LAC COURTE OREILLES — Lac Courte Oreilles (LCO) Tribal Court Chief Judge Elaine H. Smith has been appointed to several influential state and county committees, strengthening tribal representation in Wisconsin’s justice system. 

 

At the most recent quarterly meeting, Judge Smith was sworn in as Vice‑Chairperson of the Wisconsin Tribal Judges Association (WTJA), a two‑year leadership role within the statewide organization. The WTJA includes judicial representatives from all 11 federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin, providing a forum for collaboration, training, and policy discussion on tribal court matters.

 

Judge Smith was also recently appointed to the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission, a body formed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2009 at the request of the State Bar of Wisconsin. The Commission is composed of volunteer appointees whose work is guided by their mission, “to develop and encourage means of expanding access to the civil justice system for unrepresented low-income Wisconsin residents.” More information about its work is available at wisatj.org. 

 

In addition to these state‑level roles, Judge Smith continues active service with the Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC), where she has been a member for several years. The CJCC, an ad hoc committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors, was created as part of a state-wide initiative to further the mission, “to promote implementation of effective criminal justice policies and practices maximizing justice and public safety.”  This is also a volunteer position in which Judge Smith was recently elected Vice-Chairperson, marking the second time Judge Smith held this leadership position. 

 

The CJCC bylaws, updated in January 2023, designate seats for two tribal government representatives as well as the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Judge. Council member Lorraine Gouge currently serves as part of the group.  LCO Tribal Council Vice-Chairman Bill Trepanier has also served as a member of this committee. 

 

Although Judge Smith has not yet attended their first meeting of the Wisconsin Access to Justice Commission, she expressed enthusiasm for the work ahead. 

 

Chi‑Miigwech for your leadership and for representing Lac Courte Oreilles with such dedication. We are truly honored to have you serving our community and our neighbors.