The cowlitz indian tribe will use funds to support their enhancing tribal court capacity & preserving sovereignty project

The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance awarded the Cowlitz Indian Tribe $882,481 on October 1, 2025, under the Tribal Justice Assistance program (CFDA 16.596) to expand and strengthen tribal court infrastructure and operational capacity through the Enhancing Tribal Court Capacity & Preserving Sovereignty project.

The Cowlitz Indian Tribe will use funding to add staff and operational capacity to address a 300 percent increase in criminal caseload during 2025, as well as anticipated growth from additional criminal, juvenile, and civil tribal codes pending tribal council approval. The project also accounts for fish and wildlife caseload dynamics. Work is performed in Longview, Washington with a period of performance through September 30, 2030. The Tribal Justice Assistance program supports critical needs of tribal justice systems to prevent crime and ensure tribal safety through development, implementation, and enhancement of tribal justice capacity. No conference activities are planned for this award.

The project aims to expand and strengthen their tribal courts infrastructure and operational capacity. This project is essential to supporting the growing public safety/judicial needs by improving and ensuring access to justice and strengthening tribal sovereignty. Given that there has been a 300% increase in criminal cases in 2025 alone, with additional criminal, juvenile, and civil tribal codes that are awaiting approval by the tribal council, additional staff is necessary to meet this demand, which is also exacerbated by other fish and wildlife caseload dynamics.no conference activities are planned for this award.