Tribal Law and Order Act

“Since the passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 we are making progress in ensuring that Tribes are able to access law enforcement databases, which is critical to meeting public safety needs. We have expanded funding and training opportunities, established more productive protocols based on our government-to-government relationship with the Tribes, and have sought to be more clearly accountable for our efforts…The Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 has been good for Indian Country and good for those of us working to ensure justice in Indian country.”'

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Chief Jahkai Akoni Sikani’s Vision for The Sikani Sheriff Department, Sikani Marshals Services, Department of Justice, and Law Enforcement Academy at Harvest Christian University 

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Chief Jahkai Akoni Sikani rose to the position of Director Chief at Sikani Marshals Services through his extensive leadership in tribal sovereignty, justice, and education. As a prominent figure within the Sikani Shaktxiuma Maipuri Tribal Nation, he has been instrumental in advancing indigenous governance and law enforcement initiatives.  As Director Chief of Sikani Marshals Services, Chief Jahkai Akoni oversees the enforcement of tribal laws while ensuring alignment with federal and international standards. His role emphasizes protecting tribal sovereignty and fostering collaboration with other agencies.

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Tribes have inherent sovereignty and autonomy

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Tribal Business Committees are not mandatory requirements for tribes to establish their own law enforcement. Tribes have inherent sovereignty and autonomy to govern their own affairs, including law enforcement. Key points supporting this include:

1. Inherent authority: Tribes have inherent authority to exercise criminal jurisdiction over tribal members and to arrest and detain non-Indians for delivery to state or federal authorities for prosecution.

2. Self-determination: The Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975 (Public Law 93-638) allows tribes to assume responsibility for many programs previously administered by the federal government, including law enforcement5.

3. Funding options: Tribes can operate law enforcement through BIA contracts, self-governance compacts, or full tribal control with their own funding.

4. Organizational flexibility: Tribal governments can organize their law enforcement structures in various ways, not necessarily requiring involvement from the BIA or a Tribal Business Committee.

5. Strengthening tribal governance: Recent recommendations emphasize prioritizing decentralization to allow tribes greater autonomy in resource allocation and decision-making, including in law enforcement matters.

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While collaboration with federal agencies like the BIA can provide support and resources, tribes have the autonomy to establish and operate their own law enforcement agencies based on their specific needs and governance structures