115 Sixth Street NW, Suite E
Cass Lake, MN 56633

(218) 335-3682 Phone
(218) 335-3685 Fax

Joe Plumer, Chief Judge

Korey Wahwassuck, Associate Judge

Patricia Pizzala, Court Administrator
(218) 335-4418

Samantha Senganidzojasi, Court Services Coordinator
(218) 335-3586

Tribal Court Mission Statement

The mission of Leech Lake Tribal Court is to establish a fair and effective justice and dispute resolution system founded upon Ojibwe culture and values for all native people residing within the territorial jurisdiction of the Leech Lake Band; to protect and preserve the natural and trust resources of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe; and to promote peace and public safety within the Leech Lake Reservation.

Directions to Court

The Courtroom is located on the second floor (East) of the Facilities Center, 16126 John Moose Drive NW, Cass Lake, Minnesota. From the Highway 2 frontage road, go north on John Moose Drive NW (the street to the east of the building housing the Leech Lake Reservation Tribal Council Offices and the Dairy Queen) two blocks to the log two-story building.


Court Fees

The following shall constitute the fee schedule for Tribal Court Services.

Case Filing Procedures

There is a $25.00 filing fee for all new civil actions. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request that it be waived by filing an filing fee waiver form (a copy of this form is located on the link for "Forms"). Fine Payments.

Court Fines

Fine payments can be made at the Tribal Court Administration Office, or at the Leech Lake Accounting Office (located in the lower level of the Facilities Center, 16126 John Moose Drive NW, Cass Lake). Checks and money orders should be made payable to "Leech Lake Tribal Court." The court also has community service options. Please contact the court for more information.

Fine details under Court Fines tab.

Tribal Codes

Title 1 - Judicial Code
Title 2 - Rules of Procedure
Title 3 - Child and Family Protection Code
Title 4 - Juvenile Code
Title 6 - Family Relations Protection Code
Title 7 - Customary Adoption Code
Traffic Code
Conservation Code
Unlawful Detainer and Judicial Evictions Code
Real Estate Mortgages and Foreclosure Ordinance

Attorney Admission Procedures

Attorneys may appear on behalf of any party in any proceeding before the court, provided they are licensed to practice. A license to practice may be issued by the Tribal Court upon filing with the Court Administrator an affidavit attesting that the applicant is licensed to practice law before the highest court of any state. A photocopy of said license shall be submitted with the affidavit. The Applicant must also file an Affidavit that he/she is familiar with the Constitution of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe, by by-laws of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and the Leech Lake Band, the Tribal Codes and Ordinances, Title 25 of the United States Code and Title 25 of the Code of Federal Regulations. There is a $100 application fee for admission to practice before the Leech Lake Tribal Court.
Below is a list of attorneys licensed to practice before the Leech Lake Tribal Court. They have authorized posting of their contact information on the Court's website.

Forms

Affidavit of Personal Service
Application Affidavit
Application for Name Change
Certificate of Service Posting or Mail
Civil Petition
Consent to Guardianship
Community Service Work Agreement
Community Service Work Completion
In Forma Pauperis Affidavit - Civil
In Forma Pauperis Affidavit - Guardianship
Installment Payment of Court Fines
Notice of Motion
Notice of Motion - CHIPS
Notice of Motion - Guardian
Oath By Affidavit
Petition for Guardian - Adult
Petition for Guardian - Minor
Records Request Form