The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 - (Page 13)

Commitment to Community for handling any criminal activity. This is because California is a Public Law [P.L.] 280 state, which means that state and local police officials are able to enter to pursue criminal investigations and enforcement actions. For example, if a crime is committed on a reservation in one of the six states in America with P.L. 280 jurisdiction on the books, the police can use whatever force they deem necessary to ensure that the criminal is apprehended or the situation is defused. “Policing on a reservation is different than policing in a community. This is a sovereign nation, as recognized by the federal government,” said Captain Roy Heringer from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. “The people on these lands deserve our respect, and our deputies are aware of the fact that things are done differently here than, say, policing in their own communities. We are part of a different culture, and respect has to be paid to those who are tribal members.” Unfortunately, over the years there have been some ugly incidents on reservations due to the misunderstandings and mistrust between local and state law enforcement officials and tribal members. This past summer, southern California tribes held a forum to discuss repealing Public Law 280, which many call a violation of tribal sovereignty. What is P.L. 280 and where is it found? The mandatory P.L. 280 jurisdictions are: Alaska, California, Minnesota (except Red Lake reservation), Nebraska, Oregon (except Warm Springs reservation), and Wisconsin. P.L. 280 is a complex law that was passed in 1953, giving criminal justice jurisdiction to six states without the consent of the tribal governments. The law allowed police officers to enforce criminal laws against both Indians and non-Indians who commit crimes on reservations. To this day it remains a tough issue in Indian Country and has caused widespread conflicts over states’ authority on sovereign Indian nations, according to legal experts and various tribal members. Viejas tribal council members help cut the ribbon at the new Alpine Sheriff Station and state authorities, helping to generate respect for the land of a sovereign nation. Protecting tribal lands is unlike patrolling other communities. Tribal council, security workers and local law enforcement all agree that the key to maintaining a constructive relationship is communication and education on both sides of the issue. “Viejas has the lowest crime rates in the region and our department is very lucky to have such great working relationships with the Viejas [both government and the security team]. Usually when something occurs, Viejas’ security team is there to handle it and keep things under control before we arrive. It’s a blessing to have them here and to be able to work together,” said Heringer. “The sheriff’s department controls roughly 95 thousand square miles with only five deputies at most, patrolling that large a landmass,” explained Heringer, who added, “we really rely on Bill’s team.” Everyone at Viejas seems to be committed to working with the sheriff’s department. “The tribal council is helpful and the members are involved in keeping the reservation safe. We’re really lucky that we have such a good relationship with the sheriff’s department,” said McClurg. “We hope to do more crime prevention programs with the young people at Viejas. You have to reach the young people to make sure those relationships stay strong.” Winter 2008 McClurg and Heringer both agree that it is important to educate both native community members and young non-native deputies who may be new to working on sovereign territories inside native communities. The goal is to heal any lingering tensions that may exist with local law enforcement. “There was a time not long ago when there were bad relationships between sheriffs and Indians. It’s difficult to make those memories go away, but law enforcement has changed and it’s different than before. We work to educate our deputies about native people and working on native lands,” said Heringer. Giving Back to the Community Viejas tribal leaders have given back to the Alpine community in many ways. McClurg’s team frequently acts as first responders, from helping lost and dehydrated hikers to assisting with traffic accidents. In addition, the newly built sheriff’s station in Alpine, just minutes away from the Viejas Casino & Outlet Center and the reservation, was constructed using money provided by Viejas. “It takes only 10 minutes for us to answer a call,” said Heringer. “We get here when we are needed, but the nice thing is that we don’t need to patrol this area as much because Viejas is doing such a good job. When things are quiet, that’s good.”  Positive Relationships Viejas has worked to foster a positive relationship with local 13

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 Contents Kumeyaay History Looking Back at the River of Tears Keeping the Borders Open for All Kumeyaay Tribal Security—Safety First Cultural Embrace Viejas Tribal Member Rescues Eagle Education for All Future in Their Hands Viejas Pow Wow Honors Native American Veterans Growing Traditions—Viejas Community Garden Remember When

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

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