Tribal Communities Awarded Federal Grants to Enhance Youth Programs, Help Crime Victims and Combat Alcohol and Drug Abuse

          The U.S. Department of Justice awarded tribal communities in Western Washington more than $8 million aimed at providing important services to tribal members, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  The grants come from various programs designed to provide resources for tribal youth, victims of crime and those fighting drug and alcohol addiction.

            “These grant funds go to support programs important to Western Washington Tribal communities,” said U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes.  “From drug courts to youth engagement the Department of Justice is supporting innovative programs to improve the lives of those who are members of our twenty-five federally recognized Tribes.”

            Three Tribal communities were awarded grants to enhance youth outreach.  Each of the supported programs is designed by the Tribes to address specific needs in their communities.  The grants include:

• Chehalis Tribes (Oakville, WA) - $346,791 – an engagement program to provide one-on-one support for high-risk youth.
• Stillaguamish Tribe (Arlington, WA)- $339,053- a program to engage youth through cultural activities building on partnerships with Tribal council, elders and leaders.
• Squaxin Island Tribe (Shelton, WA) -$349,909 – A teen engagement program to promote Tribal culture, inclusion, and leadership skills.

          Three Tribal communities received grant funding for drug and alcohol courts and treatment services:

• Lummi Nation (Bellingham, WA) - $480,895 – To establish a Family Drug Treatment Court to develop a comprehensive and effective program for treatment and reunification of families that have been torn apart by drug abuse.
• Lummi Nation -$573,284 – To establish a reentry program for community members who are incarcerated in state or local jails and help reorient them back into the community prior to their release.
• Squaxin Island Tribe - $554,224 – To support a family wellness team to provide services to those who have been involved with courts and substance abuse.
• Chehalis Tribes - $709,862 – To continue the offender reentry program including services to combat drug abuse and domestic violence.

          Four tribes received grant funding to support victims of crime with a comprehensive, collaborative approach including culturally appropriate services for the victims, family and community:

• Skokomish Tribe (Shelton, WA) - $447,040
• Puyallup Tribe - $349,020
• Chehalis Tribes - $287,132
• Stillaguamish Tribe -$372,561

          For additional information on the grants please contact the Office of Justice programs http://ojp.gov/ or the grant recipients.