Our Mission
To promote and strengthen Tribal justice systems to restore balance and order in our communities, while honoring sovereignty and cultural values.
Who We Are
Northern California Tribal Court Coalition is an intertribal appellate court serving Tribal nations across Northern California. We provide appellate review, mediation, training and technical assistance, and technology solutions to Tribal courts and their staff. Our work is grounded in Tribal sovereignty and cultural values.
Our History
Northern California Tribal Court Coalition was founded in 2005 by Hon. Judge Richard Blake (Chief Judge, Hoopa Valley Tribe), whose vision for a cooperative intertribal approach to solving shared challenges in Tribal justice created a legacy that continues to shape our work. He returned to serve as Board Chair in his final years, and his leadership set the course we still follow.
Today, we remain united in that same pursuit, working alongside Tribal courts to strengthen justice systems, honor sovereignty, and restore balance in our communities.
Our Values
Sovereignty
Tribal nations know what is best for their people. We support their authority to define and administer justice on their own terms.
Cultural Integrity
Justice must reflect community values. We honor the traditions and practices that make each Tribal nation unique.
Self-Determination
We build capacity, not dependency. Our goal is to strengthen Tribal courts so they can operate independently and effectively.
Responsibility
We honor the original duties entrusted to us, upholding justice, caring for our communities, and preserving the law.
Restoration
We seek to achieve justice, rebuild relationships, and restore harmony to our communities.
Our Board
Northern California Tribal Court Coalition is governed by a Board of Directors composed of sitting chief judges from our member Tribal courts. Their expertise ensures that our work is grounded in the realities of Tribal justice.
Our Member Tribes
Northern California Tribal Court Coalition is a 401(c)(3) organization, incorporated under the laws of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. We are governed and operated by our member tribes: Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, Hoopa Valley Tribe, Karuk Tribe, Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, Trinidad Rancheria, and Yurok Tribe.
If your Tribe would like information about joining our Coalition, please contact us.