In December of last year, Natelle Thompson accepted the position of Chief Judge Apprentice – working alongside current Chief Judge Scott Moore and Associate Judge Paul Whistler, she will learn about the tribal judicial system furthering her understanding of tribal law and court procedures. With a passion for learning and justice, Thompson will continue to train for the next two years and looks forward to serving the Southern Ute Indian Tribe.
Thompson’s journey into tribal law and Tribal Court began during her studies at Fort Lewis College, she took a course in sexual assault advocacy sponsored by the Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO), which led her to become a volunteer advocate with the organization – post graduation and later in her career, she began working with Victim Services and started learning more about law as she guided victims through the court system.
Chief Judge Scott Moore shares his excitement for Thompson as she pursues this career path and looks forward to her taking the bench at a future date. “I think it’s been too long since we’ve had a Southern Ute tribal member leading the Tribal Court. We are a separate and important arm of the [Tribal] Government, so it is essential to have a tribal member carrying forth the vision,” Moore said. “One of Natelle’s greatest assets I have seen so far is perseverance, she has a strong work ethic and she never gives up – that is truly what will get you to reaching your goals, Natelle is doing great and we are so excited to have her.”
Thompson, a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, is the daughter of Shawn Thompson and Sophia Wilson – She is the mother of five and is the wife of ten years to Jared Ruybal. Thompson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/Criminology and a minor in Psychology from Fort Lewis College and is now pursuing a certificate in Tribal Court and Justice Administration at the University of Arizona. Before accepting her new position, Thompson had eight years of experience working in different capacities within the Tribal Government, four of which focused on crisis support and navigating the legal system.
“I wanted to transition from Victim Services into Tribal Court, so after the birth of our fifth child I went through the TEAMs program and began working in the Tribal Court Administration and with Probation – I had seen the Judge Apprentice [position] open and I kept joking ‘well maybe I could do it’ and my husband told me that I should just try [for the position].” Thompson said. “Then one day, Judge Moore came to the front window – where I used to work with Probation at the time – and I had talked with him about what I was studying and [Moore] asked me ‘would you ever think about applying for the open position?’, I was unsure if I could do it, I felt really intimidated, but eventually I just tried for it and about a month later I got a call for an interview.”
After receiving confirmation that she got the position offer, Thompson agreed to join the Tribal Court as the Judge Apprentice and began working closely with Chief Judge Scott Moore, Associate Judge Paul Whistler, Court Administrator Lindsay Romero, and the Court Clerks. The apprenticeship program is set for two years in length broken up into three month segments, the first segment Thompson is focused on learning judicial ethics, studying Tribal Code and law, completing mock hearings alongside Judge Moore and Whistler to become more comfortable with doing arraignments, etc.– she is also working with Court Clerks to observe how cases are created and their day to day tasks. At the end of February, Thompson will be attending the National Judicial College to take a course in advanced Tribal Bench skills, competence, confidence and control, the same course Judges Moore and Whistler attended before taking the bench.
Following her completion of courses at the National Judicial College, Thompson will return home where she will be sworn into Tribal Court in March. She looks forward to shadowing Judge Moore and Whistler and is excited to be serving her tribe. “I’m most excited to be working with Judge Moore and Whistler, they are both so knowledgeable and they are always willing to answer my questions, I really enjoy having conversations with them.” Thompson said. “I’m also excited to be serving the Tribe, still a little nervous because it’s such a big role, but if I can do it than anybody can do it, you just have to take the big step – having tribal members in positions like this is important and I believe it will benefit our tribe.”
“Stepping into this role, Lisa Manzanares was a huge mentor to me, I’ve always looked up to her and she’s someone I can always lean on when I need help – Mary Gunther was my previous mentor, because of her I have gained a strong work ethic and I still talk to her to this day whenever I need a little push or guidance,” Thompson said. “I would also like to thank my husband Jared, for always being in my corner and supporting me – he always encourages me when I’m feeling scared or need reassurance, I would also like to mention my kids for always motivating me. I am thankful for my whole family, my dad, my sisters, they all inspire me to do better, follow my dreams, and be great.”