1. K iow a C ons titution R evis io n C o m m ittee
C ha ng es H ig hlig hts by A c c epting a N ew R evis e
C urrent C ons titution
ØUtilizes a corporation charter style of government. Very few
ØAmendments have been made since June 1, 1985.
ØKiowa Business Committee acts as Kiowa Tribe’s Board of Directors, governed by investors, and the tribal members.
ØKiowa Business Committee is in charge of making decisions on the day-to-day operations of the Tribe.
ØKiowa Indian Council has supreme authority and must consent to every contract entered by the Tribe.
ØLimited Tribal Sovereignty. Tribe is allowed to not enforce its jurisdiction in its own territory. Too much BIA control over tribal
programs.
ØNo Tribal Court in existence, the Kiowa Tribe has to use the CFR Courts for Kiowa to Kiowa disputes and very limited use in
tribal disputes.
ØKiowa Hearing Board has jurisdiction over certain matters and their decisions are unreviewable except under limited
circumstances in Federal Court
ØNo demographic or community representation in the tribe’s legislative body. All elected officials are elected at large via
popular vote. Same families putting in the same candidates which results in no change to the status quo.
ØAbsence of Cultural Programs to promote Kiowa Language and Culture.
ØLimited Stability for tribal leadership and economic development. 2 year terms for KBC members; Issues that pass via tribal
election can be reversed by one person who can convince the KEB that the issue needs to be invalidated.
ØAmendments to the Tribe's Constitution must go through the BIA process which can take years or be rejected.
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N ew C ons titution
ØCreates a four-branch system (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, Kiowa Nation Council) of government with checks and
balances.
ØKiowa Business Committee is no longer recognized but will become the new Kiowa Nation Legislative Body who creates Kiowa
laws.
ØExercise tribal sovereignty and the opportunity of the tribe’s ability to govern without the use of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
ØExecutive Branch of Government (Principal Chief and Deputy Chief) elected to enforce the laws and supervise the daily
operations of Kiowa programs.
ØTribal Courts will assume legal authority over activities pursuant to Tribal Law, Constitution and Order Code.
ØLegislature comprised of 7 elected District Representatives focus on creating and passing tribal laws, resolutions or
ordinances
ØKiowa Nation Council will include all eligible tribal voters and who will retain authority similar to the KIC under the former
constitution.
ØImplementation of a Kiowa Office of Cultural Management, to promote usage of the Kiowa Language and Culture.
ØIncreases stability by extending no term limits on elected officials.
ØTribal blood quantum remains at ¼ Kiowa Indian Blood.
10/28/09