The Yankton Sioux Tribe was awarded a CTAS grant in October 2023 to support the development of culturally groundcodes and the launch of an Ihanktonwan Healing to Wellness Court (HTWC). The initiative responds to community-identified needs, including updating tribal codes, modernizing record-keeping, improving court services for individuals with substance use disorders, and establishing supportive monitoring in place of punitive probation officers. The project emphasizes sovereignty, cultural resiliency, and community involvement, with partners such as Tribal Court staff, law enforcement, elders, the Brave Heart Society, and additional representatives from health, mental health, and substance use services. Its objectives include creating a code development team, updating at least six codes by year three, establishing policies for the HTWC, and supporting at least 15 tribal members through the court by year five.

The project will be guided by a Project Coordinator and the Oyate Code Team, with responsibilities ranging from drafting and finalizing codes to coordinating events and training. Activities span multiple years: initial hiring, record-keeping upgrades, and community engagement in year one; planning and developing the HTWC structure in year two; completing six code updates and training peer support workers by year three; and launching the HTWC fully in year four. By the grant’s conclusion, the HTWC will provide culturally aligned, supportive alternatives to punishment, focusing on healing, wellness, and long-term recovery. Budgeted resources include staffing, training, technology, community events, peer worker development, and participant services, all designed to build a sustainable, culturally rooted justice system for the Ihanktonwan Nation.