Project Peacemaker: Overview

Project Peacemaker is an Indian Law Education Program developed to strengthen legal justice curricula at the tribal college level as well as increase the numbers of tribal members knowledgeable about Indian law. Project Peacemaker also provides training and serves as a resource to tribal justice systems and tribal government. In 2008 Project Peacemaker continues as a congressional earmark to the Turtle Mountain Community College (TMCC).

Summary

Project Peacemaker began in 2001. The intent of the project was to increase the number of tribal members knowledgeable about Indian law. This was delivered through both academic and community forums.

Through Turtle Mountain Community College, an Associate of Applied Science Tribal Paralegal/Advocacy is designed for students who want to become a certified paralegal and/or a certified tribal advocate in Turtle Mountain Tribal Court. Additionally, a 9 month certificate in legal studies is available.

At the community level, Project Peacemaker was instrumental in bringing tribal members together for the monumental task of the Turtle Mountain Constitutional Revision. Project Peacemaker has also provided training for the judicial branch (tribal court and judicial board) as well as newly elected tribal members in tribal government. In addition to trainings, Project Peacemaker has been active in consulting with tribal members to provide up to date tribal documents such as the Turtle Mountain Tribal Code and tribal court manuals.

“Who I Am”

Often times, tribal members leave the Turtle Mountains for various reasons and many began to ask the question “who am I”. This booklet was designed to keep tribal members in touch with who they are and where they come from... Who I Am booklet (1.27 MB PDF)