Tribal Diversion

DA Stacey Eads & Chief Judge Nic Mazanec

The Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office currently partners with the Yurok Tribe of the Yurok Reservation and the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria to facilitate referrals to their respective tribal courts, offer supportive services, and share progress updates—always honoring Tribal sovereignty and cultural traditions. 

Mission

Empower participants to make positive life changes while respecting and integrating Tribal traditions and values. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, the programs foster healing, accountability, and community wellness. 

Approach

  • Comprehensive, culturally tailored wellness plans
  • Referrals for addiction and mental health treatment
  • Engagement in Tribal cultural activities
  • Educational & vocational training, housing assistance, and other supports

Participants work primarily within the Tribal Court system, with the District Attorney’s Office and other stakeholders providing support and oversight. Progress reports are shared back to ensure accountability and coordinate services. 

Eligibility

Open to adult Tribal citizens facing certain misdemeanor or non-violent felony charges. Eligibility is determined by the Tribal Court under Tribal code, with coordination from the District Attorney’s Office and Humboldt County Superior Court when state-court referrals are needed. 

Goals DA and Yurok Representatives

  • Reduce recidivism by addressing root causes of behavior
  • Promote health and wellness through culturally grounded practices
  • Strengthen Tribal–justice system partnerships
  • Equip participants with tools and resources for productive, law-abiding lives

For more information on the Yurok Wellness Court or the Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Diversion Program, please contact the respective Tribal Court or the Humboldt County District Attorney’s Office liaison. 

Yurok Wellness Court

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Administered by the Yurok Tribal Court since 2009, the Yurok Wellness Court partners with Humboldt and Del Norte County Superior Courts and District Attorney’s Offices to offer enrolled Yurok members facing non-violent, substance-related charges a culturally responsive diversion path.

Mission

Blend Yurok cultural values, traditions, and evidence-based practices to reduce recidivism, strengthen community bonds, and foster holistic healing.

Approach

  • Phase-based program guided by the Tribal Judge and multidisciplinary team
  • Frequent judicial interaction and random substance testing
  • Case management with referrals for treatment and supportive services
  • Culturally rooted interventions: healing circles, language revitalization, ceremonies
  • Wrap-around supports housing assistance, vocational training, educational resources

Eligibility

Available to adult enrolled Yurok members with non-violent, substance-related offenses (or dependency caregivers). Participants petition the Tribal Court; county courts refer cases under joint-jurisdiction agreements.

Goals

  • Provide culturally grounded healing and support
  • Address root causes of substance use and trauma
  • Ensure accountability through regular court oversight
  • Promote community reintegration and well-being

 Learn more about the Yurok Wellness Court 

Trinidad Rancheria Tribal Diversion Program

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Administered by the Trinidad Rancheria Healing to Wellness Court, this diversion track partners with the DA’s Office to provide referrals, progress reporting, and wrap-around services—all grounded in the Rancheria’s cultural traditions.

Mission

Weave healing circles, seasonal gatherings, and language revitalization into each participant’s path to recovery and accountability.

Approach

  • Wellness plans co-developed with Rancheria Elders and cultural specialists
  • Substance-use and mental health treatment referrals
  • Cultural workshops (basket weaving, clam digging, canoe carving)
  • Educational and job-skill training through local partnerships
  • Housing, transportation, and basic-needs support

Eligibility

Available to adult Trinidad Rancheria citizens charged with certain misdemeanors or non-violent felonies. Intake is managed by the Rancheria Court, with coordination for any state-court referrals.

Goals

  • Address trauma, substance use, and social determinants to reduce re-arrests
  • Strengthen Tribal identity and community bonds through culture
  • Advance collaborative justice and wellness initiatives
  • Equip participants for stable, law-abiding lives
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District Attorney’s Office

825 5th Street, Fourth Floor
Eureka, CA 95501

Phone: 707.445.7411

Email: districtattorney@co.humboldt.ca.us

Hours of Operation

Open: Monday–Friday

Hours: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. / 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Please note our reception area closes at 4 p.m. daily to allow staff adequate time to fulfill other duties throughout the office.

We are closed on county holidays. We continue operations with limited staff when our local state courts are in session on these days.