Press Freedom & Freedom of Data in Oklahoma Indian Nation

This information offers a primer on press freedom and knowledge entry within the many federally acknowledged tribes situated in Oklahoma. Reporters Committee workers developed this information by reviewing constitutions and codes accessible on tribes’ web sites, in addition to by inspecting supplies accessible on the Nationwide Indian Legislation Library, the Tribal Court docket Clearinghouse, and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. In the event you see one thing that must be added, up to date, or corrected, please electronic mail guides@rcfp.org.

This information doesn’t substitute authorized recommendation from an legal professional. Journalists and media legal professionals who’ve extra questions or want help ought to contact the Reporters Committee’s free Authorized Hotline.

Tribal governance

Practically 40 federally acknowledged tribes are situated in Oklahoma, every of which is acknowledged by the USA as sovereign. Sovereignty is the fitting of every tribe to manipulate itself and decide its personal cultural and political id.

As sovereign nations, tribes have the fitting to enact, implement, and interpret their very own legal guidelines. Constitutional provisions limiting federal and state powers, together with the First Modification, don’t straight apply to them. See Talton v. Mayes, 163 U.S. 376 (1896) (holding that the Fifth Modification doesn’t apply to tribes); see additionally Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez, 436 U.S. 49 (1978) (noting decrease courtroom selections that utilized Talton to different constitutional rights). State legal guidelines such because the Oklahoma Open Data Act or the Open Assembly Act additionally don’t apply to tribes.

Overview

Many tribal nations situated in Oklahoma have enacted their very own legal guidelines associated to press freedom and knowledge entry. For this primer, we surveyed 38 federally acknowledged tribal nations situated in Oklahoma and located:

28 tribal nations explicitly defend press freedom, and plenty of tribal constitutions embody language mirroring the First Modification of the U.S. Structure. Others determine as in step with the U.S. Structure however don’t particularly point out the press. This useful resource notes cases the place the press is referenced explicitly.
32 tribal nations have report entry provisions (i.e., freedom of knowledge legal guidelines). Many apply completely to tribal residents.
37 tribal nations have provisions regarding assembly discover or quorum necessities. The discover timelines and quorum sizes range significantly.
At the very least 3 tribal nations have protect legal guidelines, or a legislation designed to guard reporters’ privilege.
Most tribes have a media outlet or communications staff that publishes tribal information. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these publications are a part of their respective tribal governments and don’t perform independently. The Native American Journalists Affiliation maintains a listing of urged components for unbiased tribal media.

Take a look at our interactive map displaying press freedom data for various tribes situated in Oklahoma.

Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.astribe.com

Public information: The tribe has a freedom of knowledge handbook. The tribal secretary handles requests, together with appeals, with help from the tribal government committee. Very like within the federal FOIA course of, responses are usually due in 20 days barring uncommon circumstances or situations.

Exemptions to the tribe’s coverage are an identical to the federal FOIA exemptions. The coverage additionally doesn’t apply to common circulation supplies, similar to coverage statements, case opinions, and administrative manuals. Informant information and pending legislation enforcement information are additionally excluded. A.S.T. Freedom of Information. Act Handbook.

Usually, all courtroom information are public. A.S.T. Courts Code § 113(d). Specifically, for claims in opposition to the tribe or considered one of its workers, “judgments, orders, and settlements of claims shall be open public information until sealed by the courtroom for good trigger proven.” A.S.T. Gov’t. Tort Claims Act § 12.

Tampering with public information is a felony offense. It carries penalties as much as life banishment, which may happen after a number of offenses. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 412.

Open conferences: In accordance with the tribal structure, “All conferences of every of the tribal elective our bodies are closed to non-tribal members until they’re on official enterprise with the tribe or are in any other case invited to attend by the respective physique.” A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 § 5.

Common Council conferences require 15 days’ discover to members. Government Committee conferences require 5 days’ discover to officers. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §1, §3.

Common Council conferences require a 50-member quorum, whereas Government Committee, Tribal Court docket, Appeals Court docket, and Election Fee conferences require a three-officer quorum. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 17.

Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. The legislation defines defamation as (1) communication with information and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years. “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 564(a).

Punishments for defamation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with a foundation in fact.” A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 564(b).

Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004. They’re the one tort claims that can’t be introduced as small claims. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).

The tribe’s provisions for privateness violations embody a consent legislation for recording. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563. It’s illegal, besides as licensed by legislation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use outdoors of any non-public place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable outdoors, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) expose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he realized of the message in the middle of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent legislation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563(c).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Absentee Shawnee Information, a government-affiliated publication.

Alabama Quassarte Tribal City

Tribe’s web site: https://www.alabama-quassarte.com

Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-member quorum. A.Q.T.T. Const. Bylaws artwork. 2.

Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://apachetribe.org/about/

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Open conferences: Particular conferences require not less than 10 days’ discover. A.T. Const. artwork. 6 § 2. In any respect conferences, 50 tribal members and three tribal executives represent a quorum. A.T. Const. artwork. 15.

Caddo Nation of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://mycaddonation.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.

Open conferences: Particular conferences and adjustments in location for normal quarterly conferences each require 10 days’ discover to members. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 §§ 1, 4. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3.

Cherokee Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.cherokee.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 4.

Public information: In accordance with the Cherokee Nation Code, “Any particular person has a proper to examine or copy any public report of a public physique.” The federal government should reply to requests inside 15 days, not together with weekends and holidays, and is allowed to cost affordable charges for information manufacturing. The code incorporates an in depth checklist of kinds of information which can be exempt from the statute or have restricted use. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 104-106. A web based type is accessible to submit a request for public information. Since 2019, the Cherokee Nation has printed yearly stories containing all public report requests and responses thereto.

The Cherokee Nation Code makes use of an in depth definition of “public report,” noting, “it’s vital in a democratic society that public enterprise be carried out in an open and public method.” 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 101-103.

Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Court docket of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive aid to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”), together with public information. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An utility should be made no later than one yr following the date of the alleged violation or one yr after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual looking for such aid prevails, they might be awarded affordable legal professional charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such particular person prevails partially). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).

Any one who willfully and maliciously violates the provisions of Chapter Two of Title 67 of the Cherokee Nation Code (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”) could also be discovered responsible of a criminal offense and fined no more than $100 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days; subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 112.

The tribal code additionally creates the Archives and Data Fee, which establishes and manages report storage. It additionally establishes an official repository, the Cherokee Nationwide Archives. 67 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-9.

Moreover, the federal government is required to keep up a public information system for publishing legal guidelines and courtroom opinions to tribal membership. “The textual content of all legal guidelines, resolutions, judicial opinions and orders, besides in any other case protected by legislation, and all different governmental publications, besides these by Nation-owned entities, shall be within the public area and free from encumbrances in opposition to use by the Residents. This shall not constrain the Nation from copyrighting different facets of governmental publications, besides that residents shall all the time have license for private use of the copyrighted work with out discover or price.” C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 11.

Open conferences: Conferences of the Council of the Cherokee Nation (the legislative physique of the Cherokee Nation) and its committees are open to the general public besides those who concern sure personnel issues, the “ethical turpitude of any citizen,” or if the “decorum of the viewers” prejudices the orderly administration of enterprise. If consideration of a topic takes place in government session, any votes should happen in an open assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 6. Discover of particular conferences should be printed not lower than ten days previous to the assembly and should embody the aim(s) of the particular assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.

Additional, conferences of public our bodies — any Cherokee Nation board, fee, company, authority, public or governmental physique or political subdivision of the Nation — are required to be open until they’re closed for a function supplied for by legislation similar to investigative proceedings relating to allegations of felony misconduct. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 103, 107-108(A). Public our bodies could solely enter government session at a gathering for a “particular function” as allowed by legislation and no motion could also be taken in government session besides to adjourn or return to the general public session. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 108(B). Written public discover is required for each common and particular conferences of public our bodies; agendas should be supplied not less than 10 days previous to any common assembly and 24 hours previous to any particular assembly. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 109. Minutes of conferences are thought-about public information and are required to be made accessible inside an inexpensive time after a gathering. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 110.

Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Court docket of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive aid to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”), together with open conferences. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An utility should be made no later than one yr following the date of the alleged violation or one yr after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual looking for such aid prevails, they might be awarded affordable legal professional charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such particular person prevails partially). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).

Different: The code additionally creates a protect legislation defending journalists from being compelled to reveal sources and unpublished data. 44 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 21-24. Nevertheless, the protect legislation “doesn’t apply with respect to the content material or supply of allegedly defamatory data, in a civil motion for defamation wherin the defendant asserts a protection based mostly on the content material or supply of such data.” 44 C.N.C.A. 2 § 24.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Cherokee Phoenix, a newspaper with an unbiased editorial coverage.

The tribe additionally produces Anadisgoi Journal and the Cherokee Voices, Cherokee Sounds radio program.

The tribal code offers for an unbiased press and establishes tribal publications. “It’s crucial to have measures in place to make sure the liberty of the press and to make sure the tribal publications have the independence to report objectively.” 44 C.N.C.A. 1 § 2.

The code additionally creates an editorial board with 5 members, not less than three of whom should have journalism expertise and observe Society of Skilled Journalists and Native American Journalists Affiliation ethics codes. The board members can’t be concerned in any tribal politics apart from voting, and they are often eliminated solely by the tribal Supreme Court docket for trigger. Nevertheless, the board members are appointed and confirmed by the tribal authorities. 44 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-8.

Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 1 § 1(b).

Public information: The tribal structure permits members of the general public to examine or acquire copies of information for a “affordable price.” It establishes the kind of information the tribe should keep and requires the tribe to develop techniques for accessing and indexing the information. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1(d).

All selections, opinions, and orders by the tribal Supreme Court docket should be written and printed. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 6(e).

Open conferences: Council conferences require not less than 15 days’ discover. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(c). Conferences require a 75-member quorum. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 4(a).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes a newspaper, the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune. The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.

The Chickasaw Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.chickasaw.web

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 4.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 3.

Open conferences: All conferences are open to tribal members. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Conferences require a nine-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 2. Assembly agendas should be launched to the general public not less than two days upfront. 16 C.N.C. 2 § 1(B)(2).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Chickasaw Instances, a newspaper with an unbiased editorial coverage. “The Instances shall be honest, neutral and inform the Chickasaw public of tribal targets, operations, procedures, companies and emphasizing the accomplishments and opinions of all Chickasaw residents. No particular person or assortment of individuals shall be allowed to dominate the Instances in any type or vogue.” 2 C.N.C. 9 § 4(B). The tribal newspaper is ruled by 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1–4. Nevertheless, the newspaper is funded with authorities {dollars} and is required to present area to authorities officers. See 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1(B)(2), 4(A)(3), 4(D)(7).

The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.choctawnation.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains the fitting of members to talk, write, or publish opinions on issues regarding the Choctaw Nation. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 3.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 9 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members and require an eight-member quorum. Particular conferences require not less than one days’ discover. Conferences might be held in non-public session, however solely with a public two-thirds vote by council leaders. Members can not handle the tribal council with out approval of the vast majority of council leaders current. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 §§ 2–4.

Discover of courtroom periods is required, and periods are open to the general public. C.N. Act to Set up a Ct. of Gen. Jurisdiction, artwork. 1 § 114(A).

Different: The tribal code incorporates substantial libel and slander provisions: “Libel is a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, or effigy or different fastened illustration to the attention, which exposes any particular person to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive him of public confidence, or to injure him in his occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize his surviving family or buddies.” C.N. Crim. Code § 771.

Malice is “presumed” for non-privileged publications until details and testimony present in any other case. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 772, 774. Penalty for precise or threatened libel might be as much as one yr imprisonment or $1,000 fantastic. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 773, 777.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Biskinik, a authorities publication.

Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.potawatomi.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 16 § 1(a).

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.

Open conferences: Conferences seem like open to tribal members. “The aim of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Indian Council conferences shall be to present data . . . to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 1.

Conferences require 10 days’ discover. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 5. 9 members of the tribal legislature and 5 p.c of the tribal membership are required for quorum. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 17 §§1–2.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Hownikan, a authorities publication.

Comanche Nation, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://comanchenation.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can view authorities information with out paying fees or charges. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 4. Court docket information are typically public. 1 C.N.C. 2 § 12(D).

Open conferences: Conferences require 10-14 days’ discover. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 4. Conferences require a 150-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Comanche Nation Information, a authorities publication.

Delaware Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. D.N. Const. artwork. 12 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can view authorities information. D.N. Const. artwork. 14 §§ 3–4. The tribe’s election ordinance additionally makes candidate information public. D.N. Election Ordinace § 401(J).

Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. D.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. D.N. Const. artwork. 15 § 3.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Nation Newspaper, a authorities publication.

Delaware Tribe of Indians

Tribe’s web site: https://delawaretribe.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains freedom to put in writing in its invoice of rights. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 3 § 1.

Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members, who can take part with the Chief’s permission. D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 4(A). The tribe’s annual assembly requires 30-45 days’ discover to members, and particular conferences require 5 days’ discover to council leaders. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 1; D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3. Conferences require a 100-member quorum. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Indian Information, or Lënapeí Pampil, the “official publication of the Delaware Tribe of Indians.”

Japanese Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://estoo-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 5(a).

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 3.

The tribe additionally has an in depth public information ordinance, which states that the tribe typically permits members to view and duplicate information besides when doing so would disturb authorities operation or create confidentiality points. The ordinance delineates procedures for accessing and copying information. It additionally offers a listing of information which can be exempt from disclosure. E.S.T. Pub. Rec. Ordinance.

The ordinance additionally addresses the restricted rights of non-members: “Non-members have an curiosity in tribal paperwork and information solely as required by legislation, or as decided by tribal officers to be in step with the curiosity of the tribe.”

Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover, and conferences require a 30-member quorum. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §§1–2.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Capturing Star, a authorities publication.

Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://fortsillapache-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences are open to all tribal members in addition to “different individuals invited by the enterprise committee.” F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3. Particular conferences require seven days’ discover, and all conferences require a 10-member quorum. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 2, 5.

Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.bahkhoje.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. I.T. Const. artwork. 6 §§ 1-2, 5. Common conferences require a 20-member quorum, whereas smaller committee conferences require solely two or three elected leaders to determine quorum. I.T. Const. artwork. 13.

Tribal media: The tribe printed the Bah Koh-Je Journal, a authorities publication, as lately as December 2016.

Kaw Nation, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://kawnation.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 1(A).

Public information: The tribal structure contains information entry in its invoice of rights. Tribal members can entry authorities information until such information are declared confidential by means of laws. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 3; Okay.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(C). Tribal leaders’ voting information are public. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 1(H).

Tampering with information is punishable by fantastic as much as $5,000, imprisonment as much as one yr, and/or banishment for not lower than one yr nor greater than 5 years; or upon a subsequent conviction, banishment for not lower than 5 years nor greater than ten years. 7 Okay.N.C. 1 §139; 7 Okay.N.C. 4 § 412.

Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover; quarterly conferences are set for fastened dates however could also be rescheduled with 30 days’ discover. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 4 §§ 2(C)–(D). Conferences require a 25-member quorum. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 2(A).

Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute[1] that defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of knowledge that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 564(a).

Malice is “presumed” until a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. Defamation is punishable by as much as $500 and/or as much as six months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in fact.” 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 564(b).

The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563. It’s illegal, besides as licensed by legislation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use outdoors of any non-public place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable outdoors, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) expose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he realized of the message in the middle of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent legislation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than six months. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563(c).

The tribe’s subpoena statute contains an exception for “ample excuse” however doesn’t particularly protect journalists. 8 Okay.N.C. 2 § 213(c).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kanza Information, a authorities publication. “Revealed quarterly, the Kanza Information is the Kaw Nation’s official newspaper. It’s the major medium of reports and knowledge assortment and dissemination for tribal actions, instructional and enterprise alternatives. … The publication informs the folks, giving them essential messages and calling them collectively for conferences, ceremonies, and tribal occasions.”

[1] § 564(a) of the felony defamation statute states, “It shall be lawful to knowingly and with malicious intent talk to any particular person orally or in writing any data which one is aware of or ought to know to be false and knowingly that the data tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects of 1 who’s alive, or who has not been declared lacking or lifeless for a interval exceeding twenty years, and thereby expose him to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” The usage of “lawful” at first of the paragraph is probably going a scrivener’s error because the statute is titled “Prison Defamation,” defines components of the offense, units out a variety of punishment, and offers a attainable protection.

Kialegee Tribal City

Tribe’s web site: https://kialegeetribal.webstarts.com

Press freedom: The tribe’s structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.T.T. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Okay.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 4.

Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-leader quorum. Okay.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 5.

Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.kickapootribeofoklahoma.com/house

Press freedom: The tribe’s structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Okay.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.

Court docket information are typically open to the general public, except juvenile information. Juvenile courtroom proceedings are additionally not public hearings. Okay.T. Judicial Sys. Ordinance Ch. 2 § 11.

Cameras and recording units usually are not allowed within the tribal courtroom. Okay.T. Courtroom Guidelines.

The tribe offers a type for the general public to request courtroom information. Requests for copies of information are topic to nominal charges.

Open conferences: Conferences require a 25 member or three-leader quorum. Okay.T. Bylaws artwork. 6 §§1–2.

Different: The tribe has a devoted libel and slander statute. In accordance with the statute, libel entails “a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, signal, or effigy or different fastened illustration to the attention, which exposes any particular person to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive that particular person of public confidence, or to injure that particular person in that particular person’s occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize that particular person’s surviving family or buddies.” Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 101.

Reality alone just isn’t a protection to libel. Defenses embody proof that disproves the costs or proof that the alleged libel was each true and privileged. Nevertheless, if the alleged libel is printed within the media with good religion, a jury or choose can take into account whether or not the factual dispute was an “trustworthy mistake.” Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 104.

Privileged communications can happen throughout official conferences, judicial proceedings, or different official duties. Publications in these settings usually are not topic to libel penalties. Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 105.

Candidates for elected workplace have a restricted privileged communications privilege. Disputes below this privilege are additionally left to a jury or choose however are analyzed contemplating the workplace sought, and the character and setting of the alleged libel. Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 106.

Libel and slander instances abate if the defendant dies. Okay.T. R. Civ. Professional. § 310(a)(3).

The tribe offers a separate civil grievance type for libel and slander issues.

Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://kiowatribe.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom and whistleblower protections in its invoice of rights. Okay.I.T. Const. artwork. 1 §§ 1(b), (g).

Open conferences: Conferences require not less than 15 days’ discover. Conferences additionally require a 150-member quorum. Okay.I.T. Const. artwork. 5 §§ 4(c), 5(a).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kiowa Information, a authorities newspaper.

Miami Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.miamination.com

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information by appointment within the presence of the secretary/treasurer. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 17 § 3. Tribal members can even request copies of tribal courtroom paperwork by filling out a type and paying $0.50 per web page in addition to $13 in extra copy and mailing charges.

Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 19 § 2. Conferences require a 25-member quorum. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 22 § 1.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Atotankiki Myaamiaki, a authorities newspaper.

Modoc Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://modocnation.com

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s judicial department to implement their rights. M.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.N. Const. artwork. 10. In addition they require a 10-member quorum. M.N. Const. artwork. 11.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.muscogeenation.com

Press freedom: A yr and a half after repealing its free press statute and asserting authorities management over Mvskoke Media, the tribe created the “Impartial Muscogee (Creek) Press Act.”

“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Press, Mvskoke Media, shall be unbiased from any undue affect and freed from any specific political curiosity. It’s the obligation of the press to report on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and its folks with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 1(A).

The statute features a protect legislation, which offers that journalists and members of the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board wouldn’t have to reveal sources or unpublished data, with restricted exceptions. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 11.

In 2021, residents of Muscogee Nation authorized an modification to the tribal structure making certain that residents should approve any future adjustments or repeal of the free press legislation. The tribal structure now states, “The Muscogee Creek Nation shall have an Impartial Press that shall be free from political curiosity or undue affect, harassment, censorship, management or restrictions from any division of the federal government of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation so as to present unbiased information and stories objectively to the Muscogee (Creek) residents.” M.C.N. Const. artwork. 14 § 1.

Public information: The Muscogee Nation has a freedom of knowledge legislation. Amongst different data, the statute identifies kinds of information which can be public and kinds which can be protected. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 20 § 017.

All authorities spending is public report. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 7(d).

Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 101. Tribal leaders can take conferences to personal government session solely after voting on whether or not to go to government session in public. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 102.

Conferences require “affordable public discover.” 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 104. In addition they require a majority of elected officers to determine quorum. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(a).

“Mvskoke Media is not going to be faraway from public discussion board conferences or censored in reporting these conferences in step with government and legislative working procedures and coverage, besides by order of the Nation’s Courts.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 3.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Mvskoke Information, now an unbiased newspaper. It additionally maintains a radio station. “The Mvskoke Information is an editorially unbiased and constitutionally protected publication. Its function is to fulfill the wants of the tribe and its residents by means of the dissemination of knowledge.”

Though it will probably obtain and show political promoting, “Mvskoke Media broadcasts and publications shall not be thought-about an official capability of Muscogee (Creek) Nation and shall not embody the Muscogee (Creek) Nation official Seal on any supplies.” Editorial workers should be free from all political exercise apart from voting and internet hosting candidate debates. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 2, 7.

The Impartial Muscogee (Creek) Press Act features a detailed description of the three-person Mvskoke Media Editorial Board, which has energy over Mvskoke Media’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. Among the many members, not less than one should have tribal legislation expertise, not less than one should have an undergraduate or graduate diploma in journalism or a associated area, and two should have not less than 5 years’ journalism expertise. The board members are required to stick to ethics codes established by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 5–6.

The Mvskoke Media is assured funding, topic to overview by the tribal authorities. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 10.

The Osage Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.N. Const. artwork. 4 §3(A). The Osage Nation has loved a free press since 2009, when its Supreme Court docket issued its first-ever ruling which included language that upheld the Osage Nation’s free press constitutional freedoms. “[T]his Court docket does acknowledge that freedom of speech or the press is an inalienable proper of the Osage folks, to not be abridged or denied by any department or division of the Osage Nation authorities or by any official of the federal government. This Court docket considers such rights to be mandatory to keep up ‘a free, sovereign, and unbiased nation.’” Grey v. Mason, No. SPC-08-01, at 11 (Osage Dec. 11, 2009).

The Impartial Press Act of 2008 offers for an unbiased newspaper and an editorial board. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 105–06. The statute features a protect legislation, which offers that journalists wouldn’t have to reveal sources or unpublished data in courtroom. Nevertheless, the privilege doesn’t apply to alleged defamatory content material, felony proceedings, or actions the place a courtroom finds “substantial Osage Nation curiosity.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 112.

“The Osage Nation’s press shall be unbiased from any undue affect and freed from any specific political curiosity. It’s the obligation of the press to report on the Osage Nation and its folks with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 104.

Public information: The tribe has a statute devoted to open information. The statute identifies kinds of information which can be public and kinds which can be protected. 15 O.N.C. 8 §§ 103–104.

The statute spells out procedures for inspecting and requesting copies of information. The tribal authorities should reply to requests inside 10 enterprise days. The tribe can cost requesters for “affordable prices” associated to copying information, and the primary 25 pages are free. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 107. If a request is denied, the federal government should state why, and the requester has as much as six months to petition the Osage Nation Trial Court docket to drive launch. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 108.

Illegal disclosure or destruction of information is punishable by a fantastic of $1,000 to $5,000. Authorities workers who refuse to launch information when required by courtroom, in addition to anybody who obtains information by means of stealing or bribery, can face related fines. Nevertheless, the statute incorporates a protection for whistleblowers who launch information unlawfully to reveal authorities abuses of energy. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 113(A)–(C).

Open conferences: The tribe has a statute devoted to open conferences. “Conferences of public our bodies” are open to members and most of the people, though attendees could also be requested to determine whether or not they’re members. Conferences might be filmed or recorded. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 105; O.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 19.

Tribal leaders can meet in government session solely after the vast majority of members vote in public to permit the chief session. Government session conferences are restricted to a handful of delicate matters similar to personnel and authorized points. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 107.

Conferences require not less than two days’ discover “until an emergency requires shorter discover.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 108.

“The Osage Nation is a consultant authorities and relies upon an knowledgeable constituency. The Nation encourages residents to train their privilege of attending and talking at conferences of public our bodies.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 102.

Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. The statute defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of knowledge that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. Malice is “presumed” until a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(A).

Defamation is punishable by as much as $250 and/or as much as three months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in fact.” 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(B).

The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163. It’s illegal, besides as licensed by legislation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any system for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use outdoors of any non-public place any system for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable outdoors, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) expose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he realized of the message in the middle of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(A). Punishments for violating the consent legislation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(C).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Osage Information, a totally unbiased newspaper. The paper has detailed insurance policies about sourcing and items.

“As an unbiased information group, we attempt to report information and knowledge with equity and stability. Whereas being the official information group of the Osage Nation, we base our information judgements on our loyalties to our readers and Osage residents, and we aren’t straight beholden to the Government, Legislative, or Judicial branches of the Osage Nation. … The Osage Information seeks to cowl information in all its complexity.”

The press statute features a detailed description of the three-person Osage Information Editorial Board, which oversees the newspaper’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. The political appointees should be 25, have skilled newsroom expertise, have the ability to keep neutrality towards topics, and cling to ethics codes set by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. The third, at-large member, is appointed by the 2 political members. The at-large member should both have an undergraduate diploma in journalism, legislation, authorities, or enterprise, have 5 years’ journalism expertise, or have served three years in public workplace. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 106.

The press statute prevents the Osage Information from utilizing the identical model and working in the identical constructing as the federal government. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 110–11. Nevertheless, the newspaper’s finances is funded and topic to overview by the tribal authorities. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 109.

Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.omtribe.org

Open conferences: Common conferences require a 100-member quorum, whereas conferences of tribal leaders require a five-leader quorum. O.M.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1(a), 2(a). Particular common conferences and management conferences require not less than 10 and three days’ discover, respectively. O.M.T.I. artwork. 11 § 1(c), 2(c).

Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: http://www.ottawatribe.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1, 4(a).

Public information: Tribal members can entry authorities information upon request and within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. If the federal government refuses to offer entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences require not less than 10 days’ discover. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum and a three-leader quorum. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 3.

Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://pawneenation.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. P.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. P.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(iii).

Open conferences: All conferences require not less than two days’ discover. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 6(ii)(b). Conferences usually require a five-leader quorum. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 5.

Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564. The legislation defines defamation as a (1) communication (both orally or in writing) with information and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years, (4) thereby exposing the particular person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564(a). “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by the use of protection.” P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564(a).

Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004(d). They’re the one tort claims that can’t be introduced as small claims. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).

For elected leaders, conviction of libel “in any authentic governmental jurisdiction” is trigger for removing from the governing physique. P.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 4(iv)(a)(E)(15).

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Chaticks si Chaticks, a authorities publication.

Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://peoriatribe.com

Public information: The Peoria Council, which consists of all tribal members who’re not less than 18 years of age, can examine authorities information. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 6 § 3(e).

Open conferences: All conferences require 10 days’ discover. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 14 § 3. Common conferences require a 25-member quorum. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 15 § 2.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Eehisi Iiyaayankwi, a authorities publication.

Quapaw Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://www.quapawtribe.com

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. Q.N. Governing Res. § 9.

Open conferences: Conferences require a four-leader quorum and “correct discover.” Q.N. Governing Res. §§ 1(b), 11.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Ogahpah Igazozo, a authorities publication.

Sac & Fox Nation, Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 1(c).

Open conferences: Conferences require 5 to 10 days’ discover. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 8 §§ 2(a), 3(a). Conferences require a 60-member and three-leader quorum. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 9.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Sac & Fox Information, a authorities publication.

The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.sno-nsn.gov

Public information: Authorities spending is public report. S.N.O Const. artwork. 5 § (e).

The tribe’s appellate process code establishes guidelines for press entry to courtroom proceedings. Limitations can embody directives for press to clear entrances and hallways, stopping press from being inside the bar railing, and limiting press to a particular variety of allotted seats. No images, video, or different taping is permitted within the courtroom, with a number of exceptions. 1 S.N.C. Rule 106(h)–(i).

“In a broadly publicized or sensational civil or felony case, the Court docket, on movement of both get together or by itself movement, could subject a particular order governing such issues as … the seating and conduct within the courtroom of spectators and information media representatives …” 1 S.N.C. R. 106(h).

Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.7. Conferences require not less than 10 days’ discover besides in emergencies. S.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 1; 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.6. A 15-member quorum is required. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.8.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Cokv Tvlvme, a authorities publication. It additionally has a radio station.

Seneca-Cayuga Nation

Tribe’s web site: http://sctribe.com

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences require a 225-member and four-leader quorum. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 4.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Gah-Yah-Tont, a authorities publication.

Shawnee Tribe

Tribe’s web site: https://www.shawnee-nsn.gov

Public information: Tribal members can entry authorities information. S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § C.

Requests for tribal citizenship information should be in writing, with restricted exceptions. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(A). Authorities suggestions to disenroll residents usually are not public. 2 S.T.C. 12 § 60(A). Compiled statistical information about members, similar to addresses, and member and citizenship applicant recordsdata usually are not public. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(C).

Court docket information are typically public, besides as in any other case supplied by legislation. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 130(D). For a nominal price, “any individuals” can acquire copies of courtroom information; in any other case, inspection is proscribed to the courtroom clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 140.

Open conferences: Common conferences require 20 days’ discover, and conferences of elected leaders require one days’ discover. S.T. Const. artwork. 9 §§ A, D. Common conferences require a 25-member quorum, and conferences of elected leaders require a six-leader quorum. S.T. Const. artwork. 11.

Thlopthlocco Tribal City

Tribe’s web site: https://www.tttown.org

Press freedom: As initially adopted, the tribal structure contains press freedom. T.T.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1.

Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: http://www.tonkawatribe.com

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. T.T.I. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.

Public information: Tribal council members (all members of the Tonkawa Tribe 18 years of age or older) can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.

Open conferences: Particular conferences require not less than 5 days’ discover. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 2. Conferences require a 20-member and two-leader quorum. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes a authorities publication.

United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://www.ukb-nsn.gov

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. U.Okay.B.C.I.O Const. artwork. 11 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.

Open conferences: Conferences require not less than 10 days’ discover. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 4. Conferences require a seven-member quorum. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.

Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco & Tawakonie), Oklahoma

Tribe’s web site: https://wichitatribe.com

Press freedom: The tribal governing decision contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 10 § 1.

Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 12 § 3.

Open conferences: Particular conferences require not less than 10 days’ discover. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 6 § 2. Conferences require a 15-member and four-leader quorum. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 15.

Tribal media: The tribe publishes Wichita Tribal Information, a authorities publication.

Wyandotte Nation

Tribe’s web site: https://wyandotte-nation.org

Press freedom: The tribal structure contains press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.N. Const. artwork. 11 § 1.

Public information: All courtroom information are public information besides as in any other case supplied by legislation. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 113(d). For a “affordable copy price,” “any individuals” can acquire copies of courtroom information; in any other case, inspection is proscribed to the courtroom clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 114.

Tribal citizenship information are confidential. W.N. Enrollment Ordinance § 6(B).

Open conferences: Conferences require not less than three days’ discover. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Common conferences require a 50-member quorum; conferences of tribal management require a three- or four-leader quorum. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 5.