proposed Code of Ethics

Statement of Principles & Agreements

    We subscribe to the following principles:

  1. The rights of Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful to Native Americans are inherent human rights, but are also fragile and can be lost through neglect or abuse.

  2. The rights of Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful to Native Americans require responsible stewardship and protection under the law.

    We subscribe to the following agreements and acknowledgements:

  1. We, the commissioners of the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs (TCIA), are committed to the highest standards of conduct by and among public officials in the performance of our public duties.

  2. We agree that individual and collective adherence to high ethical standards is central to the maintenance of the state-wide Native American Indian community and public trust, and to confidence in the commission.

  3. We agree on the need for proper personal and professional conduct and that, although we may experience personal conflict or differing view of values or loyalties, we must strive for solidarity of purpose and represent the needs of all Native American Indians living within the State of Tennessee.

  4. We agree and acknowledge that we are both representative of and the model for the state-wide Native American Indian community through our individual and collective behavior and actions.

  5. We agree that the principles contained in this Code of Ethics provide valuable guidance in reaching decisions which are governed, ultimately, by the dictates of the individual conscience of the commissioner and his or her commitment to the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  6. We agree that certain of these ethical principles are best expressed as positive statements: actions which should be taken; courses which should be followed; goals which should permeate both public and private conduct. Other principles are expressed as negative statements: actions to be avoided and conduct to be condemned.

Therefore, it is our unique role as commissioners to serve as the stewards and representatives of the Native American Indian community of the State of Tennessee.

It is our sacred honor to protect and promote community and public trust and confidence by our conduct.

As commissioners, we are responsible for the integrity of the commission. Our role demands that these principles must be placed above personal or partisan gain.

Nurturing or protecting our state-wide Native American Indian community is a team effort. Our task requires wisdom, courage, and the desire to remain focused on our vision of the right of Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful to Native Americans despite changes in the dominant society and its laws.

By dedicated adherence to these Principles and Standards of Conduct, we demonstrate loyalty to Self-determination and freedom, pride in our office and a commitment to the service of the state-wide Native American Indian community.

Standards of Conduct for the Commissioners of the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs

    My personal pledge to my office and the state-wide Native American Indian community:

  1. I will properly administer the affairs of my office to the service of the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  2. I will promote decisions which benefit first and foremost the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  3. I will actively promote state-wide Native American Indian community, inter-tribal, inter-governmental, and public confidence in the TCIA.

  4. I will keep safe all funds, records, and other properties of the TCIA.

  5. I will conduct and perform the duties of the office diligently and promptly dispose of the business of the TCIA.

  6. I will maintain a positive image to pass constant state-wide Native American Indian community and public scrutiny.

  7. I will evaluate all decisions so that the best interest of the state-wide Native American Indian community is served without sacrificing or at the cost of cultural and spiritual identity or traditions.

  8. I will maintain exemplary professional decorum in my everyday dealings with other public officials, colleagues, associates, and the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  9. I will maintain a respectful attitude toward other public officials, colleagues, associates, and the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  10. I will strive to work effectively and efficiently with governmental agencies, political subdivisions, Native American, Native American-related, and non-Native American organizations in order to further the interest of the state-wide Native American Indian community.

  11. I will faithfully comply with all laws and regulations applicable to the State of Tennessee and impartially apply them to everyone.

  12. I will not engage in outside interests that are not compatible with the impartial and objective performance of my duties.

  13. I will not improperly influence or attempt to influence other officials to act in my own benefit.

  14. I will not accept anything of value from any source which is offered to influence my action as a commissioner.

  15. I will accept the responsibility that my mission is that of servant and steward to the state-wide Native American Indian community.

TCIA Commissioner Code of Ethics Pledge

    I pledge:

  1. To conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the state-wide Native American Indian community;

  2. To improve my individual competence and advance my knowledge and proficiency to the best of my abilities

  3. To adhere to the articles of the Standard of Conduct and Code of Ethics for the practice of my office as a commissioner of the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs;

  4. To conduct myself in such a way that my speech, acts, and other communications are honest and trustworthy, able to nurture a culture of truth and reliability;

  5. To not accept any financial or other obligation to individuals or organizations which could lead me to act unethically in my duties and responsibilities;

  6. To make impartial choices which do not show favor to any entity;

  7. To recognize my accountability to the community interest regarding the release of information;

  8. To recognize that I am accountable for my decisions and actions.

    Signature ___________________________________________

    Date _______________________________________________

Valerie Ohle, July 1, 2007