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Blog: DOJ testimony addresses reservation crime
Friday, November 20, 2009
Filed Under: Law

"The Justice Department is working to bring “lasting change” in how it handles American Indian issues, according to written testimony from Attorney General Eric Holder submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday.

Holder highlighted various efforts to reach out to American Indians, including the creation of the Nations Leadership Council, which will be composed of tribal 12 leaders, who will meet twice a year to advise the Attorney General on issues affecting Indian country. The Attorney General first announced his decision to establish the council at a DOJ tribal listening session in Minnesota last month.

“By statute and because of its government-to-government relationship with tribes, the United States has a legal duty and moral obligation to address violent crime in Indian country and to assist tribes in their efforts to provide for safe tribal communities,” Holder said in his written testimony. “The Department takes this obligation seriously and is working actively with tribes and Federal agencies to improve all aspects of law enforcement in Indian country.”

Holder said crime in Indian country is “dire.” DOJ is already working with tribal communities to improve public safety and is reassessing its grants to tribal courts, according to the Attorney General.

“Although we have already begun to take action to improve the Department’s effectiveness in addressing our responsibilities toward Native Americans, a great deal more must be done,” Holder said. “We are working to ensure that these discussions with the tribes will provide the foundation for lasting change in this area.”"

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Holder: DOJ Wants ‘Lasting Change’ In Indian Country (Main Justice 11/20)

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