# 25 CFR § 81.9: Will the Secretary give deference to the Tribe's interpretation of its own documents?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.9

## Section

- **Citation:** 25 CFR § 81.9
- **Heading:** Will the Secretary give deference to the Tribe's interpretation of its own documents?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 25—Indians > CHAPTER I—BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR > SUBCHAPTER F—TRIBAL GOVERNMENT > PART 81—SECRETARIAL ELECTION PROCEDURES > Subpart C—Provisions Applicable to All Secretarial Elections

## Text

The Secretary will give deference to the tribe's reasonable interpretation of the amendment and adoption articles of the tribe's governing documents. The Secretary retains authority, however, to interpret tribal law when necessary to carry out the government-to-government relationship with the tribe or when a provision, result, or interpretation may be contrary to Federal law.

## Nearby sections

- [25 CFR § 81.1 § 81.1 What is the purpose of this part?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.1.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.2 § 81.2 When does this part apply?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.2.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.3 § 81.3 Information collection.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.3.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.4 § 81.4 What terms do I need to know?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.4.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.5 § 81.5 What informal review is available to a tribe or petitioner when anticipating adopting or amending a governing document?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.5.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.6 § 81.6 How is a Secretarial election requested?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.6.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.7 § 81.7 What technical assistance will the Bureau provide after receiving a request for election?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.7.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.8 § 81.8 What happens if a governing Federal statute and this part disagree?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.8.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.9 § 81.9 Will the Secretary give deference to the Tribe's interpretation of its own documents?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.9.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.10 § 81.10 Who may cast a vote in a Secretarial election?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.10.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.11 § 81.11 May a tribe establish a voting age different from 18 years of age for Secretarial elections?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.11.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.12 § 81.12 What type of electioneering is allowed before and during Secretarial election?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.12.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.13 § 81.13 What types of voting assistance are provided for a Secretarial election?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.13.md)
- [25 CFR § 81.14 § 81.14 May Secretarial elections be scheduled at the same time as tribal elections?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-25-81.9. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.