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August 2, 1955

CONSTITUTION [[crossed out]] AND BY-LAWS [[/crossed out]]
of the
NATIONAL CONGRESS OF AMERICAN INDIANS

Article I--Name, Headquarters and Objectives

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be the National Congress of American Indians. Its headquarters shall be in Washington, D. C.

Section 2. Its objectives shall be to secure to American Indians the rights and benefits to which they are entitled under the laws of the United States, the several states thereof, and the Territory of Alaska; to enlighten the public toward a better understanding of Indian people; to preserve Indian cultural values; to seek an equitable adjustment of tribal affairs and tribal claims; to secure and preserve rights under treaties or agreements with the United States; and otherwise to promote the common welfare of American Indians.

Artic[[crossed out]]el[[/crossed out]] -- Membership

Section 1. Membership shall be of five classes:

a. Individual Membership, =any person of American (including Alaskan) Indian ancestry is eligible for individual membership. Auset [[best guess]] A

b. Tribal Membership,= any bona fide Indian tribe is eligible for tribal membership.

c. Alaskan Membership,= Alaskan native groups or communities are eligible for membership upon such terms as