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CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

of the

NATIONAL COUNCILL OF AMERICAN INDIANS

[[underline]] PREAMBLE [[/underline]]

We, the members of Indian Tribes of the United States of America in convention assembled on the 27th day of May, 1944, in order to secure to ourselves and our descendants the rights and benefits to which we are entitled under the laws of the United States and the several states thereof; to enlighten the American public toward an understanding of the Indian race; to preserve Indian cultural values; to assume our responsibility as American citizens; to co-operate with all persons, organizations, and governmental agencies seeking a fair and equitable adjustment of our tribal affairs; and otherwise to promote our common welfare--do establish this organization and adopt the following Constitution and By-Laws.

[[underline]] ARTICLE I. NAME [[/underline]]

The name of this organization shall be the National Council of American Indians.

[[underline]] ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP [[/underline]]

[[crossed out]] Membership [[/crossed out]]

Section 1. Any person of Indian ancestry [[crossed out]] is eligible for membership in [[/crossed out]] may become a member of this National Council: Provided, That local or district member organizations shall certify to the eligibility of their members for national membership and such members be accepted by the National Council.

Section 2. The National Council shall have the power to approve the Individual membership of [[crossed out]] individual [[/crossed out]] Indians in accordance with rules it may prescribe.