• 6090 Boxer St, Utqiagvik, AK 99723
Justice Rooted in Tradition

Tribal Courts

The Native Village of Barrow Tribal Court provides culturally appropriate legal services for child welfare, juvenile justice, and guardianship cases. The court integrates Inupiaq values and traditions into its processes, focusing on family preservation, youth rehabilitation, and community well-being. It also collaborates with the State of Alaska under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) to maintain tribal jurisdiction over child custody cases.

Programs and Services

The Tribal Court follows the Native Village of Barrow Code of Laws (Title 1 – Court Procedures) to administer fair and culturally appropriate justice. The court does not handle divorce proceedings, child custody disputes, criminal felony cases, or monetary lawsuits.

The Native Village of Barrow Tribal Court exercises exclusive jurisdiction over child custody cases under ICWA. This jurisdiction was established with a petition approved by the Department of the Interior in 1999, ensuring that children remain connected to their families, community, and culture.

Child in Need of Aid (CINA) Cases
Child in Need of Aid (CINA) Cases
Tribal Court handles these cases to ensure children’s safety and protection, often in coordination with the State of Alaska through ICWA.
Adoption and Guardianship
  • Inuguuq Adoption: A cultural adoption process where biological parents give consent for another family to raise the child.
  • Tiguag Adoption: A form of adoption where biological parents relinquish parental rights to another family.
  • Guardianship: The court appoints guardians for children, often related to CINA cases or petitions from tribal members.
Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
A therapeutic program for youth ages 0-21, integrating traditional practices with judicial processes to address alcohol and substance abuse. This court supports healing and rehabilitation through community partnerships.
Juvenile Court Program
The Program offers a culturally based alternative for youth referred by the State of Alaska for juvenile offenses. It incorporates Inupiaq traditions and emphasizes:
  • The importance of family and community
  • Teaches cultural heritage, language, and values
  • Partnering with the “Prime for Life” workshop for early intervention in substance abuse cases
Tribal Youth Program
Tribal Youth Program
Funded by a $659,181 grant, this program serves youth ages 18-25 by developing outreach initiatives aimed at preventing alcohol and substance abuse-related offenses.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Supported by a $349,646 grant, this program provides services for youth ages 0-18 to reconnect with their families and community, reducing substance abuse and related crimes.
Child in Need of Aid (CINA) Cases
Child in Need of Aid (CINA) Cases
Tribal Court handles these cases to ensure children’s safety and protection, often in coordination with the State of Alaska through ICWA.
Tribal Youth Program
Tribal Youth Program
Funded by a $659,181 grant, this program serves youth ages 18-25 by developing outreach initiatives aimed at preventing alcohol and substance abuse-related offenses.
Juvenile Court Program
Juvenile Court Program
The Juvenile Court Program offers a culturally based alternative for youth referred by the State of Alaska for juvenile offenses. This program incorporates Inupiaq traditions and emphasizes:
  • The importance of family and community in rehabilitation
  • Teaching cultural heritage, language, and values
  • Partnering with the “Prime for Life” workshop for early intervention in substance abuse cases
Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
Juvenile Healing to Wellness Court
A therapeutic program for youth ages 0-21, integrating traditional practices with judicial processes to address alcohol and substance abuse. This court supports healing and rehabilitation through community partnerships.
Adoption and Guardianship
Adoption and Guardianship
  • Inuguuq Adoption: A cultural adoption process where biological parents give consent for another family to raise the child.
  • Tiguag Adoption: A form of adoption where biological parents relinquish parental rights to another family.
  • Guardianship: The court appoints guardians for children, often related to CINA cases or petitions from tribal members.
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Supported by a $349,646 grant, this program provides services for youth ages 0-18 to reconnect with their families and community, reducing substance abuse and related crimes.

Reports and Resources

Who We Serve

The Tribal Court serves youth, families, and community members by:

  • Ensuring child safety and family preservation
  • Offering alternative justice programs for youth offenders
  • Upholding tribal traditions in legal proceedings