ARTICLE 2. The object of this organization shall be to discuss matters pertaining to the tribe with a view to promoting the social, financial, industrial and general welfare and best interests of the tribe, and make such recommendations to the Superintendent or the Indian Office and any others, as the Committee deems advisable. This Committee shall also pass upon such matters as may be presented to it by the Superintendent for action, including functions of a Tribal Council, and shall be delegated to act with all the power and authority in all tribal matters, including all tribal claims of every nation.

ARTICLE 3. The Business Committee shall be composed of (9) nine enrolled members, who must be more than 21 years of age, and who are actively engaged in a productive effort to support themselves and families.

ARTICLE 4. The election of Tribal Committeemen shall be held at a general Tribal Council, as follows:

1. A majority of the lawful votes present shall constitute a determination of all questions referred to a general Tribal Council.

2. A rising, or standing, vote shall govern all elections.

3. The White Swan District shall have the option of two (2) Committeemen, who shall be elected by the general Tribal Council. This district shall be composed of all the people located in the Lake Andes jurisdiction as related to the present agricultural district.

4. The Greenwood District shall have a least (7) seven Committeemen. This district shall be composed of all the remainder of the reservation not included in the White Swan District.

5. In electing the Committeemen for the Business Committee at least nine (9) nominations shall be made, but not to exceed eighteen (18) nominations, after which a vote will be taken, and the nine (9) receiving the highest number of votes will be determined elected.

ARTICLE 5. The Superintendent shall make provisions for each election. Notices of election and voting places, etc., should be posted not less than two weeks preceding the election. The Superintendent shall take precautions to insure a fair election.

ARTICLE 6. Elections shall be regularly held on the third (3rd) Tuesday of August of each odd year. The first election shall be held on a date to be fixed by the Superintendent at which nine (9) Committeemen shall be elected according to the provisions of this Constitution. They shall hold office until the first regular election shall be held in the first odd year after the adoption of this Constitution, as otherwise provided herein.

ARTICLE 7. Regular meetings of the Business Committee shall be held on the first Monday of the months of April, July, and October, at the Agency headquarters. Special meetings may be called by the Superintendent either on his own notion or upon the written request of five (5) or more member of the Committee, such calls and requests to state the purpose for which the meeting is to be called. Notices of all meetings are to be approved by the Superintendent.

ARTICLE 8. Before assuming their places on the Business Committee, members elect shall subscribe to the following oath or affirmation of office:

I, ___________, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, and faithfully and impartially carry out the duties of my office to the best of my ability, and will cooperate with the Superintendent in charge of the reservation in all proper efforts to promote and protect the best interest of the Indians of the Yankton Reservation, and to assist them in every way toward better citizenship and progress.

ARTICLE 10. At the first meeting following election, the Committee shall elect a Chairman, a Vice-chairman, a Secretary, and any other officers it may require to transact their business. A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

ARTICLE 11. The Superintendent or a representative designated by him should as a general rule be present at all meetings of the Committee and confer and advise with them, provided that when the business before the Committee warrants such action, the Committee may go into executive session excluding all persons not members of the Committee.

ARTICLE 12. The Chairman shall preside at meetings of the Committee. In the absence of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman shall preside.

ARTICLE 13. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all regular and special meetings, including all business transacted by the Committee, and shall file one official copy of the minutes in the office of the Superintendent at the conclusion of each meeting. Also one copy shall be sent through the Superintendent to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

ARTICLE 14. Any members of the Committee shall be subject to recall from office and membership for reasonable cause, upon proper investigation by the Committee subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, or by the Commissioner.

ARTICLE 15. Matters of great importance to the tribe which the Business Committee believes should be referred to a general Tribal Council or general tribal election may be so referred by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Business Committee, provided that the calling, etc., of such general Council shall be subject to and under the direction and supervision of the Superintendent or the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

ARTICLE 16. The office of the Business Committeeman shall be strictly honorary and without compensation, except when valuable and meritorious services are rendered by any member of the Committee in the discharge of his duties as a Committeeman, in which case claims may be made for compensation, subject to the approval of a general Tribal Council of the Yankton-Sioux Tribe, the Superintendent, and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

ARTICLE 17. This Constitution and By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Business Committee at any regular meeting, subject to the approval of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.

ARTICLE 18. This Constitution shall be in full force and effect to govern the Yankton-Sioux Tribe on and after the date it is approved by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington, D. C.

We hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the Constitution and By-Laws as adopted by the Yankton-Sioux Indians in Council on September 28, 1931, at Greenwood, South Dakota.

/s/ Robert Clarkson
Rev. Rob't. Clarkson,
CHAIRMAN.

/s/ Clement Smith
Clement Smith,
Witness & Interpreter.

/s/Joseph Grabbingbear
Joseph Grabbingbear,
SECRETARY.

/s/Moses Archambeau
Moses Archambeau,
Witness & Interpreter.

/s/ C. C. Hickman
C. C. Hickman,
SUPT. & S. D. A.

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19 July 1999, lrb