§ 70-3. Historic preservation of skeletal remains

(a) All persons or institutions who seek to conduct study or research on the people or institutions of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, including but not limited to Tribal members, Tribal organizations, Tribal government and Tribal lands and natural resources shall be required to obtain approval from the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians prior to conducting such research on Cherokee trust lands.

(b) All persons or institutions seeking to conduct a study or research on Cherokee Indian trust lands shall submit a written request to the Office of the Principal Chief, with the request describing the nature and purpose of the proposed study or research. The written request shall be forwarded by the Office of the Principal Chief to the Tribal Research Committee for review and approval. The Research Committee shall give written authorization only after reviewing the proposal.

(c) As a condition of receiving written authorization from the Committee, all persons or institutions must agree, in writing, to provide to the Tribe, at the conclusion of the study or research, a copy of all collected data, completed reports or publications, including copies of audio or video tapes or recordings obtained in the course of such study or research.

(d) Unless otherwise provided for by the Tribal Council, all such data, reports, publications, video or audio tapes or recordings shall be deposited for permanent storage with the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

(e) This section shall become effective upon ratification by the Principal Chief.

(Ord. No. 176, 7-9-1992)