Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Government

Session Objectives Understand that there are different ways for governments to be organized & hold power. Understand & apply knowledge about Grand Ronde Tribal government & its political structure. Understand & apply knowledge about tribal membership. Understand the role of Tribal Government & its economy.

Treaty Era Oregon treaties were made in the 1850’s Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon Territory, negotiated many treaties and selected the site for the Grand Ronde Reservation. Remind students about the lesson on treaties – during this time the Grand Ronde Tribe negotiated many treaties with the federal government. Some tribes have ratified treaties (ratified treaties are legal binding agreements between sovereign nations – typically the federal government & a tribe). Some tribes have unratified treaties – which are not valid agreements between tribes & federal government but may be honored nevertheless.

Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon Government The Tribe is a government and is sovereign. What do you think sovereign or sovereignty means? Sovereignty allows tribes to develop their own constitution, rules, and laws which are separate from Oregon state. You may think about a tribe as having similar authority to that of a state & just as Oregon state is under the federal government so to is the Tribe.

Tribal Sovereignty Sovereign Nations have the right to: Form their own government, Determine membership or citizenship, Make and enforce laws, Regulate trade within borders, Govern the conduct of members and non-members on tribal lands, Form alliances with other nations, and more. Governance Building for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in Grand Ronde, Oregon 2013 Federally recognized tribes can exercise their rights of an independent government on their lands. Courts have jurisdiction over activities on their land but this authority is divided among tribal, state, and federal authorities.

Citizenship and Tribal Membership In the U.S., persons of Native American descent have a unique legal position. Native Americans are U.S. citizens and are entitled to the same legal rights and protections under the U..S Federal Constitution that all other U.S. citizens enjoy, and Native Americans may also be members of self-governing tribes and also have legal rights and protections under the Tribal Government Constitution. Remind students what it to become a U.S. citizen. Federally recognized tribes in Oregon also have citizenship requirements to become member of the tribe. This may include blood quantum requirements, location, and community activity & that each tribe develops its own membership requirements in it’s constitution.

What is a constitution? A plan which is developed and written for a government. What kind of things do you think are in a constitution? Review a copy of the Grand Ronde constitution and Oregon constitution. Lead discussion to have students introduce laws, rules, elections, roles & responsibilities of elected officials, and other functions of a constitution.

Grand Ronde Tribal Council These are people elected by the tribal membership to govern the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. A total of 9 members are on Tribal Council. Elections are held each year and members of Tribal Council hold 3 year terms. Tribal Council is responsible for upholding the Grand Ronde constitution. The Tribal Council also has a Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Ask students what they think a Chair member may do? Vice Chair? Secretary? Chair – spokesperson for Tribal Council & Tribe & runs tribal meetings. Vice Chair has similar roles in the absence of a Chair, and the Secretary typically reads minutes & resolutions created by Tribal Council.

Tribal Government Structure Elected by the membership and governs & leadership to the Tribe. Tribal Membership Over 6,000 people living all over the world. Tribal Council 9 members each serving 3 year terms Programs & Services Economic Development Tribal Police & Court System The Tribe has its own police officers and tribal court system. Tribal Membership – currently over 6,000 members are enrolled within Grand Ronde tribe. Although many of these members live in Oregon, there are members located throughout the US. Members 18 years or older can vote during a Tribal Council election. Tribal Council – consists of 9 members & each member serves 3 year terms (they can be reelected for unlimited amount of terms). Elections are held every year as members serve alternate terms (rotating so that every year 3 members are up for elections). Tribal Policy & Court System – provides a service of safety & equity at the Tribe. Programs & Services – offered to the membership and include education, health care, housing, social services, natural resources, and many others. Some of these programs can also be accessed by community members or tribal spouses. Economic Development – tribes earn their living through a variety of ways – engaging in a variety of economic opportunities including timber sales, casino, federal grants and funding, and other small and large commercial businesses. Some, but not all Tribes, have overcome their social and economical means to adapt to the larger society. Programs include Education, Health, Housing, and many others. The Tribe has several different ways to fund its governmental functions (timber sales and casino revenue)

Compare & Contrast Oregon Government and Grand Ronde Government What does the constitution say about governing the state of Oregon? What does the constitution say about governing the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde? Discuss the similarities & differences between Oregon State & the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde – refer to compare / contrast of each government.

Post Assessment Please refer to post assessment under Supplemental Info for Curriculum