Tribal Ties Task Force

1. Whereas the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs has complied with the Joint Government Operations Committee's request to eliminate Rule 0785-1 (state recognition criteria) for the time being; and

2. Whereas the elimination of Rule 0785-1 does not eliminate the presence of unenrolled American Indians/Alaska Natives in Tennessee who may qualify for and deserve enrollment; and

3. Whereas research indicates unenrolled American Indians/Alaska Natives continue to suffer from the historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by enrolled American Indians/Alaska Natives; and

4. Whereas reconciliation with and restoration of families is integral to the process of healing the effects of historical and intergenerational trauma; and

5. Whereas unenrolled American Indians/Alaska Natives are often denied the same rights and privileges as enrolled American Indians/Alaska Natives; and

6. Whereas, should it be passed, the proposed Confederation of Tennessee Native Tribes will not address the recognition needs and issues of unenrolled Indians living in Tennessee whose families have migrated to Tennessee over the past 170 years or who might migrate to Tennessee in the future; and

7. Whereas it is the duty of the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs to promote recognition of, and the right of all Indians to pursue cultural and religious traditions considered by them to be sacred and meaningful to Native Americans;
   Therefore be it resolved
   1. that the Tennessee Commission on Indian Affairs will establish a standing task force to research and work toward developing and funding four in-state resource/community centers where unenrolled descendents can go for assistance in completing necessary enrollment documentation to
      1. Determine eligibility for membership in appropriate federally recognized nations, or
      2. Determine eligibility for individual recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs, or
      3. Determine eligibility for membership in state recognized nations outside Tennessee, and

   2. Be it further resolved that the Tribal Ties Task Force will work cooperatively with other Native American entities within and without the State of Tennessee to ensure the proposed community centers will be developed in a manner that allows accommodation of other programs that benefit American Indians/Alaska Natives living in Tennessee.

      Valerie Ohle, September 21, 2007