Citizen's Committee of
Historic & Other Federally Recognized Tribes

1. Whereas the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs was created to serve all Indians living in Tennessee; and

2. Whereas the members of the Commission reflect the full diversity of the larger Tennessee Indian community and are therefore not solely representative of historic and other federally recognized citizens; and

3. Whereas research indicates over 300 tribes and bands are represented within Tennessee's American Indian/Alaska Native population; and

4. Whereas the needs, issues and interests of enrolled citizens of all federally recognized treaty nations are often uniquely addressed by federal Indian law, treaty and trust obligations including relevant programs, and tribal law; and

   Therefore be it resolved

   1. that the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs will establish a standing Citizens' Committee of Historic and Other Federally Recognized Indian Nations with the following purposes:
      1. To ensure there is a vehicle for identifying and bringing before the commission the specific needs and issues of those residents of Tennessee who are citizens of federally recognized nations,

      2. To ensure a consistent and positive flow of information between the commission and the nations with regard to the interests of the federally recognized citizens of Tennessee, recognized nations, historic tribes, and the State,

      3. To advise and work with the commission on matters including but not limited to Indian Arts & Crafts Act, Indian Child Welfare Act, Title VII, and ancient, sacred, and burial site identification and protection, reburial and repatriation, and

      4. To advise and work with the commission on increasing interest and participation in the process, and thereby representation on relevant boards and commissions, of those residents of Tennessee who are citizens of federally recognized nations.

   2. This committee shall be a permanent committee of the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs, and may not be dismantled, dissolved, or otherwise discontinued except upon unanimous agreement of the committee and majority agreement of those members of the community it represents.

   3. Appointment to the Citizens' Committee of Historic and Other Federally Recognized Treaty Nations would be available only to those residents of Tennessee who are citizens of federally recognized nations including both historic and non-historic tribes, and who have been fulltime legal residents of Tennessee for at least twelve (12) consecutive months.

   4. The Commission on Indian Affairs will be responsible for the initial appointments to the Committee seeking those individuals that reflect active interest in the State's Indian Affairs and a diverse representation of the over 300 tribes and bands represented in Tennessee's American Indian/Alaska Native population, after which the Committee would develop its own rules for determining how its members were selected and approved with the provision that the Committee must remain open to and inclusive of all federally recognized nations represented by residents of Tennessee.

   5. That the initial appointments include one representative from any known or future identified communities or nation-specific organizations such as the Choctaw community in West Tennessee and Muscogee Creek Tribal Citizens organization, plus 1-2 individuals from each TNNAC caucus area.

   6. That those commissioners who are members of federally recognized nations serve in an ex-officio capacity on the Committee, with voting eligibility to be determined by the Committee through its standing rules.

   7. Following initial appointments and except for ex-officio participation by any commissioners who are citizens of federally recognized nations, the Commission would participate in recommendations for appointment only upon the request of the Committee.

   8. The Citizens' Committee of Historic and Other Federally Recognized Treaty Nations would be given a standing agenda item listing along with ACTIA, TNNAC, NAIA, & ANAIR

   9. That the Commission accept the recommendation of the following individuals as initial appointees: (list of possible appointees to be determined)

   Valerie Ohle, September 21, 2007