About Tribal Government

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs is a sovereign nation with its own government, laws, and judicial system. The Tribal Council serves as the governing body, elected by tribal members to represent their interests and make decisions on behalf of the Tribes.

Government Structure

The tribal government operates under a constitution and bylaws adopted by the membership. The government is organized into three branches:

Tribal Council

The Tribal Council consists of eleven members representing the three tribes:

• Eight representatives from the Warm Springs Tribe
• Two representatives from the Wasco Tribe
• One representative from the Paiute Tribe

Council Leadership

The Tribal Council elects officers from among its members:

• Chief: Presides over Council meetings and represents the Tribes
• Vice-Chief: Assists the Chief and serves in their absence
• Secretary: Maintains Council records and proceedings
• Treasurer: Oversees financial matters and reporting

Council Responsibilities

The Tribal Council is responsible for:

• Enacting tribal laws and ordinances
• Approving tribal budgets and expenditures
• Managing tribal resources and assets
• Entering into contracts and agreements
• Appointing boards, commissions, and committees
• Representing tribal interests in government-to-government relations
• Protecting tribal sovereignty and treaty rights

Council Meetings

Tribal Council meets regularly to conduct tribal business:

• Regular meetings held twice monthly
• Special meetings called as needed
• General Council meetings with tribal membership
• Public comment periods for tribal members
• Meeting agendas and minutes available to members

Tribal Administration

The Tribal Administration, led by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), manages daily operations and implements Council directives:

Key Administrative Departments

• Chief Executive Officer: Overall tribal administration
• Chief Operations Officer: Departmental operations and management
• Chief Financial Officer: Financial management and accounting
• Human Resources: Personnel and employee services
• Legal Department: Legal counsel and representation
• Information Technology: Technology infrastructure and support
• Public Affairs: Communications and public relations

Sovereignty & Treaty Rights

The Confederated Tribes maintains its sovereignty as a federally recognized tribal nation:

• Treaty of 1855 establishes tribal rights and reservation
• Government-to-government relationship with federal and state entities
• Tribal jurisdiction over reservation lands and members
• Reserved fishing, hunting, and gathering rights
• Water rights and natural resource management authority

Tribal Membership

Enrollment in the Confederated Tribes is governed by tribal law. The Enrollment Office handles:

• Tribal membership applications
• Birth and death registrations
• Descendancy verification
• Enrollment cards and documentation
• Genealogical research assistance