Tribal Court is an independent branch of government.
The Judicial Branch, as created by the Constitution of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, holds court at least once a month on a rotating basis in the Ponca Service Area.
For Tribal members residing in the Ponca Service Delivery Area, Ponca Tribal Court provides a method to resolve civil matters, such as a name change, child custody, adoption, and divorce.
Ponca Tribal Court is governed by the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Law and Order Code. The Code contains provisions regarding: establishment of courts, sovereign immunity, civil procedure, child welfare (ICWA, juvenile court, custody, abuse and neglect, guardianship, children in need of supervision, etc.), domestic relations (marriage licensing, annulment, divorce and separate maintenance, child custody, alimony, visitation, child support, etc.), protection from domestic abuse (protection order, etc.), adoption of children, and guardianship.
To view the External Tribal Court Manual, click here.
To view the Law & Order Code, click here.
To take a survey and provide feedback on the Tribal Court process, click here.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Ruthanne Gallup, Court Administrator
tribalcourt@poncatribe-ne.gov
Jermany Wright, Tribal Court Clerk of Court
tribalcourt@poncatribe-ne.gov
Rebecca Wright, Court Services Specialist
tribalcourt@poncatribe-ne.gov
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska Tribal Court
1800 Syracuse Avenue
Norfolk NE 68701
Phone: 402-371-8834
Fax: 402-371-3238