St. Croix Legal Department
The St. Croix Tribal Legal Department represents the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin in all proceedings before federal, state, and tribal courts. As the Tribe’s attorneys and legal staff, the Legal Department represents the Tribe in business negotiations, real estate transactions, and relationships with state and federal agencies. The Legal Department also supports other Tribal Departments such as Enterprises, Elder Advocates, Indian Child Welfare, Human Resources, Land and Planning, Benefits, Environmental Services, and others when legal assistance is needed. The Legal Department does not represent individuals but may refer individuals to outside law firms, legal aid services, and attorneys.
Mission / Purpose Statement
The St. Croix Legal Department’s mission is to represent the Tribe and their legal needs.
Priority 1:
Represent the Tribe in legal proceedings before federal, state, and tribal courts.
Priority 2
Provide the Tribal Council, Departments, and Enterprises with legal advice on a variety of topics and areas.
Tribal Court
The St. Croix Chippewa Tribal Court hears cases involving child welfare, St. Croix Tribal Natural Resource offenses, St. Croix Chippewa Housing disputes, and civil cases.
St. Croix Tribal Courts Source of Power: St. Croix Tribal Constitution and the authority given by the St. Croix Tribal Council and Tribal Codes.
Subject Matter Jurisdiction
- General Civil Jurisdiction
- ICW
- Natural Resources
- Housing
- Garnishments/Tribal Debt
Personal Jurisdiction
- St. Croix Tribal Members
- Non-members residing on reservation lands, small claims – pursuant to inter-tribal agreements
St. Croix Tribal Police Department
The St. Croix Tribal Police Department operates on a 24/7 rotation. Our main goal is to provide public safety services to the residents living within the designated jurisdictional boundaries. We provide many services to residents, including but not limited to security checks, lock outs, K9 demonstrations, ride alongs, public relations, and more specific services like Shop with a Cop, fishing contests, Hunter’s Safety classes, community picnics, Christmas with the Cops, and blanket making events.
We have a dispatch center that is operational with limited hours, but welcome membership to call and leave a message. This service is for any non 911 emergency that may need the services of the police.
“The most effective weapon against crime is cooperation” – J Edgar Hoover
