ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
OF THE
TUNICA - BILOXIE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA, INC.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF EAST BATON ROUGE
BE IT KNOWN that on this the 26th day of October, 1974, before me, the
undersigned authority, a Notary Public in and for the State and Parish aforesaid,
duly commissioned and qualified, personally came and appeared Joseph Pierite, Jr.,
Horace Pierite, Jr., Samuel Barbry, Sr., and Rose Marie (Pierite) Gallardo, members
of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana, whose names are hereunto subscribed,
all of full age, who severally declared that, availing themselves of the benefits and
provisions of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana and the laws of said State
relative to the organization of non-profit corporations, and particularly of the
provisions of R.S. 12:201-269, inclusive, as amended, they have united to form,
and do by these presents form and organize themselves, as well as all other persons
who may hereafter join or become associated with them or their successors, into a
non-profit corporation for the objects and purposes and under the covenants,
stipulations and agreements following, to-wit:
ARTICLE I
NAME
The name of this corporation is TUNICA - BILOXIE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA,
Inc.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSES
This corporation is organized in order to further the economic development of the
tribe by conferring upon the said tribe certain corporate rights, powers, privileges
and immunities; to secure for the members of the tribe an assured economic independence
and further, in order that the tribe can become eligible for the receipt
and benefits of certain grants and/or monies from the Federal Government as well as
foundation grants and to do any and all things which a non-profit corporation is
entitled to under the laws of the State of Louisiana.
This corporation is a non-profit corporation as defined in Section 201,
subsection 7 of Title 12 of the Revised Statutes aforesaid as amended. No
part of the net earnings or other assets of this corporation shall inure
to the benefit of any private shareholder of individual.
ARTICLE III
DURATION
This corporation shall enjoy corporate existence for the maximum period presently
permitted, or which may hereafter be permitted by Louisiana Law.
ARTICLE IV
REGISTERED OFFICE
The principle location and the post office address of the
corporation's registered office is: Post Office Box 101, Marksville,
Louisiana 7351.
ARTICLE V
REGISTERED AGENT
The full name and post office address of the registered agent is: Joseph
Pierite, Jr., 3301 Connecuit Avenue, Kenner, Louisiana 70062.
ARTICLE VI
BASIS OF ORGANIZATION
This corporation shall be organized on a non-profit basis, without the
issuance of stock or membership certificates.
ARTICLE VII
JURISDICTION
The jurisdiction of the Tunica - Biloxie shall extend to any parish where any
Tunica - Biloxie tribal member may reside and particularly to any lands held
or hereafter acquired by or for the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana, Inc.
ARTICLE VIII
MEMBERSHIP
The membership of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians shall consist of:
1.(a)All Tunica - Biloxie Indians who are living in the
territorial limits as defined by Article VII and who at the time of the
ratification of this document, possesses one-fourth (1/4) or more Indian
blood, including any persons on the tribal roles at the time of the
ratification of these articles.
(b)Any child of one-fourth (1/4) or more Indian blood born to
any enrolled member of the tribe after the approval of this constitution
shall be entitled to membership.
2.The tribal council shall have the power to pass ordinances
governing future membership, loss of membership, and the adoption of new
members.
3.The burden of proof rests upon the applicantto establish
his eligibility of enrollment.
ARTICLE IX
GOVERNING BODY
Section 1.
The governing body of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana,
Inc., shall be a tribal council which shall be elected every two years by
secret ballot by the qualified voters. The council shall consist of a
chairman, vice chairman, and the councilmen representing the communities of
the band. There shall be four members on the council.
Section 2.
The tribal council shall have authority to make changes in the number of
representatives according to future community needs.
ARTICLE X
ELECTIONS
Section 1.
Any member, male or female, eighteen (18) years of age or more and
registered according to rules set forth by the tribal council shall be
entitled to vote at any tribal election.
Section 2.
The tribal council shall prescribe rules and regulations governing
tribal elections
Section 3.
The present tribal councilmen shall remain in office until their
successors are duly elected and seated. The first regular election under
this revised article and bylaws shall take place on the first
_____________ of__________________________________ , subsequent
thereto, regular elections shall be held on
the______________________________________________________________________
Section 4
The newly-elected members of the tribal council shall take office at the
next regular meeting following the election and shall hold office for a
term of two (2) years or until their successors are elected and seated.The
chairman and vice chairman shall be selected by the council from within
its own membership immediately after the council is seated.
ARTICLE XI
VACANCIES AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Section 1.
If any vacancy occurs in the membership of the tribal council, it shall
be the duty of the tribal council of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of
Louisiana, Inc., to fill such vacancy by appointing a member from the
community in which such a vacancy occurs, and such appointee shall hold office
until his successor is duly elected by the voters of such community either at
a special election or a regular election.
Section 2.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of the chairman, and less than one (1)
year remains of his term of office, then such position shall be filled by
the vice chairman for the remainder of the term. If a vacancy occurs in
the office of the vice chairman, and less than one (1) year remains of his
term of office, then such position shall be filled by council appointment for
the remainder of the term.
Section 3
Any member of the tribal council or any appointed official of the Tunica -
Biloxie of Louisiana, Inc., who during the term for which he is elected, is
convicted of any felony, shall forfeit his office. Any member of the tribal
council or appointed official, found guilty of dereliction of duty,
malfeasance in office, or behavior reflecting on the dignity and
integrity of the tribal government may be removed from office by an
affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the membership of the tribal
council. Prior to any vote for removal from office, such member shall be
given a written statement of charges against him at least thirty
(30) days before which he is to appear and he shall be given an opportunity
to answer any and all charges at the designated council meeting. The
decision of the tribal council shall be final.
Section 4.
Any of the individual Indian communities may petition for the recall of a
council member elected by that community. Upon receipt by the tribal council
of a petition signed by thirty percent (30%;) of the eligible voters from
that community demanding recall of a member, and at least six (6) months
prior to expiration of such member's term of office, it shall be the duty of
the tribal council to call a special election in that community upon the
question of recall. Such special election shall be called and held within a
period of sixty (60) days after receipt of petition. No council member may
be recalled except by a majority vote in an election in which
at least fifty percent (50%;) of the eligible voters in that community voted.
ARTICLE XII
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION
Section 1.
The adult members of the member communities shall have the right to form
local community organizations and adopt their own rules and regulations
in harmony with this revised constitution and bylaws. It shall be the duty of
the councilmen from each community to report regularly all the action and
decisions of the tribal council to the community organizations.
ARTICLE XIII
POWERS OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL
Section 1.
Enumerated Powers. The tribal council of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of
Louisiana, Inc., shall have the following powers, subject to any limitations
imposed by the laws or the Constitution of the United States, and the State
of Louisiana.
(a)To negotiate with the Federal, State and local government.
(b)To employ legal counsel, the choice of counsel and the determination of
fees.
(c)To approve or veto any sale, disposition, lease or encumbrance
of tribal lands, interests in land, tribal funds, or other tribal assets.
(d)To appropriate any available tribal funds for the benefit of
the band or any community.
(e)To supervise and manage tribal economic affairs and
enterprises in accordance with this revised constitution and bylaws.
(f)To pass and enforce rules and regulations in accordance with
applicable Federal or State statutes or regulations providing for the
management of tribal lands, including the making and revocation of
assignments, disposition of timber, and oil and mineral resources.
(g)To promote and protect health, peace, morals, education and
the general welfare of the community and its members.
(h)To administer all property of the band.
(i)To do such acts of governmental and public nature as are not
prohibited by applicable laws or by this revised constitution.
(j)To establish and regulate subordinate organizations for social
and business purposes.
(k)To borrow money from any source whatsoever without limit as to
amount, and on such terms and conditions and for such consideration and
periods of time as the tribal council shall determine; to use all funds thus
obtained to promote the social welfare and betterment of the band and of
its members; to finance tribal enterprises; to pay outstanding indebtedness
of the band or tribal enterprises; or to lend money thus borrowed.
(l)To pass ordinances and resolutions necessary or incidental to
the exercise of any of the foregoing powers.
ARTICLE XIV
BILL OF RIGHTS
This protection guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America
and Constitution of the State of Louisiana shall not be abridged.
ARTICLE XV
INITIATIVE AND REFERENDUM
Section 1.
Powers reserved to members of the band.
The members of the band reserve to themselves the power to propose
amendments to these articles of constitution and to propose ordinances
and resolutions and to enact or reject the same at the polls independent
of the tribal council. The members of the band also reserve power at their
own option to approve or reject at the polls any act of the tribal council.
Section 2.
Reserved powers - determination of percentages.
The first power reserved by the members of the band is the initiative
and fifteen percent of the registered voters shall have the right to propose
amendments to this constitution and to propose ordinances and resolutions.
The second power is the referendum and may be ordered upon petition
signed by fifteen per centum of the registered voters.
Section 3.
Petitions.
An election on an initiative or referendum petition shall be called
by the chairman after ascertaining that sufficient number of registered
voters have signed.
Any measure referred to the band by the initiative or by the
referendum shall take effect and be in force when approved by a majority
of the votes cast in such election in which at least thirty percent
(30%) of the registered voters voted.
All measures referred to the band shall begin with the words, (Be it
Enacted by the Members of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana, Inc.,"
ARTICLE XVI
AMENDMENTS
These articles and bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the qualified voters
of the tribe voting at an election called for that purpose provided that at least
thirty (30%) percent of those entitled to vote shall vote in such election; but no
amendment shall become effective until it shall have been approved by the tribal council.
The Board of Directors shall, at any meeting with a quorum present, have the
power to make, amend and repeal bylaws for the governing and regulating of the affairs
of the corporation; provided only that same be not inconsistent with the Articles and
Louisiana Law. All actions relating to the bylaws shall require a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of directors present and voting.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED before me, Notary and undersigned competent witnesses on the date
first above written, after due reading of the whole.
WITNESSES:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
NOTARY PUBLIC_______________________________
BYLAWS OF THE TUNICA - BILOXIE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA,
INC.
ARTICLE I
DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section 1.
The chairman shall preside over all meetings of the council, shall
act as the official spokesman for the band on matters specifically authorized,
shall engage in public relations and serve as coordinator of overall
activities, and exercise any authority delegated to him by the council.
The chairman shall not vote in the council except in case of a tie vote.
Section 2.
The vice chairman shall assist the chairman when called upon to do so
and in the absence of the chairman he shall preside. When so presiding, he
shall have rights, privileges and duties as well as the responsibilities of the
chairman. The vice chairman will be on duty in the absence of the chairman
and when on duty he will be compensated at a rate specified by the tribal
council.
Section 3.
The secretary-treasurer of the council shall conduct all tribal
correspondence and shall keep an accurate record of all matters transacted at
council meetings. It shall be his duty to submit copies of all council
meetings to all appropriate authorities.
He shall accept, receive, receipt for, preserve and safeguard all tribal funds
or special funds for which the council is acting as trustee or custodian. He
shall deposit all funds in such properly insured depositories as the council
shall direct and shall make and preserve a faithful record of such funds,
and shall report on all receipts and expenditures and the amount and nature
of all funds in his possession and custody at each regular meeting of the
tribal council. An audit of accounts shall be made once a year and at such
other times as the tribal council may require.
He shall not pay out or otherwise disburse any tribal funds in his possession
or custody, except in accordance with a resolution duly passed by the council.
He shall be required to give bond satisfactory to the council, such bond
being paid for from tribal funds.
Section 4.
The duties of all committees, boards or officers appointed by the tribal
council shall be clearly defined by resolution of the council at the time of
their creation or appointment. Such committees, boards and officers shall
report to the council from time to time as required, and their activities and
decisions shall be subject to review by the tribal council.
ARTICLE II
MEETINGS
Section 1.
The tribal council shall have the power to determine when and where
regular meetings shall be held, the chairman shall have the power to call a
special meting of the tribal council, for the purpose of transacting any
business designated in the call.
Section 2.
A majority of the members of the tribal council shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of any tribal business.
Section 3.
The tribal council in the conduct of its business shall be governed by
Roberts Rules of Order.
ARTICLE III
ADOPTION
These revised articles and bylaws, were adopted by a majority vote of the
adult members of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana, Inc., in which
at least thirty (30%) percent of those entitled to vote, voted, shall
be in force from date of such approval.
CERTIFICATE OF RESULTS OF ELECTIONS
Pursuant to an election on 26th October, 1974, the attached Articles and
Bylaws of the Tunica - Biloxie Indians of Louisiana, Inc., was submitted to
the qualified voters of the tribe and was duly adopted by a vote of 100%
in an election in which at least 100% of the members entitled to vote cast
their ballots.
__________________________________________________(Signature)
Joseph Pierite Jr.
CHAIRMAN
__________________________________________________(Signature)
Horace Pierite Jr.
VICE-CHAIRMAN
__________________________________________________(Signature)
Rose Maire Pierite Gallardo
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Handwritten Notation: "Pursuant to election of October 26, 1974."
INITIAL REPORT
OF
TUNICA - BILOXIE INDIANS OF LOUISIANA, INC.
1.The corporation's registered office is located at Post Office Box 101,
Marksville, Louisiana 71351
2.Its registered agent is:
Joseph Pierite, Jr., 3301 Connecuit Avenue, Kenner,
Louisiana
70062
3.The first directors and officers are:
Joseph Pierite, Jr. (Chairman)
3301 Connecuit Avenue
Kenner, Louisiana 70062
Horace Pierite, Jr. (Vice-Chairman)
Post Office Box 83
Marksville, Louisiana 71351
Sam Barbry, Sr. (Councilman)
Post Office Box 174
Marksville, Louisiana 71351
Rose Maire (Pierite) Gallardo (Tribal Secretary)
Post Office Box 101
Marksville, Louisiana 71351
__________________________________________________(Signature)
Secretary-Treasurer
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF AVOYELLES
A F F I D A V I T.
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT at the reorganizational meeting of the Tunica -
Biloxie Indians held at the Cow Place, Marksville, Parish of Avoyelles, State
of Louisiana, on the 13th day of October, A. D., 1973, the following were
duly elected as members of the first Tribal Council of the Tunica - Biloxie
Tribe of Louisiana, vis:
1.JOSEPH PIERITE, JR., CHAIRMAN
2.SAMUEL BARBRY, SR., MEMBER
3. HORACE PIERITE, JR., MEMBER
__________________________________________________(Signature)
JOSEPH PIERITE, JR., CHAIRMAN
__________________________________________________(Signature)
SAMUEL BARBRY, MEMBER
__________________________________________________(Signature)
HORACE PIERITE, JR., MEMBER
A T T E S T
___________________________________________________(Signature)
MRS. ROSE MAIRE GALLARDO
SECRETARY TO THE TRIBAL COUNCIL.
SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN TO before me, Notary Public, at Marksville, Louisiana,
on this 13 day of October, A.D., 1973.
___________________________________________________(Signature)
NOTARY PUBLIC
(SEAL)
Curated by:
Marilyn K. Nicely, Retired Law Librarian: mnicely@ou.edu