Constitution & By-laws

We the members of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma, in order to promote our common welfare and to secure to ourselves and our posterity the rights, powers, and privileges authorized and offered by the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act of June 26, 1936 (49 Stat. 1967) and the act of August 10, 1946 (60 Stat., 976), do hereby ordain and establish the following constitution and By-laws. --Preamble to United Keetoowah Band Constitution.

Corporate Charter

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees is the only Oklahoma Cherokee Tribe extended a Corporate Charter by the U.S. Congress. This is yet another recognition that the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees is The Original Government of the Cherokees.

The UKB's constitution/bylaws and corporate charter were ratified in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act and the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Act on May 8, 1950. The UKB is the only Cherokee Band or Nation properly organized under the OIWA, which is required by the act in order to possess un-allotted lands belonging to the Cherokee Indians.

Elected Officials

The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians is governed by the Tribal Council. The Council consists of the Chief, Assistant Chief, Secretary, Treasurer, and nine District Representatives.

Enrollment

The Enrollment Office is structured under the Tribal Secretary and is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the tribal records and tribal enrollment records. The UKB has a minimum blood quantum requirement of one quarter (1/4) degree Keetoowah Cherokee blood.

Judicial System

For the first time since statehood, the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokees again has a Judicial System. The UKB Tribal Court system was reestablished as yet another sign of the soverignty of the UKB and its inherent right to govern itself and its people, the traditional Cherokees.