Holder dedicates money and plan to improving safety on tribal lands

The U.S. attorney general announced steps to reduce crime rates and improve communication with feds.

By JAMES WALSH, Star Tribune

Last update: October 29, 2009 - 11:58 PM

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Saying that he and tribal leaders are tired of lots of talk and little action, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder on Thursday announced several steps that he said will begin the process of improving safety and justice in Indian Country.

In remarks at a two-day Tribal Nations Listening Session on Public Safety and Law Enforcement, sponsored by the Department of Justice and held in St. Paul, Holder said participants had two clear goals: to find solutions to "staggering" crime rates on tribal lands and to develop long-term answers to problems facing tribal communities.

Holder announced the distribution of nearly $400 million in federal grants to target crime and public safety issues, including:

• $29 million to hire 87 new tribal law-enforcement officers, to purchase crime-fighting technology and basic equipment, and to secure training and technical assistance.

• Nearly $71 million to combat violent crime against Indian women and to enhance victim safety and crime prevention strategies for tribal governments and organizations.

• More than $295 million to support critical criminal justice needs, including building new corrections facilities and tribal courts, creating sex-offender registries, addressing the effect of alcohol and substance abuse on tribal communities and addressing infrastructure needs.

Holder pointed to statistics that show crime rates on tribal lands as much as 10 times higher than the national average -- and that indicate one out of three American Indian women is a victim of rape. "This situation is completely unacceptable to me, and to all of us," he said.

Holder announced additional steps to begin improving dialogue between the Justice Department and tribal governments, including the creation of a Tribal Nations Leadership Council that will meet twice a year to coordinate efforts. The council will be composed of representatives chosen by the tribes for each of the 12 regions identified by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

And, he said, he intends to visit several tribal communities across the country to improve understanding between his office and tribal leaders.

"They are tired of talking, we are tired of talking," he said. "They want to see action. We want to see action."

Jim Walsh • 612-673-7428

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