The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal court is designed to provide enforcement of tribal laws, equal justice to all and protection of tribal sovereignty. These services are available to all Native Americans and CPN employees.
The court initially functioned as the Court of Indian Offenses for western Oklahoma beginning in 1978 and became the CPN Tribal Court in 1985. The court has expanded its caseload consistently each year to meet the needs of tribal members, tribal employees, other Native Americans and non-Indian litigants.
“We are here to serve CPN tribal members and Native Americans within the CPN jurisdiction,” said CPN Judge Lujan. “We finalize adoption petitioners, we conduct marriages, we even offer some legal consulting.”
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court is comprised of a three member District Court judges, seven member Supreme Court Justices and two prosecutors. All Judges and Justices are law trained and are recognized as accomplished, well qualified and experienced individuals.
“These resources are available for all Native Americans,” added Lujan. “We do all the same things that a state court would do with an emphasis on serving the Native population.”
The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Tribal Court handles civil, criminal, Indian Child Welfare matters and juvenile matters. The Court provides forms to assist pro se petitions for many civil actions, such as divorce and guardianships and issues marriage licenses.
Court prosecutors are also available to offer general technical legal assistance to Tribal members. These questions may be in regard to child custody, divorce and guardianships. Participants must call the court clerk and complete an intake request before a prosecutor can address their questions. Prosecutors will only offer legal advice and will not provide representation in court.
To contact the court clerk please call (405) 878-4844.