9.05.020 Purpose and findings.
The purpose of this chapter is to establish policy to determine legal responsibility for defamatory statements made in violation of this chapter against a person and to determine the damages arising out of those defamatory statements.
The Tribal Council finds that:
A. The Constitution delegates to the Tribal Council the power and responsibility to “promulgate and enforce Tribal resolution, ordinances, and laws as needed and in a manner consistent with the Constitution” including “Tribal criminal and civil law and order codes.” Art. VI, Section 1.
B. The Constitution protects the rights of Tribal citizens to the freedom of speech, the right to orderly associate or assembly, the right to petition for action or the redress of grievances, and due process of law. Art. V, Section 2.
C. Tribal law and a Tribal forum are necessary to allow Tribal citizens and other persons under the Tribe’s jurisdiction to seek redress of grievances regarding defamatory statements. [Ord. 17-22, approved 3/14/22.]