Chapter 1 – Gaming Ordinance (National Indian Gaming Commission)
These documents formalize the legal framework for gambling operations. Central to the collection is the Gaming Ordinance of 2000, which was established to ensure tribal self-sufficiency and rigorous regulatory oversight. A supporting Tribal Council resolution confirms that the law was passed to separate the management of games from their regulation, thereby protecting the integrity of tribal revenues. The records also include an official approval letter from the National Indian Gaming Commission, validating the ordinance under federal law. Comprehensive definitions and provisions are provided to govern everything from licensing procedures for employees to the specific technical standards for electronic games. Ultimately, these sources illustrate how the Tribe exercises its sovereign authority to promote economic development while maintaining strict safety and legal compliance.
Chapter 2 – Per Capita Ordinance 2019
The Per Capita Ordinance establishes the legal framework for distributing gaming net revenues to tribal members. This document mandates that all enrolled individuals receive equal shares of profits, while strictly capping the percentage of funds allocated to per capita payments versus government operations and economic development. Special protections, such as irrevocable trusts, are required to safeguard the interests of minors and legally incompetent persons. The ordinance also addresses federal taxation requirements and allows the Tribal Council to withhold payments for debts owed to the community or child support obligations. Furthermore, it outlines dispute resolution procedures through the Tribal Court and emphasizes that reservation residency is not a prerequisite for receiving funds. Ultimately, these regulations ensure the tribe remains in compliance with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act while maintaining sovereign control over its financial resources.
Chapter 3 – Liquor Control Code 2015
The Liquor Control Code is for managing and regulating alcoholic beverages within the tribe’s jurisdiction. This comprehensive document defines various types of liquor, outlines the Tribal Council’s exclusive authority over licensing, and sets strict age requirements for both sellers and consumers. It details the application process for obtaining permits, the mandatory liability insurance for operators, and specific operating hours, including restrictions during the Christmas holiday. Furthermore, the code identifies punishable offenses, such as selling to intoxicated individuals or distributing adulterated products, and specifies the legal penalties for tribal and non-tribal members. Ultimately, these regulations ensure that all commercial transactions involving alcohol align with both tribal interests and applicable Michigan state laws.
Chapter 4 – Sovereign Immunity Code 2022
The Sovereign Immunity Code serves as a formal legal framework that protects the tribe, its agencies, and its staff from unauthorized litigation. Under this law, the tribe maintains absolute immunity across all court systems unless the Tribal Council issues a formal, written resolution to waive those protections. Any such waiver must be highly specific, detailing the exact duration, financial limits, and legal grounds allowed for a particular claim. To ensure compliance, the code mandates that any lawsuit filed against the tribe must include this official resolution as an attachment, or the case will be summarily rejected by the court clerk. Furthermore, the law explicitly prohibits employees from granting unauthorized waivers through contracts and provides for legal sanctions against those who file bad-faith claims. Ultimately, this document reinforces the tribe’s independent authority by strictly controlling how and when its legal protections can be set aside.