TOPPENISH, Wash.- The Yakama Nation has officially opened the Multi-Purpose Justice Center on Fort Road. The new building contains 4 state-of-the-art courtrooms and provides extra space for counsels who may need to be in attendance for the hearing.
“A critical part of the police infrastructure for today’s members to have better access for our future generations to enjoy safer and more stable communities,” said Jeremy Takala, Yakama Nation Tribal Council Law and Order Committee Chairman.
The project took over 10 years and $13 million to complete, but the Nation believes it was worth it to protect its people.
“The tribal court is the defender of fairness and justice,” says Takala. “The Tribal Police Service enforcing the law is crucial to protecting all Yakama people from the infringement on our way of life.”
The Justice Center is already working with the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office to avoid infringement, as YCSO also has jurisdiction over areas that are considered tribal land.
“We’re able to work together if we have an emergency call, but at the same time, if it involves a tribal member, then they respect the jurisdiction,” says Takala. “They understand the uniqueness the Yakama Nation has that this has to be deferred to a tribal officer and taken back to the tribal courts.”
The teamwork between YCSO and the Justice Center got off to a good start at the reception following the ribbon cutting. As Yakama Nation Public Safety Commissioner, James Shike, was speaking to the crowd, Sheriff Bob Udell interrupted with a holiday present: a large printed and framed photo of the Sheriff.
After the laughs died out, Shike was presented with special plaque with a thankful message from YCSO.
The land represented by the Yakama Nation goes far beyond Toppenish. Takala says tribal land stretches from as far as Montana to Willamette Falls. Officials from the Yakama Nation say there will have to be reinforcements that follow the Justice Center.
“We need additional officers to be able to meet 76 based on FDA standards,” says Takala.
The Justice Center is also expected to improve services offered from the building and eventually expand correctional space.
