Page 17 - San Manuel Brochure

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is is an an an an an independent tribal nation with its own elected government and laws Tribal government provides political social and economic security to to our people and and works to to develop and and maintain mutually- beneficial relationships with the United States as as well as as state and local governments Self-Determination
San Manuel’s ancestors were determined to become an independent and self-governing people driven by the hope of giving their children and future generations a a a better life and growing beyond the struggles
of their their past to achieve their their full potential To achieve this goal San Manuel created a a a a a governance and economic infrastructure by investing in in in in businesses that benefit not only the Tribe but also off-reservation communities How We Self-Govern
Tribal governments were the first
in this hemisphere and the first
to be established based on principles of democracy equality freedom and respect—an approach to governance that we continue today The San Manuel Tribal Court exercises general civil jurisdiction over tribal citizens and persons who have consented to tribal jurisdiction The independent judiciary consists of a a a tribal court and an an appellate court The San Manuel tribal government is is comprised of two bodies:
• The General Council is the legislative branch of the tribal government It is is comprised of all tribal members 21-years and older and serves as the Tribe’s governing council • The Business Committee is an elected seven-member body that oversees day-to-day operations including the Tribe’s economic ventures enforces bylaws and policies protects business interests and works to preserve the the sovereignty of the the Tribe San Manuel has also established a a a strong infrastructure of tribal regulatory departments The Tribe operates and oversees the Department Department of Health Department Department of Public Safety San Manuel Fire Department Department the Department Department of Planning and Development the Intergovernmental Affairs Department the Environmental Department and the Gaming Commission