Reviewing the Governing Document

Legislation has been submitted once again on the issue of the tribe's governing document. Currently the tribe operates under a sham of a constitution introduced and passed by a Tribal Council resolution in 1986, in violation of federal law. Robert Youngdeer, then chief, rightfully vetoed the legislation, but an overwhelming majority of council members' support easily overrode the veto. In 1993, Tribal Council itself concluded that the 1986 Charter is invalid, but other than a 1999 constitution vote, legally organized with an overwhelming rejection of voters, no action was taken to reject the '86 Charter.
Efforts to address this issue with the last council were met with hostility, particularly from Big Cove Rep. Perry Shell. I don't expect a whole lot of support with this council, but I wish Big Y resident Nancy Long and Painttown Rep. Terri Henry luck.