Current Constitution

Utilizes a corporation charter style of government. Very few

Amendments have been made since June 1, 1985.

Kiowa Business Committee acts as Kiowa Tribe’s Board of Directors, governed by investors, and the tribal members.

Kiowa Business Committee is in charge of making decisions on the day-to-day operations of the Tribe.

Kiowa Indian Council has supreme authority and must consent to every contract entered by the Tribe.

Limited Tribal Sovereignty. Tribe is allowed to not enforce its jurisdiction in its own territory. Too much BIA control over tribal programs.

No Tribal Court in existence, the Kiowa Tribe has to use the CFR Courts for Kiowa to Kiowa disputes and very limited use in tribal disputes.

Kiowa Hearing Board has jurisdiction over certain matters and their decisions are unreviewable except under limited circumstances in Federal Court

No demographic or community representation in the tribe’s legislative body. All elected off icials are elected at large via popular vote. Same families putting in the same candidates which results in no change to the status quo.

Absence of Cultural Programs to promote Kiowa Language and Culture.

Limited Stability for tribal leadership and economic development. 2 year terms for KBC members; Issues that pass via tribal election can be reversed by one person who can convince the KEB that the issue needs to be invalidated.

Amendments to the Tribe's Constitution must go through the BIA process which can take years or be rejected.

New Constitution

Creates a four-branch system (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial, Kiowa Nation Council) of government with checks and balances.

Kiowa Business Committee is no longer recognized but will become the new Kiowa Nation Legislative Body who creates Kiowa laws.

Exercise tribal sovereignty and the opportunity of the tribe’s ability to govern without the use of the Bureau of Indian Aff airs.

Executive Branch of Government (Principal Chief and Deputy Chief) elected to enforce the laws and supervise the daily operations of Kiowa programs.

Tribal Courts will assume legal authority over activities pursuant to Tribal Law, Constitution and Order Code.

Legislature comprised of 7 elected District Representatives focus on creating and passing tribal laws, resolutions or ordinances

Kiowa Nation Council will include all eligible tribal voters and who will retain authority similar to the KIC under the former constitution.

Implementation of a Kiowa Off ice of Cultural Management, to promote usage of the Kiowa Language and Culture.

Increases stability by extending no term limits on elected off icials.

Tribal blood quantum remains at ¼ Kiowa Indian Blood.

Kiowa Constitution Revision CommitteeChanges Highlights by Accepting a New Revise Constitution