TRIUMPH OVER CHALLENGES
By Chief Justice Rhonda Sam
Aaniin, Boozhoo and good morning, Chief Executive Wind, Speaker Boyd, and honorable members of the Band Assembly, Band members, employees and guests. Miigwech for the privilege to provide the State of the Judiciary Address as prescribed by the Band Statutes. Before I get to introductions, I’d like to make reference to the Band’s Statutes in Title 24, section 2002, 2003 and 2004, which are the Judicial Philosophy, Theory of Law and Principle of Law for the Mille Lacs Band. In part, the judicial philosophy which indicates that at times the circle of peace and harmony amongst the people will be disrupted and this circle of life needs to be restored in a manner that permits the integrity of the individuals to be maintained so that the community will continue to grow and prosper. The Theory of Law applies the concept of Zhaawen imaa and that purpose is to keep the people together, as one. It serves to balance the forces of life and bring stability to the people so as to co-exist in peace and harmony. The Principle of Law is a cooperative search for truth and justice amongst all persons coming before the court.
Those who come before the court must adhere to basic principles of honor, respect, integrity, pity and kindness. These three statutes have been intensely applied in the last three years with the Family Healing to Wellness Court and I am proud to share this story. However, I must begin with the introduction of the court.
I, Rhonda Sam, currently serve as the Chief Justice and as the Appellate Justice for District I, The Honorable Brenda Moose, serves as the Appellate Justice for District II and Honorable Bernida Humetewa serves as the Appellate Justice for District III. Please stand and be recognized. Miigwech!
We are fortunate to welcome the return of District Court Judge, David Christensen. He brings a wealth of education, skills and experience and has served in many areas for the Mille Lacs Band. In the 1990’s Judge Christensen served as an attorney in the Office of the Solicitor General and moved to the Legislative Office as Legislative Counsel. Eventually, he was appointed to fill the District Court Judgeship for from 2015 to 2020. In August 2024 he eagerly returned to that same position. When asked why he returned and what is the draw to the Mille Lacs Band; his response, I returned to MN because my family is here. Additionally, working for the Mille Lacs Band is very rewarding. The Government Structure, development of the courts, the division of power is a unique blend of western law with Mille Lacs Band’s cultural values. He further states, “It is exciting to be a part of it.” Please stand Judge C.
I would be amiss not to mention the special magistrates who stepped in during the nine months when the Band was in the hunt to fill the District Court Judge position. These Mag istrates kept the courts and caseload moving so that there was not a huge backlog of cases. The Magistrates are, Tammy Swanson, BJ Jones, Joe Plumer, Michael Harralson and Me gan Treuer. Once again Thank you!
There are several goals that the Judicial Branch intends on meeting this year. Here are a few examples:
• The Associate Justices are reviewing the proposed potential legislation regarding Title V - The Judicial Code to recommend any enhancement or changes to Band Assembly & Chief Wind, if any.
• The Associate Justices are also reviewing the Rules of the Court of Appeals, to strengthen and further clarify procedures for the review of cases brought to the Appellate Court.
• The Judicial Team is reviewing the need to fill the As sociate District Court Judgeship.
• And finally, a review of the District Court Rules and the need to streamline for uniformity.
Moving to statistics, in 2024, the number of new cases file totaled 1,054. There were 1,561 hearings held and 2,206 Court Orders Issued.
Finally, there were 1,015 cases closed which 802 of them were filed in 2024. The Peacemaking Program had 24 cases referred in 2024 and four remained as a carryover from 2023. After holding the circle with the parties, 15 of those cases had positive results with the parties reaching a resolution. The Peacemaker returns the outcomes to the District Court with an agreement and the court issues an order of that agreement.
Currently, there are 10 existing cases that the Peacemaker is still working on bringing the circle together for review and discussion. The Peacemaking program is similar to a mediator but different in that the Peacemaker uses the seven values and the circle process to find resolution so that all parties have a say in the outcome. At this time, I would like to ask the Peacemaker, Laurie Vilas to stand and be recognized.
Miigwech for all your work and contributions to the courts. Now to present the progress of the Family Healing to Wellness Court. As a refresher, this 18-month program is for parents of Band children whose substance abuse contributed to the family becoming involved in a child protection proceeding. It is an alternative to the traditional court process which works to reunify families and build a stronger community by providing support and connections to cultural and healing services for those impacted by mental health and addiction. There has been significant advancement in the Wellness Court, which I will share.
• Throughout the last year, other Tribal Courts, Judges, and visitors, including Mille Lacs County had heard of our program and requested to visit our Wellness Court to see how the program works. They walked away commenting the need for this type of restorative practice in their own communities.
• In November, the Wellness Court’s planning team was asked to give a presentation to the Indigenous Health Topics held by the Mayo Clinic, which was attended by numerous disciplines from across Indian country.
• In October, the FHTWC was awarded another five-year grant by the US Department of Justice-Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation for $516,000 to enhance the wellness court to strengthen the cultural connections and other needs of the program.
• We are proud to say that we held our first Wellness Court graduation. Amy LaDue became our first graduate from the Family Healing to Wellness court and was recently recognized with a special ceremony. Amy volunteered for the FHTWC in November 2022. She worked diligently to abide with the four phases of the program with some trials and tribulations. The Wellness Team always came through with services, support, encouragement, honor and respect, walking side by side with her every step of the way. Amy’s own convictions and dedication to her family and her children, ensured that she successfully completed the program. She is a remarkable woman. When asked several questions about what did Wellness Court do for you and how has this changed your life? Her response: "Before Healing to Wellness, I lost myself in a dark place. Wellness Court gave me the guidance I needed to bring light back into my life. I pushed against therapy for a long time, but with the encouragement and support from the team, I decided to give therapy a chance. Although it took a few times to find the right therapist, I can honestly say, therapy is much needed and therapy is awesome. Even my girls are open to therapy. Healing to Wellness gave me strength so that I don’t question all my thoughts and choices. My confidence has been restored. I know my worth now. Wellness Court and my other awesome supports (Family, Friends and Co-workers) believed in me and now I believe in myself." When asked of Amy, what would you say to others facing the same challenges with addiction, trauma and reunification with their children? She responded, "Family Healing to Wellness Court helps! I thought I could do this on my own, but I realized Wellness Court was here to help by guiding me to be a better Mom, Sister, Friend and Person. In the beginning, I was coming out of active addiction. Healing to Well ness helped me to love myself again. I would tell anyone wonder ing if Family Healing to Wellness Court is for them – DO IT! Each and every person on the Wellness team are awesome, wonderful and caring. They will forever have a special place in my heart and I am grateful I can call each one a friend for life. Thank you so very much for the Family Healing to Wellness program. I couldn’t have gotten to where I am now without this awesome team." With all that said, Amy LaDue please stand. Members of the audience, help me in congratulating Amy with her successful graduation. I hope it was a night to remember forever for you and your girls and the others in attendance. ChiMiigwech!
In closing, the Traditional theory of law, philosophies and principles were utilized to restore the circle within Amy’s family and the community. These guiding principles work and will be promoted to help other families within the Band. We look forward to 2025 and beyond. Miigwech. That concludes the State of the Judiciary report.
Editor's Note: To view Chief Justice Rhonda Sam's speech in its entirety, please visit the Mille Lacs Band YouTube channel at ttps://youtu.be/UP_8BnD17kg
