Matilda ("Tilda") Willie, the newly appointed tribal liaison for the Administrative Office of the Courts, introduced herself to the Native American Legislative Liaison Committee on Nov. 20 and described the liaison’s role connecting tribes and the state judiciary.

Willie said her duties include improving communication with the eight federally recognized tribes in Utah, facilitating consultation between tribal leadership and court administration, providing court resources, and supporting Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) compliance. She described the formation of a tribal liaison committee of 14 members, chaired by Judge Cass White (7th District), and said the committee is intended to provide subject-matter expertise to the Utah Judicial Council on government-to-government matters.

‘‘One of the unique opportunities has come about in a study...regarding how COVID-19 impacted ICWA cases,’’ Willie said, noting the courts developed recommended language and an ICWA subcommittee to improve compliance. She added that the liaison role is focused especially on juvenile courts and that she reports to Ron Gordon in the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Why it matters: The liaison provides a permanent court contact to address tribal concerns (ICWA notices, protective orders, and missing and murdered Indigenous women programs) and to coordinate policy and training. Willie said the committee is still in early stages and will continue outreach to tribes and to court partners.