community.

At the end of the training, participants had more understanding and awareness of the Alaska tribal court system and procedural steps in using a circle process as a way of resolving disputes and conflicts, maintained peace and delivering justice through the use of traditional values, customs, and practices.