Legal Resources for Native Americans in Michigan

Michigan Indian Legal Services created the below resources focused on the legal system to support Native American communities and survivors in Michigan.

The mission of Michigan Indian Legal Services is to improve the lives of Native American peoples, families, and communities through legal assistance and advocacy at no charge for those who are income-eligible for services.

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Breaking The Cycle: The Role of Tribal Courts and Communities in Healing and Justice

October 2024

Michigan Indian Legal Services

This video talks about the Court’s role in supporting the Native American people of Michigan and how to support healing in particular. They talk about historical trauma and how Courts fit into that history and into community healing now and in the future, including sacred justice and peacemaking. They discuss the importance of State and Tribal Courts working together to facilitate wellness and safety in all communities.

View this webinar

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Protecting Lives Across Jurisdictions: Enforcing Tribal Personal Protection Orders

October 2024

Michigan Indian Legal Services

This video explains how personal protection orders (PPOs) should and must be upheld and honored by state law enforcement. It talks about the necessity of recognizing tribal PPOs beyond reservation jurisdiction and how PPOs can act as a first line of defense for survivors. This video also gives information for law enforcement on how to support survivors with PPOs.

View this webinar

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Michigan Resource Handbook for On-Reservation Victims of Crime

July 2024

Michigan Indian Legal Services

This is a victim rights handbook for on reservation crime victims. It includes information around which court would hear a case and the victim rights codes from the Tribes sharing geography with Michigan.

Access this handbook

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Michigan Indian Legal Services

The mission of Michigan Indian Legal Services (MILS) is to improve the lives of Native American peoples, families, and communities through legal assistance and advocacy at no charge for those who are income-eligible for services. MILS is a specialized law office that serves the unique legal needs of the members of the native communities in Michigan to protect families and cultural practices, secure fundamental rights and access to basic needs, and challenge policies and practices that are harmful to our clients and client communities.

Access their website