Palm Springs Agua Caliente Tribe Opens First Tribal Court

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians just opened their first tribal courthouse in Palm Springs and celebrated a ribbon-cutting.

The courthouse was built on tribal lands to hear civil cases under tribal law.

A new tribal bar association was also established to accredit lawyers, NBC reported.

The court "was created to provide a fair and efficient system of justice for all with respect to tradition and culture," according to the tribe.

The tribe's municipal code can be found here.

The Tribal Court presides over "Indians and non-Indians" who live and/or conduct business on the Agua Caliente Indian Reservation.

The U.S. recognizes Native American tribes as "domestic dependent nations" that can exercise sovereign powers over members living in their lands. According to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, the state works with tribes on a government-to-government basis to address self-governance, tribal trust resources and more.

The court is located at 980 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. It is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Questions? Call 760-866-6500.

Sen. Kelly Seyarto, who represents the area, congratulated the court on its opening.