A Brief History

Indian Legal Assistance Program began as a grass roots organization in Northeastern Minnesota in 1972. At that time, the impetus for the organization was the systemic removal of Indian children from their families and subsequent termination of their parental rights and to preserve their families.

Indian Legal has grown over the years to provide legal services to low income individuals, regardless of race. We provide civil representation in St. Louis and Carlton Counties, adult and juvenile criminal representation in district court throughout the five county region and four Indian Reservations in Northeastern Minnesota. We also provide legal representation in criminal matters, from petty misdemeanors to felonies, and several areas of civil law, including landlord/tenant, dissolution, custody and unemployment assistance, as well as CHIPS and Termination of Parental Rights.

Although we are unique in emphasizing legal services to the Indian population within our area, we offer legal services to all whom meet our financial guidelines, regardless of race. Many of our clients have multiple legal problems, both criminal and civil at the same time. It benefits our clients to have these legal matters addressed in one place and at one time.