Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs (JPCNAA)

The Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs (JPCNAA) was established at a senior level in the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to ensure tribal justice and safety policy issues and strategies are developed and embraced by OJP leadership. 

OJP established the JPCNAA in November 2005.  In January 2007, OJP elevated the Council membership to include all senior level OJP leaders, who designated JPCNAA federal staff Tribal Liaisons from their respective bureaus and offices.  The OJP Assistant Attorney General (AAG) chairs the Council and the Chief of Staff serves as the alternate.  The JPCNAA Executive Director/Senior Advisor to the AAG for Tribal Affairs provides daily direction. The Council meets semi-annually.

This policy advisory body helps to identify opportunities, programs, and address issues of concern to Indian Tribes and Native communities, and serves as a focal point within OJP for coordination, outreach and consultation on justice and safety issues affecting the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native American (AI/AN/NA) population nationwide.  The JPCNAA also serves as a liaison advisory body to other Department of Justice (DOJ) agencies, bureaus and offices that desire to participate on the Council.  The JPCNAA operates under an AAG approved charter to coordinate OJP efforts on behalf of tribes.

The Council established six workgroups to respond to Tribal leader consultation priorities:  Tribal liaisons co-chair and serve on each of the workgroups to develop activities, complete products, and to provide recommendations to the Council and AAG.

1. Tribal Public Relations, Consultation, Education and Public Outreach
2. Research, Data Collection and Information Sharing
3. Tribal Grants Policy/Training & Technical Assistance
4. Tribal Youth Initiatives
5. Tribal Economic and Infrastructure
6. OJP Federal Workforce Education on American Indian and Alaskan Natives

View the Members of the Justice Programs Council on Native American Affairs (JPCNAA)

In September 2007, the Tribal Justice Advisory Group (TJAG) was established by the OJP Assistant Attorney General in response to Tribal leaders' request to create an external advisory body to inform DOJ on Sex Offender Registry Notification Act, Title I Adam Walsh and Child Protection and Safety Act provisions impacting tribal governments; and, other tribal budget, legislative, and policy matters with tribal implications.

The TJAG will soon sunset after recommending for several years that the Tribal leaders voice be elevated to the highest level in DOJ to advise on all departmental matters affecting Tribal governments.  On October 29, 2009, Attorney General Eric Holder announced his creation of a Tribal Nations Leadership Council (TNLC).  Once the new Council convenes its first meeting, the TJAG will conclude; its two Co-Chairs will serve as Ex Officio members on the new TNLC for one-year to provide experience for a smooth transition and continuity.

TJAG Charter
TJAG Strategic Plan