Kenaitze Indian Tribe Henu Community Wellness Court

The Henu Community Wellness Court is a joint-jurisdictional court operated by the Kenaitze Indian Tribal Court and the Alaska State Court systems. Henu is the Dena’ina word for hard work, job or task. The court exists to serve adults facing legal trouble stemming from substance use, primarily focusing on drug and alcohol issues. Cases involving Children In Need of Aid (CINA) and property crime cases stemming from substance use are also a priority. Henu focuses its efforts on healing participants through promoting and maintaining sobriety while incorporating tribal and individual cultures into both treatment and court processes. Throughout a participant’s journey in Henu, they work closely with their probation officer and the multidisciplinary court team to receive substance abuse treatment and mental health counseling as needed. Henu participants receive support from the Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Dena’ina Wellness Center Behavioral Health, Social Services, Housing and Elder’s programs.