Effective constitutions are critical to facilitating the expanded exercise of self-governance, fostering economic growth, and ensuring government stability. Because many IRA constitutions, and those modeled on them, are outdated and often do not reflect the deepest values of tribal communities, more and more tribes are re-examining their constitutions. The Firm is dedicated to assisting tribal efforts to strengthen their constitutions and lay a stronger foundation for economic and political development. Just as importantly, we are committed to sharing with tribes emerging best practices within Indian Country for developing processes of reform that maximize citizen participation and understanding.

See Publication Information Below

CONTACT:
Ed Goodman, Kirke Kickingbird, Jerry Straus, Geoffrey Strommer

Achievements and Actions

• Assisted in Constitutional development and amendment process for Klamath Tribes

• Assisted in development of tribal court systems for Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and Coquille Indian Tribe.

• Assisted in drafting and training on Code of Judicial Ethics for Confederated Tribes of Siletz

• Provided training on Tribal Courts for Coquille Indian Tribe, Grand Ronde Tribe and Summit Lake Paiute Tribe

• Drafted model code for establishing corporations under tribal law

• Developed tribal gaming court for the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut

Typical Assignments

• Assist with drafting and revising constitutions

• Assist with drafting and revising bylaws, tribal ordinance, and model codes

• Provide advice on organizing under the Indian Reorganization Act as a tribe or tribal corporation and requesting and holding a Secretarial Election

• Assist with development of effective processes of reform

Publications:

Eric Lemont, Developing Effective Processes of American Indian Constitutional and Governmental Reform: Lessons from the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Hualapai Nation, Navajo Nation and Northern Cheyenne Tribe [PDF format]

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