CADDO NATION, Tribal Court System

The Caddo Nation, Tribal Court System was brought about by the U.S. Department of Justice, Tribal Court Assistance Grant (TCAP). The Nation is the current recipient of Department of Justice, a 24 month grant for funding and establishing of the Nation's Tribal Court System. The TCAP grant goal is to initiate programmatic and infrastructural development of a Tribal Court System.

In July 2009, a Resolution was passed by the Council to establish an ICWA Court as a beginning of the Caddo Nation Tribal Court System. The Caddo Nation, ICWA Court will handle exclusively Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases. The ICWA Court will help preserve, reunify and strengthen families so that they can successfully rear their children.

The Tribal Court system is very intricate and complex process. The process will begin with open forums to discuss the development of a Children's Codes and meeting of elders regarding Caddo child rearing.

As the court becomes more established the Nation may consider accepting Civil, Divorce, Guardianship, Adoption, Juvenile, and Probate to name a few and offer mediation services in order to expand alternatives for tribal members.

Your participation is strongly encouraged to become involved with the ICWA Court process by attending forums and the meeting of elders.

The first meeting of elders is set for September 17, 2009 at the Caddo Cultural bldg. at 10:00 a.m. Lunch will be provided.

For more information, please contact Caddo Nation Tribal Court (405) 656-2344.

Point of Contact:

Tresa Gouge, Tribal Court Administrator
Telephone: (405)-656-2344 ext. 261
email: tgouge@caddonation.org