THE UNITED CHEROKEE NATION (UCN)

The name of the organization is The United Cherokee Nation (UCN). The headquarters or tribal office of The United Cherokee Nation is located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona until a New National / Principal Chief may be appointed. A permanent Eastern tribal office will be in the state of Georgia as required for our future incorporation as a 501(c)3 Not for Profit Corporation in Georgia, and for the future gifting by the State of Georgia and the establishment of our new tribal cultural center leasehold at Zirkel, near the town of Patterson, Georgia.

2. TRIABAL MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION

The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) was formerly constituted under The United Indian Nation, LLC. and was reorganized as The United Cherokee Nation (UCN), a Cherokee Tribal Membership Organization, under the:

*The American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978

*The Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment

*The Free Exercise Clause of The 1968 Indian Civil Rights Act

The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) will be referred to in the By-Laws as the “organization”.

3. PURPOSE AND FUNDING

The organization is organized to plan, implement, and administer, operate, and evaluate programs to carry out the object and purpose of the organization to assist in and promote the “Gathering” of the Cherokee Indians and to promote and study the heritage of it’s people for the general benefit and good in the community, in the state and in the nation and to improve the quality of life, to promote cultural events, and to preserve the heritage of the Cherokee Indian Nation. In carrying out its purpose, the organization may seek out and accept voluntary contributions, obtain city, county, state and federal government grants, awards or other funding, public funding, private funding and grants, awards or other funding from private or public charitable organizations and foundations.

4. MEMBERSHIP

4.1. MEMBERSHIP DEFINED.

The membership of the organization shall be open to all persons of Cherokee ancestry. In order to not perpetuate the injustices against, and the divisions among, those American citizens who are descendants of the Cherokees, which are collectively mis-named “Indian” by the European conquering peoples of the Americas, not to view these citizens of Cherokee descent as legal or governmentally designated beings of the United States - rather than racial human beings such as are all other races in America so recognized - the organization therefore accepts the integrity and veracity of the Cherokee descendants. All members shall abide by the organization articles and Bylaws of the organization.

4.1.a FULL MEMBERS

Full Members are defined as those that have paid the initial membership fee, hold a picture ID Card and are current on their dues and are over the age of 18 years old. These members are eligible to hold office and to vote in all tribal elections of the organization. Once the membership fee is paid, dues are assessed yearly to support the organization.

4.1.b FULL MEMBERS-MINORS

Full Members-Minors are defined as those that have paid the membership fee and are current on their dues and are under the age of 18 years old. These members are not eligible to hold office or to vote in all tribal elections of the organization. Once the membership fee is paid, dues are assessed yearly to support the organization.

4.1.c REGISTERED MEMBERS

Registered Members are defined as those that have not paid the initial membership fee, do not hold a picture ID Card and are current on their dues and are of any age. These members are not eligible to hold office or to vote in all tribal elections of the organization. These members are added to the rolls of the tribe but have not paid for membership or a picture ID Card. Yearly dues are required of all members.

4.1.d CONVERSION OF REGISTERED MEMBERS TO FULL MEMBERS

A Registered member must pay the membership fee and receive their picture ID Card to become a Full Member.

4.2. PROOF OF INDIAN ANCESTRY.

Proof of Cherokee ancestry will not be required by the Tribal Council prior to approval of the application or at any time during the period of active membership of the member. A completed notarized application is a sworn testimony that the applicant is of Tsalagi (Cherokee) origin. Further documentation is recommended for the applicant’s personal family records.

4.3. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Non-Cherokees are eligible for associate membership in the organization. Associate members, eighteen (18) years of age or older, have all of the privileges of full members except they cannot vote nor hold an office.

4.4. SPOUSES OF FULL MEMBERS.

Spouses of full members are automatically accepted as associate members of the organization should they choose to register.

4.5. APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP.

Prior to becoming a member or associate member of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN), a prospective member shall complete and submit to the Tribal Council, an application that has been signed and notarized by an official notary. The application shall be on a form approved by the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council will review the application, and issue statements of fact; and issue tribal membership cards. In the event there is no local Clan, applicats will have to established a new clan. Then, a Clan Chief will be appointed by the Tribal Council.

4.6. APPROVAL OF NEW MEMBERS.

The Tribal Council shall review and evaluate all applications for membership in the organization. The Tribal Council will file the original applications, along with additional updates, addresses, or personal information changes.

4.7. MEMBERSHIP COMPLIANCE WITH RULES.

All members shall abide by the rules and regulations of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN), it’s bylaw and it’s articles of the organization.

4.8. HONORARY MEMBERS.

The membership or the Tribal Council may designate a person as an honorary member based upon their contributions, either financial or by service to the organization.

4.9. INACTIVE MEMBERS.

The Tribal Council can review and suspend membership based upon being inactive, or not providing updated information. A member of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) that has been inactive may apply for active membership in the organization by providing written notice of the desire to be a member of the organization and a photocopy of their latest membership card.

4.10. EVIDENCE OF MEMBERSHIP.

Persons accepted for membership in the organization will be assigned a permanent identification number. A permanent file will be maintained by the organization containing that person’s application and birth certificate. Termination of activity, suspension, revocation of membership, or death of a member will be entered in this file and kept for posterity.

4.11. MEMBERSHIP CONFLICTS.

No person who is a member in good standing of this organization shall be a member of any other corporation, group, association, or organization whose purposes are contrary or in conflict with the organization as may be determined by the Tribal Council. The violation of this amendment is grounds for revocation of membership by a vote of the Tribal Council.

4.12. REMOVAL OF A CLAN LEADER.

A Clan Leader may be removed from office for an additional assignment, advancement, or to take his/her place in the general membership by the Principal Chief and the Tribal Council. A Clan Leader will then be called to fill the position.

4.13. ELIGIBLE FOR OFFICE.

All members who are full members as defined in these bylaws who are eighteen (18) years of age and above shall be deemed eligible to hold office in the organization.

5. COMPLAINTS, ACCUSATIONS AND HEARINGS.

5.1. COMPLAINTS AGAINST MEMBERS.

Any member may make in writing to the Tribal Council an accusation against any other member of the organization on his knowledge that such other member is violating the terms of his membership or acting against the best interest of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) and request that the Tribal Council inquire into the truth of such allegations. The Tribal Council shall review the complaint or accusation to determine the truth and accuracy of such complaint and to determine what, if any, action the Tribal Council should take regarding such complaint or accusation. The Tribal Council shall have the right to dismiss the complaint without forwarding it to the membership. The member who is being investigated shall, during the investigation, retain his membership in good standing with all rights and privileges until and unless the Tribal Council shall vote otherwise.

5.2. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION.

A person’s membership, full, associate, or honorary, may be suspended or revoked by the Tribal Council for just cause as a result of a written complaint or upon it’s own motion.

5.3. HEARING.

Upon the filing of a written complaint, the recommendation of the membership, or upon it’s own motion, the Tribal Council may notify a member that it proposes to suspend or revoke his or her membership for just cause, such person shall be provided an opportunity for a hearing before the Tribal Council.

5.4. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION.

A person’s membership may be suspended, revoked or otherwise sanctioned for any willful action that violates the terms of membership or by willfully acting against the best interest of the organization.

5.5. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL OF NAME FROM MEMBERSHIP ROLLS.

A member’s name shall be removed from the organization rolls of members if such member fails or refuses to pay any membership or special assessment of dues established by the members. A member may be reinstated upon the payment of any delinquent membership dues or assessments.

5.6. TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP.

Upon suspension or revocation of membership by the members, the member shall cease to be a member for such time as the suspension shall be in force or until reinstated or readmitted. A suspended member shall automatically be reinstated upon termination of the period of suspension unless the Tribal Council shall determine that it is in the best interest of the organization that his membership be revoked, at which time the Tribal Council shall submit to the members their recommendation for revocation and the reason or reasons upon which same is based. A revoked member may not reapply for membership for a period of one year from the date of revocation. He shall reapply as any other person seeking membership in the organization, unless voted out for life. Termination of membership of a member of a family belonging to the organization shall not be deemed to be the termination of the membership of the family.

5.7. MEMBERSHIP CREDENTIALS.

Upon suspension or revocation, the members shall surrender his membership credentials and all documents in his possession belonging to The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) and all rights and privileges shall cease during the period of suspension or revocation.

5.8. PUBLICATION.

Deleted January 07, 2008

6. MEMBERSHIP DUES OR SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS

6.1. DUES AND ASSESSMENTS.

The membership may establish membership dues or special assessments that shall be paid by all members. All dues, fees and assessments shall be established by the Tribal Council and shall be evaluated, reviewed, and published each year. Yearly dues for adult members shall be $ 15.00, for children under 18 years old $ 7.50. Dues for all members are due and payable by July 01 of each calendar year. The first dues assessment is due July 01, 2008. All members are required to pay yearly dues by vote of the Tribal Council.

6.2. WAIVER OF DUES AND ASSESSMENTS.

The Tribal Council may, for good cause, waive the payment of dues or special assessments by any member provided special circumstances are demonstrated. Members must write to the Tribal Council requesting waiver of dues for each member and or child, this request must state reasons why the waiver should be granted and be demonstrated to the Tribal Council as to why the member cannot support the organization financially. Members granted waiver are restricted from voting and of holding office until dues are brought current.

6.3. INITIAL APPLICATION FEE.

A non-refundable initial application fee for a new application for membership shall be established by the Tribal Council. For Full Members the initial application fee is $35.00, $15.00 is for the first year dues and $ 20.00 is for the membership package and picture ID card. For Full Members-Minors, children up to 18 years old, the initial application fee is $27.50, $7.50 is for the first year dues and $ 20.00 is for the membership package and picture ID card.

6.4. ADDITIONAL MEMBERSHIP CARDS.

The fee for additional or replacement picture ID membership cards shall be established by the Tribal Council. The fee is $12.25 for an additional or replacement picture ID Card.

6.5. INACTIVE MEMBERS.

Inactive members of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN) that apply for active membership in the organization are not required to pay an initial application fee. The fee for new membership cards for inactive members shall be established by the Tribal Council.

6.6. LOST OR DAMAGED MEMBERSHIP CARDS.

Deleted January 07, 2008 covered by 6.4

7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS^.

7.1. MEMBERS.

The Tribal Council shall be comprised of The Principal Chief, Assistant Principal Chief, the National Tribal Secretary, and The Twelve (12) Elders. A member of the Tribal Council shall preside over it’s meetings by priority set forth in listing below. The Tribal Council is constituted as follows.

(A) Principal Chief (Chief Executive Officer/Owner)

(B) Vice Principal Chief

(C) National Secretary

(D) The Twelve Elders

(E) State Clan Chiefs

(F) Assistant State Clan Chiefs

(G) State Clan Secretaries

7.3. TERMS OF OFFICE.

Members of the Tribal Council shall serve until their successors shall have been called and qualified as set out herein.

7.4. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

The Tribal Council shall make such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out their function or to do anything which may benefit the organization including but not limited to establishing procedures and requirements to maintain membership participation. The rules and regulations shall not be contrary to law, the articles of the organization or these bylaws. A rule, policy or regulation may be modified, amended or repealed by the Tribal Council in the best interest for the members of the organization.

7.5. DUTIES OF THE Tribal Council.

The Tribal Council, in its discretion, shall regulate and supervise the day to day affairs of the organization, attend to all internal affairs of the organization and shall have power bestowed upon it by law. It shall create and terminate contracts, and in addition to the powers expressly conferred upon it by these laws, it may exercise all of the powers of the organization and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by stature or the charter or these laws required to be exercised or done by the members, including but not limited to:

(1) Meeting as often as necessary to carry on the day-to-day business affairs of the organization.

(2) Establishing personnel and operational policies to guide the Clans and Tribe in the conduct of their affairs;

(3) Coordinating and, if necessary, arbitrating complaints and disputes which cannot be resolved by the members, and, when necessary, recommending disciplinary action:

(4) Entering into and termination of contracts and agreements; and

(5) Providing policy guidance to the disbursements of funds by the Tribal Council.

7.6. REMOVAL FROM OFFICE.

A Tribal Council members or officer may be removed from office by a vote of no-confidence by two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Tribal Council or by a calling, advancement, or to take his/her place upon the general membership for the express purpose of that member. Special meetings shall be called as provided for herein and for the purpose of removing a Tribal Council member the Tribal Council or the membership must have at least thirty (30) days written notice prior to the date of said meeting. If there is a conflict between a vote of the Tribal Council, the vote of the Principal Chief will prevail unless the Principal Chief is being removed.

8.7. VACANCY.

If a vacancy occurs (other than the Principal Chief), the Principal Chief shall recommend to the Tribal Council a person to fill the vacancy. Upon the approval of the Tribal Council, that person to fill the unexpired term. In the absence or inability of the Principal Chief to discharge the duties of the office, such duties shall be performed by the Vice-Principal Chief. If the Vice Principal Chief is unable to serve, the Tribal Council, at a called or regularly scheduled meeting, shall designate, by majority vote, the person(s) to perform the duties of the Principal Chief for the unexpired term of office.

9. DUTIES OF OFFICERS

9.1. PRINCIPAL CHIEF

The Principal Chief shall be the Chief Executive Office of the organization and the Chairperson of the Tribal Council and shall preside at all meetings. The Principal Chief shall give direction to the organization and operation of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN). The Principal Chief, subject to ratification by the Tribal Council, shall appoint the individuals to the positions provided for in the bylaws; appoint the members and, if appropriate, approve payment of funds in an emergency; and be an ex officio member of all committees. The Principal Chief may appoint a temporary Clan leader, from the active members of that Clan who are eligible hereunder to serve

9.2. VICE PRINCIPAL CHIEF

The Vice-Principal Chief shall assume the duties of the Principal Chief upon the absence or disability of the Principle Chief; and shall serve in such other capacities as the Principal Chief may direct.

9.3. SECRETARY.

The Secretary shall keep a record of the members, including names, addresses and telephone numbers; record attendance at meetings; record the minutes of the meetings of the membership and the Tribal Council; shall notify members of their appointment; shall send out notices of meetings of the membership and Tribal Council; and shall provide copies of the minutes of such meetings to each member; and shall conduct such correspondence as the membership and the Tribal Council shall direct and be custodian of the Seal of The United Cherokee Nation (UCN).

The Secretary of the organization shall keep an accurate and up-to-date roster of all members of this organization and shall at least once a year cause a copy of such roster to be printed and placed in the hands of all Chiefs of the organization pertaining to their Clan. Furthermore, the Secretary shall keep an accurate record of all Clans belonging to this organization.

9.4. PRINCIPAL TRIBAL MOTHER

The Principal Tribal Mother shall keep a record of the Clan Tribal Mothers. This includes their names, addresses and telephone numbers, and the state or country they represent. She will be responsible for the organizing of an annual meeting of all clan tribal mothers and the keeping of all of these meeting records for the National Secretary and to report back to the Tribal Council of the organization. She shall council the clan tribal mothers when assistance is needed for guidance within a clan.

10. OPERATIONS

10.1. DIVISIONS.

The United Cherokee Nation (UCN), if authorized by Tribal Council, may operate its business affairs in operational divisions. Each division may have such employees, supervisors, and volunteers as may be needed to carry out its functions. Each such division shall be subject to the Tribal Council and membership. Each division manager or supervisor shall report to the Principal Chief. The Tribal Council shall adopt rules, regulations, policies and procedures that may be necessary to govern the operations of each division.

10.2. COMPENSATION RESTRICTIONS.

No member of this organization shall be entitled to any portion of the net earnings of the organization except as in form of grants or scholarships as provided in these laws. However, this organization may pay a member of this organization for expenses for services rendered to it. The organization may also employ members of the organization to perform specific tasks, as designated by the Tribal Council, paying them in funds designated for that purpose.

10.3. CONTRACTS.

All contracts shall be approved by the Principal Chief and no loans shall be made by any officer of the organization or any loan secured on behalf of the organization without the authority of the Principal Chief and no mortgage, deed to secure debt, deed note or other legal document whatsoever shall be executed except upon the authority of the Principal Chief.

10.4. RESERVATION.

Any land designated as “reservation” by the organization will be designated on the deed as owned by the organization. The deed and/or mortgage will be placed in the hands of the Principal Chief and approved by the Tribal Council. Rules and restrictions may be authorized by the Tribal Council.

10.5. REPORTING.

Funds raised by Clans, where