THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES
OF THE GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY
OF OREGON
Resolution No. 053-93
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 Government Organization and Procedures Ordinance defines the intent of
the Council to clearly set forth the organizational components, provide clear direction and
authority to each work unit, and to establish consistent and effective procedures for carrying on
the work of Tribal government; and
WHEREAS, the Tribal Council desires active participation of the membership in development of
Ordinances and notice of important changes to Ordinances is essential to that participation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Tribal Government Organization and
Procedures Ordinance is hereby adopted and establishes an effective date for all future Ordinances
of 21 days from the date of their adoption by the Tribal Council, unless the Council declares an
emergency, in which case the Ordinance shall be adopted on a date specified by the Council.
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
UMPQUA
MOLALLA
ROGUE RIVER
KALAPUYA
CHASTA
________________________
9615 GRAND RONDE RD
GRAND RONDE, OREGON 97347
ORIGINALLY ADOPTED : 8/25/93
DATE AMENDED : 6/1/94; 7-19-94
SUBJECT : Organization/Procedures
RESOLUTION NUMBER : 053-93; 032-94; 045-94
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE
GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY OF OREGON
Tribal Government Organization and Procedures Ordinance
Tribal Code 210
(a) Authority and Purpose
(b) Background and Intent
(c) Tribal Government Organization and Roles
(d) Tribal Policy Management Standards
(e) Severability
THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE
GRAND RONDE COMMUNITY OF OREGON
Tribal Government Organization and Procedures Ordinance
(a) AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE:
- (1) The authority for this Ordinance is found in the Tribal Constitution Article III, Section 1.
- (2) To ensure effective Tribal government, provide for continuity of effort, and document the
responsibilities and authorities vested in various units of the Tribal Government, this Ordinance
sets forth the organization of the Tribal government of the Tribe, and establishes standards and
procedures for conducting Tribal government business.
(b) BACKGROUND AND INTENT: The Tribal Council is the governing body of the Tribe. The
responsibility to organize all efforts of Tribal government vests in the Council. To carry out the
many goals of the Tribe, the Council is vested with the authority to hire employees, form
committees, charter subordinate organizations, employ legal counsel and hire others to assist them
in carrying out all legislative, judicial and executive functions of Tribal government.
The Council has determined that the hiring of employees, the establishment of a Tribal Court,
appointment of Committees, chartering of subordinate organizations and employment of legal
counsel and others is necessary to achieve Tribal goals and visions.
It is the intent of the Council to clearly set forth the organizational components, provide clear
direction and authority to each work unit, and to establish consistent and effective procedures for
carrying on the work of Tribal Government.
(c) Tribal Government Organization and Roles
- (1) Tribal Government Organization: The Tribal government organization shall consist of the
General Council, Tribal Council and all subordinate boards, committees, officials, employees and
organizations chartered or appointed by the Council or any designee thereof.
- (2) Tribal Council Responsibility: The Council is responsible for all Legislative, and Executive
functions, and those Judicial functions permitted under the Tribal Constitution. The Council shall
appoint and employ such subordinate employees, committees and boards as are reasonable and
necessary to assist in carrying out its responsibility. The Tribal Council retains the exclusive
authority to waive the sovereign, immunity of the Tribe including the Tribal Council members,
Tribal Officers, Tribal Attorney, Tribal staff and committee members from suit. Any such waiver
must be expressly and specifically authorized by Tribal Council Resolution.
- (3) Tribal Government Roles: The following roles shall be assigned by the Tribal Council for the
overall management of the affairs of the Tribe;
- (A) Public Policy and Legislation: The Council is responsible for carrying out all legislative
authority not reserved to the General Council. The Council shall reserve all legislative authority to
give voice to public policy and enact laws to carry out the duties of Tribal Government and
regulate the affairs of the membership, where appropriate, and any other authority not specifically
delegated by Tribal Law. The Council has enacted and shall regularly review and revise as needed,
an ordinance to guide the conduct of business and that of its members.
- (B) Executive: The Council shall establish the position of Executive Officer (EO) to carry out the
Executive functions of Tribal Government, and shall delegate by ordinance to this position the
responsibility to assist the Council in its work as needed, to implement Tribal laws and carry out
administrative functions of Tribal Government. The EO shall report to and serve at the pleasure of
the Tribal Council.
- (C) Judicial: Pursuant to the provisions of the Tribal Constitution, the Council has enacted an
ordinance to establish a Tribal Court, a position of Chief Judge and such associates and assistants
as deemed appropriate. The Judge has promulgated rules of pleading and practices and
procedures of the Court as provided by such Ordinance. The Judge shall regularly review and
amend these rules as needed.
- (D) Policy Advisory: To allow maximum participation and input from Tribal members in Tribal
government, provide for increased Tribal member knowledge of Tribal business and ensure
ongoing knowledge of Tribal needs and opportunities, the Council shall appoint such advisory
committees for any area of concern where there shall be either temporary or ongoing need of
advice to the Council. The Council shall enact a General Committee Ordinance that provides for
the chartering and operation of committees. Advisory committees shall serve at the pleasure of,
and report to, the Council in accordance with their charter.
- (E) Economic Enterprise: When deemed appropriate, for the purpose of meeting important Tribal
Goals, the Council shall charter, by ordinance, subordinate organization and boards for the
purpose of carrying out business development and management activities outside the Tribal
Government structure. Such boards shall be appointed by, and report to, the Council as provided
by their charter.
- (F) Other Important Purposes: Other subordinate organizations may be chartered to carry out any
functions necessary to accomplish Tribal goals, whenever it is deemed by the Tribal Council the
activity to be carried on by an organization is of sufficient importance to require separation from
the day-to-day affairs of Tribal Government. Subordinate organizations shall be chartered by
ordinance and shall report to the Council.
-
- (4) Plan for Organizational Development: The Council shall adopt a Plan for Organizational
Development to serve the following purposes:
- (A) To ensure the organization is responsive to the people it serves.
- (B) To focus resources on delivery of services.
- (C) To ensure the consistent implementation of all legislative acts as adopted by the Council.
- (D) To provide a framework for future growth of the Tribal Organization.
- (E) To ensure the organization efficiently uses all human and financial resources, integrate
programs and services, have effective coordination and avoid duplication.
- (F) To clearly designate authorities within the Tribal organization.
- (G) To ensure the consistent implementation of all federal contract laws and other applicable laws
as required and approved by the Tribal Council.
(d) TRIBAL POLICY MANAGEMENT STANDARDS: The policies of the Tribal Organization shall be organized and maintained according to the following standards;
- (1) Components of Tribal Policy: Tribal Policies shall be separated into the following components,
which are listed in order of precedence.
- (A) Tribal Organic Documents: The organic documents of the Tribe include the ratified treaties
with the United States, the Constitution, approved by the Secretary of the Interior and ratified by
the membership. These documents set out the policies of the membership and confer governing
powers to the Council. Additional guidance is provided by the Grand Ronde Restoration Act, a
Federal law, and other Federal laws, applicable to the Tribe or to Indian Tribes in general.
- (B) Tribal Council Statutes: Pursuant to the Tribal Constitution; All final decisions of the Council
on matters of general and permanent importance to the members of the Tribe shall be embodied in
ordinances.
All final decisions of the Council on matters of temporary importance or relating especially to
particular individuals shall be embodied in resolutions.
- (C) Tribal Code: A document containing, in subject matter order, the current laws enacted by the
Council.
- (D) Tribal Court Opinions: Written opinions of the Tribal Courts.
- (E) Tribal Regulations: Implementing policies for and interpretations of Tribal laws as established
by the EO, including emergency policies established in the absence of Tribal ordinance and
resolutions to regulate the activities of Tribal government employees.
- (F) Tribal Rules: Operating Documents for the Tribal Council Tribal Laws Working Group and
Committees established by the particular body whose operation is covered.
- (G) Tribal Manuals: Procedures and guidelines established to guide the day-to-day operations of
staff. Such manuals shall include forms and information to facilitate efficient operations and
continuity of services
- (2) Policy Maintenance Standards: Policies of the Tribe shall be maintained in accordance with the
following standards;
- (A) All Tribal policies shall be maintained in a central library. Portions of the library shall be
available at other locations as appropriate.
- (B) Policies in the central library and at other separate locations shall be maintained in a current
state at all times.
- (C) Policies shall be protected to maintain their integrity for reliance thereon by the Tribal
organization.
- (D) Policies within the central library shall be made available for viewing by any Tribal member,
any Tribal employee upon reasonable request, and any other person upon authorization by the
EO.
- (3) Policy Format: Standard style formats, numbering and definitions shall be adopted where
appropriate to ensure efficient access and reference. All policies shall meet the following
standards;
- (A) All policy components shall be appropriately cross referenced.
- (B) The following common definitions shall be used:
- 1. "Tribal Council" shall mean the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
Community of Oregon.
- 2. "Tribe" shall mean the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
- 3. "Tribal Administration" shall mean the Tribal Administration of the Confederated Tribes of the
Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, and includes the Tribal Council Chairperson, administrative
officers, programs and departments, including directors and staff, Tribal enterprises and entities,
and other key personnel of the Tribe.
- 4. "Tribal Officials" shall mean persons elected or appointed to serve or represent the Tribe in an
official capacity, including but not limited to Council members and officers, committee members
and officers, and the EO.
- 5. "Immediate family" shall mean those members of a person's family who are related by blood or
by marriage as follows: father, mother, daughter, son, husband, wife, sister, brother.
- 6. "Financial interest" shall mean an interest in a matter through which an individual stands to gain
or lose money, assets, property or employment.
- 7. "Council Member" shall mean a member of the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of
the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
- 8. " Executive Officer" shall mean the Executive Officer of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon.
- 9. "Tribal Court" shall mean the Tribal Court of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
Community of Oregon, authorized by the Tribal Constitution and established by the Tribal Court
Ordinance.
- 10. "Tribal Constitution" shall mean the Constitution of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand
Ronde Community of Oregon.
- 11. "Ad hoc Committee" shall mean a committee established by the Tribal Council for a special
purpose and a finite period of time.
- 12. "Code" shall mean the Tribal Code of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde
Community of Oregon.
- 13. "Committee member" shall mean an individual serving on a committee of the Confederated
Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
- 14. "General Council" shall mean all duly enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the
Grand Ronde Community of Oregon who are eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- 15. "Ordinance" shall mean a general law enacted by the Tribal Council.
- 16. "Policy" shall mean a decisions embodied in laws, regulations and manuals of the Tribe that
authorize, direct and/or regulate activities.
- 17. "Regulations" shall mean rules promulgated by the EO governing administrative practices and
procedures to implement Tribal ordinances and conduct day to day business of the Tribe.
- 18. "Resolution" shall mean a decision of the Council on matters of temporary interest or relating
to specific individuals.
- 19. "Service Area" shall mean the counties of Yamhill, Washington, Polk, Marion, Multnomah,
and Tillamok in the state of Oregon.
- 20. "Standing Committee" shall mean a tribal committee established by the Council to deal with a
general area of interest and which will exist for an indefinite period of time.
- 21. "Technical amendment" shall mean corrections in grammar, style, punctuation and other
minor matters to ordinances and regulations.
- 22. "Tribal Goals" shall mean general statements of long range desires or proposed results of
plans and efforts.
- (4) Council meeting Procedures: All meetings of the Tribal Council and General Council shall be
conducted as follows:
- (A) The Council welcomes input from General Council, Staff, or Guests present. No one will be
denied the opportunity to speak. However, the person must request the floor, and the Chairman
will recognize them. The Council may impose a limit of 5 minutes for a person to speak on a
single issue in General Council meetings only.
- (B) Persons speaking are not be interrupted except for clarification.
- (C)When voicing a complaint, persons will speak in a civil manner. The Council will not tolerate
personal attacks on anyone.
- (D) On an agenda matter, Roberts Rules of Order shall serve as guidelines. This will ensure that
all interested persons will have the opportunity to present their stand on any issue; either for or
against.
- (E) Concerns not being addressed on the agenda must wait for "Other Business(F) People should
be an example for the next generation or anyone who looks to us for guidance.
- (G) When the number of attendees requires the use of a Public Address System, each speaker
wishing to address the Tribal Council must use a microphone. Otherwise, the Tribal Council will
not consider the comments.
- (H) Under the Tribal Constitution, the Tribal Council reserves the right to adjourn any meeting
conducted by the Council. If malicious attacks are made against the Council and Staff, instead of
asking constructive questions or voicing concerns relevant to Tribal operations, the meeting may
be adjourned.
- (5) Legislative Procedures: When considering a proposed ordinance or major amendment to an
ordinance, the Council Secretary shall ensure that:
- (A) The proposed enactment is made available for viewing by Tribal Members and their input is
sought. Notice shall be made of availability of the proposed ordinance or amendment. The notice
shall include:
- 1. The purpose of the proposed ordinance;
- 2. Its major provisions;
- 3. Information on how Tribal members may view or obtain copies of it; and
- 4. Request for comments and recommendations on it.
- (B) The proposed ordinance shall be presented at not less than one (1) Council meeting open to
the membership. Tribal members shall have an opportunity to comment and make
recommendations.
- (C) Within thirty (30) days after enactment of any Ordinance or major revision to any existing
ordinance, notice shall be provided to all Tribal members. Such notice shall consist of;
- 1. The purpose of such Ordinance
- 2. Its major provisions; and
- 3. Information on how Tribal members may view or obtain copies of it.
- (D) Any proposed ordinance, or major amendment to an ordinance, shall include a statement of
purpose which shall describe briefly the end to be achieved by it. In addition, a proposed
background statement and statement of intent shall be included which shall provide a historical
perspective on issues being considered and the intent of the enactment to address these issues.
The purpose and background statements shall clearly communicate to both present and future
members the need for the ordinance.
- (E) Technical amendments to ordinances shall be adopted by resolution.
- (F) Ordinances and amendments to existing ordinances shall be enacted by resolution.
- (G) If an emergency requires enactment or amendment of an ordinance sooner than would be
possible under these procedures, the Council may temporarily adopt it. As soon as possible,
however, the Council shall follow regular procedures for adoption of the ordinance or
amendment.
- (H) If the Council determines a proposed change to an Ordinance, or a new Ordinance is required
by the federal law or the Tribal Constitution, the Council may forego following the procedures in
(A) and (B).
- (I) The effective date for an Ordinance will be twenty-one (21) days after enactment unless the
Council declares an emergency and makes the Ordinance effective sooner.
- (6) Regulation Procedures: The EO shall promulgate regulations as needed to implement
enactments by the Council and to guide the conduct of Tribal business. The following procedures
shall be followed in the publication of regulations that may affect the health, welfare and safety of
the General Council:
- (A) Not less than thirty (30) days prior to publishing final regulations the EO shall:
- 1. Provide proposed regulations to the Council, and
- 2. To Tribal members and any other parties directly affected by such regulations. The notice
shall include the subject matter of proposed regulations, where regulations may be viewed and
where to submit comments.
- (B) Comments of interested parties shall be a matter of record and shall be considered in
developing regulations.
- (C) Based on Council direction and comment from interested parties, the EO shall prepare with
any changes, the proposed regulation for posting and publication, including the date the regulation
becomes effective.
- (D) Within thirty (30) days after publishing regulations, notice shall be given to all Tribal
members, and other affected parties of the publication of final regulations. Such notice shall
include instruction on how to view and obtain copies of such regulations.
- (E) Regulation promulgated pursuant to this procedure shall have the force of law.
- (F) Regulations not adopted in compliance with this procedure are invalid, except for emergency
regulations as provided in (G) below.
- (G) If an emergency requires adoption of a regulation sooner than would be possible under these
procedures, the EO may temporarily adopt it without following them. As soon as possible,
however, the EO shall start the regular procedures for adopting the regulation.
(e) SEVERABILITY: If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of any Tribal
ordinance or regulation to be invalid or illegal under applicable Tribal and or Federal law, such
provision shall be severed from such ordinance and the remainder of such ordinance shall remain
in full force and effect.
I certify this to be a true copy of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Tribal Government and
Procedures Ordinance.
_______________________
Tribal Council Secretary