About the Southwest Center for Law & Policy


The Southwest Center For Law And Policy is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 2002 providing legal training and technical assistance to tribal communities and to organizations and agencies serving Native people.

National Tribal Trial College

The National Tribal Trial College Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy is a free, 6-month, skill building course empowering laypersons to practice law in Tribal Courts across the United States of America. 203 Tribal Court Legal Advocates representing 92 Tribes from 26 states have completed the intensive litigation Certificate in partnership with the United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women and the University of Wisconsin Law School.

An Advanced Certificate in Tribal Court Legal Advocacy will again be offered in 2024.

List of OVW Approved Training Modules:

  • Domestic Violence
  • Sexual Assault
  • Stalking
  • Elder Abuse
  • Abuse Of Persons With Disabilities
  • Teen domestic violence and sexual assault
  • Tribal Court Trial Skills

SAFESTAR

SAFESTAR is a unique model of care that draws upon the strength and resilience of Indigenous women to put an end to sexual violence, while also providing compassionate and holistic care for women and teens victims. Specifically selected and qualified Native women learn the skills necessary to:

  • Deliver emergency first aid to sexual assault survivors.
  • Provide referrals for follow-up care (medical or other).
  • Educate communities on the harm caused by sexual violence, as well as leading the way to healthy and respectful ways of living.
  • Collect sexual assault forensic evidence (“rape kits”) to promote accountability for the perpetrators.

NTTC

SWCLAP is the Parent Organization of the:
National Tribal Trial College – NTTC