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ORIGINALLY
ADOPTED: 8/25/93 |
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DATE
AMENDED: 6/1/94 |
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SUBJECT:
Tribal Government Purpose |
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RESOLUTION
NUMBER: 052-93; 032-94 |
Tribal Government Purpose
Tribal Code § 200
(a) AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
(1) The authority for this Ordinance is found in the Tribal Constitution
Article III, Section 1.
(2)
To set forth the expectations, goals and values of the Grand Ronde
Tribe upon which Tribal Government shall base all efforts and actions
in carrying out the business of government on behalf of the Tribe.
(b) BACKGROUND AND INTENT: The Grand Ronde Tribe, a body
of people bound by common culture and heritage, and vested with the
inherent right of sovereign self-government, subject to and limited
only by certain laws of the United States, has declared and established
itself as a government. These bonds stem from a number of tribes and
bands including the Molala, Rogue River, Chasta, Umpqua and Kalapuya;
bound by a common land base and identity stemming from treaties with
the Federal government beginning in 1855.
Although
the federal government terminated its duty to and relationship with
the Tribe in 1954, members of the Tribe continued to assert their rights
to self government until 1983 when, pursuant to Public Law 98-165, the
Grand Ronde Restoration Act, the federal government restored its recognition
of the Tribe.
The members
of the Tribe have reaffirmed their Tribal government status and set
forth their goals and purposes within the Tribal Constitution.
All governmental
powers and authority are derived from and are explicitly for the purpose
and benefit of the Tribe.
To establish
effective governmental functions to exercise these inherent rights of
self-government, the Tribe has established a representative form of
government, setting forth a governing body made up of elected members
of the Tribe, to be known as the "Tribal Council" or "Council".
The Council has been delegated broad governing responsibilities and
powers subject only to limited powers of initiative and referendum by
the membership. Among these are the responsibility to establish goals,
make and enforce laws, and manage the economic affairs of the Tribe.
To accomplish these tasks the Council is empowered to hire employees,
appoint committees, charter subordinate organizations, establish a Tribal
Court, employ legal counsel and other parties to assist the Council
in carrying out the responsibilities of government.
The Council
recognizes that, while it is authorized to employ others and delegate
authority as needed to carry out the business of Tribal Government,
ultimate responsibility for protecting the sovereign rights and promoting
tribal goals rests with them.
Therefore,
in order to ensure that the Council and all who assist them can work
cooperatively and effectively toward the achievement of Tribal Goals,
the Council has decided to establish common expectations, goals and
values to guide the actions of members of the Tribe, Council members,
employees, committee members and all others working on behalf of the
Tribe.
The Council
hereby declares that, in all matters, the expectations set by this ordinance
shall be considered guiding principles of Tribal Government and all
who serve it.
(c) TRIBAL GOVERNMENT PRINCIPLES:
(1) Tribal Government Mission: In all matters that come before the Tribe,
the primary mission of Tribal government is:
(A) To exercise, protect and enhance the sovereign right of self-government
of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Indian Community of
Oregon;
(B)
To promote a lasting cultural and community identity and traditions
for all members of the Tribe; and
(C)
To promote the social and economic welfare of the members of the
Tribe;
(2) Tribal
Government Role: In carrying out the mission, the role of the government
of the Tribe shall me:
(A) To create and execute policies and laws that govern the Tribe
and its members in the interest of self-determination, protection
of rights and privileges, and the preservation of Tribal identity.
(B)
To complement and enhance the social well-being of all members by
acknowledging the uniqueness of the cultural and historical heritage
of its people, and by providing the opportunity for members individually
and collectively to experience those traditions.
(C)
To foster a healthy and safe environment wherein each individual
can understand and enjoy diverse opportunities and community support
while achieving personal self-fulfillment.
(D)
To generate independent sources of revenue to ensure self-determination
in tribal priorities for the delivery of services to Tribal members
in accordance with their needs and attainment of Tribal goals, and
to afford each individual member opportunities to attain his/her
highest level of economic well being.
(E)
To obtain for the Tribes, lands and capital to ensure for the present
and future generations, lands of cultural, historical and economic
value on which to;
1. live, gather, and exercise Tribal sovereign rights of self rule.
2. locate long-standing tribal government headquarters; and
3. pursue economic development initiatives to enhance lives and
opportunities of the Grand Ronde people.
(3) Guiding
Values: All actions of the Tribal Government and all who serve it shall
be guided by the following values;
(A) The common Culture and Heritage that bind the Grand Ronde people
together are the basic of the Tribe and its government. Strengthening
of these ties protects the long term integrity of the Tribe.
(B)
Rights and freedoms of all members of the Tribe are to be equal
and shall be respected and protected.
(C)
All tribal members are entitled to a voice in Tribal Government.
All people of the Tribe are expected to be informed about, participate
in and contribute to Tribal Government. Tribal government is guided
by the will of the membership. An informed membership will ultimately
guide the most successful achievement of Tribal goals.
(D)
The Tribe has a tradition of respecting the beliefs and opinions
of all tribal members, and consistent with that tradition, tribal
members will act in a respectful manner at all Council meetings.
(E)
The health, education and general well being of the people is of
paramount importance to Tribal Government.
(F)
All people of the Tribe are expected to respect, listen to and help
one another.
(G)
The benefits of Tribal government shall accrue to all of the People
without regard to location or economic status to the extent feasible.
(H)
The needs and rights of future generations shall be considered in
all decisions of Tribal Government.
(I)
Lands held in common are essential to the exercise of self-government,
economic self-sufficiency and protection of Tribal heritage.
(4) Guiding
Principles: In accordance with the mission, roles and values of the
Tribe, tribal members are entitled to a government that is responsive
to their needs and carries out its responsibility in a highly professional
matter. In accordance with this expectation, the Council declares the
principles to be followed in the conduct of Tribal government.
(A) Citizen Involvement: Just as each member of the Tribe has a responsibility
to understand, participate in and support Tribal government, Tribal
government has a responsibility to establish methods to facilitate
Tribal member involvement. In accordance with this responsibility
Tribal government shall:
1. Facilitate understanding by Tribal members of the business of
Tribal government, its structure and processes.
2. Facilitate education of Tribal members on all matters that
affect Tribal government.
3. Facilitate participation of Tribal members in Tribal government.
4. Seek to develop future Tribal leaders who will to continue
the work of Tribal government.
(B) Community
Development: The building blocks of the Tribe are the individual and
family. Additionally, a strong sense of community is required to enhance
culture and identity. Therefore, Tribal government shall;
1. Take actions that enhance the development of independent and
self-reliant individuals,
2. Take actions that foster reliance upon family and community
by individuals and families.
3. Take actions that foster community gatherings and a strong
and healthy Tribal identity.
4. Take actions to preserve and enhance the culture and heritage
of the Tribe.
(C) Tribal
Government Effectiveness: Tribal members have the right to expect
Tribal Government to make efficient use of resources, set examples
for Tribal members and to carry out its mission in a highly professional
and effective manner. Therefore, Tribal government and all who work
in it shall:
1. Uphold the highest standard of ethical conduct in all matters
related to Tribal business.
2. Work cooperatively with other people, governments and institutions
to promote Tribal goals.
3. Coordinate all available resources and services to the maximum
extent possible to achieve the highest potential benefit accrues
to the Tribe and its members.
4. Apply currently accepted technical standards in all work to
ensure that products and services delivered are of highest quality.
5. Consider the cultural and spiritual values of the people in
all actions and decisions.
6. Foster effective relations with the Federal government to ensure
that it effectively carries out it continuing trust and other
obligations to that Tribe.
7. Seek to put in place effective laws and policies and to follow
them.
8. Effectively integrate all efforts and balance priorities to
ensure the best possible application of available resources.
I certify
this to be a true copy of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal
Government Purpose Ordinance.
_____________________________
Tribal Council Secretary
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