Tribal Courts

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Our Mission

The mission of the Tribal Judiciary is to provide fully functioning judicial forums for all matters heard by the courts of the Tribe built upon Tribal laws, values, culture and traditions which provide fairness and due process in resolving conflicts and disputes within its jurisdiction. In accomplishing the mission, the courts of the Tribe shall exercise judicial authority consistent with the sovereign powers of the Pokagon Band and to provide for operation as a branch of government consistent with the principles of separation of powers.

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You can break the cycle

Congress passed the Indian Child Welfare Act in 1978, in an attempt to preserve Indian tribes' most vital resource: its children. It has been said over the years that one of the greatest failings which prevents the Act from realizing its potential is the lack of tribal homes in which children who need protection can be placed. We realize that the lack of tribal homes must be addressed by active and on-going recruitment. It takes not one person to raise a child, but a community.  When one child is removed it effects the community, as a whole. Please watch this video to see the impact that removal can do to not only a family, but a people. Then ask yourself, “What can I do to break the cycle?”

Tribal Courts

58620 Sink Rd., P.O. Box 355, Dowagiac, MI 49047Ph: (269)783-0505   Fax: (269)783-0519

Regular Business Hours8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.Monday through Friday, except tribal holidays (listed below)

Because of demands of hearings, meetings, training needs, and other scheduled conflicts, please call ahead to make sure Court staff is available to meet your needs.

Schedule of Court Fees (revised 8/14/14)

Requirements for Practicing Before Tribal Court: The Tribal Court allow attorneys, who are admitted to practice in any state and who are in good standing, to practice before the Tribal Court. Each applicant for admission must complete an Application for Admission to Practice (Revised 05-26-2022), Oath of Admission and must be duly admitted to practice. Admission to practice before the Tribal Court is deemed admission to practice before the Appellate Court.