Statutes | 10 GTBC ยง 401 | 2020

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, referred to in this Code as &ldquothe Tribe,&rdquo has determined that children are the Tribes most valuable resource, and that the welfare of Tribal children is a vital concern of the Tribe 
 
(a) It is essential that Tribal resources, identity, and culture be preserved by providing for enhancement and strengthening of the family as the primary means of securing a vital Tribal community 
 
(b) The best interests of the Tribe and its children are served when the children of the Tribe receive the care and guidance necessary for their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical development all of which will prepare them to become contributing members of the Tribe 
 
(c) When problems involving Tribal children arise, the Tribal Court, with advice from the Anishinaabek Family Services Committee on neglect and abuse cases and the Tribal juvenile justice officer and/or the juvenile probation officer on juvenile offender matters, is best able to resolve the problems and provide Tribal children with the care and guidance that is necessary for their well-being 
 
(d) Tribal Court, whenever practical, is preferable to state court for consideration of matters involving Tribal children 
 
(e) When problems involving Tribal children arise and the Court must make a placement outside of the home, the best interests of the Tribe and its children are served by providing for their care and placement in an environment which will ensure that Tribal children receive the care and guidance necessary for their spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical development and 
 
(f) When problems involving Tribal children arise, the best interests of the community are served if Tribal Court has jurisdiction over all persons in the family or household who are a part of the problem, and/or the solution. 
 
History: Juvenile Code, adopted by Tribal Council in Special Session on January 13, 1999 as amended by Tribal Council October 1, 1999 as amended by Tribal Act #02-20.1147, as enacted by Tribal Council in Special Session on August 28, 2002 and by Tribal Council motion, enacted December 20, 2017.