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Southwest Center for Law & Policy

Providing legal training and technical assistance to tribal communities and to organizations and agencies serving Native people.

The Southwest Center for Law and Policy is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization that serves as the parent organization of the National Tribal Trial College at the University of Wisconsin and of SAFESTAR.

The National Tribal Trial College at the University of Wisconsin trains and certifies tribal court lay legal advocates through an intensive, no cost, hybrid online/onsite course at the University of Wisconsin Law School. The 6 month tribal court litigation training results in a nationally recognized Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy enabling graduates to practice law in hundreds of tribal courts across the country.

SAFESTAR is a community based sexual assault response and healing program approved by the United States Department of Justice, the FBI, and the International Association of Forensic Nurses training lay persons to provide advocacy, evidence collection, first aid and support for American Indian/Alaska Native sexual assault survivors.

UPCOMING EVENTS

National Tribal Trial College

Applications for admission for the 20-week online course open December 1, 2024

nttconline.org

The online course begins February 3, 2025

The 40 hour onsite course will be held in Madison, Wisconsin

July 21, 2025 – July 25, 2025

In Partnership with the University of Wisconsin Law School

More Events

Highlights

Southwest Center for Law and Policy’s National Tribal Trial College graduates the 10th Class in the University of Wisconsin Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy

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NTTC

National Tribal Trial College

Providing legal training and technical assistance to tribal communities and to organizations and agencies serving Native people.
nttconline.org

What We Do

  • On-Site Legal and Advocacy Training for American Indian/Alaska Native Communities
  • Development of Tribal Codes, Intergovernmental Agreements, Protocols, Policies, and Memoranda of Understanding
  • Strategies for Combatting and Responding to Violent Crime Victimization
  • Law Enforcement Training
  • Prosecutor Training
  • Tribal Court Training
  • Civil Legal Services Training
  • Victim Advocacy Training
  • Training for Healthcare Professionals including Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners, Coroners, and Medical Examiners
  • Firearms Legislation and Training
  • Training for Faith Based Communities
  • Tribal Program Development

National Tribal Trial College

The National Tribal Trial College Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy is a free, 6-month, skill building course empowering laypersons to practice law in Tribal Courts across the United States of America. Now in it’s 10th year, close to 300 Tribal Court Legal Advocates representing more than 100 Tribes from 26 states have completed the intensive litigation Certificate in partnership with the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women and the University of Wisconsin Law School.

An Advanced Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy was offered in 2024 and will again be offered in 2026.

SAFESTAR

SAFESTAR is a unique model of care that draws upon the strength and resilience of Indigenous women to put an end to sexual violence, while also providing compassionate and holistic care for women and teens victims. Specifically selected and qualified Native women learn the skills necessary to:

  • Deliver emergency first aid to sexual assault survivors.
  • Provide referrals for follow-up care (medical or other).
  • Educate communities on the harm caused by sexual violence, as well as leading the way to healthy and respectful ways of living.
  • Collect sexual assault forensic evidence (“rape kits”) to promote accountability for the perpetrator.
    SAFESTAR

    Sexual Assault Forensic Examinations, Support, Training, Access, and Resources

    Providing legal training and technical assistance to tribal communities and to organizations and agencies serving Native people.
    safestar.net