She added that space needs are always necessary for growing programs in the community so existing structures will be utilized. Presently, Tribal Court is located in the Facilities Center, which will likely absorb the space the court occupies, Jones said. The Leech Lake Tribal Police Department was established in 1999. Washington said the department is fortunate to have the facility so soon. Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Kenneth Washington also credited Wahwassuck with making plans for a centralized justice center move forward. “With funding from the Department of Justice, Leech Lake is able to consolidate our tribal justice programs into one building, which will provide research-based practices and Ojibwe culture and values, protecting the rights of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe people and resources on the Leech Lake Reservation,” Jones said. The band is matching the grant with $3.1 million to cover the $6.2 million construction budget total project cost is $7.1 million. Jones credits Judge Korey Wahwassuck with procuring the $4 million grant before concluding her work for the LLBO Tribal Court and beginning work as a judge in Itasca County.
Shingobee Builders, based in Loretto, Minn., was awarded the construction contract for the justice center work is slated to begin in May. Tribal Planner Shannon Avery said the tribal justice center is part of the same project planning as the existing RBC Government Building, which was completed in 2012. The grant allowed the band to conduct a needs assessment and create a plan for a regional justice and public safety center.
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