There's a special relationship between Congress and the Alaska Native community on oversight issues, and we don't want to jeopardize that relationship. This issue is all about you. Now let's take just a minute to look at the Natives Commission themes a little closer. We're working right now in the Bethel area to build a new partnership with a village justice program. These programs may help prevent the overflowing criminal caseload.
Crime is on the rise and the state system is nearing meltdown.
Pilot projects will be starting soon. People like Myron Naneng of AVCP and Gene Peltola of YKHC are helping. So are the Bethel D.A., Jake Metcalfe, and Judge Dale Curda. We're doing the same thing with Will Mayo in the Tanana Chiefs region. And we'll get a similar pilot program going up there.