Reentry the Tribal Way: Blending Culture, Science, and Second Chances

SESSION INFO

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Session Type: Workshop

Successful tribal reentry goes beyond compliance—it’s about restoring balance, belonging, and purpose. This dynamic 90-minute session spotlights innovative, research-informed practices that weave together evidence-based approaches with tribal culture, ceremony, and tradition. Participants will explore how Talking Circles, Peacemaking, and family engagement strengthen motivation, accountability, and healing. Presenters will share new research linking culturally grounded reentry strategies to reduced recidivism, improved wellness, and stronger community connections. The session emphasizes collaboration among probation, reentry, and cultural leaders to design holistic, strengths-based plans rooted in identity, relationships, and responsibility. Participants will leave with practical tools to blend what works with what’s sacred—honoring both science and spirit in reentry success.

SESSION PRESENTERS

Greg Brown
Program Manager, National Criminal Justice Training Center of Fox Valley Technical College


Greg Brown brings over 32 years of experience in the corrections field, with a career spanning leadership, innovation, and frontline service. He is the former Chief Probation Officer for Colorado’s 20th Judicial District, where he oversaw adult and juvenile supervision and spearheaded several specialized initiatives. Greg’s background includes the supervision, treatment, and management of high-risk clients, including individuals involved in domestic violence and sex crimes. He has played a pivotal role in developing and implementing cutting-edge programs such as enhanced domestic violence treatment tracks, gender-responsive supervision teams focused on women’s issues, and community-based best practices for managing complex and high-risk offender populations. A passionate advocate for holistic and culturally informed approaches, Greg has helped establish problem-solving courts, restorative justice initiatives, and standards and policies that support client accountability and successful reintegration. For more than 20 years, he has worked closely with tribal probation and reentry professionals, delivering training and technical assistance to support culturally respectful and effective supervision practices across Indian Country. Currently, Greg serves as a Program Manager with the National Criminal Justice Training Center at Fox Valley Technical College, where he continues to lead national efforts in professional development, systems improvement, and tribal justice engagement.


Mark Dyea
Tribal Grants Manager, American Probation and Parole Association


Mark Dyea is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna and Disabled Veteran. Mark is the Tribal Grants Manager for the American Probation and Parole Association where he collaborates with Tribes to secure training and technical assistance in program planning, implementation, and enhancement. Mark has 17 years of Community Supervision and Treatment Court experience. Mark worked for the Pueblo of Laguna’s Probation & Parole Services for over ten years (2004-2015) as a Probation Officer, Wellness Court Coordinator, and Program Manager. During his time with Laguna’s Probation & Parole Services Mark co-founded the Pueblo’s Community Wellness Court and served as its Co-Coordinator from 2007 to 2014. Mark has also worked as a Case Manager for the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court Specialty Courts and Coordinator for the Pueblo of San Felipe Healing to Wellness Court. Mark served as a Sr. Consultant for the NADCP Tribal Healing to Wellness Court Planning Initiative and as faculty for TLPI. As a consultant Mark has worked with numerous jurisdictions across the country to develop and enhance Treatment Courts.