“Cooperation among tribal, state and federal courts as well as related
  law enforcement and service agencies is essential to the effective
  administration of justice in this country.”

Continuing Pathways to Equal Justice...

is a sharing event where judges and justice personnel will discuss experiences and successes that have enhanced cooperation and collaboration between tribal, state, and federal justice systems. It is also a gathering aimed at overcoming challenges that still impede communication and the efficient administration of justice.

Judges and other justice staff who participated in the 2005 gathering identified a need for cooperation among the courts to resolve and reduce jurisdictional disputes. This opened the path for further discussion and work. Now, in 2008, this gathering will allow participants to explore the progress made since the 2005 gathering. They will discuss ways to strengthen the relationships between the justice systems.

Judges and all others involved in the justice system are invited to walk the path to common ground where mutual respect, understanding, collegial discussion, and positive change can take place. All people deserve justice; all justice systems need to share a strong commitment to the people that are served.

“We are a nation of nations…we have so many different cultures and so
  many different opportunities…we need to hear each other
  and to listen and learn.”

Who Should Attend

This gathering is intended for those committed to improving the understanding, coordination, collaboration, and communication among justice systems.  It is for tribal, federal, and state court judges; court commissioners; court administrators; peacemakers; mediators; traditional forum practitioners; pretrial services; attorneys; lay advocates; and guardians ad litem.  A limited number of scholarships are available for participants from tribal justice systems.

Gathering Fee

There is no fee to attend the Walking on Common Ground: Continuing Pathways to Equal Justice Gathering.  Registration IS REQUIRED. Visit the Registration Page for the necessary forms.

The gathering will be held just prior to the Indian Nations Conference on December 11-13, 2008, with the theme, "Strengthening the Heartbeat of all our Relations." This year's conference is coordinated again by the Tribal Law and Policy Institute under a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC).

Training and Lodging Site

Wyndham Palm Springs
888 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Palm Springs, California 92262
Phone: (760) 322-6000
Fax:     (760) 322-5351
Hotel Information - Indian Nations Website

Contact Us

For Program Questions	For Registration Questions
Christine Folsom-Smith Program Attorney cfsmith@judges.org	Muriel Bartlett Registrar registrar@judges.org

This project is supported by Grant No. 2007-IC-BX-K0001, awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice