The Ochapowace Tribunal is established to uphold fairness, accountability, and the governance laws of the Ochapowace Nation. The Tribunal exercises authority in accordance the Ochapowace Election Act (1999). The Tribunal shall oversee the conduct and integrity of the nomination and election process in accordance with the Ochapowace Election Act (1999).

The Tribunal is mandated to:

• receive and hear election appeals and other matters arising from the election process;

• review and determine grievances or governance disputes brought forward by citizens of the Nation within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal;

• develop and monitor standards of conduct during election and campaign periods;

• govern the conduct of Chief and Council during their term in office;

• issue decisions and recommendations necessary to maintain fairness, accountability, and integrity in governance processes; and

 In carrying out its mandate, the Tribunal shall act independently and impartially, free from political influence or interference.

The Mandate is outline in the Election Act (1999) in Section 20 gives the Tribunal a manual.

Mandate

The "Community Tribunal" is authorized by Ochapowace as expressed by this Act and other

laws of the Nation. The Community Tribunal is hereby mandated to manage and make

decisions on the following matters:

a) Election Appeals;

b) Develop and monitor the Standards of Conduct during the campaign period;

c) Grievances, Discipline or Removal from Office as contained in the Community

Tribunal Manual.

History 

The Ochapowace Community Tribunal was established in 1999 following the ratification of the Ochapowace Election Act. As part of Ochapowace's commitment to self-determination and self-government, the Nation developed its own custom election system and created the Tribunal to uphold, interpret, and implement the Election Act.

Since 1999, the Tribunal has played an important role in ensuring fair and accountable elections within Ochapowace. Tribunal members are appointed from the kehteyak as per section 21(a) of the 1999 Election and entrusted with making decisions on election appeals, standards of conduct, grievances, discipline matters, and by-elections.

We would like to acknowledge the first Community Tribunal members who helped lay the foundation for this important institution:

Elders: Evelyn Isaac and Leita Henry
Adults: Elvis Bear, Brent Allary, and Freida Sparvier
Youth: Bert George and Natasha Isaac

Their service and leadership helped establish a Tribunal grounded in accountability, fairness, and Ochapowace law. We thank them for their contributions and for helping build an institution that continues to serve the Nation today.