Native Communities
From supporting family stability to protecting Native land, we partner with tribes and Native communities to secure what matters for today and generations to come.
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Who we serve
29 federally recognized tribes are located within Washington, each a sovereign nation with its own government, culture, and deep, enduring ties to the land.
Our Native American Unit partners with Native communities, tribes and organizations statewide, providing culturally responsive legal help within the state, federal, and tribal court systems.
NJP listened to me. They believed me… I could have been one of the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women. I was able to get out of an abusive relationship and I can help other women now who are going through the same thing.
Kalaya, NJP Client
What we help with
Respecting and supporting tribal sovereignty and Native rights is at the heart of our work. That includes legal support for:
- Defense of the jurisdiction of tribal justice systems and support for tribal court development.
- Education rights for Native youth, including school discipline, truancy, special education, and protections for homeless youth
- Family stability, through preventing the unnecessary separation of Native children from their families; applying the Indian Child Welfare Act
- Indian income and land, including ownership of Indian trust property and protecting income generated from trust resources
- Problems stemming from crime victimization; working with Native American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and other crimes
- Housing eviction defense and economic security issues, such as public benefits and driver’s relicensing for Native Americans
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Clinics held in partnership with the Makah, Lower Elwha, Klallam, Quileute, and Spokane Tribes in 2025
James’s Story
Protecting Native Land
James Cooke, a member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, wanted his family’s Indian trust land to pass to his wife and children without losing its protected status. Working with NJP’s Native American Unit, he put an estate plan in place that secures the land and their home for the next generation. “Those documents gave me confidence that the land is not going to be taken away from them.” he says.
Recent News & Stories
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Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with a curated list of recommended poetry, books, and podcasts from NJP's Native American Unit!
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Happy Native American Heritage Month! This November, we're sharing a weekly series dedicated to honoring and celebrating the many contributions, traditions, and cultures of the original and enduring stewards of this land since time immemorial. For our first week, we've put together a list of events, galas, Pow wows, artist markets, and film screenings to…
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