Title
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING PRINCIPLES FOR DISTRICTING OF THE SEATS OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CHEROKEE NATION
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WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation since time immemorial has exercised the sovereign rights of self-government in behalf of the Cherokee people;
WHEREAS, the Cherokee Nation is a federally recognized Indian Nation with a historic and continual government to government relationship with the United States of America;
WHEREAS, Article VI ยง 3 of the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation authorizes the Council to establish representative districts within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation;
WHEREAS, the Council desires to redistrict the seats in a fair and consistent manner.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Council hereby adopts the following principles for districting:
1. Districting of Council representative seats must meet the requirements of Article VI Section 3 of the Constitution of the Cherokee Nation:
a. The Council shall establish representative districts which shall be within the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation. Fifteen of these seats shall be apportioned to afford a reasonably equal division of citizenship among the districts, and the remaining two shall be elected at-large by those registered voters residing outside the boundaries of the Cherokee Nation voting at-large in accordance with this section.
b. Equal representation based upon registered tribal citizens;
2. Districting must achieve voter understanding and be easy to define and implement;
3. Districting must endeavor to gain greater participation in the electoral process from voters and candidates;
4. Districting must balance National, Community and Individual interests;
5. Districting must utilize self-identified counties as provided on the application for Cherokee Nation citizenship;
6. Districting must identify and coordinate regional interests;
7. Districting must promote cooperation among elected officials;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Nation shall retain an independent consultant to develop options based upon the principles outlined above;
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CHEROKEE NATION, that the Rules Sub-Committee shall determine any deadlines for redistricting based upon the findings of the independent consultant.