Chapter 1 – Marriage Code 2016
The Marriage Code establishes the comprehensive legal framework for matrimonial unions within the tribe’s jurisdiction. To form a valid civil contract, participants must provide mutual consent, possess the legal capacity regarding age and mental competence, and obtain a formal tribal license. The regulations explicitly recognize same-sex marriages and validate ceremonies performed by various spiritual leaders or tribal officials, provided specific documentation is filed. Furthermore, the code identifies conditions that render a marriage void, such as incest or bigamy, and outlines procedures for annulment or affirmation. Finally, the statutes prescribe civil and criminal penalties for unauthorized officiants or those who use fraud and coercion to induce a marriage.
Chapter 2 – The Divorce Code
The Code establishes the legal framework and procedures for dissolving marriages within the tribe’s jurisdiction. To file for divorce, at least one spouse must be a member of a federally recognized tribe and have resided in the community for a minimum of six months. The code mandates a no-fault approach, requiring only an allegation that the marital bond has suffered an irreparable breakdown. Legal proceedings prioritize equity and the best interests of children, while incorporating tribal culture and traditions into custody and visitation decisions. Specific timelines are enforced, generally requiring a sixty-day waiting period for couples without children and one hundred and eighty days for those with minor children. Additionally, the court maintains broad authority to manage asset division, spousal support, and paternity determinations to ensure a fair resolution for all parties involved.
Chapter 3 – Revised Adoption Code 2016
This video version is the Revised Adoption Code, establishing the legal framework for adopting children and adults within the tribe’s jurisdiction. It prioritizes the best interests of the adoptee and emphasizes maintaining a child’s connection to their tribal identity and heritage. The code details several paths to legal parenthood, including step-parent, relative, and customary adoptions, the latter of which provides permanency without the absolute termination of parental rights. Strict placement preferences favor extended family and tribal members to ensure children remain within a stable indigenous environment. Additionally, the text specifies necessary procedural requirements, such as petition contents, home investigations, and the confidential nature of court records. Ultimately, these laws serve to protect the legal rights of all parties while asserting the tribe’s sovereign authority over its members’ domestic relations.
Chapter 4 – Adult Protection Code
The Adult Protection Code establishes a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard elders and vulnerable adults from maltreatment. This civil ordinance defines specific forms of abuse, neglect, and exploitation, while mandating that certain professionals and family members report suspected harm. To oversee these protections, the law creates an Adult Welfare Committee and an Adult Protection Team to manage cases and provide advisory support. The code outlines formal judicial procedures, including investigation protocols, emergency removal powers, and the conduct of confidential court hearings. Ultimately, the legislation balances tribal sovereignty with the delivery of essential services to ensure the safety and dignity of those unable to protect themselves.
Chapter 5 – Blank or Reserved
Chapter 6 – Mental Health Code 2018
The Mental Health Code establishes the legal framework and procedures for managing involuntary mental health treatment within the tribe’s jurisdiction. It defines a “person requiring treatment” as an individual whose mental illness poses a risk of physical harm to themselves or others, or prevents them from meeting basic survival needs. The document outlines the rights of patients, including confidentiality and the preference for voluntary care, while providing Tribal Court authority to issue orders for protective custody and hospitalization. Furthermore, the code details specific requirements for petitions, clinical certifications, and judicial hearings to ensure due process and the use of the least restrictive environment. Regulations are also provided for the discharge of patients, the duration of treatment orders, and the ongoing review of cases to protect individual liberties. Final sections address the powers of peace officers in crises and the right of detained individuals to challenge their confinement through a writ of habeas corpus.
Chapter 7 – Eviction and Foreclosure Ordinance
The legal code regarding the management of real estate, specifically focusing on eviction and mortgage foreclosure procedures. It establishes the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, ensuring that housing agreements on tribal lands are governed by clear, civil regulations. The document defines the Tribal Court’s jurisdiction over these matters and details the specific legal steps required for lawful property recovery and debt enforcement. A significant feature of the code is the Tribe’s perpetual right of first refusal, which allows the community to prioritize the retention of tribal lands during property transfers or defaults. Furthermore, it mandates procedural protections, such as formal notice requirements and judicial hearings, to balance the interests of residents with those of lenders and the housing authority. Ultimately, these statutes provide a structured legal framework to facilitate housing stability and economic development within the community.
Chapter 8 – Blank or Reserved
Chapter 9 – Blight Ordinance Adopted April 2021
The Blight Ordinance serves to preserve the scenic beauty and public health of tribal lands. This regulation defines public nuisances as hazardous conditions such as the accumulation of trash, abandoned appliances, or structurally unsound buildings. The Housing Department is tasked with identifying these violations and oversees the investigation, notification, and abatement processes. Residents are held responsible for maintaining their properties, and failure to resolve issues can lead to tribal intervention and the recovery of associated costs. Furthermore, the ordinance outlines a formal appeals process and a schedule of monetary penalties for recurring violations. Overall, the document establishes clear standards for property upkeep to ensure the safety and welfare of all community members.
Chapter 10 – Hannahville’s Chicken Guide
The Chicken Ordinance establishes the legal framework for residents in subdivisions and trailer parks to raise poultry. Eligible households are permitted to keep a maximum of six chickens, provided they first secure an official permit from the Housing Department. To maintain this permit, owners must follow strict guidelines, such as prohibiting roosters, ensuring coops are securely fenced in backyards, and keeping the area free of pests and odors. The regulations also require that structures be placed at least 50 feet from neighboring homes and that waste be managed responsibly. Authorized officials may inspect permits at any time, and the community has a formal process for filing complaints regarding nuisances. Failure to fix a rule violation within a seven-day grace period results in a one-hundred-dollar fine for each offense.