Tribal Power
This word describes the inherent authority of tribes to govern themselves.
Sovereignty
This fish species is central to many treaty rights disputes in the Pacific Northwest
Salmon
This legal professional helps organize files, prepare paperwork, and communicate with clients but is not a lawyer.
Paralegal
This attorney represents people accused of crimes who cannot afford a lawyer.
Public Defender
This amendment protects freedom of speech.
1st Amendment
These agreements between tribes and the United States federal government often protect rights such as fishing and hunting
Treaties
The Makah Tribe is nationally known for protecting treaty rights connected to this marine mammal.
Whale
This court employee helps maintain records and schedule hearings.
Court Clerk
This attorney represents the government in criminal cases
Prosecutor
This amendment protects the right to have an attorney in criminal prosecutions
6th Amendment
This branch of the Makah tribal government interprets laws and resolves disputes
Makah Tribal Court (judicial branch)
This 1855 treaty between the United States and the Makah Tribe protected the Makah Tribe’s rights to fishing, sealing, and whaling at their “usual and accustomed grounds and stations.”
Treaty of Neah Bay
This professional translates spoken language during court hearings and legal meetings.
Court Interpreter
This type of attorney helps low income people with housing, immigration, or family law issues for free or low cost.
Legal Aid Attorney
This amendment protects the right to remain silent.
5th Amendment
This elected governing body leads the Makah Tribe by making decisions about tribal laws, programs, and community priorities.
Makah Tribal Council
This Article of the Constitution gives the federal government, rather than individual states, primary authority in dealing with tribal treaties and Native nations.
Article I (specifically the Indian Commerce Clause)
This advocate often helps victims of domestic violence navigate the legal system and access services.
Victim Advocate
This type of attorney works on cases involving discrimination or constitutional rights violations.
This constitutional right protects people from unreasonable searches by the government.
4th Amendment
This federal law expanded tribal authority to prosecute certain domestic violence crimes involving non-Indians
Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
This major court decision reaffirmed tribal fishing rights in Washington State.
Boldt Decision
These workers often connect community members with housing, treatment, counseling, and other resources.
What are social workers (or community advocates)?
This attorney represents injured people in lawsuits involving car accidents or injuries caused by negligence.
Personal Injury Attorney
This federal law applies many constitutional-style protections, such as free speech and due process rights, to tribal governments and tribal courts.
Indian Civil Rights Act