U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

Coordinated Tribal Assistance Program

Celebrating 50 Years of American Indian Self-Determination

RED WING - CROW APSAROKE TRIBE, Staff Sgt. Brittinie Alvarez, 50th Security Forces Squadron, Jim Thorpe

Today marks a milestone in relations between the federal government and Indian nations. Fifty years ago today, President Richard M. Nixon delivered a special message to Congress announcing a new era of self-determination for American Indian tribes. “The time has come to break decisively with the past,” he said, “and to create the conditions for a new era in which the Indian future is determined...

Drug Courts Offer a Second Chance

Drug Courts Offer Second Chance

I recently spoke during the annual conference of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.  I appreciated the opportunity to address these outstanding professionals in light of an ongoing crisis affecting our nation:  addiction and crime.

During my 11 years as a trial court judge in Colorado, I launched both a drug court and DUI court, and saw first-hand the impact they make.  Overseeing these...