PARDON & FORGIVENESS

We, the Anishinabeg, the people of Odaawaa-Zaaga’iganiing, the Lac Courte Oreilles Band, will sustain our heritage, preserving our past, strengthening our present, and embracing our future. We will defend our inherent sovereign rights and safeguard Mother Earth. We will provide for the educational, health, social welfare, and economic stability of the present and future generations.

WHAT IT IS

On October 22, 2019, The Tribal Governing Board approved and established the Pardon and Forgiveness Code of LCO tribal law. This ordinance provides a way for tribal members who have been convicted of crimes or other reasons to find employment, housing, or other benefits of membership. Read the full article here.

PARDON & FORGIVENESS APPLICATION

The application for the Pardon & Forgiveness Eligibility can be downloaded from the link at the left or from the link at the bottom of the page.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A Tribal member or non-tribal member may receive a pardon for any criminal conviction(s), or forgiveness for an act(s) that renders the individual ineligible for housing with the Tribe or other Tribal benefit(s); and any individual may receive forgiveness for an act(s) that renders the individual ineligible for Tribal employment, housing, an occupational license, certification, or permit issued by the Tribe; a foster care license issued by the Tribe; or others Tribal benefit.

However, there are exceptions. A pardon or forgiveness does not allow a non-tribal member to be eligible for tribal member benefits he/she would not otherwise be eligible to receive. A pardon or forgiveness shall not be construed as permitting the benefits or employment to individuals who are otherwise disqualified under Tribal, State, or Federal law. Receipt of a pardon or forgiveness does not affect obligations imposed as part of a sentence or conviction in another jurisdiction.

Individuals are eligible for a pardon upon completion of incarcaration, parole, probation, and/or deferred prosecution.

An individual shall be eligible for pardon one (1) year after a conviction or affirmed through the conclusion of any appeal process. An individual shall be eligible for forgiveness one (1) year after an act is committed.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following must be submitted with your completed pardon application:

A copy of the applicant's LCO Tribal enrollment card or enrollment verification certificate, if applicable.

A copy or copies of any discharge papers from incarceration or jail.

Official verification of any successful completion date of probation, parole, or deferred prosecution.

Any necessary releases for drug testing (if applicable), investigations, and/or background checks.

Any authorizations from a probation officer to release information.

If the crime, termination, eviction, denial of license, certification or permit issued by the Tribe or ineligibility of other Tribal benefit was becasue of the use or other drug offense, the applicant must test negative for illegal drugs and prescribed medication for which he/she does not have a valid prescription, a personal written statement, including the reason(s) for requesting a pardon and a description and documentation of the applicants's efforts toward self-improvement.

Information, regarding the conviction(s) for which the applicant is seeking a pardon, including:

date(s) upon which the crime(s) occured;
location(s) where the crime(s) occured;
date of conviction(s); and
jurisdiction(s) which imposed the sentence(s)

Verification of attendance or successful completion of any counseling, therapy, or rehabilitative programs such as AODA treatment, anger management or coping skills classes.

Letters of reference or support from people well-regarded in the community. Such letters shall detail the applican't accomplishments or contributions to the community or attest to the applicant's rehabilitation and trustworthiness. These may include, but are not limited to:

Clergy or other spiritual leaders;
Employers and/or community members
Teachers
Organizers of support groups the applicant attends or has attended.

Letters shall not be more than one (1) year old.

Proof of payment of all penalties and fines.

Any other information relevant to the applicant's conviction(s) or rehabilitation efforts.

The following must be submitted with your completed forgiveness application:

A copy of the applicant's Tribal enrollment card or enrollment verification certificate, if applicable.

The applicant's employment record prior to the act, if applicable.

The applicant's background records.

The results of a drug test, if applicable.

The act that triggered the applicant's ineligibility.

The impact of the act of the Tribe.

The length of time since the act.

A written statement from the applicant demonstrating remorse for the violation.

Two letters of recommendation, with no more than one recommendation coming from a person who is a family member of the applicant. Letters shall not be more then one (1) year old.

Proof of payent of all penalties and fines.

Any additional credible and relevant information.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE PROCESSED

Failure of an applicant to provide a complete application or any of the required information and/or materials may result in:

Lac Courte Oreilles

Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe

PARDON & FORGIVENESS

WHAT IT IS