I was asked what my thoughts were about building a prison on reservation: (please share your thoughts, as well) My thoughts.... First of all, we do not have a strong legal system to support a prison or violent criminals AND White-Collar Crimes and criminals. We dont have sufficient or specific laws to address violent and white-collar crimes, and we do not have sufficient qualified attorneys, police force, social workers, legal assistants, as well. We need to address all the foundational issues such as Strengthening and removing corruption from our legal system and from all three branches, elected council delegates plans, duties and responsibilities and NN employees; basically entire government system that will allow for business growth and address social concerns for healthier individuals. I think we need to start sharing criminal information with city, state, county and feds, so that criminals are locked up for longer periods of time. We still want to be sovereign, and self-determination is a goal, so someday, in the future, we will need to build a prison with a different approach of rehibiliation that will include Diné or religious healing process for Diné criminals before they return to society. My aunt and her husband help people with various issues by helping them spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially through Anasazi Foundation wilderness program. We also need tougher laws and sentencings/punishments, and capable council delegates to establish and revise such laws. We need qualified judges and legal system, not corrupted and too extreme in their ideals. We cannot be too extreme to either side. It doesnt help. Our legal department will need more employees throughout Navajo, especially social workers. Proper staffing and training at each courthouse throughout Navajo is needed. When there is greater local control then issues at local district or regional courts can be dealt with sooner and more efficiently. Local control will be like federal system with Feds on top and States, Counties, Cities/townships/chapters (lowest form of government) in local system. (Just making an example). Also, Law & Order Committee should not be NN council delegates. Qualified lawyers, judges, legal assistances, social workers should be on this committee. This is a tough situation, just like everything else on Navajo; BIA, council delegates (legislative branch), approved Diné and Fundamental Laws are the stubbling blocks that need to be removed or their interferences need to be stopped. This is one way the Judicial Branch will become more efficient, transparent and accountable. If we want to take ownership of criminal cases and build a prison, we need to address all the foundational issues first: election process, legal system, legislation, remove corrupt elected officials (especially at chapter and agency levels) and employees, strengthen Ethics & Rules and Human Resources (employee conduct), streamline all processes, eliminate unnecessary spending on traveling, fairs, events, conferences, training, equipment, personnel, etc. The list goes on and on.... Dont get me wrong, Diné Fundamental Law is good and should be properly intergrated in our laws and future laws, because as Diné, our spirituality is tied to our spirits and at the same time, we should always be prepared for what the future holds (keep up with the times). So, once we have a solid foundation of strong communities filled with small businesses & entrepreneurships and stronger healthier individuals led by good leaders, Im sure the people will know exactly the kind of prison and rehibiliation program they will want for Diné criminals.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 17:45:30 +0000