Dbaknegéwen

Tribal Court

The mission of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court is to fully implement the delegation of Constitutional judicial authority from the people of the Tribe consistent with self-determination, the sovereign powers of the Nation, traditional values, fairness and justice.

Goals

  • To develop a judicial system which meets the judicial needs of both the Tribal community and its government.
  • To provide a forum for the resolution of all disputes under Tribal law arising in law and equity.
  • To provide due process and equal protection to all persons.
  • To promote Tribal self-government, community development and the human potential of all persons.
  • To develop judicial institutions and judicial tools which reflect the Band’s culture, traditions and values.

For matters involving the NHBP Tribal Court please contact us Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Please note that the NHBP Tribal Court is closed on most holidays.

Judiciary

Tribal Court

Hon. Melissa L. Pope
Appointed February 17, 2011 — December 31, 2014 and reappointed through December 31, 2018, December 13, 2018 – December 31, 2022, and on January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2026
Chief Judge
269.704.8395

Hon. David M. Peterson
Appointed through June 30, 2017 and reappointed on June 15, 2017 — June 30, 2021 and on July 1, 2021 — June 30, 2025
Associate Judge
269.704.8395

Supreme Court
Chief Justice Leander Bergen
Appointed January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2028

Associate Justice Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Appointed December 16, 2010 – December 31, 2014 and reappointed December 11, 2014 – December 31, 2020 and January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2026

Associate Justice Holly T. Bird
Appointed December 16, 2010 – December 31, 2012 and reappointed on December 20, 2012 – December 31, 2018 and December 13, 2018 – December 31, 2024

Pro Tempore Associate VACANT

Court Staff

Holly L. Curtis
Tribal Court Administrator

 
holly.curtis@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.8395

Dawn Mack

Assistant Tribal Court Administrator
dawn.mack@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.8394

Brishia Reynolds
Tribal Court Clerk
brishia.reynolds@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.8340

Patti McClure
Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
Patricia.mcclure@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.8396

Alyssa Smith
Victim Services Assistant
alyssa.smith@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.7036

April Shepard
Tribal Court Probation Officer
april.shepard@nhbp-nsn.gov
269.704.8397

Court Rules
Tribal Court Opinions
2021

Rios & Smit v. NHBP Election Board; 21-151-AMA/ELE and NHBP Tribal Council, Chairman Stuck, & Stuck as Individual Tribal Citizen v. NHBP Election Board; 21-152-AMA/ELE – Opinion After Oral Arguments filed 7-6-2021

In Re Election Board Board Decision 2021-2; Case No. 21-074-AMA/ELE – Opinion After Oral Argument filed 4-7-2021

Rios & Smit v. NHBP Election Board; Case No. 21-075-AMA/ELE – Opinion After Oral Argument filed 4-7-2021

2020
Administrative Order on the Administration of the NHBP Tribal Court in Response to COVID-19

2019
Published Order Regarding Standing In Temporary and Permanent Guardianship Of A Minor Child

2018
In Re IW – Opinion on Probating the Estate of a Tribal Citizen filed January 19, 2018 Opinion January 19, 2018
Opinion January 19, 2018

2017
Nathaniel Wesley Spurr v. Joy Spurr a/k/a Joy Judge; 17-046-PPO/ND
Opinion and Order After Hearing on Respondent’s Motion for Reconsideration or Modification of Court Order filed July 21, 2017.

2013
13-043-CV: Terry Chivis v. NHBP Tribal Council and Homer A. Mandoka
Opinion and Order

13-043-CV: Terry Chivis v. NHBP Tribal Council and Homer A. Mandoka
Order of Dismissal

13-052-ECPP: In Re J
Opinion and Order

13-078CV/TRO; 13-079CV/TRO: Dean and Terry TenBrink v. NHBP Tribal Council & Election Board
Opinion and Order After Remand

13-078-CV/TRO; 13-079-CV/TRO: Dean & Terry TenBrink v. NHBP Tribal Council & Election Board
Order Regarding Status

13-080-CV/TRO; 13-078-CV/TRO; 13-079-CV/TRO: Rob Larson, Dean & Terry TenBrink v. NHBP Tribal Council & Election Board
Opinion and Order March 19, 2013

Supreme Court Opinions
Pro Se Appeal Guide
The Pro Se Litigant Guide to presenting appeals to the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Supreme Court
Court Fees

Attorney Admissions

Requirements for Practicing Before Tribal Courts:
Every attorney who proposes to practice before the Courts of the Tribe must be duly admitted. Any attorney, who is admitted to practice in any state and who is in good standing, is eligible for admission. Each applicant for admission must complete an Application for Admission, Oath of Admission, and pay the Admission to Practice Fee.

Contact

2221 1 1/2 Mile Road Fulton, MI 49052