A new home

Judge Deborah DuBray hears civil cases that need a cultural interpretation for Klamath Tribal Courts in Chiloquin. The Klamath Tribal Courts moved into a new building in downtown Chiloquin.

H&N photo by Todd E. Swenson

CHILOQUIN — The Klamath Tribal Courts are continuing to expand their role within the Klamath Tribes.

Court and tribal officials, along with community members, celebrated the opening of the court’s new offices Wednesday in downtown Chiloquin. After two years of service with the Tribes, the court is preparing to further take part in the civil issues of tribal members.

Aware community

“I think the community prefers their issues to be heard in a community that’s aware of its circumstances,” said Judge Deborah DuBray.

A combination of Kla-Mo-Ya Casino revenues and tribal funds contributed the $150,000 used to renovate the courts’ new downtown offices.

Court officials moved in May from their smaller and spreadout space in the Klamath Tribes Administration building. The new location also will emphasize that the court is separate from tribal administration, DuBray said.

DuBray and court administrator Diana Lang said the court was established to allow civil issues amongst tribal members to be heard by a court that considers tribal culture and circumstances.

The court currently hears about two or three cases a month, but officials anticipate that number to climb as it establishes more jurisdiction over certain civil issues, such as a delinquency diversion program, and domestic and tenant-landlord disputes.

“They’d like us to do more, but it’s a slow process,” Lang said.

Tribal member Betty Blackwolf said she was glad to see the court gaining steam. Youth increasingly need services geared toward their culture and heritage and the court provides that. Tribal spokeswoman Taylor David said the court is just one more step showing the Tribes can be self-sufficient.

Chiloquin resident Betty Blackwolf supports the use of the Klamath Tribal Court for civil matters that need a cultural interpretation, instead of just a system of law. The Klamath Tribal Courts moved into a new building in downtown Chiloquin.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml