(SitNews) Fairbanks, Alaska - Governor Sean Parnell announced Thursday that the state is considering entering into agreements with tribal courts in an effort to more fully address alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. The governor announced the proposal during his address at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Fairbanks.

“I recently met with members of the AFN Board, and we agreed that tribes can often provide local, culturally-relevant justice services,” Governor Parnell said. “We came to the conclusion that the constitutional rights of both victims and alleged offenders would be protected in tribal courts.”

The state, through the Department of Law, proposes allowing tribal courts to process certain alcohol and domestic violence offenses. In these cases, defendants could choose a tribal civil proceeding, which could result in tribal remedies. If the offender does not consent, the case would go to the Alaska State Troopers for screening and potential prosecution.

The proposal also includes a memorandum of understanding between the state and cities that would allow sentencing for alcohol possession to be handled through community panels. Such panels could include members from a traditional village council, the city council, or a borough assembly, and could issue community service punishments for violations of the city’s alcohol possession laws.

Governor Parnell has directed the attorney general and the Department of Law to open discussions in the next two weeks and make a proposal for demonstration projects.

Also on Thursday in an address to the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention in Fairbanks, Governor Sean Parnell announced a statewide education initiative to bring more of Alaska’s best teachers directly to Alaskan children.

The governor’s initiative will digitally link teachers, courses, and students from across Alaska in a shared goal of excellence.

“Every Alaskan child, including those in rural communities, deserves access to a world-class education,” Governor Parnell said. “It is time for bold solutions, and my administration is committed to going big into digital learning over the next five years to ensure all of Alaska’s children have access to the best teachers available. By using a small studio with cameras and computers in one location, and technology in a rural classroom, for example, teachers can deliver higher quality and more diverse classes to our students.”

Designed to bring more of Alaska’s best teachers directly to students through interactive, digital learning, the governor’s new education initiative will attract Alaska’s top educators and make them available to all Alaska students. The five-year project will utilize innovative digital and distance delivery models to maximize student engagement and learning opportunities, while also prioritizing middle and high school math and science courses.

Governor Parnell made the announcement during an interactive speech with students from Manokotak School.  

Source of News: 

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

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