Court Staff

ABOUT THE COURT STAFF

The Clerk's Office performs various jobs and duties for the Tribal Trial Court, Court of Appeals, the attorney bar, and the public. It is responsible for filing cases, briefs, motions, petitions, and other documents that are presented to the courts for decision. Once the decisions have been made, the staff is also responsible for disseminating the opinions, orders, and per curiam orders to the press, attorneys, trial court judges, and the public. The office provides information and guidance to judges, attorneys, and the public about appellate practice and the appellate process. The Court Administrator is the financial officer of the courts and the office provides payroll and other fiscal services for the personnel of the Court.

Meet the court staff

VACANT- Clerk of Court

Joy Mauskemo - Court Administrator

Joy R. Mauskemo is the Court Administrator for the Meskwaki Tribal Court. She was previously the Clerk of the Trial Court and the Clerk of the Appellate Court. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and in Psychology from Buena Vista University, and holds a Masters Degree in Legal Studies from Washington University St. Louis School of Law.

Joy has an Advanced Tribal Court Clerk's Certification; is certified through the Department of Justice for the National Crime information Center (Tribal Access Program); and is certified by the Iowa Department of Corrections to teach the ACTV (Achieving Change Through Value-Based Behavior) program. She was recently appointed to serve a term on the Grievance Commission of the Supreme Court of Iowa.

Joy has worked for the Meskwaki Tribe for ten years, formerly with Child Support Services and the Settlement School.

Suzanne Buffalo- Senior Deputy Clerk of Court

D. Suzanne (Wanatee) Buffalo is the Senior Deputy Clerk at Meskwaki Tribal Court. She has worked for Meskwaki Tribal Court and justice services beginning in 2007. She serves on the Grievance Commission of the Supreme Court of Iowa, initially appointed in 2015 and recently re-appointed for a second term. Suzanne has an Advanced Tribal Court Clerk’s Certification; is certified through the Department of Justice for the National Crime Information Center; and is certified by the Iowa Department of Corrections to teach the ACTV (Achieving Change Through Value-Based Behavior) program.

Suzanne received her Office Administration Certificate from the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe Adult Vocational Program in Las Vegas, Nevada, and previously worked in the field of advertising and public relations. Suzanne serves on the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist’s Indian Advisory Council (since 2014), and has previously served on the Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs from 2013 to 2017. She has worked in a variety of roles for tribal government and tribal businesses in Iowa for twenty-five years.

Suzanne is an enrolled member of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa – Meskwaki Nation

Samantha Roberts- Records Management Clerk

Suzanne Buffalo- Senior Deputy Clerk of Court

Samantha Roberts is the Records Management Clerk for Meskwaki Tribal Court. She began working for the Meskwaki Tribal Court in 2021. She is a graduate from Meskwaki High School, and has worked for the Meskwaki Settlement School, as well as for Meskwaki Senior Services. Samantha is currently attending Marshalltown Community College. Samantha is a member of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa- Meskwaki.