Unidad del NJP para indígenas estadounidenses
La Unidad del Proyecto de Justicia del Noroeste para Indígenas Estadounidenses (NAU) tiene como objetivo abordar las necesidades legales únicas de las comunidades indígenas estadounidenses en todo el estado
Northwest Justice Project's Native American Unit (NAU) aims to address the unique legal needs of Native American communities statewide. The NAU emphasizes cases involving state and federal agencies’ policies and practices that have had disproportionate, adverse impacts on Native communities.
The NAU prioritizes cases involving:
- Education rights for Native youth: school discipline, truancy, special education, reasonable accommodations in school, and protections for homeless youth
- Indian family stability through keeping Native children with their families: NAU advocates for the application and implementation of the Indian Child Welfare Act to prevent the unnecessary separation of Native families by state courts
- Indian income and land: problems connected to ownership of Indian trust property and protecting income generated from trust resources
- Problems stemming from crime victimization: the NAU has an attorney dedicated to working with Native American survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, elder abuse, identity theft, and other crimes. Advocates from tribal and urban Indian organizations refer clients who have civil legal problems related to the crime.
- Housing eviction defense and economic security issues: public benefits, employment benefits, debt collection defense, driver relicensing, for Native Americans living in urban areas of Spokane, Pierce, and King Counties.
In addition to representing clients in these areas, the NAU conducts outreach, provides community legal education, and supports other advocates working for Native people.
Who qualifies for help?
Low-income American Indian and Alaska Natives.
How do I get help?
To find out if the Native American Unit can help you, please call:
- In King County: Call 211
- For all other counties: Contact the CLEAR intake line at 1-888-201-1014 weekdays from 9:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
- If you are a tribal advocate or service provider wanting to refer a client for assistance from our NAU-Crime Victims program, please use our NAU-CV referral form or contact us for a copy.
The NAU is supported by: Legal Services Corporation, Office of Civil Legal Aid, Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, King County, and the Seattle Foundation.