The Santee Sioux Nation is federally recognized tribe organized pursuant to the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 as amended in 1935. The tribe adopted a constitution and bylaws in 1936 and operated under the constitution with an elected tribal council. The reservation was organized into four districts (Santee, Hobu Creek, Bazile Creek and Howe Creek) each had three members. Members were elected for three years in staggered terms. Annually one member from each district was elected and the council organized from within.
In 2002 the constitution was amended and the council was reduced to eight members consisting of a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Each of the 4 districts has one member. The officers run at large. Annually one officer and one district representative are elected for four years. The council terms are staggered in order to maintain stability.
The Tribal Council governs under the authority of the Santee Sioux Nation constitution with the powers authorized. The preamble of the Nation’s constitution is guiding light of the Council’s actions.
