This information gives a primer on press freedom and data entry within the many federally acknowledged tribes situated in Oklahoma. Reporters Committee employees developed this information by reviewing constitutions and codes obtainable on tribes’ web sites, in addition to by inspecting supplies obtainable on the Nationwide Indian Legislation Library, the Tribal Courtroom Clearinghouse, and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. Should you see one thing that must be added, up to date, or corrected, please electronic mail guides@rcfp.org.
This information doesn’t exchange authorized recommendation from an lawyer. Journalists and media attorneys who’ve further questions or want help ought to contact the Reporters Committee’s free Authorized Hotline.
Tribal governance
Almost 40 federally acknowledged tribes are situated in Oklahoma, every of which is acknowledged by the USA as sovereign. Sovereignty is the fitting of every tribe to manipulate itself and decide its personal cultural and political id.
As sovereign nations, tribes have the fitting to enact, implement, and interpret their very own legal guidelines. Constitutional provisions limiting federal and state powers, together with the First Modification, don’t straight apply to them. See Talton v. Mayes, 163 U.S. 376 (1896) (holding that the Fifth Modification doesn’t apply to tribes); see additionally Santa Clara Pueblo v. Martinez, 436 U.S. 49 (1978) (noting decrease courtroom choices that utilized Talton to different constitutional rights). State legal guidelines such because the Oklahoma Open Data Act or the Open Assembly Act additionally don’t apply to tribes.
Overview
Many tribal nations situated in Oklahoma have enacted their very own legal guidelines associated to press freedom and data entry. For this primer, we surveyed 38 federally acknowledged tribal nations situated in Oklahoma and located:
- 28 tribal nations explicitly shield press freedom, and lots of tribal constitutions embody language mirroring the First Modification of the U.S. Structure. Others determine as according to the U.S. Structure however don’t particularly point out the press. This useful resource notes cases the place the press is referenced explicitly.
- 32 tribal nations have report entry provisions (i.e., freedom of knowledge legal guidelines). Many apply solely to tribal residents.
- 37 tribal nations have provisions regarding assembly discover or quorum necessities. The discover timelines and quorum sizes fluctuate vastly.
- A minimum of 3 tribal nations have defend legal guidelines, or a regulation designed to guard reporters’ privilege.
- Most tribes have a media outlet or communications crew that publishes tribal information. Nevertheless, the vast majority of these publications are a part of their respective tribal governments and don’t perform independently. The Native American Journalists Affiliation maintains an inventory of urged parts for unbiased tribal media.
Take a look at our interactive map displaying press freedom data for various tribes situated in Oklahoma.
Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.astribe.com
Public information: The tribe has a freedom of knowledge handbook. The tribal secretary handles requests, together with appeals, with help from the tribal govt committee. Very similar to within the federal FOIA course of, responses are sometimes due in 20 days barring uncommon circumstances or circumstances.
Exemptions to the tribe’s coverage are equivalent to the federal FOIA exemptions. The coverage additionally doesn’t apply to common circulation supplies, comparable to coverage statements, case opinions, and administrative manuals. Informant information and pending regulation enforcement information are additionally excluded. A.S.T. Freedom of Information. Act Handbook.
Typically, all courtroom information are public. A.S.T. Courts Code § 113(d). Particularly, for claims towards the tribe or one among its workers, “judgments, orders, and settlements of claims shall be open public information except sealed by the courtroom for good trigger proven.” A.S.T. Gov’t. Tort Claims Act § 12.
Tampering with public information is a felony offense. It carries penalties as much as life banishment, which might happen after a number of offenses. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 412.
Open conferences: In keeping with the tribal structure, “All conferences of every of the tribal elective our bodies are closed to non-tribal members except they’re on official enterprise with the tribe or are in any other case invited to attend by the respective physique.” A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 § 5.
Common Council conferences require 15 days’ discover to members. Government Committee conferences require 5 days’ discover to officers. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §1, §3.
Common Council conferences require a 50-member quorum, whereas Government Committee, Tribal Courtroom, Appeals Courtroom, and Election Fee conferences require a three-officer quorum. A.S.T. Const. artwork. 17.
Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. The regulation defines defamation as (1) communication with data and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years. “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by means of protection.” A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 564(a).
Punishments for defamation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with a foundation in reality.” A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 564(b).
Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004. They’re the one tort claims that can not be introduced as small claims. A.S.T. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).
The tribe’s provisions for privateness violations embody a consent regulation for recording. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any gadget for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any non-public place any gadget for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) disclose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. A.S.T. Crim. Legislation Code § 563(c).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Absentee Shawnee Information, a government-affiliated publication.
Alabama Quassarte Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://www.alabama-quassarte.com
Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-member quorum. A.Q.T.T. Const. Bylaws artwork. 2.
Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://apachetribe.org/about/
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require at the very least 10 days’ discover. A.T. Const. artwork. 6 § 2. In any respect conferences, 50 tribal members and three tribal executives represent a quorum. A.T. Const. artwork. 15.
Caddo Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://mycaddonation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.
Open conferences: Particular conferences and adjustments in location for normal quarterly conferences each require 10 days’ discover to members. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 §§ 1, 4. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. C.N. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3.
Cherokee Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.cherokee.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 4.
Public information: In keeping with the Cherokee Nation Code, “Any particular person has a proper to examine or copy any public report of a public physique.” The federal government should reply to requests inside 15 days, not together with weekends and holidays, and is allowed to cost affordable charges for information manufacturing. The code incorporates an intensive checklist of varieties of information which can be exempt from the statute or have restricted use. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 104-106. A web based kind is obtainable to submit a request for public information. Since 2019, the Cherokee Nation has printed yearly stories containing all public report requests and responses thereto.
The Cherokee Nation Code makes use of an intensive definition of “public report,” noting, “it is important in a democratic society that public enterprise be carried out in an open and public method.” 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 101-103.
Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Courtroom of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive aid to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”), together with public information. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An software have to be made no later than one yr following the date of the alleged violation or one yr after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual looking for such aid prevails, they could be awarded affordable lawyer charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such particular person prevails partly). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).
Any one who willfully and maliciously violates the provisions of Chapter Two of Title 67 of the Cherokee Nation Code (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”) could also be discovered responsible of a criminal offense and fined no more than $100 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days; subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 112.
The tribal code additionally creates the Archives and Data Fee, which establishes and manages report storage. It additionally establishes an official repository, the Cherokee Nationwide Archives. 67 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-9.
Moreover, the federal government is required to keep up a public information system for publishing legal guidelines and courtroom opinions to tribal membership. “The textual content of all legal guidelines, resolutions, judicial opinions and orders, besides in any other case protected by regulation, and all different governmental publications, besides these by Nation-owned entities, shall be within the public area and free from encumbrances towards use by the Residents. This shall not constrain the Nation from copyrighting different features of governmental publications, besides that residents shall at all times have license for private use of the copyrighted work with out discover or price.” C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 11.
Open conferences: Conferences of the Council of the Cherokee Nation (the legislative physique of the Cherokee Nation) and its committees are open to the general public besides people who concern sure personnel issues, the “ethical turpitude of any citizen,” or if the “decorum of the viewers” prejudices the orderly administration of enterprise. If consideration of a topic takes place in govt session, any votes should happen in an open assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 6. Discover of particular conferences have to be printed not lower than ten days previous to the assembly and should embody the aim(s) of the particular assembly. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.
Additional, conferences of public our bodies — any Cherokee Nation board, fee, company, authority, public or governmental physique or political subdivision of the Nation — are required to be open except they’re closed for a goal supplied for by regulation comparable to investigative proceedings relating to allegations of felony misconduct. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 103, 107-108(A). Public our bodies could solely enter govt session at a gathering for a “particular goal” as allowed by regulation and no motion could also be taken in govt session besides to adjourn or return to the general public session. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 108(B). Written public discover is required for each common and particular conferences of public our bodies; agendas have to be supplied at the very least 10 days previous to any common assembly and 24 hours previous to any particular assembly. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 109. Minutes of conferences are thought-about public information and are required to be made obtainable inside an affordable time after a gathering. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 110.
Any Cherokee Nation citizen could apply to the District Courtroom of Cherokee Nation for a declaratory judgment and/or injunctive aid to implement the provisions of the Cherokee Nation Code that relate to Chapter Two of Title 67 (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”), together with open conferences. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). An software have to be made no later than one yr following the date of the alleged violation or one yr after a public vote in public session, whichever comes later. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(A). If an individual looking for such aid prevails, they could be awarded affordable lawyer charges and different prices of litigation (or a portion thereof if such particular person prevails partly). 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 111(B).
Any one who willfully and maliciously violates the provisions of Chapter Two of Title 67 of the Cherokee Nation Code (“Freedom of Data and Rights to Privateness”) could also be discovered responsible of a criminal offense and fined no more than $100 or imprisoned for as much as 30 days; subsequent offenses carry enhanced penalties. 67 C.N.C.A. 2 § 112.
Different: The code additionally creates a defend regulation defending journalists from being pressured to reveal sources and unpublished data. 44 C.N.C.A. 2 §§ 21-24. Nevertheless, the defend regulation “doesn’t apply with respect to the content material or supply of allegedly defamatory data, in a civil motion for defamation wherin the defendant asserts a protection primarily based on the content material or supply of such data.” 44 C.N.C.A. 2 § 24.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Cherokee Phoenix, a newspaper with an unbiased editorial coverage.
The tribe additionally produces Anadisgoi Journal and the Cherokee Voices, Cherokee Sounds radio program.
The tribal code gives for an unbiased press and establishes tribal publications. “It’s crucial to have measures in place to make sure the liberty of the press and to make sure the tribal publications have the independence to report objectively.” 44 C.N.C.A. 1 § 2.
The code additionally creates an editorial board with 5 members, at the very least three of whom should have journalism expertise and observe Society of Skilled Journalists and Native American Journalists Affiliation ethics codes. The board members can’t be concerned in any tribal politics aside from voting, and they are often eliminated solely by the tribal Supreme Courtroom for trigger. Nevertheless, the board members are appointed and confirmed by the tribal authorities. 44 C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 1-8.
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://cheyenneandarapaho-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 1 § 1(b).
Public information: The tribal structure permits members of the general public to examine or receive copies of information for a “affordable price.” It establishes the kind of information the tribe should keep and requires the tribe to develop programs for accessing and indexing the information. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1(d).
All choices, opinions, and orders by the tribal Supreme Courtroom have to be written and printed. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 6(e).
Open conferences: Council conferences require at the very least 15 days’ discover. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(c). Conferences require a 75-member quorum. C.A.T. Const. artwork. 5 § 4(a).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes a newspaper, the Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribal Tribune. The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.
The Chickasaw Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.chickasaw.web
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 4.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 3.
Open conferences: All conferences are open to tribal members. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Conferences require a nine-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 2. Assembly agendas have to be launched to the general public at the very least two days upfront. 16 C.N.C. 2 § 1(B)(2).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Chickasaw Instances, a newspaper with an unbiased editorial coverage. “The Instances shall be honest, neutral and inform the Chickasaw public of tribal objectives, operations, procedures, providers and emphasizing the accomplishments and opinions of all Chickasaw residents. No particular person or assortment of individuals shall be allowed to dominate the Instances in any kind or style.” 2 C.N.C. 9 § 4(B). The tribal newspaper is ruled by 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1–4. Nevertheless, the newspaper is funded with authorities {dollars} and is required to offer house to authorities officers. See 2 C.N.C. 9 §§ 1(B)(2), 4(A)(3), 4(D)(7).
The tribe additionally has radio and TV stations.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.choctawnation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of the fitting of members to talk, write, or publish opinions on issues regarding the Choctaw Nation. C.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 3.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.N. Const. artwork. 9 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members and require an eight-member quorum. Particular conferences require at the very least one days’ discover. Conferences may be held in non-public session, however solely with a public two-thirds vote by council leaders. Members can’t handle the tribal council with out approval of the vast majority of council leaders current. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 §§ 2–4.
Discover of courtroom periods is required, and periods are open to the general public. C.N. Act to Set up a Ct. of Gen. Jurisdiction, artwork. 1 § 114(A).
Different: The tribal code incorporates substantial libel and slander provisions: “Libel is a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, or effigy or different fastened illustration to the attention, which exposes any particular person to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive him of public confidence, or to injure him in his occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize his surviving family members or mates.” C.N. Crim. Code § 771.
Malice is “presumed” for non-privileged publications except information and testimony present in any other case. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 772, 774. Penalty for precise or threatened libel may be as much as one yr imprisonment or $1,000 wonderful. C.N. Crim. Code §§ 773, 777.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Biskinik, a authorities publication.
Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.potawatomi.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 16 § 1(a).
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4.
Open conferences: Conferences look like open to tribal members. “The aim of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Indian Council conferences shall be to offer data . . . to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation.” C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 1.
Conferences require 10 days’ discover. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 13 § 5. 9 members of the tribal legislature and 5 p.c of the tribal membership are required for quorum. C.P.N. Const. artwork. 17 §§1–2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Hownikan, a authorities publication.
Comanche Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://comanchenation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can view authorities information with out paying prices or charges. C.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 4. Courtroom information are usually public. 1 C.N.C. 2 § 12(D).
Open conferences: Conferences require 10-14 days’ discover. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 4. Conferences require a 150-member quorum. C.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 5.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Comanche Nation Information, a authorities publication.
Delaware Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.delawarenation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. D.N. Const. artwork. 12 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can view authorities information. D.N. Const. artwork. 14 §§ 3–4. The tribe’s election ordinance additionally makes candidate information public. D.N. Election Ordinace § 401(J).
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. D.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum. D.N. Const. artwork. 15 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Nation Newspaper, a authorities publication.
Delaware Tribe of Indians
Tribe’s web site: https://delawaretribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of freedom to jot down in its invoice of rights. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 3 § 1.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members, who can take part with the Chief’s permission. D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 4(A). The tribe’s annual assembly requires 30-45 days’ discover to members, and particular conferences require 5 days’ discover to council leaders. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 1; D.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 3. Conferences require a 100-member quorum. D.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Delaware Indian Information, or Lënapeí Pampil, the “official publication of the Delaware Tribe of Indians.”
Jap Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://estoo-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 5(a).
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 3.
The tribe additionally has an intensive public information ordinance, which states that the tribe usually permits members to view and duplicate information besides when doing so would disturb authorities operation or create confidentiality points. The ordinance delineates procedures for accessing and copying information. It additionally gives an inventory of information which can be exempt from disclosure. E.S.T. Pub. Rec. Ordinance.
The ordinance additionally addresses the restricted rights of non-members: “Non-members have an curiosity in tribal paperwork and information solely as required by regulation, or as decided by tribal officers to be according to the curiosity of the tribe.”
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover, and conferences require a 30-member quorum. E.S.T. Const. artwork. 16 §§1–2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Taking pictures Star, a authorities publication.
Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://fortsillapache-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 8 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences are open to all tribal members in addition to “different individuals invited by the enterprise committee.” F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3. Particular conferences require seven days’ discover, and all conferences require a 10-member quorum. F.S.A.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 2, 5.
Iowa Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.bahkhoje.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. If the federal government refuses to supply entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. I.T. Const. artwork. 11 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. I.T. Const. artwork. 6 §§ 1-2, 5. Common conferences require a 20-member quorum, whereas smaller committee conferences require solely two or three elected leaders to ascertain quorum. I.T. Const. artwork. 13.
Tribal media: The tribe printed the Bah Koh-Je Journal, a authorities publication, as lately as December 2016.
Kaw Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://kawnation.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 1(A).
Public information: The tribal structure consists of information entry in its invoice of rights. Tribal members can entry authorities information except such information are declared confidential via laws. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 2 § 3; Okay.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(C). Tribal leaders’ voting information are public. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 1(H).
Tampering with information is punishable by wonderful as much as $5,000, imprisonment as much as one yr, and/or banishment for not lower than one yr nor greater than 5 years; or upon a subsequent conviction, banishment for not lower than 5 years nor greater than ten years. 7 Okay.N.C. 1 §139; 7 Okay.N.C. 4 § 412.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover; quarterly conferences are set for fastened dates however could also be rescheduled with 30 days’ discover. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 4 §§ 2(C)–(D). Conferences require a 25-member quorum. Okay.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 2(A).
Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute[1] that defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of knowledge that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 564(a).
Malice is “presumed” except a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. Defamation is punishable by as much as $500 and/or as much as six months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in reality.” 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 564(b).
The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any gadget for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any non-public place any gadget for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) disclose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563(a). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than six months. 7 Okay.N.C. 5 § 563(c).
The tribe’s subpoena statute consists of an exception for “enough excuse” however doesn’t particularly defend journalists. 8 Okay.N.C. 2 § 213(c).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kanza Information, a authorities publication. “Revealed quarterly, the Kanza Information is the Kaw Nation’s official newspaper. It’s the major medium of reports and data assortment and dissemination for tribal actions, academic and enterprise alternatives. … The publication informs the individuals, giving them vital messages and calling them collectively for conferences, ceremonies, and tribal occasions.”
[1] § 564(a) of the felony defamation statute states, “It shall be lawful to knowingly and with malicious intent talk to any particular person orally or in writing any data which one is aware of or ought to know to be false and knowingly that the data tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects of 1 who’s alive, or who has not been declared lacking or lifeless for a interval exceeding twenty years, and thereby expose him to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by means of protection.” The usage of “lawful” originally of the paragraph is probably going a scrivener’s error because the statute is titled “Prison Defamation,” defines parts of the offense, units out a variety of punishment, and gives a doable protection.
Kialegee Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://kialegeetribal.webstarts.com
Press freedom: The tribe’s structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.T.T. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Okay.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 4.
Open conferences: Conferences require a seven-leader quorum. Okay.T.T. Bylaws artwork. 5.
Kickapoo Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.kickapootribeofoklahoma.com/residence
Press freedom: The tribe’s structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. Okay.T. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities paperwork within the presence of the secretary upon order by the tribe’s grievance physique. Okay.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Courtroom information are usually open to the general public, aside from juvenile information. Juvenile courtroom proceedings are additionally not public hearings. Okay.T. Judicial Sys. Ordinance Ch. 2 § 11.
Cameras and recording gadgets are usually not allowed within the tribal courtroom. Okay.T. Courtroom Guidelines.
The tribe gives a kind for the general public to request courtroom information. Requests for copies of information are topic to nominal charges.
Open conferences: Conferences require a 25 member or three-leader quorum. Okay.T. Bylaws artwork. 6 §§1–2.
Different: The tribe has a devoted libel and slander statute. In keeping with the statute, libel includes “a false or malicious unprivileged publication by writing, printing, image, signal, or effigy or different fastened illustration to the attention, which exposes any particular person to public hatred, contempt, ridicule or obloquy, or which tends to deprive that particular person of public confidence, or to injure that particular person in that particular person’s occupation, or any malicious publication as aforesaid, designed to blacken or vilify the reminiscence of 1 who’s lifeless, and tending to scandalize that particular person’s surviving family members or mates.” Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 101.
Fact alone just isn’t a protection to libel. Defenses embody proof that disproves the costs or proof that the alleged libel was each true and privileged. Nevertheless, if the alleged libel is printed within the media with good religion, a jury or decide can contemplate whether or not the factual dispute was an “sincere mistake.” Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 104.
Privileged communications can happen throughout official conferences, judicial proceedings, or different official duties. Publications in these settings are usually not topic to libel penalties. Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 105.
Candidates for elected workplace have a restricted privileged communications privilege. Disputes beneath this privilege are additionally left to a jury or decide however are analyzed contemplating the workplace sought, and the character and setting of the alleged libel. Okay.T. Libel and Slander Ordinance § 106.
Libel and slander circumstances abate if the defendant dies. Okay.T. R. Civ. Professional. § 310(a)(3).
The tribe gives a separate civil criticism kind for libel and slander issues.
Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://kiowatribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom and whistleblower protections in its invoice of rights. Okay.I.T. Const. artwork. 1 §§ 1(b), (g).
Open conferences: Conferences require at the very least 15 days’ discover. Conferences additionally require a 150-member quorum. Okay.I.T. Const. artwork. 5 §§ 4(c), 5(a).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Kiowa Information, a authorities newspaper.
Miami Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.miamination.com
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information by appointment within the presence of the secretary/treasurer. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 17 § 3. Tribal members can even request copies of tribal courtroom paperwork by filling out a kind and paying $0.50 per web page in addition to $13 in further copy and mailing charges.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 19 § 2. Conferences require a 25-member quorum. M.T. Bylaws artwork. 22 § 1.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Atotankiki Myaamiaki, a authorities newspaper.
Modoc Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://modocnation.com
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. If the federal government refuses to supply entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s judicial department to implement their rights. M.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require 10 days’ discover. M.N. Const. artwork. 10. Additionally they require a 10-member quorum. M.N. Const. artwork. 11.
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.muscogeenation.com
Press freedom: A yr and a half after repealing its free press statute and asserting authorities management over Mvskoke Media, the tribe created the “Unbiased Muscogee (Creek) Press Act.”
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Press, Mvskoke Media, shall be unbiased from any undue affect and freed from any explicit political curiosity. It’s the obligation of the press to report on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and its individuals with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 1(A).
The statute features a defend regulation, which gives that journalists and members of the Mvskoke Media Editorial Board would not have to reveal sources or unpublished data, with restricted exceptions. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 11.
In 2021, residents of Muscogee Nation permitted an modification to the tribal structure making certain that residents should approve any future adjustments or repeal of the free press regulation. The tribal structure now states, “The Muscogee Creek Nation shall have an Unbiased Press that shall be free from political curiosity or undue affect, harassment, censorship, management or restrictions from any division of the federal government of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation with a view to present unbiased information and stories objectively to the Muscogee (Creek) residents.” M.C.N. Const. artwork. 14 § 1.
Public information: The Muscogee Nation has a freedom of knowledge regulation. Amongst different data, the statute identifies varieties of information which can be public and kinds which can be protected. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 20 § 017.
All authorities spending is public report. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 7(d).
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 101. Tribal leaders can take conferences to non-public govt session solely after voting on whether or not to go to govt session in public. 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 102.
Conferences require “affordable public discover.” 37 M.C.N.C.A. 5 § 104. Additionally they require a majority of elected officers to ascertain quorum. M.C.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 4(a).
“Mvskoke Media won’t be faraway from public discussion board conferences or censored in reporting these conferences according to govt and legislative working procedures and coverage, besides by order of the Nation’s Courts.” 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 3.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Mvskoke Information, now an unbiased newspaper. It additionally maintains a radio station. “The Mvskoke Information is an editorially unbiased and constitutionally protected publication. Its goal is to satisfy the wants of the tribe and its residents via the dissemination of knowledge.”
Though it could obtain and show political promoting, “Mvskoke Media broadcasts and publications shall not be thought-about an official capability of Muscogee (Creek) Nation and shall not embody the Muscogee (Creek) Nation official Seal on any supplies.” Editorial employees have to be free from all political exercise aside from voting and internet hosting candidate debates. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 2, 7.
The Unbiased Muscogee (Creek) Press Act features a detailed description of the three-person Mvskoke Media Editorial Board, which has energy over Mvskoke Media’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. Among the many members, at the very least one should have tribal regulation expertise, at the very least one should have an undergraduate or graduate diploma in journalism or a associated subject, and two should have at the very least 5 years’ journalism expertise. The board members are required to stick to ethics codes established by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 §§ 5–6.
The Mvskoke Media is assured funding, topic to assessment by the tribal authorities. 49 M.C.N.C.A. 1 § 10.
The Osage Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.osagenation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.N. Const. artwork. 4 §3(A). The Osage Nation has loved a free press since 2009, when its Supreme Courtroom issued its first-ever ruling which included language that upheld the Osage Nation’s free press constitutional freedoms. “[T]his Courtroom does acknowledge that freedom of speech or the press is an inalienable proper of the Osage individuals, to not be abridged or denied by any department or division of the Osage Nation authorities or by any official of the federal government. This Courtroom considers such rights to be obligatory to keep up ‘a free, sovereign, and unbiased nation.’” Grey v. Mason, No. SPC-08-01, at 11 (Osage Dec. 11, 2009).
The Unbiased Press Act of 2008 gives for an unbiased newspaper and an editorial board. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 105–06. The statute features a defend regulation, which gives that journalists would not have to reveal sources or unpublished data in courtroom. Nevertheless, the privilege doesn’t apply to alleged defamatory content material, felony proceedings, or actions the place a courtroom finds “substantial Osage Nation curiosity.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 112.
“The Osage Nation’s press shall be unbiased from any undue affect and freed from any explicit political curiosity. It’s the obligation of the press to report on the Osage Nation and its individuals with out bias to have an knowledgeable citizenry.” 15 O.N.C. 12 § 104.
Public information: The tribe has a statute devoted to open information. The statute identifies varieties of information which can be public and kinds which can be protected. 15 O.N.C. 8 §§ 103–104.
The statute spells out procedures for inspecting and requesting copies of information. The tribal authorities should reply to requests inside 10 enterprise days. The tribe can cost requesters for “affordable prices” associated to copying information, and the primary 25 pages are free. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 107. If a request is denied, the federal government should state why, and the requester has as much as six months to petition the Osage Nation Trial Courtroom to drive launch. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 108.
Illegal disclosure or destruction of information is punishable by a wonderful of $1,000 to $5,000. Authorities workers who refuse to launch information when required by courtroom, in addition to anybody who obtains information via stealing or bribery, can face comparable fines. Nevertheless, the statute incorporates a protection for whistleblowers who launch information unlawfully to reveal authorities abuses of energy. 15 O.N.C. 8 § 113(A)–(C).
Open conferences: The tribe has a statute devoted to open conferences. “Conferences of public our bodies” are open to members and most of the people, though attendees could also be requested to determine whether or not they’re members. Conferences may be filmed or recorded. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 105; O.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 19.
Tribal leaders can meet in govt session solely after the vast majority of members vote in public to permit the manager session. Government session conferences are restricted to a handful of delicate matters comparable to personnel and authorized points. 15 O.N.C. 7 § 107.
Conferences require at the very least two days’ discover “except an emergency requires shorter discover.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 108.
“The Osage Nation is a consultant authorities and relies upon an knowledgeable constituency. The Nation encourages residents to train their privilege of attending and talking at conferences of public our bodies.” 15 O.N.C. 7 § 102.
Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. The statute defines defamation as (1) communication with malicious and realizing intent, of knowledge that (2) “tends to question the honesty, integrity, advantage, or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) an individual who’s alive or has been lacking or lifeless for lower than 20 years. Malice is “presumed” except a “justifiable motive” exhibits in any other case. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(A).
Defamation is punishable by as much as $250 and/or as much as three months’ imprisonment. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with foundation in reality.” 6 O.N.C. 5 § 164(B).
The tribe’s privateness statute requires consent for recording. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163. It’s illegal, besides as approved by regulation, to (1) trespass on property with intent to topic anybody to eavesdropping or different surveillance in a personal place; or (2) set up in any non-public place, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there, any gadget for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or occasions in such place, or use any such unauthorized set up; or (3) set up or use exterior of any non-public place any gadget for listening to, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds originating in such place which might not ordinarily be audible or understandable exterior, with out the consent of the particular person or individuals entitled to privateness there; or (4) disclose with out the consent of the sender or receiver the existence or contents of any such message if the actor is aware of that the message was illegally intercepted, or if he discovered of the message in the midst of employment with an company engaged in transmitting it. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(A). Punishments for violating the consent regulation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. 6 O.N.C. 5 § 163(C).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes the Osage Information, a totally unbiased newspaper. The paper has detailed insurance policies about sourcing and items.
“As an unbiased information group, we try to report information and data with equity and stability. Whereas being the official information group of the Osage Nation, we base our information judgements on our loyalties to our readers and Osage residents, and we aren’t straight beholden to the Government, Legislative, or Judicial branches of the Osage Nation. … The Osage Information seeks to cowl information in all its complexity.”
The press statute features a detailed description of the three-person Osage Information Editorial Board, which oversees the newspaper’s editorial coverage. Two members are political appointees. The political appointees have to be 25, have skilled newsroom expertise, be capable of keep neutrality towards topics, and cling to ethics codes set by the Society of Skilled Journalists and the Native American Journalists Affiliation. The third, at-large member, is appointed by the 2 political members. The at-large member should both have an undergraduate diploma in journalism, regulation, authorities, or enterprise, have 5 years’ journalism expertise, or have served three years in public workplace. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 106.
The press statute prevents the Osage Information from utilizing the identical model and working in the identical constructing as the federal government. 15 O.N.C. 12 §§ 110–11. Nevertheless, the newspaper’s price range is funded and topic to assessment by the tribal authorities. 15 O.N.C. 12 § 109.
Otoe-Missouria Tribe of Indians, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.omtribe.org
Open conferences: Common conferences require a 100-member quorum, whereas conferences of tribal leaders require a five-leader quorum. O.M.T.I. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1(a), 2(a). Particular common conferences and management conferences require at the very least 10 and three days’ discover, respectively. O.M.T.I. artwork. 11 § 1(c), 2(c).
Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: http://www.ottawatribe.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. O.T. Const. artwork. 11 §§ 1, 4(a).
Public information: Tribal members can entry authorities information upon request and within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. If the federal government refuses to supply entry to the information, members can ask the tribe’s grievance physique to implement their rights. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require at the very least 10 days’ discover. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 2 § 1. Conferences require a 20-member quorum and a three-leader quorum. O.T. Bylaws artwork. 3.
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://pawneenation.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. P.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. P.N. Const. artwork. 5 § 3(iii).
Open conferences: All conferences require at the very least two days’ discover. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 6(ii)(b). Conferences sometimes require a five-leader quorum. P.N. Const. artwork. 4 § 5.
Different: The tribe has a felony defamation statute. P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564. The regulation defines defamation as a (1) communication (both orally or in writing) with data and malicious intent, (2) “to question the honesty, integrity, advantage or status, or publish the pure defects,” of (3) somebody alive or somebody lifeless or lacking inside the previous 20 years, (4) thereby exposing the particular person to public hatred, contempt or ridicule. P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564(a). “An injurious publication is presumed to have been malicious if no justifiable motive for making it’s proven by means of protection.” P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564(a).
Punishments for defamation embody fines of not more than $250 and imprisonment for not more than three months. “Nevertheless, it shall be a protection to felony defamation that the particular person making the publication was on the time engaged within the formal broadcast or publication of reports by some public information media of communication and in good religion believed he was reporting a newsworthy occasion regarding a public determine with a foundation in reality.” P.N. Legislation & Order Code § 564(b).
Libel and slander claims every have a one-year statute of limitations. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1004(d). They’re the one tort claims that can not be introduced as small claims. P.N. Civ. Proc. Code § 1601(a).
For elected leaders, conviction of libel “in any reliable governmental jurisdiction” is trigger for elimination from the governing physique. P.N. Const. artwork. 7 § 4(iv)(a)(E)(15).
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Chaticks si Chaticks, a authorities publication.
Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://peoriatribe.com
Public information: The Peoria Council, which consists of all tribal members who’re at the very least 18 years of age, can examine authorities information. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 6 § 3(e).
Open conferences: All conferences require 10 days’ discover. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 14 § 3. Common conferences require a 25-member quorum. P.T.I. Const. artwork. 15 § 2.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Eehisi Iiyaayankwi, a authorities publication.
Quapaw Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://www.quapawtribe.com
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. Q.N. Governing Res. § 9.
Open conferences: Conferences require a four-leader quorum and “correct discover.” Q.N. Governing Res. §§ 1(b), 11.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Ogahpah Igazozo, a authorities publication.
Sac & Fox Nation, Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.sacandfoxnation-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 3 § 1(c).
Open conferences: Conferences require 5 to 10 days’ discover. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 8 §§ 2(a), 3(a). Conferences require a 60-member and three-leader quorum. S.F.N. Const. artwork. 9.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Sac & Fox Information, a authorities publication.
The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.sno-nsn.gov
Public information: Authorities spending is public report. S.N.O Const. artwork. 5 § (e).
The tribe’s appellate process code establishes guidelines for press entry to courtroom proceedings. Limitations can embody directives for press to clear entrances and hallways, stopping press from being inside the bar railing, and limiting press to a particular variety of allotted seats. No pictures, video, or different taping is permitted within the courtroom, with just a few exceptions. 1 S.N.C. Rule 106(h)–(i).
“In a broadly publicized or sensational civil or felony case, the Courtroom, on movement of both social gathering or by itself movement, could concern a particular order governing such issues as … the seating and conduct within the courtroom of spectators and information media representatives …” 1 S.N.C. R. 106(h).
Open conferences: Conferences are open to tribal members. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.7. Conferences require at the very least 10 days’ discover besides in emergencies. S.N. Const. artwork. 6 § 1; 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.6. A 15-member quorum is required. 16 S.N.C. 8 R. 2.8.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Cokv Tvlvme, a authorities publication. It additionally has a radio station.
Seneca-Cayuga Nation
Tribe’s web site: http://sctribe.com
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require a 225-member and four-leader quorum. S.C.N. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Gah-Yah-Tont, a authorities publication.
Shawnee Tribe
Tribe’s web site: https://www.shawnee-nsn.gov
Public information: Tribal members can entry authorities information. S.T. Const. artwork. 8 § C.
Requests for tribal citizenship information have to be in writing, with restricted exceptions. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(A). Authorities suggestions to disenroll residents are usually not public. 2 S.T.C. 12 § 60(A). Compiled statistical information about members, comparable to addresses, and member and citizenship applicant information are usually not public. 2 S.T.C. 20 § 30(C).
Courtroom information are usually public, besides as in any other case supplied by regulation. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 130(D). For a nominal price, “any individuals” can receive copies of courtroom information; in any other case, inspection is restricted to the courtroom clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 14 S.T.C. 8 § 140.
Open conferences: Common conferences require 20 days’ discover, and conferences of elected leaders require one days’ discover. S.T. Const. artwork. 9 §§ A, D. Common conferences require a 25-member quorum, and conferences of elected leaders require a six-leader quorum. S.T. Const. artwork. 11.
Thlopthlocco Tribal City
Tribe’s web site: https://www.tttown.org
Press freedom: As initially adopted, the tribal structure consists of press freedom. T.T.T. Const. artwork. 7 § 1.
Tonkawa Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: http://www.tonkawatribe.com
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. T.T.I. Const. artwork. 9 § 1.
Public information: Tribal council members (all members of the Tonkawa Tribe 18 years of age or older) can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary-treasurer. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require at the very least 5 days’ discover. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 2. Conferences require a 20-member and two-leader quorum. T.T.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes a authorities publication.
United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://www.ukb-nsn.gov
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. U.Okay.B.C.I.O Const. artwork. 11 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information within the presence of the secretary. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 1 § 3.
Open conferences: Conferences require at the very least 10 days’ discover. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 3 § 4. Conferences require a seven-member quorum. U.Okay.B.C.I. Bylaws artwork. 4.
Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (Wichita, Keechi, Waco & Tawakonie), Oklahoma
Tribe’s web site: https://wichitatribe.com
Press freedom: The tribal governing decision consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 10 § 1.
Public information: Tribal members can examine authorities information. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 12 § 3.
Open conferences: Particular conferences require at the very least 10 days’ discover. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 6 § 2. Conferences require a 15-member and four-leader quorum. W.A.T. Governing Res. artwork. 15.
Tribal media: The tribe publishes Wichita Tribal Information, a authorities publication.
Wyandotte Nation
Tribe’s web site: https://wyandotte-nation.org
Press freedom: The tribal structure consists of press freedom in its invoice of rights. W.N. Const. artwork. 11 § 1.
Public information: All courtroom information are public information besides as in any other case supplied by regulation. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 113(d). For a “affordable copy price,” “any individuals” can receive copies of courtroom information; in any other case, inspection is restricted to the courtroom clerk’s workplace throughout enterprise hours. 4 W.N.C. 1 § 114.
Tribal citizenship information are confidential. W.N. Enrollment Ordinance § 6(B).
The tribe’s appellate process code establishes guidelines for press entry to courtroom proceedings. Limitations can embody directives for press to clear entrances and hallways, stopping press from being inside the bar railing, and limiting press to a particular variety of allotted seats. No pictures, video, or different taping is permitted within the courtroom, with just a few exceptions. 1 W.N.C. R. 105(h)–(i).
“In a broadly publicized or sensational civil or felony case, the Courtroom, on movement of both social gathering or by itself movement, could concern a particular order governing such issues as … the seating and conduct within the courtroom of spectators and information media representatives …” 1 W.N.C. R. 105(h).
Open conferences: Conferences require at the very least three days’ discover. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 4. Common conferences require a 50-member quorum; conferences of tribal management require a three- or four-leader quorum. W.N. Const. artwork. 8 § 5.
