Resolution No. 061-93

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 Council recognizes that the Tribal Organization shall develop working relationships with other governments and entities, and that individual members of the Tribe will need access to Tribal government to obtain information; and

WHEREAS, the Council is concerned that all Tribal representatives and work units conduct themselves in the most professional and cooperative manner, and representation of the Tribe and its positions and business be consistent and correct at all times; and

WHEREAS, the Council intends this ordinance to lead to effective and consistent direction for all Tribal representatives and work units in conducting business and in relations with Tribal members and other entities; and

WHEREAS, the Council expects that effective governmental relations will earn a reputation for the Tribe as being a professional, cooperative and effective organization and will lead to increased opportunities to achieve Tribal goals, promote a positive Tribal identity and community pride.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Governmental Relations Ordinance is hereby adopted and shall become effective 21 days from this date.

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 September 1, 1993, by a vote of 6 yes, 0 no, and 0 abstentions.

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Mark Mercier, Tribal Chairman

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Candy Robertson, Secretary

(a) Authority and Purpose:

(A) The authority for this Ordinance is found under Article III, Section 1 in the Grand Ronde Constitution.

(B) The purpose of the Governmental Relations Ordinance is to set forth uniform guidance for the Tribal government to ensure that in all communication and working relationships with other governments and entities, Tribal government is professionally and correctly represented, and that the interests of the Tribe are appropriately protected.

(b) Background: The Tribal Council has recognized that as a government the Tribal Organization shall develop working relation ships with other governments and entities. In addition, individual members of the Tribe will need access to Tribal government to obtain information.

The Tribal Council is concerned that all Tribal representatives and work units conduct themselves in the most professional and cooperative manner. In addition, that representation of the Tribe and its positions and business be consistent and correct at all times.

It is the intent of the Tribal Council that this ordinance will lead to effective and consistent direction to all Tribal representatives and work units in the conduct of business and in relations with Tribal members and other entities.

It is the expectation of the Tribal Council that effective govern mental relations will earn a reputation for the Grand Ronde Tribe of being a professional, cooperative and effective organization. Such a reputation will lead to increased opportunities to achieve Tribal goals, promote a positive Tribal identity and community pride.

(c) General Statement of Policy: Relationships with Tribal Members, other governments and entities are the responsibility of the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council shall manage all formal relations with these parties in conducting Tribal business, except as otherwise authorized by Ordinance or Resolution.

(d) Professionalism in Governmental Relations: All members of the Tribal Council, Committees and employees are expected to conduct themselves professionally in all dealings with Tribal Members, other governments and other entities. In all matters these relations are to be carried out courteously and in a spirit of cooperation.

(e) Public Information:

(1) The Executive Officer shall establish a Public Information Program to ensure the continuity of all information released by the Tribe to the public and to provide that all Tribal Members are kept informed about Tribal Government, its programs and the important matters being dealt with. Specific goals of the public information program shall be to:

(A) Provide an effective access point for Tribal Members and other entities to request information about the Tribe.

(B) Provide for an informed membership that can effectively guide the development of Tribal Government.

(C) Ensure that all Tribal Members are fully informed of programs and services available to them, and ensure equal access to services.

(D) Ensure that Tribal Government reports effectively to Tribal Members on all matters, including federal requirements for reporting on programs operated for their benefit.

(E) The Executive Officer shall assist the Tribal Council in carrying out an effective program of public relations to promote the image of the Tribe and to inform other governments and neighboring communities about the Tribe and its efforts.

(f) Intergovernmental Coordination:

(1) The Tribal Council shall be the primary contact of the Tribe in dealings with other governments. The Tribal Chair person or other members of the Tribal Council, as designated by the Tribal Council, shall act as primary spokespersons of the Tribe. The Executive Officer shall assist the Tribal Council in communications with other governments as to the positions, needs and goals of the Tribe.

(2) Agreements with other Governments shall be authorized by resolution of the Tribal Council.

(3) The Tribal Council shall authorize all agreements with the Federal Government by Resolution. Prior to authorizing any agreement the Tribal Council shall ensure that such agreement;

(A) Contains no provision that in any way diminishes or waives any Trust obligation of the Federal Government.

(B) Clearly sets forth the expectations of the Tribe for the roles and services to be performed by the Federal Government with respect to such agreement.

(C) Accepts no obligation on the part of the Tribe that cannot be met with federal or Tribal resources available to carry out the provisions of such agreement.

(D) Is consistent in all respects with established Tribal goals and priorities.

(g) Waiver of Sovereign Immunity: Any waiver of the Tribe's sovereign immunity must be explicitly made by the Tribal Council by resolution, and the terms and conditions of such waiver explicitly set forth in such resolution.


I certify this to be a true copy of the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon Governmental Relations Ordinance.




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Candy Robertson, Secretary