CONSTITUTION OF THE OSAGE NATION
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CONSTITUTION OF THE OSAGE NATION
Signed: May 6, 2006
Amended: June 2, 2014, June 6, 2016, March 20, 2017, June 1, 2020,
and June 1, 2024
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
OSAGE NATION
Sixth Edition copy, printed 2024
Westwood Printing
Norman Oklahoma
Ratified: March 11, 2006 Signed: May 6, 2006
Amended: June 2, 2014, June 6, 2016, March 20, 2017,
June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2024
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE:
We the Wah-zha-zhe, known as the Osage People,
having formed as Clans in the far distant past, have been
a People and as a People have walked this earth and
enjoyed the blessings of Wah-kon-tah for more centuries
than we truly know.
Having resolved to live in harmony, we now come
together so that we may once more unite as a Nation and
as a People, calling upon the fundamental values that we
hold sacred: Justice, Fairness, Compassion, Respect for
and Protection of Child, Elder, All Fellow Beings, and Self.
Paying homage to generations of Osage leaders of
the past and present, we give thanks for their wisdom and
courage. Acknowledging our ancient tribal order as the
foundation of our present government, first reformed in the
1881 Constitution of the Osage Nation, we continue our
legacy by again reorganizing our government.
This Constitution, created by Osage People, hereby
grants to every Osage citizen a vote that is equal to all
others and forms a government that is accountable to the
citizens of the Osage Nation.
We, the Osage People, based on centuries of being
a People, now strengthen our government in order to
preserve and perpetuate a full and abundant Osage way
of life that benefits all Osages, living and as yet unborn.
ARTICLE I - TITLE
This tribe shall hereafter be referred to as The Osage Nation, formerly
known as the Osage Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.
ARTICLE II - TERRITORY AND JURISDICTION
Section 1.
Territory:
The territory of the Osage Nation shall include the Osage Reservation,
duly established by the Congress of the United States pursuant to (1) the
Treaty between the United States of America and the Great and Little
Osage Indians, Sept. 29, 1865, 14 Stat. 687; (2) Article 16 of the Treaty
between the United States of America and the Cherokee Nation of
Indians, July 19, 1866, 14 Stat. 799; and (3) the Act of June 5, 1872, ch.
310, 17 Stat. 228 (An Act to Confirm to the Great and Little Osage Indians
a Reservation in the Indian Territory), and all other lands under federallyrestricted status title to which is held by the Nation or the People, or by
the United States in trust on behalf of the Nation or the People, and any
such additional lands as are hereafter acquired and similarly held by the
Nation or the People or by the United States on behalf of the Nation or the
People. Territory is defined as, but is not limited to, air, water, surface,
sub-surface, natural resources and any interest therein, notwithstanding
the issuance of any patent or right of way in fee or otherwise, by the
governments of the United States or the Osage Nation, existing and/or in
the future.
Section 2.
Jurisdiction:
The jurisdiction of the Osage Nation shall extend over all persons,
subjects, property, and over all activities that occur within the territory of
the Osage Nation and over all Osage citizens, subjects, property and
activities outside such territory affecting the rights and laws of the Osage
Nation.
Nothing in this Article shall be construed to limit or impair the ability of the
Osage Nation to exercise its jurisdiction within or without its territory based
upon its inherent sovereign authority as a nation of Osage People.
ARTICLE III - MEMBERSHIP
Section 1.
Base Membership Roll:
The base membership of the Osage Nation shall consist of those persons
whose names appear on the final roll of the Osage tribe of Indians
pursuant to the Act of June 28, 1906 (34 Stat. 539).
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 2.
Qualifications for Membership:
All lineal descendants of those Osages listed on the 1906 Roll have the
right to membership in the Osage Nation, and those enrolled members
shall constitute the citizenry subject to the provisions of this Constitution
and to the laws enacted and regulations approved pursuant to this
Constitution.
Section 3.
Dual Enrollment:
An enrolled member of the Osage Nation can choose to be dually enrolled
as a member of another Indian tribe without forfeiting Osage membership.
Section 4.
Membership Laws:
The Osage Nation Congress shall have the power and is required to
regulate membership and maintain a correct roll of all Osages enrolled as
members of the Osage Nation. The Osage Nation Congress shall enact
laws, not inconsistent with this Constitution, prescribing rules and
regulations governing membership, including application and appeal
procedures, loss of membership, and the adoption of members.
ARTICLE IV - DECLARATION OF RIGHTS
Section 1.
Popular Sovereignty:
All political power is vested in and derived from the Osage People. All
government of right originates with the Osage People, is founded upon
their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the whole.
Section 2.
Self-Government:
The Osage People have the exclusive right of governing themselves as a
free, sovereign, and independent nation as done from time immemorial.
Section 3.
Inalienable Rights of Osage Citizens:
There shall be certain inalienable rights, which shall not be abridged or
denied by any branch/department of the Osage Nation government or by
any official of the government. Furthermore nothing in this Constitution
shall be interpreted in a way that would diminish the rights and privileges
of any person within the jurisdiction of the Osage Nation. The Osage
Nation government in exercising sovereign powers shall not:
A. make or enforce any law prohibiting the free exercise of religion, or
abridging the freedom of speech or the press, or the right of the people
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peaceably to assemble and to petition for redress of grievances;
B. violate the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses,
papers, and effects against unreasonable search and seizures, nor
issue warrants, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or
affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched and
the person or thing to be seized;
C. subject any person for the same offense to be twice put in jeopardy;
D. compel any person in any criminal case to be a witness against himself
or herself;
E. take any private property for a public use that is not fully justified as
being in the best interest of all the people nor take without just
compensation;
F. deny to any person in criminal proceeding the right to a speedy and
public trial, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation,
to be confronted with the witnesses against him or her, to have
compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his or her favor, and at
his or her own expense to have the assistance of counsel for his or
her defense;
G. require excessive bail, impose excessive fines, inflict cruel and
unusual punishments, and in no event impose for conviction of any
offense any penalty or punishment greater than allowed under federal
law;
H. deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of its laws
or deprive any person of liberty or property without due process of law;
I.
pass any bill of attainder or ex post facto law;
J.
deny any person accused of an offense punishable by imprisonment
the right, upon request, to a trial by jury of not less than six persons.
Section 4.
Remedies:
No person shall be entitled to an award of monetary damages, as a form
of relief, in the Osage Trial Court for any violation of these rights; unless
the Osage Nation Congress may by law provide for monetary damages
as a form of relief for such violations, when relief would best serve the
interests of the Osage Nation or that of justice.
Section 5.
Rights of Mineral Royalty Interest Holders:
The Osage Nation Government shall not create any law or ordinance
pertaining to the mineral royalties from the Osage Mineral Estate that acts
in conflict with Federal law and regulations.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
ARTICLE V - DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS OF GOVERNMENT
Section 1.
Governing Powers:
The powers of the government of the Osage Nation shall be vested in
three (3) separate branches: the Legislative, the Executive, and the
Judicial.
Section 2.
Separation of Powers:
The Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of government shall be
separate and distinct and no person or collection of persons, charged with
official duties under one of those branches, shall exercise any power
properly vested in either of the others except as expressly provided in the
Osage Nation Constitution.
Section 3.
Supremacy Clause:
The Osage Nation Constitution shall be the Supreme law for the Osage
Nation over all territory and persons within the jurisdiction of the Osage
Nation.
ARTICLE VI - LEGISLATURE
Section 1.
Legislative Power:
The legislative power of the Osage Nation, except for the initiative and
referendum powers reserved to the People as provided in this
Constitution, is hereby vested in one legislative body to be called the
Osage Nation Congress.
Section 2.
Composition:
The Osage Nation Congress shall be composed of twelve (12)
representatives to be initially elected at large, by qualified Osage voters,
without regard to their district of residency. Nothing within this provision
prohibits the Osage Nation Congress from equitably apportioning districts
for the election of representatives hereafter.
Section 3.
Term of Office:
For the first election under this Constitution, the twelve (12) positions in
the Osage Nation Congress shall be arranged in order to establish a
system of staggered terms of office whereby six (6) representatives shall
be elected to serve a six (6) year term and six (6) representatives shall be
elected to serve a four (4) year term. Thereafter, all members of the Osage
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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Nation Congress shall be elected to four (4) year terms with elections of
half of the positions to be held every two (2) years or biennially
commencing in 2010. All elected and/or appointed officials of the Osage
Nation Congress shall serve until their successors are duly elected and
installed. A person elected to the Osage Nation Congress shall be limited
to five (5) full consecutive terms in office plus any initial partial term fulfilled
as the result of a vacancy.
Section 4.
Qualifications:
Enrolled members of the Osage Nation, who are at least twenty-five (25)
years of age on that date of the election, who have never been convicted
of a felony, are eligible to serve as members of the Osage Nation
Congress.
Section 5.
Disqualifications:
No member of the Osage Nation Congress shall hold any other tribal office
or position of profit under the Osage Nation during the term for which the
member is elected or appointed. No member of the Osage Nation
Congress shall hold any other tribal office under another Indian nation
during his or her term of office. A person shall be disqualified to hold a
position as a member of Congress after serving five (5) full terms in that
position, plus any initial partial term fulfilled as the result of a vacancy. The
Osage Nation Congress may prescribe further disqualifications.
Section 6.
Vacancies:
Any vacancy in the Osage Nation Congress shall be filled for the
unexpired term in such manner as may be provided by law, or, if no
provision be made by law, by appointment of the Principal Chief for the
balance of the term.
Section 7.
Compensation:
The annual salary and expense allowance of members of the Osage
Nation Congress shall be fixed at the first session of the legislature held
after the Osage Nation Constitution takes effect. Presiding officers may
receive increased compensation for their duties. Compensation may be
increased or decreased by law from time to time thereafter, but no
increase or decrease shall be effective until the legislative year following
the next general election for members of the Osage Nation Congress.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 8.
Election of Officers:
The Osage Nation Congress shall select from amongst its members a
Speaker, who shall be the Presiding Officer, and such other officers as
deemed necessary. The Speaker and other duly elected officers may vote
on all matters before the Osage Nation Congress.
Section 9.
Quorum:
The presence of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the whole number of the
members of the Congress shall be necessary to constitute a meeting of
the congressional house for the exercise of its powers.
Section 10.
Sessions:
The Osage Nation Congress shall convene twice annually in regular
session, so that six (6) months shall not intervene between the last sitting
of the Congress and its first sitting in the next session. Regular sessions
shall convene on such day and at such time as the Osage Nation
Congress shall determine by law.
The first regular congressional session of each year shall be titled the
Hun-kah Session and the second regular congressional session of the
year shall be titled the Tzi-sho Session. This schedule shall be in honor of
the ancient moiety division of Earth and Sky and serves to remind all
Osages of the responsibility to bring balance and harmony to the Nation.
At the written request of two-thirds (2/3) of the members, the Speaker shall
convene the Osage Nation Congress in special session. The Principal
Chief may convene the Osage Nation Congress in special session.
Regular sessions shall be limited to a period of twenty-four (24) days, and
special sessions shall be limited to a period of ten (10) days. Any session
may be extended a total of not more than three (3) days. Such extension
shall be granted by the Speaker of the House at the written request of twothirds (2/3) of the members or may be granted by the Principal Chief.
The Osage Nation Congress shall not adjourn during any session of the
legislature for more than three (3) days, Sundays excepted, or to any other
place.
The Osage Nation Congress may only meet in the interim, the period of
time between two sessions, by Interim Committee(s) to study a particular
subject or subjects in order to make recommendations to the next regular
session of the legislature.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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Section 11.
Rules of Procedure:
The Osage Nation Congress shall adopt uniform rules of procedure for
conducting the business of the Congress. The Osage Nation Congress
shall keep and publish a journal of its proceedings and the yeas and nays,
when taken on any question, shall be entered in the journals. A member
may be expelled from the floor for disorderly or contemptuous behavior by
a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the Osage Nation Congress
present.
Section 12.
Enactment of Laws:
The Osage Nation Congress shall establish the procedure for enactment
of bills into law. No laws shall be made except by statute and no statute
shall be enacted except by bill. No bill shall be passed without the
concurrence of a majority of the members of the Osage Nation Congress.
Each law shall embrace but one subject, which shall be expressed in its
title. The enacting clause of each law of the Osage Nation shall be: “Be it
enacted by the Congress of the Osage Nation.” Every bill that has passed
by an affirmative majority vote shall be signed by the presiding officer of
the Osage Nation Congress to certify that the procedural requirements for
passage have been met and shall be presented forthwith to the Principal
Chief for approval.
Section 13.
Special Requirements for the Amendment of Laws to Protect Assets:
When a law requires an affirmative supermajority to access Osage Nation
assets, the number of votes needed to lower the supermajority
requirement shall be equal to or greater than the supermajority threshold
established in the law.
Section 14.
Presentation of Bills to Principal Chief; Veto:
Every bill passed in conformity to the rules of the Osage Nation Congress
shall be presented to the Principal Chief. If approved, the Principal Chief
shall sign it and notify the Congress of that fact. If a bill is vetoed by the
Principal Chief, it shall be returned with objections to the Osage Nation
Congress. The objections shall be entered in the journal. If, after
reconsideration, at least three-fourths (3/4) or nine (9) members of
Congress vote to pass the bill, it shall become law. Any bill not returned
by the Principal Chief within five (5) days, Sundays and holidays
excepted, after it is presented becomes a law as if signed by the Principal
Chief. Any bill passed during the last three (3) days of a session may be
presented to the Principal Chief during the three (3) days following the day
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
of final adjournment, and the Principal Chief may sign or not sign. If not
signed, the bill does not become law.
If a bill presented to the Principal Chief contains several items of
appropriation of money, he may veto one or more of the items while
approving the bill. At the time the bill is signed, the Principal Chief shall
append to it a statement of the items vetoed, and the vetoed items shall
not take effect. If the legislature is in session, he shall transmit to
Congress a copy of the statement, and the items vetoed shall be
separately reconsidered. If on reconsideration, any item is approved by
three-fourths (3/4) of the members elected to Congress, it is a part of the
law notwithstanding the objections.
Laws passed by the legislature become effective sixty (60) days after
enactment. The Osage Nation Congress may, by concurrence of twothirds (2/3) of the membership, provide for another effective date.
Section 15.
Presentation of Orders, Resolutions, and Votes to Principal Chief:
Each order, resolution or vote, except such as relate to the business or
adjournment of the legislature, shall be presented to the Principal Chief
and is subject to a veto with an override provision.
Section 16.
Necessary Laws:
The Osage Nation Congress shall pass all laws necessary to carry into
effect the provisions of the Osage Nation Constitution.
Section 17.
Disclosure of Private Interest:
A member of the Osage Nation Congress who has a personal or private
interest in any measure or bill, proposed or pending before the legislature,
shall disclose the fact and shall not vote thereon.
Section 18.
Power of Removal:
The Osage Congress shall have the power to remove elected and
appointed officials of the Osage Nation, and said removal must be
conducted in accordance with Article XII of the Osage Nation Constitution.
Section 19.
Public Proceedings:
All proceedings of the Osage Nation Congress shall be open and public,
except in cases that require confidentiality. In such cases, an Executive
Session may be convened when duly voted upon in an open meeting.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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Section 20.
Executive Sessions:
The Osage Nation Congress shall establish procedures to convene an
Executive Session of its own members.
Section 21.
Legislative Accountability:
To assist the Osage People in holding their Legislature accountable, at
the convening of each regular session of the Osage Nation Congress, the
Speaker shall report the legislative priorities of Congress for said session
and, at the close of each regular session, report the action taken by
Congress.
Section 22.
Legislative Committees, Commissions, etc.:
The Osage Nation Congress may establish and appoint any subordinate
commission, committee or other body. Members of the Osage Nation
Congress may be appointed to serve on any such body, excepting any
and all Tribal Enterprise Boards.
Section 23.
Merit Based Employment System:
The Osage Nation Congress shall establish a system under which the
merit principle will govern the employment of persons by the Osage Nation
excluding executive staff and other appointed positions serving at the will
of the Office of the Principal Chief as described in Article VII, Section 14.
The Congress shall include, within the merit principal system, a grievance
procedure which must be exhausted before seeking review in the Trial
Court. The Congress shall establish laws that define and limit nepotism in
tribal government and Tribal Enterprise Board employment.
Section 24.
Annual Budget:
The Osage Nation Congress shall enact, by law, an annual expenditure
of funds which shall include an appropriation of operating funds for each
branch of the government for each fiscal year. The annual budget of the
Osage Nation shall be governed by the principles of transparency and
accountability, and the budgetary process encompassing those principles
shall be set forth in Osage law. The annual budget shall not exceed
projected revenues.
Section 25.
Legislative Referendum:
The Osage Nation Congress and/or its delegate(s) may voluntarily refer
proposed measures to the Osage People for final approval or rejection.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
The veto power of the Principal Chief shall not extend to measures voted
on by the Osage People.
ARTICLE VII - EXECUTIVE
Section 1.
Supreme Executive Power:
The supreme executive power of the Osage Nation is hereby vested in a
Principal Chief, who shall be titled “Principal Chief of the Osage Nation”,
and whose Osage title shall be “Ki-he-kah Dto-dah-ha.” These titles shall
be reserved exclusively to this office. The Principal Chief shall dutifully
support the Constitution and laws of the Osage Nation and shall see that
the laws are faithfully executed, administered and enforced.
Section 2.
Term of Office:
The Principal Chief shall be elected by qualified Osage voters at a general
election to a term of four (4) years and shall serve until a successor has
been elected and installed. The Principal Chief shall be elected by a
majority of votes. A person elected to the Office of Principal Chief shall be
limited to five (5) full terms in office plus any initial partial term fulfilled as
the result of a vacancy.
Section 3.
Qualifications:
Enrolled members of the Osage Nation, who are at least thirty-five (35)
years of age on that date of the election, who have never been convicted
of a felony, are eligible to become a candidate for the office of Principal
Chief of the Osage Nation.
Section 4.
Disqualifications:
The Principal Chief shall not hold any other office or position of profit under
the Osage Nation nor hold any office, be it elected or appointed, under
any other tribal government or state, county or federal government. A
person shall be disqualified to hold the Office of Principal Chief after
serving five (5) full terms in that position, plus any initial partial term
fulfilled as the result of a vacancy.
Section 5.
Composition:
The executive branch shall consist of the elected offices of Principal Chief
and Assistant Principal Chief, and all other administrative offices,
departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Osage Nation
including, but not limited to, public trusts, boards, village committees,
authorities, and commissions.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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Section 6.
Office of Assistant Principal Chief:
There shall be an Assistant Principal Chief, whose Osage title shall be “Kihe-kah O-wah-ta,” who shall have the same qualifications as the Principal
Chief and serve for the same term and in the same manner. These titles
shall be reserved exclusively to this office. The Assistant Principal Chief
shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by Osage law and as may
be delegated by the Principal Chief. The Assistant Principal Chief, shall,
by virtue of his office, be an ex officio member of the Osage Nation
Congress and shall have a right, when in committee of the whole, to join
in debate; and, whenever the legislature shall be equally divided, the
Assistant Principal Chief shall cast the deciding vote.
Section 7.
Acting Principal Chief:
The Assistant Principal Chief shall serve in the temporary absence of the
Principal Chief and when serving will have all the privileges, duties and
powers of that office.
Section 8.
Vacancies; Absences:
In the event of a vacancy to the office of Principal Chief for any reason,
the Assistant Principal Chief shall succeed to the office for the remaining
portion of the four (4) year term to which the Principal Chief was elected.
In the event of a vacancy to the office of Assistant Principal Chief for any
reason, the Principal Chief shall appoint a successor to serve for the
balance of the term, by and with the advice and consent of the Osage
Nation Congress.
Whenever for a period of six (6) months, the Principal Chief has been
continuously absent from office or unable to discharge the duties of the
office by reason of mental or physical disability, the office shall be deemed
vacant. The procedures for determining absence and disability shall be
prescribed by Osage law.
Section 9.
Further Succession:
Provision shall be made by Osage law for succession to the office of
Principal Chief and for an acting Principal Chief in the event that the
Assistant Principal Chief is unable to succeed to the office or act as
Principal Chief. In the event that the Assistant Principal Chief is unable to
succeed to the office or act as Principal Chief the Speaker of the Congress
shall act as Principal Chief.
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Section 10.
Compensation:
The annual salary and expense allowance for the offices of Principal Chief
and Assistant Principal Chief shall be prescribed by Osage law and shall
not be increased or diminished during that term of office.
Section 11.
Veto:
The Principal Chief may veto bills by the Osage Nation Congress. The
Principal Chief may, by veto, strike or reduce items in appropriation bills.
The Principal Chief shall return any vetoed bills, with a statement of the
objection(s), to the Osage Nation Congress.
Section 12.
Communicate with Legislature; Convene Legislature:
The Principal Chief shall communicate to the Osage Nation Congress, by
message at the opening of each regular session and at such other times
as may be deemed necessary, the condition of the Nation, and shall in
like manner recommend such measures as may be deemed desirable.
The Principal Chief may convene the legislature by proclamation, and
shall state when assembled, the purpose for which they shall have been
convened in a special session whenever the Osage People’s interest shall
require.
Section 13.
Establish Department of the Treasury:
There shall be established, by Osage law, a Department of the Treasury
in the Executive Branch and the Principal Chief shall appoint a Treasurer
to act as the Chief Financial Officer and administer fiscal policy and
ensure financial accountability of the Osage Nation, by and with the advice
and consent of the Osage Nation Congress. The powers and duties of the
Treasurer of the Osage Nation shall be prescribed by the Osage Nation
Congress and will include the mandate that an annual financial statement
for the Osage Nation government be audited by a Certified Public
Accountant approved by the Congress or by committee of the Congress
and presented to the Congress in a timely manner. The Treasurer shall
accept, receipt for, keep and safeguard all tribal funds as directed by the
Congress and shall maintain and provide an accurate record of such tribal
funds.
Section 14.
Tribal Enterprise Boards:
There shall be established, by Osage law, a Tribal Enterprise Board(s) in
the Executive Branch, and the Principal Chief shall appoint qualified
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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professionals to oversee operations of Osage Nation business
enterprises, by and with the advice and consent of the Osage Nation
Congress. The Osage Nation Congress shall reserve the right to review
any action taken by the Board, and may approve the Annual Plan of
Operation for the coming year. No Osage Nation elected official may be
appointed to such Board.
Section 15.
Appointments:
The Principal Chief may appoint executive staff, in accordance with the
budget approved by the Congress. The Principal Chief shall also appoint,
subject to advice and consent by the Osage Nation Congress, the
members of each board, commission or other instrumentality in the
executive branch whose election or appointment is not provided by this
constitution or by law. All appointees shall serve at the pleasure of the
Principal Chief and shall be exempt employees, not subject to the Merit
System established at Article VI, Section 22.
Should the legislature be in regular session, the Principal Chief shall
submit for confirmation the name of an appointee within forty-eight (48)
hours after the appointment is made. Failure of the Osage Nation
Congress to confirm the appointment, prior to the end of the session, shall
constitute rejection.
If the legislature is not in regular session, the Principal Chief may make
interim appointments, which may be confirmed or rejected in a special
session. Interim appointments that are not confirmed or rejected in a
special session shall expire at the end of the next regular session unless
submitted to and confirmed by the Osage Nation Congress during that
session.
A person not confirmed by the Osage Nation Congress shall not be
appointed to the same office during any recess of the legislature.
Section 16.
Removal Power:
The Principal Chief may remove from office a person appointed by the
Principal Chief’s office, except a person appointed for a term fixed by this
Constitution or by Osage law. Removal shall be conducted in accordance
with Article XII of the Osage Nation Constitution. If the legislature is not in
session when the Principal Chief desires to remove an officer, the
Principal Chief shall call a special session for consideration of the
proposed removal. The session may not exceed two days in duration.
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Section 17.
Offices and Records of Executive Officers:
The Principal Chief, Treasurer and other Executive Officers shall keep the
public records, books and papers at the seat of government in a manner
relating to their respective offices as prescribed by Osage law.
Section 18.
Seal of the Osage Nation:
There shall be a seal of the Osage Nation which shall be officially used by
the Principal Chief and shall be called the Great Seal of the Osage Nation.
ARTICLE VIII - JUDICIARY
Section 1.
Judicial Powers:
The Judicial powers of the Osage Nation are hereby vested in one
Supreme Court, in a lower Trial Court and in such inferior Courts as the
Osage Nation Congress may ordain and establish for the development,
maintenance and administration of the Tribal Justice System. The judicial
branch shall be responsible for interpreting the laws of the Osage Nation
and its powers will include, but not necessarily be limited to, the trial and
adjudication of certain civil and criminal matters, the redress of
grievances, the resolution of disputes and judicial review of certain
holdings and decisions of administrative agencies and of the Trial Court.
Section 2.
Appellate Jurisdiction:
The appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court may extend to all cases
of law and equity. The Supreme Court, by appropriate order, may hear
appeals, compel inferior Courts or their officials to act in accordance with
the law, and exercise such other jurisdiction as may be conferred by
statute. The Supreme Court shall promulgate rules and procedures
relating to original and appellate jurisdiction. Decisions of the Supreme
Court shall be published and indexed and shall be final.
Section 3.
Composition of Supreme Court; Qualifications:
The Supreme Court shall consist of one Chief Justice and two Associate
Justices. Any member of the Osage Nation, who is at least forty (40) years
of age and duly licensed to practice law for no less than ten (10) years, is
eligible for the office of Chief Justice. Anyone duly licensed to practice law
for no less than five (5) years, is eligible for the office of Associate Justice.
The Justices shall serve until their successors are duly appointed and
installed.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
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Section 4.
Disqualification:
Judicial officers shall not hold any other office or position of profit under
the Osage Nation. A person shall be disqualified to hold the position of
Justice or Chief Judge after serving five (5) terms in that position, plus any
initial partial term fulfilled as the result of a vacancy.
Section 5.
Jurisdiction of Trial Court:
The Trial Court shall have original jurisdiction, not otherwise reserved to
the Supreme Court, over all cases and controversies arising under the
Constitution, laws, and customs and traditions of the Osage Nation. Any
such case or controversy arising within the jurisdiction of the Osage
Nation shall be filed in Trial Court before it is filed in any other court, unless
otherwise provided in this Constitution. This grant of jurisdiction by the
Osage People shall not be construed to be a waiver of the Osage Nation’s
sovereign immunity.
Section 6.
Composition of Trial Court; Qualifications:
The Trial Court shall consist of one Chief Judge and, as deemed
necessary and appropriate, additional Associate Judges. Any member of
the Osage Nation, duly licensed to practice law for no less than five (5)
years, is eligible for the office of Chief Judge.
Section 7.
Appointment of Chief Justice, Associate Justices and Chief Judge:
The Principal Chief shall appoint the Chief Justice and Associate Justices
of the Osage Nation Supreme Court, as well as the Chief Judge of the
Trial Court, by and with the advice and consent of the Osage Nation
Congress. After serving one term of four (4) years, each will stand for
retention by a vote of the qualified Osage electors and at the expiration of
each four (4) year term thereafter until term limited. A person appointed
and confirmed as a Justice of Chief Judge shall be limited to five (5) full
terms in office in that position, plus any initial partial term fulfilled as the
result of a vacancy.
Section 8.
Appointment of Associate Judges:
Once appointed and installed, the Chief Justice and Chief Trial Court
Judge may jointly appoint such subordinate judges as are necessary and
proper to carry into effect matters in which the Judicial Department is
empowered to act now or in the future.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 9.
Conflict of Interest:
Any Justice or Judge of the Osage Nation who appears to have a direct
personal or financial interest in any matter before the judiciary shall recuse
himself/herself. Any party who believes that a Judge or Justice may have
a personal or financial interest in the issues before the court, may
challenge the participation of that Judge or Justice.
Section 10.
Compensation:
Supreme Court Justices and Trial Court Judges shall be reasonably
compensated. No increase or decrease in compensation shall take effect
until after the next General election or appointment to that office.
Section 11.
Administration:
The Chief Justice of the Osage Nation Supreme Court shall be
responsible for the budget and the administration of all courts.
ARTICLE IX - OATH OF OFFICE
All elected and appointed officers of the Osage Nation, before entering
upon the duties of their offices, shall take and subscribe to the following
oath or affirmation:
“I,
(name)
,do proudly swear (or affirm) to carry out
the responsibilities of the office of (name of office)
to
the best of my ability, freely acknowledging that the powers of this office
flow from the Osage People and Wah-Kon-Tah. I further swear (or affirm)
always to place the interest of all Osages above any special or personal
interests, and to respect the right of future generations to share the rich
historic and natural heritage of our Osage People. In doing so, I will
always uphold and defend the Constitution of the Osage Nation, so help
me God.”
The foregoing oath shall be administered by a member of the Osage
Nation Judiciary.
ARTICLE X - CODE OF ETHICS
Section 1.
Purpose:
Recognizing the desire of the Osage people to establish a government
that is fair and equitable to all people; elected or appointed tribal officials
and employees of the Osage Nation, putting aside their personal or private
interest, shall strive for the common good of the Osage People and shall
administrate fair and equal treatment of all persons, claims, and
transactions petitioning before the Osage Nation Government.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
16
Section 2.
Compliance with Law and Regulations:
In the performance of their duties, all officials and employees of the Osage
Nation shall comply with all laws and regulations of the Osage Nation not
in conflict with this Constitution.
Section 3.
The Conduct of Tribal Officials and Employees:
All tribal officials and employees of the Osage Nation shall avoid even the
appearance of impropriety in the performance of their duties.
Officials and employees shall refrain from abusive conduct, personal
charges, or verbal affronts upon the character, motives, or intents of other
officials or Osage citizens.
Tribal officials and employees shall not hinder or obstruct the proper
administration of the Osage Nation government in the administration of
their duties.
Section 4.
Conflicts of Interest:
In order to assure independence and impartiality, tribal officials and
employees are prohibited from using public positions to influence or
otherwise effect government decisions for personal gain. Tribal officials
and employees shall fully and in a timely manner disclose any conflicts,
real or apparent, that might be seen to influence their judgment in the
performance of their duties. Tribal officials and employees shall abstain
from participation in deliberations or decision-making where any conflicts
are deemed to exist.
Section 5.
Gifts and Public Favor:
Tribal officials and employees shall not accept any special advantage of
services or opportunities for personal gain, by virtue of public office, that
is not available to the Osage People. Tribal officials and employees shall
not accept any gift, favor, or promise of future benefit for themselves or
their relatives in exchange for preferential treatment.
Section 6.
Use of Tribal Resources:
Tribal officials and employees shall refrain from the use of tribal resources
when not acting in an official capacity.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 7.
Advocacy:
All official delegates of the Osage Nation shall accurately represent the
official policies and positions of the Osage Nation government to the best
of their abilities. When called upon to provide their own individual opinions
or positions, all such delegates shall state explicitly that such information
is not representative of the position of any administrative body within the
Osage Nation government and shall not allow such an inference to occur.
Section 8.
Independence of Boards and Commissions:
Tribal officials and employees shall refrain from using tribal positions to
improperly influence the deliberations, administrations, or decisions of
established board or commission proceedings.
Section 9.
Political Subdivisions:
The Osage Nation Code of Ethics shall be applicable to all political
subdivisions of the Osage Nation including members of the boards,
commissions and other bodies.
Section 10.
Provisions for Violations:
The Osage Nation Congress shall enact provisions for violations of the
above stated code.
ARTICLE XI - CITIZEN INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
Section 1.
Citizen Initiative and Referendum:
The Osage People may propose and enact laws by the initiative or reject
acts of the Osage Nation Congress by the referendum.
Section 2.
Application of Initiative, Referendum or Recall:
An initiative or referendum is proposed by an application containing the
bill to be initiated or the act to be referred. The application shall be signed
by not less than (100) one hundred qualified Osage voters as sponsors
and shall be filed with the person authorized by Osage law to receive the
same. The application shall be certified, if found in proper form. Denial of
certification shall be subject to judicial review.
Section 3.
Petition for Initiative or Referendum:
After certification of the application, a petition containing a summary of the
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
18
subject matter shall be prepared by the person authorized by Osage law
to do so for circulation by the sponsors. If signed by qualified Osage voters
who are equal in number to at least (15) fifteen percent of the electorate,
it may be filed.
Section 4.
Initiative Election:
An initiative petition may be filed at any time. The person authorized by
Osage law to do so shall prepare a ballot title and proposition summarizing
the proposed law, and shall place them on the ballot for the first election
held after adjournment of the legislative session following the filing. If,
before the election, substantially the same measure has been enacted,
the petition is void.
Section 5.
Referendum Election:
A referendum petition may be filed only within ninety (90) days after
adjournment of the legislative session at which the act was passed. The
person authorized by Osage law to do so shall prepare a ballot title and
proposition summarizing the act and shall place them on the ballot for the
first election held after adjournment of that session.
Section 6.
Enactment and Rejection:
If a majority of the votes cast on the proposition favor its adoption, the
initiated measure is enacted. If a majority of the votes cast on the
proposition favor the rejection of an act referred, it is rejected. The person
authorized by Osage law to do so shall certify the election returns. An
initiated law becomes effective ninety (90) days after certification, is not
subject to veto by the Principal Chief, and may not be repealed by the
Osage Nation Congress within two (2) years of its effective date. It may
be amended at any time. An act rejected by referendum is void thirty (30)
days after certification. Additional procedures for the initiative and
referendum may be prescribed by Osage law.
Section 7.
Restrictions:
The initiative shall not be used to dedicate revenues, make or repeal
appropriations, create courts, define the jurisdiction of courts or prescribe
their rules, or enact local or special legislation. The referendum shall not
be applied to dedications of revenue, to appropriations, or to laws
necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or
safety of the Osage People. No article, section, or provision of the Osage
Nation Constitution shall be amended except as provided in Article XX of
this Constitution.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 8.
Recall:
All elected and/or appointed officials of the Osage Nation are subject to
recall by the qualified Osage voters. The grounds for recall of a judicial
officer shall be established by the Osage Nation Supreme Court. The
grounds for recall of an officer other than a judge are serious malfeasance
or nonfeasance, during the term of office, in the performance of the duties
of the office or a conviction, during the term of office, of a felony or
conviction of a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. After certification
of the Application, as set forth in Section 2 of this Article, a petition for
recall shall be prepared by the person authorized by Osage law to do so
and the petition shall set forth the specific conduct that may warrant recall.
A recall petition may not be issued for circulation by the sponsors until the
Osage Nation Supreme Court has determined that the facts alleged in the
petition are true and are sufficient grounds for issuing a recall petition. A
recall petition must be signed by qualified Osage voters who are equal in
number to at least fifteen (15) percent of the electorate. Upon a
determination by the person authorized by Osage law to so determine that
a petition has been signed by at least the minimum number of eligible
voters, a recall election must be conducted in the manner provided by
Osage law. The incumbent shall continue to perform the duties of the
office until the recall election results are officially declared and, unless the
incumbent declines or no longer qualifies, the incumbent shall without
filing be deemed to have filed for the recall election. A recall election may
not occur less than six (6) months before the end of the officer’s term. An
officer who is removed from office by a recall election or who resigns from
office after a petition for recall issues may not be appointed to fill the
vacancy that is created. Additional procedures and grounds for recall may
be prescribed by the Osage Nation Congress.
ARTICLE XII - REMOVAL
Section 1.
Grounds for Removal:
All elected and appointed officers of the Osage Nation shall be subject to
removal from office for cause, including but not limited to willful neglect of
duty, malfeasance in office, habitual abuse of alcohol or drugs, inability to
meet qualifications to serve, conviction of a felony or conviction of a
misdemeanor involving moral turpitude while in office.
Section 2.
Rules and Procedures:
Removal of Osage Nation Officers shall originate in the Osage Nation
Congress, except as otherwise provided in the Osage Nation Constitution.
The motion for removal shall list fully the basis for the proceeding and
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
20
must be approved by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members. Trial on
removal shall then be conducted by the Osage Nation Congress with the
accused afforded due process and an opportunity to be heard. An Osage
Nation Supreme Court Justice, designated by the Supreme Court, shall
preside at the trial. Concurrence of five-sixths (5/6) of the members of the
Osage Nation Congress is required for a judgment of removal. The
judgment shall not extend further than to removal from office and
disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit in the
Osage Nation, but shall not prevent proceedings in the courts on the same
or related charges.
The Osage Nation Congress may prescribe additional rules and
procedures that are necessary to implement the provisions of this Article.
ARTICLE XIII - SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS
Section 1.
Qualified Voters:
All enrolled members of the Osage Nation who shall have attained the
age of eighteen 18 years and are registered to vote as provided by Osage
law shall be qualified to vote under the authority of this Constitution.
Section 2.
Election Code:
The Osage Nation Congress shall enact an election code governing all
necessary election procedures.
Section 3.
Election Board:
The Osage Nation Congress shall enact a law creating an Election Board
that shall be charged with conducting both General and Special Elections.
Section 4.
General Elections:
General Elections shall be held on the first Monday in June commencing
in 2006 and next in 2010 and every even numbered year thereafter.
Section 5.
Special Elections:
Special Elections may be held as provided by Osage law. Special
Elections shall provide ample notice to Osage voters as provided by
Osage law.
Section 6.
Contested Elections:
Contested elections shall be determined by a Trial Court of the Osage
Nation in such manner as shall be prescribed by Osage law.
21
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
Section 7.
Secret Ballots:
All elections shall be conducted by secret ballot, and a majority of the
votes cast shall determine the action or result thereon unless otherwise
provided by this Constitution or Osage law.
ARTICLE XIV - VILLAGES
Section 1.
Recognized Villages:
The recognized villages of the Osage Nation are: (a) the Grayhorse Indian
Village, (b) the Pawhuska Indian Village, and (c) the Hominy Indian
Village.
The Osage Nation Congress recognizes and respects that each village
has its own traditions, customs, and history.
Section 2.
Reserved Status:
The Grayhorse Indian Village, the Pawhuska Indian Village and the
Hominy Indian Village shall be reserved exclusively for the use and benefit
of the Osage Indians pursuant to the act of June 28, 1906 (34 Stat. 539),
as amended by the act of June 24, 1938 (52 Stat. 1034).
Section 3.
Governance:
The laws enacted by the Osage Nation Congress apply with equal force
to all territory located within the jurisdiction of the Nation, including the
three villages, and to the extent any action taken by a village is
inconsistent with the laws of the Nation, such action shall be deemed void.
ARTICLE XV - NATURAL RESOURCES & MINERALS MANAGEMENT
Section 1.
General Authority:
The legislature of the Osage Nation shall provide for the utilization,
development and conservation of all natural resources within the territory
of the Nation for the maximum benefit of the Osage People.
Section 2.
Osage Mineral Estate:
The oil, gas, coal, and/or other minerals within the boundaries of the
Osage Reservation are hereby reserved to the Osage Nation pursuant to
the Act of June 28, 1906, (34 Stat. 539), as amended, and is hereby
designated the Osage Mineral Estate.
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
22
Section 3.
Osage Mineral Royalties:
The right to income from mineral royalties shall be respected and
protected by the Osage Nation through the Osage Minerals Council
formerly known as the Osage Tribal Council and composed of eight (8)
members elected by the mineral royalty interest holders.
Section 4.
Management of the Osage Mineral Estate:
The Mineral Estate of the Osage Reservation is reserved to the Osage
Nation. The government of the Osage Nation shall have the perpetual
obligation to ensure the preservation of the Osage Mineral Estate. The
government shall further ensure the rights of mineral royalty interest
holders of Osage descent, as set forth in the Osage Allotment Act of June
28, 1906, as amended, to income derived from the Mineral Estate are
protected.
To discharge those obligations, the Osage Nation hereby creates a
minerals management agency, designated the Osage Minerals Council,
consisting of members of the Osage Nation who are entitled to receive
mineral royalty income from the Osage Mineral Estate, as provided by
federal law. Only Osage mineral royalty interest holders shall be entitled
to vote in electing the Osage Minerals Council.
The Osage Minerals Council is recognized by the Osage Nation
government as an independent agency within the Osage Nation
established for the sole purpose of continuing its previous duties to
administer and develop the Osage Mineral Estate in accordance with the
Osage Allotment Act of June 28, 1906, as amended, with no legislative
authority for the Osage Nation government. As an independent agency
within the Osage Nation, the Osage Minerals Council may promulgate its
own rules and regulations as long as such rules and regulations are not
inconsistent with the laws neither of the Osage Nation nor with the rules
and regulations established by the United States Congress in the 1906
Allotment Act.
The Osage Minerals Council shall have the power to consider and
approve leases and to propose other forms of development of the Osage
Mineral Estate. Mineral leases approved and executed by the Council
shall be deemed approved by the Osage Nation unless, within five (5)
working days, written objection is received from the Office of the Principal
Chief that the executed lease or other development activity violates
Osage law or regulation. Any dispute that arises through this process may
be heard before the Supreme Court of the Osage Nation Judiciary.
All leases or other forms of agreement for development of the Osage
Mineral Estate shall comply with applicable federal law and all laws and
regulations of the Osage Nation. The Osage Minerals Council shall
23
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
exercise the administrative authority delegated under this Constitution,
the laws of the Osage Nation, and as permitted by federal law.
Section 5.
Preservation of Hunting and Fishing:
Hunting and fishing and the taking of game and fish are a valued part of
our heritage that shall be forever preserved for the Osage People and
shall be managed by Osage law and regulation for the public good.
ARTICLE XVI - OSAGE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE
Section 1.
Preservation of Linguistic and Cultural Lifeways:
The Osage People have the inherent right to preserve and foster their
historic linguistic and cultural lifeways.
The Osage Nation shall protect and promote the language, culture and
traditional ways of the Osage People.
ARTICLE XVII - OSAGE HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
Section 1.
Health Care:
The Osage Nation shall provide for the protection and advancement of a
health care system for the Osage People by the ongoing development of
services for the treatment, management and prevention of illnesses and
chronic diseases, and of services that promote mental and physical wellbeing.
Section 2.
Care of the Elders:
The Osage Nation shall provide for the security of Osage elders by
establishing and promoting programs to contribute to their economic,
physical, and social well-being.
Section 3.
Care of Our Children:
The Osage Nation shall provide for the care and safety of Osage children
by establishing and promoting programs that contribute to protecting,
nurturing, and developing the minds, bodies and spirits of our children.
Section 4.
Education:
The education of Osage People is recognized as being essential to
building a prosperous and self-determining society. The Osage Nation
shall protect and promote education by providing for and supporting a
system of high quality early childhood learning programs for its children,
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
24
advocating on behalf of Osage students for improvements in the public
elementary and secondary school systems within the Osage Reservation
through intergovernmental agreements, and developing effective tribal
education programs that allow Osage students to obtain the skills and
resources necessary for a post-secondary education.
ARTICLE XVIII - RESERVED POWERS
The powers enumerated in this Constitution are not exclusive, and the
remaining sovereign powers of the Osage Nation are reserved to the
Osage People. Adoption of this Constitution does not constitute an
agreement on the part of the Osage Nation to limit the exercise by the
Osage Nation of any right or power it may otherwise be entitled to
exercise.
ARTICLE XIX - SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY
Section 1.
Immunity of Osage Nation from Suit:
As a sovereign Indian nation, the Osage Nation and all administrative
offices, departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Osage
Nation shall be immune from suit or process in any forum except to the
extent that the Osage Nation Congress expressly waives its sovereign
immunity. The Osage Nation’s sovereign immunity shall extend to
officials and employees of the Osage Nation when acting within the
scope of their duties and authority.
ARTICLE XX - AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION
Section 1.
Amendment by Legislature:
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by the Osage Nation
Congress. Proposed amendments agreed to by five-sixths (5/6) of the
members in Congress shall be put before the Osage People for their
approval or rejection at the next general election, except when the
legislature shall order a special election for that purpose.
If at least sixty-five percent (65%) of Osage electors voting on a
proposed amendment approve the same, it shall become part of the
Constitution and shall abrogate or amend existing provisions of the
Constitution at the end of thirty (30) days after the date of the election
at which it was approved.
Section 2.
Amendment by Petition:
Amendments may be proposed to this Constitution by petition of the
qualified electors of the Osage Nation. Every petition shall include the
full text of the proposed amendment, and be signed by qualified electors
25
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
of the Osage Nation equal in number to at least twenty-five (25%)
percent of the electorate. Such petitions shall be filed with the person
authorized by law to receive the same at least ninety (90) days before
the election at which the proposed amendment is to be voted upon. Any
such petition shall be in the form, and shall be signed and circulated in
such manner, as prescribed by Osage law.
The person authorized by law to receive such petition shall upon its
receipt determine, as provided by law, the validity and sufficiency of the
signatures on the petition, and make an official announcement thereof
at least sixty (60) days prior to the election at which the proposed
amendment is to be voted upon.
Any amendment proposed by such petition shall be submitted, not less
than ninety (90) days after it was filed, to the Osage electors at the next
general election. Such proposed amendment, existing provisions of the
Constitution which would be altered or abrogated thereby, and the
question as it shall appear on the ballot shall be published in full as
provided by Osage law. Copies of such publication shall be prominently
posted in each polling place, at tribal administration offices, and
furnished to news media as provided by Osage law.
The ballot to be used in such election shall contain a statement of the
purpose of the proposed amendment, expressed in not more than one
hundred (100) words, exclusive of caption. Such statement of purpose
and caption shall be prepared by the person who is so authorized by
Osage law, and shall consist of a true and impartial statement of the
purpose of the amendment in such language as shall create no
prejudice for or against the proposed amendment.
If the proposed amendment is approved by sixty-five percent (65%) of
the electors voting on the question, it shall become part of the Osage
Constitution, and shall abrogate or amend existing provisions of the
Constitution at the end of thirty (30) days after the date of the election
at which it was approved. If two or more amendments approved by the
electors at the same election conflict, that amendment receiving the
highest affirmative vote shall prevail.
Section 3.
No Veto Power:
No proposal for amendment of the Osage Nation Constitution adopted
in either manner provided by this article shall be subject to veto by the
Principal Chief.
ARTICLE XXI - SEVERABILITY
If any provision of the Osage Nation Constitution shall, in the future, be
declared invalid or unconstitutional by the Osage Nation Judiciary, the
invalid portions shall be severed and the remaining provisions shall
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
26
remain in full force and effect.
ARTICLE XXII - SAVINGS CLAUSE
Section 1.
Savings Clause:
All laws, resolutions, ordinances and acts of the Osage Nation, formerly
known as the Osage Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, taken before the
effective date of this Constitution, including elections and terms of office,
shall remain in full force and effect to the extent that said action is
consistent with the Osage Nation Constitution and until said laws,
resolutions, ordinances and acts are altered by the Osage Nation
government, as organized under this Constitution, after the effective
date of this Constitution.
Section 2.
Continuity of Governmental Authority and Jurisdiction:
Upon the adoption of this Osage Nation Constitution by a vote of the
Osage people, and the election of the members of the Osage Nation
Congress and the Executive Officers, all powers, rights, responsibilities,
and obligations of a government of, by, and for the Osage people shall
pass from the Osage Tribal Council to the Osage Nation government
established by this Constitution.
All officers of the Osage Nation, formerly known as the Osage Tribe of
Indians of Oklahoma, on the effective date of this Constitution shall
continue to perform the duties of their offices in a manner not repugnant
of this Constitution until those officers are superseded by newly elected
or appointed officers as organized under this Constitution.
Until the Osage Nation Supreme Court and Trial Court provided for in
Article VIII of this Constitution are organized and established, the
existing courts of the Osage Nation, formerly known as the Osage Tribe
of Indians of Oklahoma, its jurisdiction, and the judicial system shall
remain as constituted before the effective date of this Constitution, in a
manner consistent with this Article.
ARTICLE XXIII - RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION
This Constitution, when ratified by a majority vote of the qualified voters
of the Osage Nation voting in an election called for that purpose by the
Osage Government Reform Commission, shall be effective from the
date of approval by the Osage People. It shall be signed by the Principal
Chief, the Assistant Principal Chief, members of the 31st Osage Tribal
Council and the Osage Government Reform Commission, and sacredly
preserved as the fundamental law of the Osage Nation.
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OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
OSAGE NATION CONSTITUTION
28
THE OSAGE NATION
627 Grandview Avenue
Pawhuska, OK 74056
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.