About the Wičhóyaŋke Network
The Native American Network was created by JMI (Justice Management Institute), under funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge (SJC) and renamed to the Wičhóyaŋke Network. Wičhóyaŋke [wičhá-oyáŋke] is a Lakota word that means “strengthening community.”
The Wičhóyaŋke Network is a convening of Indigenous leaders from both the community and the criminal justice system, who have lived experience of implementing strategies to assist Indigenous communities to overcome the traumas and effects of racial disparities within the criminal justice system.
The network is designed for community leaders and justice professionals with an interest in eliminiating racial disparities and combating the intergenerational impact of oppression within local criminal justice systems.
Resources
Online Resources
Prison Policy Initiative's Advocacy Toolkit
Prison Policy Initiative's Advocacy Department works with criminal legal system reform or abolition activist groups and elected officials to provide free research help and technical support.
United States Department of Justice: Prisoners and Prisoner Re-Entry
Assisting ex-prisoners in finding and keeping employment, identifying transitional housing, and receiving mentoring are three key elements of successful re-entry into our communities.
Pima County Transition Center Program
Pima County launched its transition center program in late June 2023, an effort operated by the Department of Justice Services, to connect people being released from the County jail with the resources they need.
American Indian Development Associates, LLC
Supporting Tribal Self-Determination Through Education, Justice, Health & Community Development.
The Council of State Governments Justice Center
The Council of State Governments (CSG) Justice Center is a national, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that combines the power of a membership association, serving state officials in all three branches of government, with policy and research expertise to develop strategies that increase public safety and strengthen communities.
Downloadable Resources
Planning a Reentry Program: A Toolkit for Tribal Communities
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs Bureau of Justice Assistance
The toolkit is designed to help tribal justice system practitioners create or enhance reentry programs for American Indians and Alaska Natives returning from jail or prison. It also offers guidance for practitioners who are currently working in a reentry program.
Improving Outcomes for American Indian/Alaska Native People Returning to the Community from Incarceration: A Resource Guide
Office of Human Services Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Native Americans, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
This resource guide is a compilation of federal resources, research, examples, and helpful considerations for facilitating the successful transition of AI/AN returning community members to promote individual and community well-being.
Effective Reentry Practices in Tribal Communities: Promoting Health, Wellness, & Cultural Lifeways for Returning Tribal Citizens
Hosted by the Corrections & Community Engagement Technical Assistance Center (CCETAC). CCETAC is operated by the American Institutes for Research® (AIR®)
Slide deck from April 2022 meeting, covering: Overview of Four Diverse Second Chance Act (SCA) Tribal Reentry Programs; Fostering Tribal-State-Federal Partnerships to Ensure Sustainability; Weaving Cultural and Strength-Based Approaches;Giving Voice to Tribal Citizens With Lived Experience and Sharing National Reentry Resources and Tools.
Articles
Safety & Justice Challenge Article:
Over-Incarceration of Native Americans: Roots, Inequities, and Solutions
Authors: Desiree L Fox, PhD, Ciara D Hansen, PhD, Ann M. Miller, JD
The Outside Circle
by Patti LaBoucane-Benson
In this important graphic novel, two brothers surrounded by poverty, drug abuse, and gang violence, try to overcome centuries of historic trauma in very different ways to bring about positive change in their lives.
7 Generations: A Plains Cree Saga
By David A. Robertson and Illustrated by Scott B. Henderson
A Plains Cree Saga is an epic story that follows one Indigenous family over three centuries and seven generations. This compiled edition was originally published as a series of four graphic novels: Stone, Scars, Ends/Begins, and The Pact.
The Price of a Gift: A Lakota Healer's Story
By Joseph Eagle Elk and Gerald Mohatt
Joseph Eagle Elk’s story of his life, practice, and beliefs provides a uniquely introspective, demystified, and informative look at the career of a traditional Native American healer. We learn how a persistent vision and recurring visits by thunder spirits led Eagle Elk long ago to become a healer.
Graphic Novels by Indigenous Authors
A guide to graphic novels by indigenous authors and where to locate for library loans, free online access options and purchasing options.
Podcasts
Just Conversations: Indigenous Teachings for Recovery and Reform
Justice Management Institute (JMI)
Episode 1: "The Lay of the Land"
Films
The Forgotten Prisoner
This mini-documentary to raise awareness of children who suffer in silence from the stigma and trauma associated with parental incarceration.
Presented by Parent Student Prison Initiative in association with Shining Light Productions. Winner of Orlando Urban Film Festival.
Wičhóyaŋke Southwest Region Committee
| Tribal Affiliation | Name and Position |
| Colorado River Indian Tribes | Chris Sharp, PhD FA: Social work |
| Pascua Yaqui Tribe | Alfred Lopez Urbina, Esq. (Principal) Urbina Legal Solutions, PLLC Indian Law, Tribal Advising, & Consulting |
| Standing Rock Sioux Tribe | Aj Agard Former BIA Police Officer |
| Standing Rock Sioux Tribe | Johnny G. Chavez III, PhD FA: Training and Education Coordinator and author of Sacred Traditions: Reconnecting, Finding Balance, and Healing Spiritually during incarceration. |
| Standing Rock Sioux Tribe | Emmanuelle Fahey, MPPA Restorative Justice Coordinator-Adult program, @ Pima County Attorney’s Office FA: Repairing harm to individuals and the larger community and addressing root causes of criminal activity through restorative justice processes and connection to social services. |
| Standing Rock Sioux Tribe | Nahrin Jabro Director of Specialty Court Programs, @ Pima County Attorney’s Office Addressing Youth social work mitigation and counseling pre-incarceration and during incarceration. Demonstrate compassion and embrace cultural humility to boost self-esteem and show Youth they are worthy. |
| Tohono O’odham Nation | Patrick Andrews, M.Ed. FA: Correctional Officer at the federal penitentiary in Lompoc, California, focusing on education, programing, and workforce. |
| Tohono O’odham Nation | Bruce Donahue Pima County Department of Justice Services as a Justice Navigator at the Transition Center, just outside the Pima County Jail FA: Assist incarcerated individuals, family, and loved ones through lived experience. |
| Tohono O’odham Nation | Selso Villegas, PhD Executive Director of Water for the Tohono O’odham Nation FA: Addressing Youth drug rehabilitation and counseling post-incarceration and stopping the pipeline high school to prison |