§ 636. — Adoption of constitution by Navajo Tribe; method; contents.
[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 25USC636]
TITLE 25--INDIANS
CHAPTER 14--MISCELLANEOUS
SUBCHAPTER XXI--NAVAJO AND HOPI TRIBES: REHABILITATION
Sec. 636. Adoption of constitution by Navajo Tribe; method;
contents
In order to facilitate the fullest possible participation by the
Navajo Tribe in the program authorized by this subchapter, the members
of the tribe shall have the right to adopt a tribal constitution in the
manner herein prescribed. Such constitution may provide for the exercise
by the Navajo Tribe of any powers vested in the tribe or any organ
thereof by existing law, together with such additional powers as the
members of the tribe may, with the approval of the Secretary of the
Interior, deem proper to include therein. Such constitution shall be
formulated by the Navajo Tribal Council at any regular meeting,
distributed in printed form to the Navajo people for consideration, and
adopted by secret ballot of the adult members of the Navajo Tribe in an
election held under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, at
which a majority of the qualified votes cast favor such adoption. The
constitution shall authorize the fullest possible participation of the
Navajos in the administration of their affairs as approved by the
Secretary of the Interior and shall become effective when approved by
the Secretary. The constitution may be amended from time to time in the
same manner as herein provided for its adoption, and the Secretary of
the Interior shall approve any amendment which in the opinion of the
Secretary of the Interior advances the development of the Navajo people
toward the fullest realization and exercise of the rights, privileges,
duties, and responsibilities of American citizenship.
(Apr. 19, 1950. ch. 92, Sec. 6, 64 Stat. 46.)
