JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A judge's ruling allowing Tlingit and Haida tribal courts in southeast Alaska to adjudicate child support in cases involving tribe members is being touted as a victory for tribal authority.

“The Court's order reaffirms the Tribe's inherent jurisdiction to handle the full range of family law issues affecting its citizens, including the particular issue of child support for the benefit of tribal children,” the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska said following last week's Superior Court ruling.

In his ruling, Judge Philip Pallenberg delineated a long history of complications that he said were inevitable with a system of dual sovereignty.

The judge said he would issue an injunction requiring the state Child Support Services Department to comply with the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act and applicable federal and state regulations, according to Monday's Juneau Empire.

“This is a very important court ruling for our tribe's children. We will make every effort to work with the state of Alaska in carrying out our responsibilities to our Native families,” said Edward Thomas, president of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.

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Information from: Juneau Empire, http://www.juneauempire.com