Resolution No. 052-93

TRIBAL COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the Grand Ronde Tribal Council, pursuant to Article III, Section I of the Tribal Constitution approved November 30, 1984 by the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Indian Affairs, is empowered to exercise all legislative and executive authority not specifically vested in the General Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon; and,

WHEREAS, the Tribal Council believes it to be in the best interest of the Tribe to define the purpose of Tribal Government; and

WHEREAS, the Tribal Council recognizes the need to specifically define the goals and values of the Tribe's mission, roles of Tribal government and the values and principles relating to citizen involvement, community development and the effectiveness of Tribal government.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tribal Council hereby adoptes the Tribal Government Purpose Ordinance.

CERTIFICATION: The Tribal Council for the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon adopted this resolution at a regularly scheduled meeting, with a quorum present as required by the Grand Ronde Constitution held on August 25, 1993, by a vote of 7 yes, 0 no, and 0 abstentions.

___________________________

Mark Mercier, Tribal Chairman

___________________________

Candy Robertson, Secretary

(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 longstanding 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