She is now awaiting a ruling from the tribal court on her appeal of that decision.
Native American tribal courts as a whole have become more active in recent years.
A broad range also exists in the number of cases handled by tribal courts.
This act also requires tribal courts to afford due process and other civil liberties.
"The Indians could say goodbye, never pay back and we'd have no recourse except in a tribal court."
The criminal jurisdiction of the tribal courts is similarly complicated.
At least one Indian law reporter is published, but tribal courts are not required to contribute to it.
The employee went to Federal court in an effort to block the tribal court's jurisdiction.
Less serious crimes on Indian reservations are prosecuted in tribal courts.
The tribe has its own tribal court and many programs for its members.