Native American Affairs

Mission

The Office of Native American Affairs serves as liaison and addresses justice-related issues for California's Indian citizens who reside on reservations, rancherias and in urban communities for the overall improvement of the quality of life for Indian people.

Purpose

The Office of Native American Affairs will develop and maintain cooperative relationships between California's Indian tribes, tribal organizations, Indian citizens and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The office will coordinate the appropriate DOJ and other intergovernmental services, programs and technical assistance for Indian communities as they address the broad spectrum of justice-related issues. The Office of Native American Affairs will advise the Attorney General on matters of important to tribal governments and Indian citizens. The office will also assist DOJ with the development of Indian-related policies, positions and programs.

Vision

To achieve the establishment of permanent comprehensive services within DOJ that will maximize the efforts of Indian people strengthen their tribal justice systems, governments, organizations, communities and families.

Goals

The Office of Native American Affairs has established goals to address its mission statement, the office will:

• Examine the justice-related needs of Indian people of this state and provide technical assistance in the preparation of plans for the alleviation of such needs.
• Coordinate mutually beneficial intergovernmental cooperation between tribal governments, DOJ and appropriate federal, state or local agencies.
• Consult with tribal representatives on the development of DOJ policies, positions and cooperative programs between tribes and the department.
• Act as liaison between DOJ, local law enforcement and tribal law enforcement.
• Review and recommend a DOJ legislative agenda that promotes the health, safety and welfare for California's Indian citizens.
• Assemble justice-related information and reports needed by tribal and state agencies to work together effectively.
• Work for greater understanding and improved relationships between Indians and non-Indians by creating an awareness of the needs of the Indians of California.

Contact Us

For more information, please contact:

Olin Jones, Director
Office of Native American Affairs
California Attorney General's Office
P.O. Box 944255
Sacramento, CA 94244-2550
(916) 445-1970