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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Today we honor the resilience, sovereignty, and vibrant cultures of Native peoples—the original and enduring stewards of these lands. At the heart of NJP's Native American Unit is support of tribal sovereignty and addressing the civil legal needs of low-income Native Americans, who face disproportionate barriers to legal services while navigating unique legal needs—from protecting…
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Interview with Andy Ward, Project Manager, Chief Seattle Club Re-entry Program A three-year partnership between the Chief Seattle Club (CSC) and Northwest Justice Project (NJP) has helped Native Americans rebuild their lives after incarceration. Based in Seattle and Renton, the CSC Re-entry Program has supported hundreds of people. It has connected them to their culture…
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During National Native American Heritage Month in November we celebrate and honor the vibrant cultures of Native people in Washington state and beyond. While acknowledging past and present injustices and standing in solidarity with Indigenous peoples' pursuit of justice, we join in celebration of their diverse cultures, sovereign identities, and vital presence that weaves beauty,…
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