Constitution
of the
Cuthaugula Coahuila
Preamble
We, the Cuthaugula Coahuila, as the true original people historically established via ancestral lineage located in West Tenasi [Tennessee] and extending to all lands originally inhabited by our ancestors on Turtle Island, recognize the importance of unity, cultural heritage, and sovereignty. We are protected under the Cuthaugula Coahuila Tribal Trust and are committed to preserving our way of life, nurturing our land, and upholding our inherent rights as laid down since the Creation of All. With the guidance of the Great Spirit, we reclaim our lands and assert our rights to self-sustainability and self-determination for our present and future generations.
Article I: Name, Jurisdiction, and Purpose
- Name: The sovereign entity shall be known as the Cuthaugula Coahuila, also referred to as the Tribe, Tribal, or Nation.
- Jurisdiction: Our jurisdiction extends over all ancestral lands and territories historically occupied by our ancestors across North America, recognized as Turtle Island. This includes lands designated under the Cuthaugula Coahuila Tribal Trust and any buildings or lands occupied by our citizens.
- Purpose: To uphold unity, promote well-being, conserve resources, foster education, ensure defense, and secure our rights and governance as per the traditions of our Clan and the Cuthaugula Coahuila Tribal Federation.
Article II: Tribal Citizenship and Standing
- Eligibility: Citizenship is determined by bloodline descent and may require verification through historical rolls, documentation, or affidavits. New citizens may be introduced under special circumstances determined by the Tribal Trust Council or the Tribal Minko.
- Rights of Citizens: All citizens hold rights to participate in tribal governance, access education, and utilize community resources, consistent with our traditions and the provisions of this constitution.
Article III: Governance Structure
- Governing Bodies: The Tribe is governed by the 13 Clan Mothers, supported by the Tribal Congress comprising representatives from each Tribal Trust Charter.
- Subordinate Councils: Includes House Chiefs, Clan Chiefs, Tribal Chiefs, and Nation Chiefs, each responsible for different governance aspects ranging from domestic to national.
- Meetings and Decision Making: Regular and special meetings are mandated, with procedures for emergency sessions in place to address urgent matters.
Article IV: Recognition and Protection
- International and Indigenous Laws: The Tribe acknowledges and respects international and indigenous laws, including the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Independent Sovereign Treaty of Friendship, and our Proclamation of Independence dated August 26, 2020.
- Governance and Infrastructure: The tribal governments strive to be a haven for all, governing with transparency and initiating infrastructure development such as roads, public buildings, and utility systems, alongside social programs in education, workforce development, healthcare, and land management.
- Constitutional Supremacy: All debts and engagements prior to this Constitution remain valid. This Constitution, the derived laws, and all treaties made under the Tribal Federation are supreme, binding all territories and Justice Commissioners.
- Ratification and Integrity: Members of the Cuthaugula Coahuila Congress and all officials must uphold this Constitution, symbolizing our sovereign integrity and the rich heritage of Abya Yala. Ratification by the conventions of the Founding Chiefs establishes this Constitution among the tribes of the Caribbean, South America, and North America.
Article V: Financial and Land Management
- Financial Obligations: Members contribute to the tribal economy through fees and dues, supporting infrastructure and social services.
- Land Trusts: All tribal lands are held in trust, with provisions for land assignments and management under tribal law and the oversight of the 13 Clan Mothers.
Article VI: Cultural Preservation and Education
- Cultural Institutions: Establishments like the Trubian Village Cultural Equity Foundation & Academy are central to preserving our customs and educating future generations.
- Educational Programs: Focus on traditional knowledge, sovereignty, and skills essential for maintaining our cultural and economic independence.
Article VII: Legal Framework and International Relations
- Compliance: The Tribe adheres to international standards and indigenous rights as recognized by various treaties and declarations.
- Engagements: The Tribe maintains the right to negotiate with foreign jurisdictions and entities in matters that affect our people and territory.
Article VIII: Amendments and Referenda
Amendments to this Constitution require a consensus within the Tribal Congress, reflecting our community’s evolving needs and aspirations. Provisions are made for referenda to involve the entire eligible voting population in critical decisions.
Article IX: Conclusion
This Constitution binds us to our past, guides our present, and prepares us for a sustainable future, embodying the spirit of our ancestors and the collective will of the Cuthaugula Coahuila people.