FALL GENERAL COUNCIL REPORT (2025)

NEZ PERCE TRIBE

FALL GENERAL COUNCIL REPORT

LAW & JUSTICE

DEPARTMENT

2025

Welcome

Greetings Nez Perce Tribal Members,

Welcome to the Fall 2025 Nez Perce Tribe’s General

Council, here in Kamiah, Idaho. As your Law & Order

Executive Officer, I am here to ensure the integrity and

efficiency of our programs within the Law & Justice

Department. Our mission is to uphold justice, promote

fairness, and protect the rights of every individual

within our jurisdiction.

This year, we are focusing on several key initiatives

aimed at enhancing our legal processes and

community safety. We are committed to strengthening

our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies,

providing comprehensive training for our officers, and

ensuring that our judicial system remains transparent

and accessible to all.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a

dedicated team and look forward to collaborating with each

of you to achieve our shared goals. Together, we can

continue to build a justice system that reflects the values

and traditions of the Nez Perce Tribe. Thank you for your

continued support and engagement.

Sincerely,

Eva J. White

Law & Order Executive Officer

NEZ PERCE TRIBE ORGANIZATIONAL CHART

GENERAL COUNCIL

Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee

NPT EC

Subcom m ittees

NPT EC

Subcom m ittees

Chairman

Human

Resources

Law & Order

Boys & Girls Club

Board of Directors

Boys & Girls Clubs of

the Nez Perce Tribe

Land Enterprise

Com m ission

Climate

Change/Energy

Board /

Com m ission

F&W Commission

NPTEC Support

Legal Counsel

Budget & Finance

/ Credit

Communications

Opioid Response

Natural Resources

F&W Commissioners

Board /

Com m ission

TERO Commission

Gaming Commission

Utility Board

Enterprise Board

Senior Advisory Board

Circle of Elders

NPTHA Board

Nez Perce Tribal

Housing Authority

Resolution #NP 25-486

(08/12/25)

Athletic Commission

Law & Justice

Enterprise

System

Nim iipuu

Health

Executive

Direction

LAW & JUSTICE TEAM

06. Law & Order Executive Officer

Table Of

Content

09. Judicial Services

11. Law Enforcement

15. Prosecutor

17. Public Defender

20. Probation

22. Child Support Program

25. TERO

30. Gaming Commission

Law & Justice Executive Office

Mission Statement

The mission of the Law and Justice Department is to provide coordinated, effective services

by all the programs within the Department to protect the health, safety and welfare of all the

Tribal members, particularly children, the elderly and other vulnerable citizens, and to

improve economic opportunity for Tribal members. All programs within the Department will

work to preserve and enhance the inherent sovereignty of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Staff

Eva J. White, Law & Order Executive Officer

Peggy Van Woerkom, Law & Order Executive Assistant

Sara Moffett, temporary hire Law & Justice Technology Administrator

Current Law & Justice staff total

Nez Perce Tribal members

Other Tribal members

Descendants

Non-Tribal members

58

32

04

01

21

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Grants:

Description

Term

Dates

Received

OJP Family

Treatment Court

10/1/209/30/25

$480,000.00

Remaining

Note

$480,000.00

requesting a no

cost extension

OJP NP Tribal

Justice Systems

Tech

10/1/259/30/25

$327,651.87

$272,922.00

Requesting a no

cost extension

OJP NP Opioid

Substance abuse

10/1/219/30/25

$812,180.95

$782,301.57

Requesting a no

cost extension

DOJ:

Implementation DV

10/1/209/30/26

$144,931.72

$72,224.29

On-going

OJP: NPT Justice

Systems

10/1/219/30/26

$420,084.05

$346,643.76

On-going

DOJ: Phase 2

Justice Ctr

10/1/249/30/29

$1,399,829.00

$1,399,829.00

On-going

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Activities

The LOEO and the LOEA attended weekly Zoom meetings and an on-site visit with the

Court Expansion project team, including Justin Webb (Grant Project Manager) and Shawn

Spencer (Tribes Construction Manager). The team consists of Eva White, Peggy Van

Woerkom, Shawn Spencer, Justin Webb, Rachel Joffey, Lynnette Morin, Geislia Barnes,

and Danae Wilson (as needed). Once the project starts, the TERO manager and Chief

Judge will join our group meetings.

The LOEO and the LOEA continue to collaborate with Court Expansion project leadership,

attending meetings and coordinating efforts as needed. The Court Expansion project will

include:

second courtroom 880 s.f.

jury room

Conference room/Peace makers courtroom

additional office space

storage room

restrooms

Continue to meet one on one with the managers in the L&J Department. (on going)

LOEO and LOEA worked on completing the grant reports and completed two no cost

extensions. Currently working on another no cost extension on a grant.

Met with Danae Wilson, Executive Director, to discuss various topics of: L&J Kamiah

building regarding insurance claim and clean up, relocation of L&J Staff, budgets,

reorganization chart, and program-to-program concern/issues that needed to be

addressed.

Our office hired Sara Moffett as an emergency temporary hire under a grant as the Law &

Justice Technology Administrator.

Met with the Court staff to clarify their expected duties during the transition to a new Court

Administrator. I observed that the clerks’ caseloads were uneven, so as the LOEO I

redistributed cases to balance their workloads. The Court Administrator now focuses solely

on administrative responsibilities and handles only Appeal and Probate cases, rather than

a full caseload. To ensure ongoing operations and adequate coverage, a front desk staff

member was temporarily hired to provide customer service, accept and file documents,

process court/fine payments, mail checks, and answer calls.

Our office is collaborating with Idaho Legal Aid, which has received two federal grants

focused on Indian law. One grant is aimed at offering criminal representation to defendants

in Tribal Court, while the other provides civil legal services to tribal members. Stay tuned

for more information coming soon.

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JUDICIAL SERVICES

Mission Statement

To provide an effective and fair forum to handle all matters of law arising under the duly

enacted laws of the Nez Perce Tribal Code. To create and maintain a working relationship

within the area of other judicial jurisdictions and service providers.

Staff

Vacant, Chief Judge

Jeffery Phillips, Associate Judge

Todd Richardson, Pro Tem Judge (on-call as needed)

Hazel Arthur, Court Administrator

Michelle Cutfinger/Shanelle Freouff/temp hire Sonia Van Woerkom/Kim Bryant, Court

Clerks

Yvette Whitman, Data Entry clerk

The court system is currently undergoing significant changes and enhancements to improve

its operations. With the chief judge position vacant following Natasha Anderson's departure

on July 11, 2025, the court is in a transitional phase. Hazel Arthur has been appointed as

the new Court Administrator as of September 2, 2025, taking over from Yvette Whitman,

who served as the interim administrator. Hazel brings a wealth of experience and a fresh

perspective to the role, aiming to streamline processes and enhance the efficiency of judicial

proceedings.

The court employs three full-time clerks, each with specialized duties. One clerk manages

the criminal docket, which constitutes the majority of the caseload, as well as child support

cases. The second clerk oversees family law matters, including divorce and child custody,

while the third focuses on marriages, civil, HTWC cases. Additionally, a full-time receptionist

aids in managing front-desk operations. The Court Administrator also takes on the

responsibility of handling Appeal, Probate cases and administrative duties of court .

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To enhance efficiency, the court is implementing the e-Court case management system

by Journal Technologies, Inc. This system facilitates the electronic initiation and

management of cases, with over 675 cases already successfully uploaded. Regular biweekly meetings with Journal Technologies representatives ensure smooth integration

and address any concerns. Concurrently, there are ongoing efforts to improve the court's

website by updating forms and documents and obtaining quotes for upgrading the

court's audio recording system. These initiatives reflect the court's commitment to

modernization and improving access to justice.

May 2025-August 2025

NEW CASES INITIATED

Hearings held: 237

Criminal cases initiated: 128

Total offense charges: 241

Extradition cases initiated: 5

Scheduled Jury Trials: 15

Civil cases initiated: 50

Probate 10

Adult Guardianship 6

Name Change 16

Juvenile Offender

MINOC 21

Custody 8

Child Support 29

Minor Guardianship 9

TPR/adoption: 0

Marriage 1

Divorce 6

Protection Order 24

Eviction 1

Small Claims 7

Forfeiture 3

Healing-To-Wellness Court

Active Participants: 4

Pending New: 0

Minor In Need of Care (MINOC)

Open cases: 17

Total # of children: 21

APPEALS (criminal and civil)

Open cases: 2

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LAW ENFORCEMENT

Mission Statement

The fundamental goal of the Nez Perce Tribal Police Department is to enhance the standard

of living for those living on the Nez Perce Reservation by optimally using the resources

provided to us to reduce crime which will create a safe and productive environment for the

people that live, visit, and work on the Nez Perce Reservation. The reduction in crime will

result in an increase in community member’s standard of living decreasing insurance costs,

increasing property values, increasing tourism all of which increase the economic

opportunities for community members by creating a community that is desirable to business.

The Nez Perce Tribal Police work cooperatively with numerous tribal, state, and federal

agencies to meet this goal.

Staff:

ADMINISTRATION:

CHIEF OF POLICE: Mark Bensen

CAPTAIN OF POLICE: Wayde White Eagle (Interim)

LIEUTENANT OF POLICE: Michael Erickson (Interim)

JAIL COMMANDER: John Williamson

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR: Marie Baheza

TECHNOLOGY ADMINISTRATOR: Open

ADMINISTRATIVE SGT: Open

RECORDS: Brenda Axtel

FRONT DESK: Open

PATROL:

PATROL SGT: John Svancara

PATROL SGT: Michael Stegner

PATROL CPL: Tyson Davis

OFFICER: Jerry Florence

OFFICER: Vacant (advertising)

OFFICER: Chase Langmack

OFFICER: Vacant (advertising)

OFFICER: Titus Oatman

OFFICER: Cassidy White

K9 OFFICER: Monta

OFFICER: Meghan Antoni

OFFICER: Ruben Perez

OFFICER: Matthew Neu-Griffin

OFFICER: Davis Gobbi Jr.

OFFICER: Patrick Hendren

OFFICER: Gabriella Santana

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER: Kamelle Bourgeau

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CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DIVISION:

DETECTIVE: VACANT (filled January 1, 2026)

DETECTIVE: Jeff Kaltenbaugh

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION AND NOTIFICATION ACT (SORNA) OFFICER: Breanne

Speas

JAIL DIVISION:

DETENTION CPL: Austin Domebo

DETENTION OFFICER: Jacob Aubertin

DETENTION OFFICER: Armani Bisbee

DETENTION OFFICER: McKenna Baumbaugh

DETENTION OFFICER: (multiple open positions)

NPTPD Statistics

May 1 to September 4, 2025

Calls for service

832

K9 searches with narcotics finds

Total arrests adult and juvenile

6 Deployments, 4 Arrests

31 Adult/ 6 Juveniles

Community Engagement

At NPTPD, we have a clear expectation that all who work here are present and engaged

with the community. We have worked diligently meeting many people all over the

reservation. Developing relationships with my staff, our community, Tribal employees, and

all our neighboring local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We have attended

several community events to include school activities, graduation events and sports. We

have provided safe escorts for many memorial services for Tribal members.

Equipment

Grant funding has allowed us to purchase 5 patrol vehicles. These vehicles are getting

outfitted in southern Idaho now and should be ready in the next couple of months. We are

also in the process of purchasing with grant funds, cameras at various locations in Lapwai

and Kamiah. We have submitted a grant to enhance school safety at LHS with equipment

and training.

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Training

Training in law enforcement is an investment for the future of our department and the Tribe.

Since May, different commissioned officers and civilian staff have attended the following

training, FLETC corrections and patrol academies. In-service firearms training. We have

submitted for a grant to improve mental health for our officers. SRO. Bourgeau attended a

campus safety class at the U of I. Captain White Eagle was selected to attend the FBI

Executive Command College. Officers completed ALERT instructor active shooter training.

NPTPD trained in an active shooter exercise at LHS. Captain White Eagle completed

Executive Leadership police training. Two officers completed the Field Training Officer

course. Two officers attended FBI LEEDA training. Two of our detectives attended the cell

site analysis course.

Criminal Investigations Division

CID has a renewed focus on cooperative work with our regional partners in law

enforcement. Nez Perce Tribal Police Detectives have teamed up with the FBI, the Idaho

State Police, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the City of Lewiston

Police Department to proactively target drug use and sales on and adjacent to the

reservation. CID is actively working several cases involving child abuse and sexual assault

in close cooperation with the Nez Perce Tribe Prosecutor's Office, the FBI and the United

States Attorney's Office. CID has partnered with the Idaho Internet Crimes Against Children

task force and is attending training and developing protocol with the goal of the Nez Perce

Tribal Police Department becoming a full time ICAC affiliate agency to work child abuse and

exploitation cases in partnership with the Idaho Department of Justice. We have assisted

our regional partners in the investigation and apprehension of child predators and have

received their assistance in investigating Cybertips that originates on the reservation. CID,

the Nez Perce Tribe Prosecutor's Office, and Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office

obtained specialized training as a regional team in the investigation of domestic violence

strangulation and homicide. CID has partnered with OURescue to combat human trafficking

and child exploitation. The Criminal Investigations Division actively investigates every report

of child abuse/exploitation, sexual assault, suspicious death and felony drug possession.

We are grateful for tribal members’ support of our investigations and ask for their maintained

vigilance in reporting these crimes through the appropriate channels. Our detectives were

activated as part of the FBI Task Force for a homicide in Lapwai in May and a Rape in

Lapwai in July.

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Administration

The Administration team provides administrative support for Tribal Police and Department

of Corrections by entering civil documents and warrants for service. Since May 2025 to

present, there were 71 civil documents, and 16 warrants entered for service into the Flex

Records Management system, processed 70 records requests, processed 64 Nez Perce

Tribe Prosecutors video requests and processed 15 Nez Perce County requests.

We are in the process of hiring of an Assistant Records Clerk/Evidence Technician and are

excited to be able to hire a Nez Perce Tribal Member. In addition, we are in the process of

offering a contract position for a MMIP Database Administrator, who will be responsible for

creating a database of our vulnerable tribal members and volunteers in the event a person

goes missing the assessment will be provided to law enforcement to assist in searching for

them at their frequent hang outs and/or make contact with their friends and family. As well

as the participants will be provided with a MMIP Kit a backpack containing an address

book, a flashlight, a Birdie Alarm and a gas card. The MMIP Database Administrator will

work closely with Social Services.

NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting Systems)

All Administrative Staff completed NIBRS Training, the crime statistics reporting systems for

Nez Perce Tribal Police which is uploaded monthly to the national database by the

Spillman & Records Administrator.

Motorola Solutions – Data Transfer

As part of Tribal Police Administration and Department of Corrections strategic plan is for

the Flex (Police Records) Management system to be housed on our own servers. This will

allow cross reference of data in the Tribal Police and Department Corrections systems. We

are currently awaiting on agreeable terms of the Memorandum of Agreement with Lewiston

Police Department and Nez Perce County Sheriffs Department to begin the data migration

of police records.

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PROSECUTOR

Mission Statement

To strive for the protection and safety of the people of the Nez Perce Tribe and its

communities, through the zealous enforcement of the laws of the Nez Perce Tribal Code. To

effectively and fairly administer a balanced approach to the administration of justice in

support of the Sovereignty of the Nez Perce Tribe on and off the Reservation.

Staff

Prosecutor, Anne Kelleher

Deputy Prosecutor, Matt Eggar’s

Legal Admin Assistant, Delrae Kipp

Activiities

The Prosecutor’s Office is as busy as ever. Despite being a small community, we continue

to face significant challenges with drug and alcohol offenses. Thanks to thorough

investigations and well-documented reports, along with excellent body-worn camera footage

provided by law enforcement, we successfully prosecuted many felony drug cases last year.

With several major sources of illegal drugs now incarcerated or on felony probation, we

have seen a decrease in felony drug offenses within the community. Unfortunately, this has

not led to a substantial decrease in overall crime.

Fortunately, the record management system we use, Prosecutor by Karpel, enables us to

compare charging rates over time. Since summer is generally the most active season for

crime, we compared data from May to August 2024 with data from May to August 2025.

Throughout this period, the Prosecutor’s Office handled around 100 cases each year.

Battery cases increased this year, while drug charges, as anticipated, declined. We also

noticed the emergence of new issues related to underage alcohol and tobacco use.

Although men still make up the majority of defendants, there has been an increase in cases

involving women, youth, and seniors. Most offenders continue to fall within the age range of

18 to 49.

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Top 5 Charge- Year 1

Top 5 Charges- Year 2

Charge

Count

Charge

Count

ParaphernaliaFentanyl or Meth

13.0

Battery

17.0

Minor in Possession

8.0

Cruelty to Animals

7.0

Aggravated Assault

6.0

Battery

6.0

PCCS-Marijuana

6.0

Possession of Tobacco by a

Person Under 21

6.0

Failure to Obey an

Order of the Court

6.0

Possession of Alcohol by a

Person Under 21

5.0

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PUBLIC DEFENDER

Mission Statement

The mission of the Office of the Public Defender is to provide quality representation and

zealous advocacy to adults and juveniles accused of criminal offenses filed in the Nez Perce

Tribal Court.

Department Manager: Carmel McCurdy

Staffing: 1 full-time attorney; one full-time office specialist II.

Contact Information:

Nez Perce Tribe Office of the Public Defender

P.O. Box 365

Lapwai, ID 83540

208-621-3866

Email: carmelm@nezperce.org

leslieg@nezperce.org

Overview for April 1, 2025 – September 2, 2025

The Public Defender appears in tribal court to represent adults and juveniles accused of

committing criminal offenses. The purpose of the Office of the Public Defender is to

safeguard individual rights in all criminal and related matters, from arrest or threat of

confinement through all stages of the criminal proceedings including appeal and probation

matters, if any, consistent with applicable laws, court rules, and rules of professional

responsibility. This Office also represents clients engaged in the Nez Perce Tribe Healing to

Wellness Court. The Public Defender participates in various working groups for the Tribe,

such as the Code Revision team.

The Office Specialist II handles tasks such as creating and organizing case files, keeping

digital files, and adding documents to individual files. She tracks the number of cases filed

and the categories of charges for each. She fields numerous phone calls, calendars court

hearings and meetings, coordinates with the conflict public defenders, and works with

Nimiipuu Behavioral Health on receipt of treatment recommendations. She assists clients

with identifying additional tribal resources available to them.

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This office works to negotiate favorable plea bargains and deferred prosecution

agreements for its clients. It is always the decision of the client to either take a case to trial

or to accept a plea bargain. We research, draft, and file suppression motions, request

additional discovery as necessary, and advocate for clients with sentencing and probation

issues. We also repeatedly seek the reduction of bail both at initial arraignment hearings

and in formal bail-reduction proceedings. We work closely with Healing to Wellness Court

participants to ensure that their needs are met and help our clients with intake forms to

coordinate appropriate assessments with Nimiipuu Behavioral Health.

The Public Defender continues to be available to provide guidance to individual tribal

members on questions concerning civil matters before the Court, so long as the opposing

parties in a civil matter are not Nez Perce tribal members.

Accomplishments

Current active caseload: 181 charges are open and pending (including Juvenile matters).

In addition, there are 90 cases (spanning from 2021 to September 2, 2025) that are

pending for active bench warrants, including one juvenile. The bench warrant cases will

move from pending to active and open upon defendants being picked up by police on their

warrants and brought before the Court.

The Public Defender meets with persons charged in the tribal criminal court regarding the

charges, their rights and the maximum penalties faced, represents these clients in court

hearings, and pursues motion practice to protect the individual defendants’ rights under the

Code and the Indian Civil Rights Act.

In the five-month period between April 2025 through September 2, 2025, the Office

received complaints for a total of one hundred thirteen (113) new charges in adult criminal

court. Forty (40) cases were charged at the felony level. Of the 113 charges, thirty (30)

involved alcohol and/or drugs, and thirty (30) were domestic violence/family violence

charges. The Public Defender represented 32 defendants in 58 charges, and conflict

attorneys were assigned a total of 25 defendants brought up on 55 total charges.

Seventeen (17) juvenile petitions were filed on a total of 8 individual juveniles. Two (2)

were felony level charges. Thirteen (13) of the petitions involved drugs or alcohol. Three (3)

juveniles were assigned conflict attorneys.

Conflict public defenders are necessary because of conflicts involving co-defendants and

to allow for continuity of representation where a conflict attorney had represented a

particular client in a prior court case.

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For the upcoming quarter, the Public Defender will again collaborate with the University of

Idaho Legal Aid Clinic to provide legal interns an opportunity to practice in the Tribal criminal

court under the supervision of their bar licensed supervising attorney. This collaboration

benefits not only the legal interns but serves to introduce law students to tribal court practice

to encourage new attorneys to seek positions in tribal courts after graduation.

The Public Defender takes an active role in grant programs, including the Healing to

Wellness Court Team, VAWA implementation team, the Sex Offender Registry grant and the

Special Domestic Violence Jurisdiction program.

The Public Defender works in conjunction with the Center for Children and Family Futures

to draft policy manuals and participant handbooks for implementation of the Family

Treatment Court (Family Wellness Court) grant program.

The Public Defender is a member of the LC Valley Domestic Violence Community

Response Team, and a member of the Nez Perce County Justice/ Behavioral Health

stakeholders.

We continue to pursue a funding source for a professional case management system that

will allow this office to manage the large volume of case discovery and calendaring of cases

to keep on track with the Prosecutor and Court systems. Such a management system will

also support more accurate reporting and tracking.

The Public Defender maintains professional associations in the Idaho Criminal Defense

Lawyers Association and served as an At-Large Council Member for the Idaho State Bar

Indian Law Section.

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PROBATION

Mission Statement

The mission of the Adult and Juvenile Probation Program is to deliver high quality probation

services to all eligible clients, encouraging the rehabilitation and recovery of all defendants

on probation by following fair, consistent, and transparent procedures which are consistent

with the historical cultural and traditional practices of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Staff

Probation Supervisor, Kenneth Bourgeau Jr.

Probation Officer II, Keith Kipp Sr.

Juvenile Diversion Coordinator, Vacant

Juvenile Diversion Life Skills Coach, Vacant

Activities

Recidivism is the defined as the tendency for a convicted criminal offender to reoffend. It is

measure by rearrest, reconviction or return to incarceration.

The U.S. national recidivism rate as calculated by Bureau of Justice Statistics is 82%.

The State of Idaho has implemented the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, and the recidivism

rated has dropped from 38% to 35% in the past three years. With this said we continue to

use the Restorative Justice through Cultural Reintroduction to better serve our clients by

working on the Client’s needs. We emphasize on providing structure, accountability, and

support systems with a cultural teachings for our clients. Through our close working

relationship with Nimiipuu Health, Behavioral Health, Education, Voc-Rehab, TERO and

other tribal programs. We have been able to keep our Recidivism rate to 15.6%. This

remarkable achievement highlights the effectiveness of culturally integrated approaches in

reducing repeat offenses. Our program's success is largely attributed to the holistic support

services we offer, which address the root causes of criminal behavior.

By fostering a sense of belonging and purpose, we aim to empower individuals to make

positive life choices. Our collaboration with various tribal programs ensures a

comprehensive network of resources, from mental health support to educational and

vocational training, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.

We are committed to continuous improvement, regularly evaluating our methods and

partnerships to adapt to the evolving needs of our community. Our goal is not only to

reduce recidivism but also to promote healing and reconciliation, ultimately contributing to

the overall well-being and safety of the Nez Perce Tribe.

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The Juvenile Diversion Program had a total of four juveniles this summer. All the juveniles

did very well, maintaining constant contact and engaged in culturally important activities,

such as the Wallowa Youth retreat, name giving and give away ceremonies at Mud Spring

camp. The highlight of the summer was seeing the joy and excitement of one of the

juveniles getting reunited with family. The program's success was not just measured by

participation in these activities but also by the personal growth and development observed

in each participant. The juveniles learned valuable life skills, including teamwork,

leadership, and cultural appreciation, which will serve them well in their future endeavors.

Throughout the summer, the supportive environment fostered by the program staff and

community volunteers played a crucial role in the positive outcomes. Each juvenile was

paired with a mentor who provided guidance and encouragement, helping them navigate

challenges and celebrate achievements.

Looking ahead, the program aims to expand its reach, offering more opportunities for

young people to engage with their culture and community. With continued support, the

Juvenile Diversion Program hopes to make an even greater impact in the lives of future

participants, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and contribute positively to society.

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CHILD SUPPORT PROGRAM

Mission Statement

Among the NiMiiPuu, children are seen as a gift of the Creator.They represent the future of

the Tribe and a link to the values of our culture. In our language, there is no word for

orphan. Each child is the center of a circle with deep relationships to his biological parents,

his blood relatives and his fellow Tribal members. Adults must put the children first to

ensure they are properly nurtured and developed.

Staff:

Director, Lilly James

CSP Attorney, Ronald Calhaun

Case Managers; Lana Rickman, and Charlotte Watters

Admin. Finance Specialist, Verna Taylor

Outreach Specialist, Andre Picard

Admin. Intake Specialist, Ashley Oatman

Funding and Accomplishments

Since Spring General Council, the Child Support Program (CSP) continued to provide vital

services to families in our community. During this period, CSP managed an average

caseload of more than 330 cases, collecting over $42,000 in child support payments. This

brings the total collected so far in the fiscal year to more than $238,000.

One important accomplishment was the successful submission and approval of the FY 2026

Child Support Application and Budget. This ensures stable program funding from October 1,

2025, through September 30, 2026.

Community Outreach and Awareness

CSP celebrated Child Support Awareness Month in August by hosting multiple outreach

events across the community, including activities in Kamiah, Lapwai, Lookingglass Powwow,

and at the Mudsprings gathering. Parenting classes were also held in Kamiah and Lapwai,

supporting family education and engagement.

Additionally, in July, CSP hosted the Family Tipi Race and Mini Powwow during Lapwai

Days, which provided a fun, cultural way to strengthen family connections while promoting

CSP services.

CSP also partnered with the Youth Cultural Enrichment Academy (YCEA) Program to

provide youth outreach on the importance of family and offered hands-on learning through

drum making activities.

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During Child Support Awareness Month, CSP thanked its community partners by sharing

baked goodies from Taya's Baked Goods, showing appreciation for their continued support

and collaboration.

Staff Development and Training

CSP also successfully welcomed its first Youth Intern, Sierra Arthur, who supported

outreach and cultural activities during the summer. Her contributions marked an important

step in providing opportunities for youth engagement in CSP’s work.

All CSP staff completed First Aid/CPR training in July and Cyber Security Awareness

Training in August. These trainings ensure that staff are equipped both to safeguard

community members’ wellbeing and to protect sensitive program data.

The Director attended the Native American Tribal Child Support Directors Bi-Annual

Meeting in Lincoln City, OR. Federal updates emphasized a return to focusing child

support services on core enforcement activities, such as parent location, paternity

establishment, child support order establishment, modifications, collections, and medical

support enforcement.

Leadership

CSP Director Lilly James was elected to the National Child Support Engagement

Association (NCSEA) Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning September 1,

2025. This appointment provides the Nez Perce Tribe with a strong national voice in shaping

child support policy and best practices. Ms. James will also take part in the first national

level Lived Experience Advisory Council.

Upcoming Projects and Events

CSP is working with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes to schedule an Idaho Tribes Child

Support Program Meeting before the end of the fiscal year. This gathering will allow

programs to exchange ideas, discuss policies, and strengthen collaboration, with the

possibility of engaging the State of Idaho in these discussions and to strengthen tribal-state

collaboration.

Looking ahead, CSP is also preparing for the Head Start Powwows in Kamiah and Lapwai

in November, as well as the annual Homemade Christmas event in December. Both events

will provide valuable opportunities for outreach and family engagement.

Contact Us

CSP proudly offers fee-free services, from child support order establishment to paternity testing. For

more information or to get involved:

(208) 843-7362

childsupport@nezperce.org

385 Agency Road Lapwai, Idaho 83540

📞

📧

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CSP Pictures

CSP 1: CSP’s 1st Youth Intern, Sierra Arthur,

helping out at the Lapwai Days Mini Powwow.

CSP 2 & 5: CSP’s Annual Family Tipi Race.

CSP 3: Intern Sierra delivering Taya’s Baked Goods to CSP’s Community Partners.

CSP 4: CSP’s Youth Outreach with the Youth Cultural Enrichment Academy (YCEA).

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TERO

Mission Statement

To ensure that economic opportunities for employment and for contracting within lands

subject to the jurisdiction of the Nez Perce Tribe are provided to members of the Nez Perce

Tribe and other Native Americans and to businesses owned by members of the Nez Perce

Tribe or other Native Americans.

Staff:

Director, Melvin Wheeler

TOSHA Saftety Officer, VACANT

Compliance Officer, Calvin Allen

TERO Client Advocate/Youth Apprentice Sponsor, Laatis Lawrence

Office Specialist, Julia Gould

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TERO/TYAP Activities 2025

1. Lapwai High School Graduation May 2025

• Nine TERO/TYAP clients graduated from Lapwai High School

• Four of the TYAP clients are out working with construction companies

2. Summer Youth Work Group started working with Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority June

9-August 1, 2025

• Eight TYAP clients started working as laborers with NPTHA maintenance workers

• The projects they completed were beautification of Lapwai & Kamiah senior centers, built

eight wood picnic tables then placed them at Sundown Heights Park, NPTHA office, Lapwai

& Kamiah senior centers and built/painted flower boxes for both Lapwai & Kamiah housing

projects.

“NPTHA was a good place to work because I got to work with my buddies and use the tools”

C. Ellenwood Jr.

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· The TYAP clients also went through a financial literacy class during their work week at the

NPTHA classroom.

· Four of the TYAP clients earned their driver license during their employment with the

NPTHA.

1. Nez Perce TERO/TYAP Program signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with

LIUNA Northwest Laborers Employers Training Trust (NWLETT) June 24, 2025

· The MOU is to establish a collaborative partnership between the Nez Perce TERO/TYAP

program & LIUNA Laborers NWLETT so we can accomplish a shared commitment to

workforce development, skills training and the advancement of career opportunities for our

clients. This MOU will help those clients who want to join the union and give them points for

direct entry into the Laborers program.

TERO PROJECTS MAY 2025-SEPTEMBER 2025

Contractor

1. ACON

2. Knife River

3. Crea Construction

4. Knife River

5. Crea Construction

6. A. Williams

7. Terry Construction

Project

Fiber Optics Part 1

D-2 Bridge Approaches

Craigmont Basketball Court

Ferdinand Passing Lane

Mile Post 16/17

Sally Ann Creek Culvert Replacement

NPTHA Little Village Project

TERO Dispatches May-September 2025

Flaggers 10 Laborers 8

HEO 0 CDL Truck Driver 0

Carpenters 0 Other 0

Total dispatches= 18 TERO Waivers signed= 0

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TERO/TYAP Service to Participants Activities

1. October 9-November 8, 2024

BTI 5-week Fall training for 20 clients

$190,000.00 (total cost for 5-weeks)

$9,500.00 (cost per client for 5-weeks)

$100.00 x 20 = $2,000 (PPE per client)

Total= $192,000.00 (covered by Innovation Grant)

2. March 4-April 7, 2025

BTI 5-week Spring training for 15 clients

$190,000.00 (total cost for 5-weeks)

$9,500.00 (cost per client for 5-weeks)

$100.00 X 15 = $1,500.00 (PPE per client)

Total = $191,500.00 (covered by Innovation Grant)

3. Summer Youth Work Group June 9-August 1, 2025

8 weeks of on-the-job training (OJT) with Nez Perce Tribal

Housing Authority’s maintenance teams.

80hrs x $9.25 = $740.00 (bi-weekly stipend payments)

8 weeks x $740.00 = $14,800.00 (stipends spent on client

training)

Total= $14,800.00

4. Nez Perce Tribe Enterprises (Promotions Funding)

Beautification of Lapwai & Kamiah housing projects

$3,000.00 went to Home Depot for supplies and materials

needed to build six wooden tables, flower boxes with flowers

and paint both Lapwai & Kamiah Senior Citizens centers.

Total= $3,000.00

5. Valley Foods Store

$100.00 x 8 weeks = $800.00 (water, Gatorade, ice)

TERO/TYAP supplied TYAP workers with cold water, Gatorade

and ice in the coolers for the hot summer.

Total= $800.00

TERO Service to Participants Funds

October 2024-August 2025 Total= $18,600.00

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Fall BTI Class 2024

Turtle Island

Spring BTI class 2025

Turtle Island

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GAMING COMMISSION

Mission Statement

The Nez Perce Tribe Gaming Commissions (NPTGC) vision is to protect the assets of the

Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Enterprise by insuring adequate internal controls are in place and

conformed to. Ensure that all gaming activity is honest and fair. Regulate all forms of

permissible and authorized gaming within the jurisdiction of the Nez Perce Tribe.

NPTGC

35069 US Hwy 95

Lewiston, ID 83501

Office: 208-621-4744

NPT Gaming Commission Members:

Gabe Bohnee, Chairman

Eva Higheagle , Secretary

Robert Kipp, Vice Chairman

Staff:

Leotis McCormack, Director

Mark Souza, Chief Compliance Officer

Alene Powaukee, Internal Auditor

Ken Kipp, Gaming Agent

Liz Minkey, Licensing Agent

Office Specialist,VACANT

Overview and Purpose

The Nez Perce Tribal Gaming Commission was created under the provisions established in

the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which was enacted to support

and promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments

through the operation of gaming on Indian lands. The Act provides a statutory basis for the

federal regulation of Indian gaming and the authorities for Tribes to regulate Tribal Gaming.

The Nez Perce Tribe established the Commission to regulate and support tribal gaming as a

means of generating revenue for tribal communities.

The Commission consists of three part time members appointed by the Nez Perce Tribal

Executive Committee and full time supporting staff to carryout the day to day responsibilities

of the Commission. The President, Vice President and the Treasurer/secretary are all

selected by the commissioners and affirmed by NPTEC action.

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NPTGC Responsibilities:

regulating and monitoring certain aspects of Nez Perce gaming;

coordinating its regulatory responsibilities with appropriate jurisdictions;

providing training and technical assistance to tribal entities;

reviewing and approving tribal gaming ordinances and management agreements in

conjunction with the NPTEC;

reviewing the backgrounds of individuals and entities to ensure the suitability for gaming

licenses of those seeking to work or conduct business with Nez Perce Tribal gaming;

overseeing and reviewing the conduct and regulation of Nez Perce gaming operations;

enforcing violations against the Nez Perce Tribal Code and IGRA and its regulations;

and

referring law enforcement matters to appropriate tribal, Federal, and state entities.

REPORT:

Chief Compliance Officer Souza, Gaming Agent Kipp, Commissioner Higheagle and

Commissioner Bohnee attended and successfully completed the National Regulators

Academy:

Green Bay Wisconsin; Onieda Nation

Developing mapping steps for expanded jurisdiction in Oregon, Washington.

Will establish what is needed for Regulatory Responsibility if the Tribe expands

gaming in Washington or Oregon.

Held bi weekly meetings with Enterprise Leadership:

Discussed variances, ICP’s, training on report legibility

Discussed Bingo Parameters

Discussed security concerns

§ Developing Charitable Bingo guidelines for the Nez Perce Tribe

NIGC Follow up:

Drafting and updating policies recommended from NIGC: will submit to Gaming

Commission and to the NPTEC for final approval.

Media Protection Policy is ready for review and approval

Configuration Management Policy is ready for review and approval

Reformatting the Background Controls for Gaming Commission

Developing updated Vendor Licensing Fee Schedule.

Developing Funding mechanisms for NPTGC.

Working on Signage at the entrance of NPTGC Drive

Develop and updating NPT TICS Document

Internal Audit: Worked on Surveillance Audit: Obtaining background information

Had NLVF for JCI for security to do repair work on security system IYY

Go over ICRs (Incident Reports) from Casino Security and Surveillance vet out if there

are loose ends

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Track variances and send out RFI to reflect correct procedures are being followed these

are submitted to Director, Team, and Commissioners weekly

Track Drop and Bingo WIN to WRITE submit trackers to GC Director, GC Team and

Commissioners

Assist in expulsion hearing set up and monitor on site for security of commissioners

Director met with Exec Officer and Marketing Director over required items from Internal

Audit provide technical assistance regarding ICP submissions for approval

Security walk throughs of CRC, IYY, and also Camas with Director to become aware of

possible threats and become familiar with facilities, and possible areas of security

deficiencies

Research Gaming on Indian Lands as described in CFR25, in particular due to

researching Charitable Bingo, endeavors requested annually by a tribal department

Develop policy and request forms for Charitable Bingo with use of existing facility and

equipment

Recruiting for Office Specialist Position

After Action Fire Briefing and round table with Enterprise management put on by GC

Director

Addressed and highlighted areas resulting from fire shut down.

Walk throughs and AAB exposed some concerns that are currently being rectified by

Enterprise staff

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Get In Touch

With Us

Phone

+208.621.4753

Website

www.nezperce.org

Address

129 Bever RD,

Lapwai, ID

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THANK YOU