Tribe: Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
8. Peacemaker Mediation/Family Unit
A. Peacemaker Mediation / Family Unity Conference
1. It is the Band’s preference for a non-adversarial approach in resolving internal conflicts involving
children and families. The Tribal Court, at any stage of a proceeding under this Code, may order the
parties to participate in a confidential tribal Peacemaker Mediation. If mediation is ordered it shall be
conducted pursuant to the Band’s Peacemaker Mediation written guidelines and procedures.
2. Additionally, the Tribal Court may order the child’s family to participate in a Family
Unity Conference, which shall provide the child’s family with an opportunity to establish a plan that will
ensure the safety of the child. A Family Unity Conference shall be conducted and facilitated according to
written guidelines established by the Band’s appointed and/or authorized representatives. This Code
recognizes a preference for family decision making opposed to judicial intervention and determination,
(a) Once the parties have reached a plan for the child, the plan shall be presented to the Tribal Court for
approval or disapproval.
(b) lfthe Tribal Court disapproves the plan, it has the discretion to either send the family back for an
additional conference or mediation, or may set the case for hearing. lfthe Tribal Court approves the plan,
the plan shall become a final Tribal Court order.