Title
AN ACT AMENDING TITLE 29, SECTION 108(D) OF THE CHEROKEE NATION CODE ANNOTATED
Body
BE IT ENACTED BY THE CHEROKEE NATION:
Section 1. Title and Codification
This Act shall be known as the "Culturally Protected Species Act of 2024" and codified as Title 29, Section 108D of the Cherokee Nation Code, which is hereby amended in accordance with the Act.
Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to maintain protection for species that have cultural significance to the Cherokee Nation and its citizens.
Section 3. Legislative Authority
Article VI Section 7 of the Cherokee Nation Constitution states, "The Council shall have the power to establish laws which it shall deem necessary and proper for the good of the Nation, which shall not be contrary to the provisions of this Constitution. The style of all bills shall be: 'Be It Enacted by the Cherokee Nation'"
Section 4. Legislative History
Legislative Act 36-06, effective January 10, 2007
Legislative Act 10-10, effective June 21, 2010
Legislative Act 04-22, effective February 1, 2022
Section 5. Substantive Provisions of Law
Title 29, Section 108(D) is hereby amended to add the following:
D. The Office of the Secretary of Natural Resources shall work with the Environmental Protection Commission and other departments of the Nation to identify and protect plant and animal species of special concern to the Nation and important habitats. For purposes of this Code, "species of special concern" should include, but is not limited to, any species listed as endangered, threatened or rare by the federal government, states, and other tribal nations, and any "Culturally Protected Species" identified by Cherokee Nation, pursuant to the following rules:
1. Definitions
a. "Culturally Protected Species" includes
i. Bald Eagle;
ii. Black Bear;
iii. Mountain Lion (aka Puma, Cougar, etc.); and
iv. Any other plant, animal or aquatic species designated as a Culturally Protected Species as determined by regulation...
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