We,themembersoftheYurokTribe,alsoknownhistoricallyasthePohliklah,Nererner,

Petchiklah,orKlamathRiverIndians,herebyadoptthisconstitutionandestablishourtribal
government.

PREAMBLE
OurpeoplehavealwayslivedonthissacredandwondrouslandalongthePacificCoastandinland
ontheKlamathRiver,sincetheSpiritPeople,Woge madethingsreadyforusandtheCreator,
KowonnoekconNekanupceo,placedushere.Fromthebeginning,wehavefollowedallthe
lawsoftheCreator,whichbecamethewholefabricofourtribalsovereignty.Intimespastand
nowYurokpeopleblessthedeepriver,thetallredwoodtrees,therocks,themounds,andthe
trails.Weprayforthehealthofalltheanimals,andprudentlyharvestandmanagethegreat
salmonrunsandherdsofdeerandelk.weneverwasteanduseeverybitofthesalmon,deer,elk,
sturgeon,eels,seaweed,mussels,candlefish,otters,sealions,seals,whales,andotheroceanand
riveranimals.Wealsohavepracticedourstewardshipofthelandintheprairiesandforests
throughcontrolledburnsthatimprovewildlifehabitatandenhancethehealthandgrowthofthe
tanoakacorns,hazelnuts,pepperwoodnuts,berries,grassesandbushes,allofwhichareusedand
providematerialsforbaskets,fabrics,andutensils.

Formillenniaourreligionandsovereigntyhavebeenpervasivethroughoutallofourtraditional
villages.Ourintricatewayofliferequirestheuseofthesweathouse,extensivespiritualtraining,
andsacrifice.Untilrecentlytherewaslittlecrime,becauseYuroklawisfirmandrequiresfull
compensationtothefamilywheneverthereisaninjuryorinsult.Ifthereisnotagreementasto
thesettlement,amediatorwouldresolvethedispute.OurIndiandoctors,Kegae,havecaredfor
ourpeopleandtreatedthemwhentheybecameill.Intimesofdifficultyvillageheadmengather
togethertoresolveproblemsaffectingtheYurokTribe.

Ourpeoplehavealwayscarriedonextensivetradeandsocialrelationsthroughoutourterritory
andbeyond.Ourcommerceincludesamonetarysystembasedontheuseofdentaliumshells,
Terknterm andotheritemsascurrency.TheKlamathRiverwasandremainsourhighway,and
wefromtimebeginningutilizedtheriverandtheoceanindugoutcanoes,Althwayoch,carved
fromtheredwoodbyYurokcraftsmen,masterpiecesofefficiencyandingenuityandhavealways
beensoldortradedtoothersoutsidethetribe.Ourpeoplecometogetherfrommanyvillage*to
performceremonialconstructionofourfishdams,Lohgen.Ourtraditionalceremoniesthe
DeerskinDance,DoctorDance,JumpDance,BrushDance,KickDance,FlowerDanceand
othershavealwaysdrawnhundreds,andsometimesthousands,ofYuroksandmembersof
neighboringtribestogetherforrenewal,healing,andprayer.Wealsohavealwaystraveledtothe
NorthandEasttothehighmountainsonourtraditionaltrailstoworshiptheCreatoratoursacred
sites,DoctorRock,ChimneyRock,Thklamah(thesteppingstonesforascentintothesky
world),andmanyothers.
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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

Thiswholeland,thisYurokcountry,stayedinbalance,keptthatwaybyourgoodstewardship,
hardwork,wiselaws,andconstantprayerstotheCreator.

Oursocialandecologicalbalance,thousandsandthousandsofyearsold, wasshatteredbythe
invasionofthenonIndians.Welostthreefourthsormoreofourpeoplethroughunprovoked
massacresbyvigilantesandtheintrusionoffatalEuropeandiseases.Theintroductionofalcohol
weakenedoursocialstructure,asdidtheforcedremovalofourchildrentogovernmentboarding
schools,wheremanywerebeaten,punishedforspeakingtheirlanguage,anddeniedtherightto
practicetheirculturalheritage.Aftergoldminersswarmedoverourlandweagreedtosigna
"TreatyofPeaceandFriendship"withrepresentativesofthePresidentoftheUnitedStatesin
1851,buttheUnitedStatesSenatefailedtoratifythetreaty.Thenin1855,theUnitedStates
orderedustobeconfinedontheKlamathRiverReserve,createdbyExecutiveOrder,(pursuant
totheActofMarch3,185310Stat.226,238)withinourownterritory.

In1864asmallpartofouraboriginallandbecameapartoftheHoopaValleyIndianReservation
whichwassetapartforYuroksandotherIndiansinNorthernCalifornia.Thisbecameknownas
the12mile"Square."In1891,afurthersmallpartofouraboriginallandwasaddedwhen"The
Extension"totheHoopaValleyIndianReservationwassetasidebyexecutiveorderauthorized
bythe1864statute,whichcreatedtheHoopaValleyIndianReservation.Thisstatutory
reservationextensionextendedfromthemouthoftheKlamathRiver,includingtheoldKlamath
RiverReserve,about50milesinlandandencompassedtheriveranditsbed,alongwithonemile
oflandonbothsidesoftheriver.

Buteventhissmallremnantofourancestrallandwasnottolastforlong.Inthe1890s
individualIndiansreceivedallotmentsfromtriballandlocatedintheKlamathRiverReserve
portionoftheHoopaValley ReservationandalmostalloftheremainderoftheReservewas
declared"surplus"andopenedforhomesteadingbynonIndians.Theforestswerelogged
excessivelyandthewildlifewasdepleted.Eventhegreatsalmonrunswentintodeepdeclinedue
tooverfishingandhabitatdestruction.Inthemid1930'stheStateofCaliforniaattemptedillegally
toterminatetraditionalfishingbyYurokpeople,theriver'soriginal andonly stewardsfrom
BluffCreektothePacificOcean.Ourfishingrightswerejudiciallyreaffirmedinthe1970'sand
the1980'saftermanylegalandphysicalbattles.
Throughoutthefirst140yearsofourtribesdealingswiththeUnitedStates,weneveradopteda
writtenformofgovernment.Wehadnotneededaformalstructureandwerereluctanttochange.
TheUnitedStateshaddecimatedtheYurokpopulation,landbase,andnaturalresourcesandour
peopleweredeeplydistrustfulofthefederalgovernment.

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

Yetwe,theYurokpeople,knowthatthisisthetimetoexerciseourinherenttribalsovereignty
andformallyorganizeunderthisConstitution.Wedothistoprovidefortheadministrationand
governanceofthemodernYurokTribethathasemerged,strongandproud,fromthetragedies
andwrongsoftheyearssincethearrivalof thenonIndiansintoourland.Oursacredandvibrant
traditionshavesurvivedandarenowgrowingstrongerandrichereachyear.

TheYurokTribeisthelargestIndiantribeinCalifornia,andwhilemuchlandhasbeenlost,the
spiritoftheCreatorandourinherenttribalsovereigntystillthrivesintheheartsandmindsofour
peopleaswellasinthestrongcurrents,deepcanyons,thickforests,andhighmountainsofour
ancestrallands.

Therefore,inordertoexercisetheinherentsovereigntyoftheYurokTribe,weadoptthis
Constitutioninorderto:
1)

Preserveforeverthesurvivalofourtribeandprotectitfromforceswhichmaythreatenits
existence

2)

Upholdandprotectourtribalsovereigntywhichhasexistedfromtimeimmemorialand
whichremainsundiminished

3)

ReclaimthetriballandbasewithintheYurokReservationandenlargetheReservation
boundariestothemaximumextentpossiblewithintheancestrallandsofourtribeand/or
withinanycompensatorylandarea

4)

Preserveandpromoteourculture,language,andreligiousbeliefsandpractices,andpass
themontoourchildren,ourgrandchildren,andtotheirchildrenandgrandchildrenon,
forever

5)

Provideforthehealth,education,economy,andsocialwellbeingofourmembersandfuture
members

6)

Restore,enhance,andmanagethetribalfishery,tribalwaterrights,tribalforests,andall
othernaturalresourcesand

7)

Insurepeace,harmony,andprotectionofindividualhumanrightsamongourmembersand
amongotherswhomaycomewithinthejurisdictionofourtribalgovernment.

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

ARTICLEI TERRITORY,JURISDICTIONANDAUTHORITY
SECTION1AncestralLands
TheAncestralLandsoftheYurokTribeextendunbrokenalongthePacificOceancoast
(includingusualandcustomaryoffshorefishingareas)fromDamnationCreek,itsnorthern
boundary,tothesouthernboundaryoftheLittleRiverdrainagebasin,andunbrokenalongthe
KlamathRiver,includingbothsidesanditsbed,fromitsmouthupstreamtoandincludingthe
BluffCreekdrainagebasin. IncludedwithintheselandsarethedrainagebasinofWilsonCreek,
thedrainagebasinsofallstreamsenteringtheKlamathRiverfromitsmouthupstreamtoand
includingtheBluffCreekandSlateCreekdrainagebasins,includingthevillagesiteatBigBar
(exceptforthedrainagebasinupstreamfromthejunctionofPineCreekandSnowCampCreek),
andtheCanyonCreek(alsoknownasTankCreek)drainagebasinoftheTrinityRiver,the
drainagebasinsofstreamsenteringtheoceanorlagoonsbetweentheKlamathRiverandLittle
River(exceptfortheportionoftheRedwoodCreekdrainagebasinbeyondtheMcArthurCreek
drainagebasin,andexceptfortheportionoftheLittleRiverdrainagebasinwhichliessixmilesup
fromtheocean).OurAncestralLandsincludeallsubmergedlands,andthebeds,banksand
watersofallthetributarieswithintheterritoryjustdescribed.AlsoincludedwithintheAncestral
Landsisasharedinterestwithothertribesinceremonialhighcountrysitesandtrailsasknownby
theTribe,aswellastheTribesusualandcustomaryhunting,fishingandgatheringsites.The
AncestralLandsaredepictedonthe"MapofYurokAncestralLands",onfileintheYurokTribal
Offices.
SECTION2Territory
TheterritoryoftheTribeconsistsofallAncestralLands,andspecificallyincluding,butnot
limitedto,theYurokReservationandanylandsthatmayhereafterbeacquiredbytheTribe,
withinorwithoutAncestralLands.
SECTION3Jurisdiction
ThejurisdictionoftheYurokTribeextendstoallofitsmemberwhereverlocated,toallpersons
throughoutitsterritory,andwithinitsterritory,overalllands,waters,riverbeds,submerged
lands,properties,airspace,minerals,fish,forests,wildlife,andotherresources,andanyinterest
thereinnoworinthefuture.
SECTION4AuthorityofTribalGovernment
ThisConstitutionisadelegationofspecifictribalauthorityfromtheYurokPeopletotheTribes
governingbodiesandthisConstitutionherebyreservestothepeopleallauthoritynotdelegatedto

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

theTribesgoverningbodies.Membersofthegoverningbodiesshallhavenoauthoritytoact
inconsistentwiththeobjectivesenumeratedinthePreambletothisConstitution.
SECTION5TribalOffices
ItshallbethegoaloftheTribetoestablishitsprimarytribalofficeswithinourAncestralLands.

ARTICLEIIMembership
SECTION1BaseMembershipRoll
ThosepersonsontheSettlementRollwhomadeorweredeemedtohavemadeanelection
pursuanttotheYurokTribalMembershipOptionshallconstitutethebasemembershiprollofthe
YurokTribe.
SECTION2YurokTribalMembershipRoll
AfterapprovaloftheYurokTribalConstitution,arevisedYurokTribalMembershipRollshallbe
preparedandperiodicallyupdated,thatshallincludeallthosepersonsontheBaseMembership
Rollandpersonswhoapplyformembershipandmeetthefollowingcriteria:
a) HasabiologicalparentwhoisanenrolledmemberoftheYurokTribe,and
b) Possessesatleastoneeighth(1/8)degreeofIndianBlood.IndianBloodisdefinedasall
U.S.NativeAmericanIndianorAlaskanNatives.
SECTION3TribalMembershipBasedUponExtraordinaryCircumstances
Inextraordinarycircumstances,apersonmaybedeterminedtobeeligibleformembershipinthe
YurokTribe.Forpurposesofthissubsection,"extraordinarycircumstances"shallbedefinedto
include:
a) Applicantmustpossessatleastoneeighth(1/8)degreeofIndianBlood(asdefinedin
Article11,Section2),andbe
b) AfullorhalfsiblingofanallotteeoflandontheYurokReservationwiththesamequalifying
ancestry,andlinealdescendantsofsuchpersons,or
c) Anyadoptedpersonwhosebiologicalparentswouldhavequalified,orwouldhavequalified
ifalivefortheYurokMembershipRoll,or
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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

d) AllotteesoftheYurokReservation,andlinealdescendantsofsuchpersons,whenthat
applicantandlinealancestorshavenotbeenenrolledmembersofanotherTribe.
SECTION4LimitationsonMembership
a)

Nopersonwhoexercisedthelumpsumbuyoutoptionunder25USCSection13OOi,5(d)
shallqualifyformembershipintheYurokTribe.

b)

TheYurokTribedoesnotallow"DualEnrollment".Nopersonwhoisamemberofany
otherFederallyRecognizedIndianTribe,shallqualifyformembershiporremaininthe
YurokTribe,unlessheorshehasrelinquishedinwritinghisorhermembershipinsuch
otherTribe.

c)

NopersonwhoisalinealdescendantofapresentorformermemberofanotherTribeand
whoiswithoutaparentenrolledwiththeYurokTribeshallqualifyformembershipinthe
YurokTribe.

ARTICLEIIIElectionofYurokTribalCouncil
SECTION1Election
TheYurokTribalCouncilshallconsistof:nine(9)members:aTribalChairperson,aVice
Chairpersonandseven(7)CouncilMembers.TheChairpersonandtheViceChairpersonshallbe
electedatlargebytheeligiblevotersoftheTribe.Theotherseven(7)CouncilMembersshallbe
electedbyDistricts,withtheeligiblevotersineachoftheseven(7)DistrictselectingoneCouncil
membertorepresenttheDistrict.

SECTION2CouncilDistricts
Thereshallbeseven(7)Districts,describedasfollows:
WEITCHPECDISTRICTThisincludesallAncestralLandslocatedupriverofCoonCreekon
theKlamathRiver.IncludedwithintheDistrictaretheancestral villagesofOtsepor,Loolego,
Weitspus,Pekwututl,Ertlerger,Wahsekw,Kenek,Tsetskwi,andKenekpul.
PECWANDISTRICTThisincludesallAncestralLandsdownriver,includingCoonCreek,on
theKlamathRiverfromtheWeitchpecDistricttoandincludingBlueCreekonthenorthsideof
theriverandAhPahCreekanditsdrainageareaonthesouthsideoftheriver.includedwithinthe

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

DistrictaretheancestralvillagesofMerip,Waasel,Kepel,Murekw,Himetl,Kohtskuls,Keihkes,
Meta,Sregon,Yohter,Pekwan,Kolotep,Wohtek,Wohkero,Serper,Ayotl,Nagetl,andErner.
REQUADISTRICTThisincludesallancestralLandslocateddownriverontheKlamathRiver
fromthePecwanDistrictandnorthofthecenterlineoftheKlamathRiver.Includedwithinthe
DistrictaretheancestralvillagesTlemekwetl,Stawen,Saaitl,Hopau,Omenok,Amenok,Tmeri,
Rekwoi,andOmen.
ORICKDISTRICTThisincludesallAncestralLandslocateddownriverontheKlamathRiver
fromthePecwanDistrictandsouthofthecenterlineoftheKlamathRiver.Includedwithinthe
DistrictaretheancestralvillagesofTurip,Wohkel,Otwego,Wetlkwau,Osegen,Espau,Sikwets,
Orek,Tsahpekw,Hergwer,Tsotskwi,Paar,Oslokw,Keihkem,Maats,Opyuweg,Tsurau,
SumegandMetskwo.
NORTHDISTRICTThisincludesalllandnorthoftheAncestralLands,eastofthePacific
Ocean,westofanorthsouthlinepassingthroughChimneyRockandwithin60milesofthe
AncestralLands.
EASTDISTRICTThisincludesalllandeastoftheAncestralLands,eastofanorthsouthline
passingthroughChimneyRock,eastofthegenerallynorthsouthmountainridgepassingthrough
SchoolhousePeak,andwithin60milesoftheAncestralLands.
SOUTHDISTRICTThisincludesalllandsouthoftheAncestralLands,eastofthePacific
Ocean,westofthegenerallynorthsouthmountainridgepassingthroughSchoolhousePeak,and
within60milesoftheAncestralLands.
SECTION3TermsofOffice
A)

ThetermsofofficefortheChairperson,viceChairperson,andtheCouncilMembersshall
bethree(3)years,exceptthatinthefirstelection,thetermsofofficeforCouncilMembers
shallbestaggeredanddeterminedasfollows:
1)

Thecandidatereceivingthehighestpercentageofvotesinhis/herDistrictshallbe
electedforathree(3)yearterm

2)

Thecandidatesreceivingthesecond,thirdandfourthhighestpercentagesofthe
votesintheirrespectivedistrictsshallbeelectedfortwo(2)yearterms

3)

Theremainingthree(3)candidatesshallbeelectedforone(1)yearterms

4)

Intheeventofatieamongorbetweenthecandidateswho,byreasonofthe
percentageofvotesreceivedinthecandidatesrespectivedistricts,wouldbeentitled
toserveanInitialtermofmorethanone(1)yearanysuchtieshallbebrokenbythe

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

tiedcandidatesdrawingoflotstodeterminewhichcandidatesshallbeentitledto
serveaninititialtermofmorethanoneyear.
B) EachTribalOfficerandCouncilMembershallbeinauguratedasthefirstorderofbusinessat
thefirstregularCouncilmeetingfollowinghis/herelectionandhis/hertermshallcommence
uponinauguration.
SECTION4VoterRegistration
EachmemberoftheYurokTribe,whohasattainedtheageofeighteen(18)uponthedateof
electionshallbeeligibletovote,providedthatpersonhasregisteredtovote.EacheligibleVoter
shallchoosetoregisterinone(1)ofsevenDistrictsprovidedtheeligiblevoterisaresidentofa
District,he/shemustregisterwithinthatDistrictoriftheeligiblevoterisnotaresidentwithina
District,he/sheshallchoosetoregisterintheNorth,SouthorEastDistrict.Aneligiblevoter
mustregisterwhentheymoveintooroutofaDistrict,pursuanttoSection4ofthisArticle,
withinninety(90)daysbeforethenextregularlyscheduledCouncilelection.
SECTION5GeneralQualificationsforoffice
a)

NopersonwhoisacandidatefororelectedtoanyTribaloffice,oristobeorhasbeen
appointedbytheYurokCounciltoanypositionoftrustshall,atthetimeofcandidacy,
election orappointmenthavebeenconvictedofanyviolentfelonyorcrimeofmoral
turpitudewithinten(10)yearsofthedateofelectionorappointment,andeverycandidate
forelectionorappointmenttoanyTribalofficeorpositionwhoeverhasbeenconvictedof
anyfelonyorcrimeofmoralturpitudeshall,uponannouncementofhis/hercandidacyor
applicationforappointment,fullydisclosetotheYurokCouncilthefactanddateofeach
suchconviction,thecourtinwhichtheconvictionwasentered,theoffenseforwhich
convicted,thesentenceimposedandtheplaceandmannerinwhichthesentencewasserved
orotherwisedischarged.

b)

Anypersonwho,uponorsubsequenttoannouncinghis/hercandidacyforelectiontoany
Tribalofficeorapplyingforanyappointedpositionoftrust,isformallychargedwith,but
notyetconvictedof,anycrimeofviolenceormoralturpitude,shalldisclosetotheTribal
Counciland/ortheElectionCommitteethefactofsuchprosecutionuponbecomingaware
ofthependencythereof.

c)

Anypersonrequiredtomakedisclosureofacriminalconvictionorprosecutionhereunder
whofailstodosowithinthirty(30)daysmaybebarredorremovedfromtheofficeor
appointedpositionforwhichthepersonwasacandidatewhentherequireddisclosurewas
notmade.

d)

AnyelectedTribalofficerorappointedTribalofficialwhoisformallychargedwithaviolent
felonyorcrimeofmoralturpitudewhileinofficeshallbeimmediatelysuspendedfrom
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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

office,effectivewiththedateofinitiationofsuchprosecution.Ifsaidofficerorofficialis
acquittedortheprosecutionisterminatedwithoutaconviction,andprovidedthatupon
suchterminationofprosecutionthetermofofficetowhichtheofficerorofficialwas
electedorappointedhasnotyetexpired,theofficerorofficialshallbereinstatedtoserve
theremainderofhis/hertermofofficeorappointment.

SECTION6QualificationsforTribalChairpersonandViceChairperson
TheTribalChairpersonandViceChairpersonmustbeTribalMembersofatleastthirty(30)years
ofageuponelection,andmustactuallyresideandmaintaintheirprincipleresidencewithin60
milesoftheTribalterritoryforatleastone(1)yearpriortoelectionandremaininresidence
throughoutthetermofoffice.

SECTION7QualificationsforCouncilMemberRepresentingADistrict
ACouncilMembermustbeaTribalMemberofatleasttwentyfive(25)yearsofageupon
election,mustberegisteredwithandactuallyresideandmaintaintheirprincipleresidencewithin
theDistrictwhenelected,andmustremainanactualresidentoftheDistrictthroughouttheterm
ofoffice.
SECTION8Primaryelection
AprimaryelectionshallbeconductedinOctoberofeachyear,foreachofficethatthetermisto
expire.Votingshallbebysecretballot.Absenteeballotsshallbeavailableuponwritten
requestbyeligiblevotersandmailedinatimelymannertosuchvoters.Thoserunningforoffice
whoreceivemorethan50percentoftheballotscastfortheofficeshallbeelected.
SECTION9RunoffElections
Whenpositionsremainunfilledaftertheprimaryelection,thenarunoffelectionshallbe
conductedinNovemberfollowingtheprimaryelection.Votingshallbebysecretballot.
Absenteeballotsshall beavailableuponwrittenrequestbyeligiblevotersandmailedinatimely
mannertosuchvoters.Therunoffshallbebetweenthetwocandidatesreceivingthemostvotes
intheprimaryelection.Thecandidatereceivingthemostvotesintherunoffelectionforeach
positionshallbeelected.
SECTION10FillingofVacantPositions

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

If,subsequenttohis/herelection,theTribalChairperson,ViceChairperson,oranymemberofthe
TribalCouncilresigns,dies,orbecomespermanentlyorindefinitelyincapacitated,asdetermined
bytheYurokTribalCouncil,theYurokTribalCouncilshalldeclaretheofficevacant.Ifthe
vacancyoccursduringthefirstyearofthetermtowhichtheelectedofficialwaselected,the
YurokTribalCouncilshallfillthevacancyfortheunexpiredportionofsaidtermbyappointing
thepersonwhoreceivedthenexthighestnumberofvotesinsaidelection,providingthecandidate
receivedatleastthirty(30)percentofthetotalvotescast.Iftheelectedofficialtobereplaced
wasunopposedinsaidelection,orifthecandidatereceivingthenexthighestnumberofvotesdid
notreceiveatleastthirty(30)percentofthetotalvotescastforthatoffice,orifthevacancy
occursmorethanone(1)yearpriortotheexpiration oftheterm,thevacancyshallbefilledbya
specialelectioncalledandconductedpursuanttoSection10ofthisArticle.

ARTICLEIV DUTIESANDPOWERSOFTHEYUROKCOUNCIL
SECTION1TribalChairperson
TheChairpersonshallbethechiefexecutiveofficeroftheTribe,andinthatcapacityshallhave
thefollowingauthorityandduties:
a)

TopresideoverallmeetingsoftheYurokTribalCouncilandtheTribalVoting
Membership,andtovoteonlyincaseofatie

b)

TocallspecialmeetingsoftheYurokTribalCouncilortheTribalVotingMembershipas
necessarywiththerequestofCouncilmembersorTribalmembersasprovidedinthis
Constitution

c)

TofaithfullyimplementandenforcethelegislativeenactmentsandpoliciesoftheYurok
Tribe

d)

Toexecutesuchcontracts,agreements,andotherdocumentsonbehalfoftheYurokTribe
ashavebeendulyauthorizedbytheYurokTribalCouncilintheexerciseofauthority
delegatedbythisConstitution,orbytheTribalVotingMembership

e)

ToactastheprincipalspokespersonandrepresentativefortheYurokTribeinitsdealings
withallothergovernmentalandnongovernmentalentities,ortodelegatesuchdutiesto
otherTribalofficersorofficialsasmaybeauthorizedbytheYurokTribalCouncil

f)

Toappointpersonstoserveinunelectedpositionswithintheexecutiveorjudicialbranches
oftheTribalgovernmentandtoadvisorycommitteesthathavebeencreatedbytheYurok
TribalCouncil,withtheadviceandconsentoftheYurokTribalCouncil,andotherwiseto
implementsuchpersonnelpoliciesandproceduresasmaybeestablishedbytheYurok
TribalCouncil.EffortswillbemadetobalancerepresentationoftheAdvisoryCommittees
betweenonandoffReservation.
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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

g)

Totakesuchactions,includingremovaland/orbarringofpersonsfromTriballands,asmay
benecessarytosafeguardthehealthand/orsafetyoftheYurokTribeoritsnatural
resourcesfromimminentdangerpendingactionbytheYurokTribalCouncil,provided,
however,thattheChairpersonfirstshall haveattemptedtoconveneaspecialmeetingofthe
YurokTribalCouncilontheissue.Ifsuchemergencyactionwasnotprecededbya
meetingoftheYurokTribalCouncilauthorizingsuchaction,theTribalChairpersonshall,
withinfortyeight(48)hoursaftertakingsuchaction,conveneaspecialmeetingofthe
YurokTribalCouncilatwhichtheonlyitemofbusinessshallberespondingtothe
emergency.IftheYurokTribalCouncildeclinestoratifytheChairperson'semergency
action,orifnomeetingisheldwithinthetimeallowedtherefore,saidactionshallceaseto
haveanyforceoreffectupontheearlieroftheYurokTribalCouncilsvotenottoratify
suchactionortheexpirationoffortyeight(48)hoursaftertheaction.

h)

ToprepareandpresenttotheYurokTribalCouncilforapproval,nolaterthanonehundred
andtwenty(120)dayspriortothebeginningofeachfiscalyear,aproposedannualTribal
financialplanthatsetsforthindetailthethencurrentassetsoftheYurokTribe,thesources
andamountsofallanticipatedTribalrevenuesfortheyear,andaTribalbudgetforsaid
year.

SECTION2ViceChairperson
TheViceChairpersonshallhavethefollowingauthorityandduties:
a)

TopresideovermeetingsoftheYurokTribalCouncilorTribalVotingMembershipinthe
absenceoftheChairperson

b)

ToactinplaceoftheChairpersonasthespokespersonorrepresentativeoftheYurokTribe
uponwrittendelegationbytheChairpersonortheYurokTribalCouncil

c)

ToassumetheofficeanddutiesoftheChairpersonupontheChairperson'sdeath,
resignation,orremoval,oradeterminationbyatwothirds(2/3)majorityvoteofaquorum
oftheYurokTribalCouncilthattheChairpersonhasbecomepermanentlyorindefinitely
incapacitatedtoan extentthatpreventstheChairpersonfromfulfillingtheobligationsofthe
office.

SECTION3OtherTribalOfficers
TheTribalSecretaryshallbeelectedbytheYurokTribalCouncilfromamongitsdulyelected
membersatthefirstregularTribalCouncilmeetingfollowingeachannualelection,andshallhave
thefollowingdutiesandauthorities:

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ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

a)

Tofaithfullyprepareandmaintaintheofficialrecordsoftheproceedingsofallmeetingsof
theTribalVotingMembershipandtheYurokTribalCouncil

b)

Tocertifyandmaintaincustodyofallresolutions,legislativeenactments,andotherofficial
actionsoftheYurokTribalCouncilandtheTribalVotingMembership

c)

Tosendandreceiveandmaintaincustodyofallofficialcorrespondenceanddocumentsof
theYurokTribe

d)

ToactasthecustodianandkeeperofthesealoftheYurokTribe.

SECTION4MiscellaneousOtherOfficers
Atitsfirstregularmeetingfollowingeachannualelection,anfromtimetotimethereafterasit
maydeemappropriate,theYurokTribalCouncilmayelectfromitsmemberssuchotherofficers
asitmaydeemnecessarytoeffectivelyfulfillitsobligationsandexerciseitsauthority.

SECTION5YurokTribalCouncil
a)

ExceptasotherwisereservedtotheTribalVotingMembershipbythisConstitution,the
legislativepoweroftheYurokTribeherebyisdelegatedbytheTribalVotingMembership
totheYurokTribalCouncil,andintheexercisethereoftheYurokTribalCouncilshallhave
theauthoritytoenactlegislation,rulesandregulationsnotinconsistentwiththis
ConstitutiontofurthertheobjectivesoftheYurokTribeasreflectedinthePreambletothis
Constitutionadministerandregulateaffairs,personsandtransactionswithinTribal
Territoryenactcivilandcriminal lawspromulgatepoliciesregardingelectedTribal
officials'andTribalemployees'use,possessionorsaleofillegaldrugs,andtheunlawfuluse
orabuseoflegaldrugsandcontrolledsubstancesmanageTriballandsandassetsand
appropriateandauthorizetheexpenditureoffundsownedbyoravailabletotheYurok
Tribecharterandregulatecorporationsandentitiesofallkindsprovidefortheexclusion
ofpersonsand/orentitiesfromTribalaffairsand/orTribalTerritoryunderappropriate
circumstancesandobtainandgeneraterevenueforTribalpurposesthroughtaxationand
feesuponincome,property,transactionsandsaleswithinTribalTerritoryprovided
however,thatlawsthataffectthefundamentalrightsofTribalmembers,suchastaxationof
Tribalmembers,andtheWaiverofclaimsissueshallnotbeeffectiveuntilapprovedina
referendumamongtheTribalVotingMembershippursuanttoArticleXIofthis
Constitution.SettlementAccountTrustFunds,includingearnedinterests,fromtheHoopa
YurokSettlementActof1988,shallnotbeuseduntiltheTribalCouncilhasprepareda
proposalforitsintendeduseandreceivedamajorityvoteofapprovalfromtheTribal
VotingMembership.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

12
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

b)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallfixandprescribesalariesandallowancesforallappointed
officialsandtheemployeesoftheYurokTribe.

c)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallprescribesalariesandallowances,ifany,forallelected
officialsoftheTribe.Nosettingoradjustmentofsalariesandallowancesshallbedone
withoutatleastthirty(30)daysnoticethatitwillbeontheTribalCouncilagenda.No
increaseincompensationshallbeeffectiveuntilone(1)yearfromthedateofapprovalhas
passed.

d)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallbyordinanceprovideasystemforassuringthereasonable
andappropriateaccessbytribalmemberstotribalrecordsandmeetings.

e)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallbyordinancewithin90daysoftheelectionofthefirst
YurokTribalCouncilunderthisConstitution,prescribeenrollmentproceduresandestablish
anEnrollmentCommitteewhosemembersshallbeappointedbytheChairpersonwiththe
adviceandconsentoftheYurokTribalCouncil.

f)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallbyordinanceprescribeelectionproceduresforTribal
elections.TheYurokTribalCouncilshallbyOrdinanceestablishanElectionBoardwhose
membersshallbeappointedbytheChairpersonwiththeadviceandconsentoftheYurok
TribalCouncil.

g)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallactuponallappointmentsrequiringitsconfirmationwithin
thirty(30)days.

h)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallhavetheauthoritytoactonbehalfoftheTribetoacquire,
lease,assign,andmanagealltribalproperty,butshallnotsellanytriballand,norleasetribal
landforaperiodof20yearsormore,unlessapprovedbyareferendumsubmittedtothe
votingmembershippursuanttoArticleXI.

i)

TheYurokTribalCouncilshallbyordinancesprescribeaDrugTestingpolicyforCouncil
Members,aConflictofInterestpolicy,andaMandatedMeetingpolicyforoperationof
Councilbusiness.Theseordinancesshallbeadoptedwithinone(1)yearofinstallationof
theTribalofficialselectedintheinitialTribalelection.

j)

Nolegislation,ordinance,orothermajoractionshallbeenactedunlessapprovedbyatleast
five(5)membersoftheYurokTribalCouncil,includingavotebytheTribalChairpersonif
needed.

k)

TheYurokTribalcouncildistrictrepresentativesshallconductquarterlymeetingswithin
theirrespectivedistricts.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

13
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

ARTICLEV YUROKTRIBALCOUNCILMEETINGS
SECTION1Frequency
TheYurokTribalCouncilshallmeetatleastonceamonth.Eachmeetingwillbeginandendwith
atraditionalprayer.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

14
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

SECTION2Quorum
Six(6)membersoftheYurokTribalCouncil,or2/3ofthemembersiftherearevacancies,must
bepresenttoconstituteaquorum.TheChairpersonshallbecountedforpurposesofconstituting
aquorum.
SECTION3SpecialMeetings
TheTribalChairpersonandthree(3)YurokTribalCouncilmembers,maycallaspecial meeting
oftheYurokTribalCouncilatanytimetheydeemnecessarybynotifyingeachCouncilMember
inanyexpedientwayatleasttwentyfour(24)hoursinadvanceofthemeeting.Inabilitytonotify
allmembersafterreasonableeffortsshallnotpreventsuchspecialmeetingfromoccurring
providedaquorumispresent.
SECTION4PublicMeetings
AllregularandspecialmeetingsoftheYurokTribalCouncilshallbeopentothemembersofthe
YurokTribe.TheYurokTribalCouncilshallprovideanopportunityforpubliccommentby
TribalmembersateachYurokTribalCouncilmeeting.TheYurokTribalCouncilmaymeetin
executivesessionupondeterminationbytheChairpersonoranaffirmativevoteofamajorityof
theCouncilMemberspresentthatprotectionoftheYurokTribeslegalrights,commercial
interestsand/orprivilegesagainstcompelleddisclosureortheprivacyofspecificpersonsrequires
thatspecificmattersbediscussedorvoteduponinconfidence.Allvotes,includingvoteson
mattersdiscussedinexecutivesessionandthesubjectofwhichmustremainconfidential,shallbe
byrollcallinopensession,andallvotesshallbeamatterofpublicrecord.
SECTION5RollCallVoting
RollcallvotesshowinghoweachmemberoftheYurokTribalCouncilvotedonallmotions
shallberecordedintheminutesoftheCouncil.Motionsthatdieofalackofasecondwill
alsoberecorded.
SECTION6Consensus
InaccordancewithTribaltradition,theYurokTribalCouncilshallattempttoconduct
businessbyconsensuswheneverpossible.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

15
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

ARTICLEVI ANNUALMEMBERSHIPMEETING

SECTION1AnnualMembershipMeeting
AnannualmeetingoftheTribalmembershipshallbeheldonaSaturdayinJulyorAugust
designatedbytheYurokTribalCouncil,unlesstheYurokTribalCouncildirectsthe
Chairpersontogivenoticeofadifferentdateatleastsixty(60)daysinadvanceofthe
alternativemeetingdate.Inaddition,theTribalChairpersonwiththeconsentoftheYurok
TribalCouncilmaycallspecialmeetingsofthemembershipwithten(10)daysnoticewhen
thereisamatterofgreaturgencythatrequiresameetingofthemembership.

SECTION2Powers
TheYurokTribalCouncilshallpresideovertheAnnualMembershipMeetingandallspecial
meetings. Thereshallbenobindingtriballawsadoptedbythemembershipatthe
meeting,butthemembership,if20%oftheeligiblevotersarepresent,may,bymajorityvote,
adoptresolutionssettingoutgoalsexpressingthesenseofthetribalmembership.Inaddition,
if20%oftheeligiblevotersarepresent,themembersmaybymajorityvoteproposeinitiatives
thatshallbevoteduponbytheTribalVotingMembershipunderthevotingprovisionsofArticleXI.

ARTICLEVII TRIBALJUSTICESYSTEM
ThejudicialpoweroftheYurokTribeshallbevestedinsuchTribalcourt(s)asmayfromtimeto
timebeestablishedbyordinances)enactedforthatpurpose.Saidordinances)shallensurethe
impartialityandindependenceoftheJudiciarybyspecifyingcausesandproceduresforremoval
andprescribingreductionsinratesofcompensationgreaterthanthosethatmaybeappliedtothe
YurokTribalCounciland/ortheTribalChairpersondefinethejurisdictionofeachcourtcreated
thereunderspecifythemannerofselection,termofofficeandqualificationsofjudgesand
providefortheadoptionoftheproceduresunderwhicheachsuchcourtshallfunction.Inspecial
circumstancesasdefinedbyappropriateordinance,theYurokTribalCouncilshallsitasaTribal
trial orappellatecourt.TheTribaljudicialsystem,wheneverpossible,shallgivefullrecognition
andweighttoTribalcustoms,includingtraditionalmethodsofmediationanddisputeresolution.

ARTICLEVIIIOATHOFOFFICE
Allelectedandappointedofficialsshalltakethefollowingoath:
October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

16
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

"I,
,dosolemnlyswear(oraffirm)thatIwillupholdanddefendtheConstitution,
sovereigntyandtraditionsoftheYurokTribe,andIwillperformthedutiesofmyofficewith
honestyandfidelity.
Ifurtherswear(oraffirm)thatIwilldevotemybesteffortstohelptheYurokTribeachieveits
objectivesasstatedinthePreambleofitsConstitution."

ARTICLEIXBILLOFRIGHTS
Intheexerciseofitspowersofselfgovernment,consistentwithitscultureandtradition,the
TribeshallnotdepriveanypersonwithinitsjurisdictionoftherightsreflectedintheIndianCivil
RightsAct,25USCSECTION1301etseq.
Inaddition,theTribeshallnottakeanyactionthatwouldabridgeanytribalreligiousor
traditionalpractices.

ARTICLEXRECALLOFOFFICIALS
SECTION1GroundsforRecall
AnyelectedofficialoftheYurokTribeshallbesubjecttorecallforwillfulneglectofduty,
corruptioninoffice,habitualdrunkennessoruseof illegaldrugs,incompetency,incapabilityof
performinghis/herdutiesorcommittinganyoffenseinvolvingmoralturpitude,orconduct
seriouslydetrimentaltothesovereigntyortraditionsoftheYurokTribewhileinoffice.
SECTION2RecallElection
Uponwrittenpetitionofatleastthirty(30)percentoftheeligiblevotersoftheYurokTribe,
presentedtoandverifiedbytheElectionBoard(orYurokTribalCounciluntilanElectionBoard
isestablished),aspecialTribalVotingMembershipelectionshallbecalledtoconsidertherecall
oftheelectedofficialnamedinthepetition.InthecaseofaYurokTribalCouncilMember
servingfromadistrict,thepetitionrequirementshallbeatleastthirty(30)percentoftheeligible
votersfromthedistrictrepresentedbyaYurokTribalCouncilmember.Aspecialdistrict
membershipelectionshallbecalledbytheYurokTribetoconsidertherecalloftheelectedofficial
namedinthepetition.Votingshallbebysecretballot.Absenteeballotsshallbeavailableupon
writtenrequestbyeligiblevotersandmailedinatimelymannertosuchvoters.Theelectionshall
beheldwithinsixty(60)daysfromthedatethepetitionisverifiedprovided,thatanypetition
October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

17
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

submittedwithinfour(4)monthsofthenextannualelectionshallbeplacedontheballotofthe
annualelection.Thepositionoccupiedbytheofficialshallbedeclaredvacantifatleasttwo
thirds(2/3)ofthosevoting(allYurokvotersinthecaseoftheTribalChairpersonorVice
Chairperson,oralldistrictvotersinthecaseofTribalCouncilMembers)supporttherecall.
VacantpositionsshallbefilledinaccordancewithARTICLEIII,Section10.
SECTION3LimitsonRecall
Nomorethanone(1)recallelectionshallbeheldinanyonecalendaryearwithrespecttoany
specifictribalofficial.

ARTICLEXIINITIATIVEANDREFERENDUM
SECTION1Initiative
TheTribalVotingMembershipshallhavetherighttoproposeanylegislativemeasurebya
petitionsignedbyatleasttwenty(20)percentoftheeligiblevoters.Eachsuchpetitionshallbe
filedwiththeElectionBoard(orYurokTribalCounciluntilanElectionBoardisestablished)at
leastsixty(60)dayspriortothenextannualelectionatwhichtimeitshallbeplacedontheballot.
Votingshallbebysecretballot.Absenteeballotsshallbeavailableuponwrittenrequestby
eligiblevotersandmailedinatimelymannertosuchvoters.Ifapprovedbyamajorityofthose
participatingintheelection,thepetitionshallbeinfullforceandeffectimmediately.
SECTION2Referendum
TheYurokTribalCouncilbyapprovalofatleastfive(5)membersmayreferanylegislative
measuretotheTribalVotingMembershipbydirectingatleastthirty(30)daysinadvancethat
saidmeasurebeplacedontheballotatthenextannualelectionorbycallingforaspecialelection.
Votingshallbebysecretballot.Absenteeballotsshallbeavailableuponwrittenrequestby
eligiblevotersandmailedinatimelymannertosuchvoters.Ifapprovedbyamajorityofthose
participatingintheelection,thereferendumshallbeinfullforceandeffectimmediately

ARTICLEXII AMENDMENT
SECTION1AmendmentProposed
AmendmentstothisConstitutionmaybeproposedbytheYurokTribalCouncilandshallrequire
atleastfive(5)affirmativevotes,orbyapetitioncontainingtheentiretextoftheamendmentand
signedbynotlessthantwenty(20)percentoftheTribalVotingMembership.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

18
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

SECTION2Adoption
Adoptionbynotlessthantwothirds(2/3)ofthosevotingshallberequiredtoamendthis
Constitution.Amendmentsshallbeeffectiveuponcertificationoftheelectionresultsbythe
ElectionBoard(orYurokTribalCounciluntilanElectionBoardisestablished).

ARTICLEXIIISEVERABILITY CLAUSE
IntheeventthatanyArticle,sectionorprovisionofthisConstitutionisheldinvalid,itistheintent
oftheYurokTribethattheremainingArticles,sectionsandprovisionsofthisConstitutionshall
continueinfullforceandeffect.

ARTICLEXIV EFFECTIVEDATEANDINITIALELECTION
ThisConstitutionshallbecomeeffectivewhenapprovedbyanelectionoftheTribalVoting
MembershipoftheTribe,conductedbytheSecretaryoftheInteriorand/ortheYurokInterim
Council.TheinitialelectionforTribalChairperson,ViceChairperson,andYurokTribalCouncil
Membersshalloccurwithinonehundredandtwentydays(120)oftheratificationofthis
Constitution.Arunoffelection,ifnecessary,shalloccurwithinthirty(30)daysoftheinitial
election.TheChairperson,ViceChairperson,andtheYurokTribalCouncilMembersshalltake
officeuponcertificationoftheelectionbytheElectionBoard.
TheYurokInterimCouncil.shallprovideforanindependentElectionBoardfortheprimaryand
runoffelection,shallnotifyTribalMembersofthedatetofileforcandidacyanddatesofinitial
andrunoffelections,andshallconducttheelectioninaccordancewithARTICLEIII,
SECTIONS110,ofthisConstitution,andshallremaininofficeuntiltheinstallationofthetribal
officialselectedinthistribalelection.
****CERTIFICATION****
ThisistocertifythattheConstitutionalAmendmentCA001wasamendedtotheYurok
ConstitutiontoArticleIV,Section5DutiesandPowersoftheYurokTribalCouncil.Shall
therebeanadditionofthesentenceattheendoftheparagraph,SettlementAccountTrust
Funds,includingearnedinterest,fromtheHoopaYurokSettlementActof1988,shallnotbeused
untiltheTribalCouncilhaspreparedaproposalforitsintendeduseandreceivedamajorityvote
ofapprovalfromtheTribalVotingMembership.Thisamendmentwasplacedontheballotbyan
affirmativevoteoftheTribalCouncilandwasadoptedbya2/3voteofthemajorityinaGeneral
ElectionheldonOctober11,2000.TheTribalMembervotewas751Yes,111Nowhichis
87.12%ofthe862votingTribalMembers.

__________________________
SusanMasten,Chairperson
YurokTribalCouncil
October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

19
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

ATTEST:________________________
LoriHodge,ExecutiveAssistant
YurokTribalCouncil

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

20
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

RESOLUTION
OFTHE
YUROKTRIBEINTERIMCOUNCIL

ResolutionNo.:9362
DateApproved: November24,1993
Subject:
CertificationofConstitutionRatificationElection
WHEREAS: TheYurokInterimCouncilisthegoverningbodyofYurokTribeasauthorizedby
theHoopaYurokSettlementAct(PublicLaw100580)asamended,and
WHEREAS: AdraftofaConstitutionfortheYurokTribe,datedOctober22,1993hasbeen
presentedtothemembershipforratificationonOctober23,1993,and
WHEREAS: TheCertifiedPublicAccountingFirmofAnderson,Somerville,Borgesand
Kerriganwasretainedtoconductsaidratificationelectionandcertifytheresult,and
WHEREAS: Theaforementionedelectionhasbeenconductedwiththeballotstobepostmarked
notlaterthanNovember10,1993andamajorityofYurokTribalmembershaveapprovedthe
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribebyavoteofsevenhundredandtwentytwo(722)infavorof
adoption andfivehundredandfortyfive(545)againstadoption,and
WHEREAS: Saidelectionresultrepresents57%ofthevotingmajorityinsupportofadoption
oftheConstitutionfortheYurokTribedatedOctober22,1993,now
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVED:
TheresultsoftheConstitutionRatificationelectionhavebeencertifiedbytheCertifiedPublic
AccountingfirmofAnderson,Somerville,BorgesandKerriganandthatsaidcertificationis
herebyacceptedandapprovedbytheYurokInterimTribalCouncil,and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVED:
ThattheYurokInterimCouncil,onbehalfoftheYurokTribe,herebycertifiesthatthe
ConstitutionfortheYurokTribedatedOctober22,1993isadoptedandisnowineffect.

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

21
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe

CERTIFICATION
ThisistocertifythatthisResolution wasapprovedatadulycalledSpecialMeetingoftheYurok
TribeInterimCouncilonNovember24,1993,atwhichaquorumwaspresentandthatthis
Resolution(#9362)wasadoptedbyavoteof3FORand0AGAINSTwithnoabstentions.This
Resolutionhasnotbeenrescindedoramendedinanyway.

SusieL.Long,Chair
YurokTribeInterimCouncil

ATTEST:
MariaTripp,CouncilMember
YurokTribeInterimCouncil

SusanMasten,CouncilMember
YurokTribeInterimCouncil

October22,1993
Ratified:November19,1993

22
ConstitutionoftheYurokTribe