Applicant(s) must file an application for enrollment on a form approved by the Tribal Council.
The burden of proof for membership in the Band is on the applicant to establish by clear and convincing proof that he/she meets the criteria for membership described in § 2.1-8.
A. 
Applicants must include the following documents with their application:
(1) 
A family tree chart prepared by the applicant;
(2) 
Documentary proof of lineal descent from the Taggart Census Roll of 1904. Documentation must include original or authenticated copies of birth certificates, death certificates, marriage certificates, baptismal records, or copies of probate findings. Each applicant will also be required to submit a copy of his/her social security card. Records of the tribe or of the Bureau of Indian Affairs may be used to establish eligibility. The Enrollment Office may use documents submitted on behalf of one family member in determining another family member's eligibility.
B. 
DNA testing. Applicant(s) for membership shall comply with DNA testing when such testing is directed by the Enrollment Office. DNA testing will be required to verify paternity if an applicant claims eligibility for enrollment solely through the applicant's biological father who is enrolled with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi. An applicant's failure to obtain DNA testing, when requested, will result in denial of the applicant in question. The cost for DNA testing is the responsibility of the applicant. Testing shall only take place at a center recognized by the NHBP Enrollment Office.
A. 
The Enrollment Office shall review the documentation submitted by an applicant and forward its recommendation to either approve or deny the application within ninety (90) days after receiving a complete application.
B. 
The Enrollment Committee must make a decision on the Enrollment Office recommendations within sixty (60) days after the recommendation from the Enrollment Office.
C. 
At its meeting, the Enrollment Committee shall:
(1) 
Examine the preliminary recommendations, together with the application(s) and documentation presented by the Enrollment Office;
(2) 
Determine the accuracy and sufficiency of the application and determine if additional research or review is required to clarify any evidentiary issues (i.e., questions regarding the sufficiency of evidence or authenticity of any document) affecting any application(s);
(3) 
Vote to take one of the following actions:
(a) 
Recommend approval or the denial of the application;
(b) 
Direct the Enrollment Office to notify the applicant of a negative decision. The notice shall be sent via certified U.S. mail return receipt requested within fourteen (14) days following the Enrollment Committee's decision and include the following information:
[1] 
The specific reason(s) the application was rejected, including the identification of any documentation (if applicable) that would permit reconsideration and approval;
[2] 
The applicant's right to appeal the Enrollment Committee's decision by either:
[a] 
Requesting reconsideration by the Enrollment Committee pursuant to § 2.1-13; or
[b] 
Appealing the Enrollment Committee's decision to the Tribal Court pursuant to Article IX; and
[c] 
The final date by which the applicant must submit his/her appeal.
(4) 
Direct the Enrollment Office to prepare a resolution for approved applicants to be considered by the Tribal Council at its next regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The Tribal Council may not consider or take action on any resolution pertaining to enrollment recommendations at a special meeting.
A. 
An applicant requesting administrative reconsideration must submit a request in writing to the Enrollment Office. The request must be received, via U.S. Mail, e-mail, or hand delivered to the Pine Creek Reservation not more than thirty (30) days after the date the Enrollment Committee made its decision to reject the application. A request for administrative reconsideration must be addressed to:
Enrollment Office
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi
1485 Mno-Bmadzewen Way
Fulton, MI 49052
e-mail: enrollment@nhbpi.com
B. 
The Enrollment Committee shall, within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving a request for administrative review, meet with the applicant and give the applicant the opportunity to contest the reasons why his/her application was rejected or determined insufficient or, if applicable, submit additional documentation or evidence that the applicant believes may assist the Enrollment Committee in reconsidering its decision.
C. 
Within fourteen (14) days after the conclusion of the hearing, the Enrollment Committee shall make a final written recommendation.
D. 
If the Enrollment Committee votes to reconsider and approve the application, the Committee will direct the Enrollment Office to prepare a resolution for consideration by the Tribal Council as described in § 2.1-12C(4).
E. 
If the Enrollment Committee votes to affirm its recommendation that the application be denied, the applicant will be notified in writing of the Enrollment Committee's decision. The notice required by this section shall be sent to the applicant via certified U.S. mail return receipt requested and include the following information;
(1) 
The specific reason(s) the application was rejected; and
(2) 
The applicant's right to appeal the Enrollment Committee to the Tribal Court pursuant to Article IX. Any appeal to the Tribal Court must be filed within thirty (30) calendar days following the date the Enrollment Committee's final decision was made.
A. 
The Enrollment Committee will forward its recommendations to the Tribal Council.
B. 
Only the Tribal Council can approve an application for membership.
C. 
The Tribal Council shall vote to approve or reject applicants for enrollment presented by the Enrollment Committee.
D. 
The Tribal Council may not deny enrollment to any person recommended for enrollment by the Enrollment Committee unless the Tribal Council makes specific factual findings determining that an applicant does not meet the criteria described in § 2.1-8. Documentation verifying the action taken by the Tribal Council (i.e., a copy of the approved/certified resolution or notice of denial) shall be maintained in a file folder or membership record for each application.
E. 
Any member of the Tribal Council may request that the Tribal Council move into closed session for the purpose of examining an applicant's file. The Tribal Council may request that the members of the Enrollment Committee and/or Enrollment Office attend the closed session to answer questions.
F. 
The Tribal Council Chairman shall notify the Enrollment Office of any applicant(s) denied membership within five (5) business days after the Tribal Council's decision to deny membership. The Enrollment Office shall then notify the applicant of the Tribal Council's decision.
G. 
The notice required by this section shall be sent to the applicant via certified U.S. mail return receipt requested within fourteen (14) calendar days after the date of the Tribal Council meeting and include the following information:
(1) 
The specific reason(s) the application was rejected, including the identification of any documentation (if applicable) that would permit reconsideration and approval at a later date; and
(2) 
Information regarding the applicant's right to appeal the Tribal Council's decision to the Tribal Court as provided in Article IX. Any appeal to the Tribal Court must be filed within sixty (60) calendar days following the date the Tribal Council decision was made.
Persons whose applications for enrollment are approved by resolution of the Tribal Council are deemed to be enrolled as of the effective date of the Tribal Council resolution.