The introduction, possession and sale of liquor on Indian reservations have, since treaty time, been clearly recognized as matters of special concern to Indian Tribes and to the United States Federal Government. The control of liquor on reservations remains exclusively subject to their legislative enactments.
(Res. 80 A 52, 11/19/1980)
Beginning with the Treaty of Point No Point, 1855, to which the ancestors of the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe were parties, the Federal Government has respected this Tribe’s determinations and activities on the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation. At treaty time, this Tribe’s ancestors desired to exclude “ardent spirits” from their reservation; and federal law currently prohibits the introduction of liquor into Indian country (18 U.S.C. § 1154), leaving Tribes the decision regarding when and to what extent liquor transactions shall be permitted (18 U.S.C. § 1161).
(Res. 80 A 52, 11/19/1980)
Present day circumstances make a complete ban of liquor within the Port Gamble S’Klallam Reservation ineffective and unrealistic. At the same time, the need still exists for strict tribal regulation and control over liquor distribution.
(Res. 80 A 52, 11/19/1980)
The enactment of tribal law governing liquor sales on the reservation and providing for exclusive purchase and sale through the tribal enterprise will increase the ability of the tribal government to control reservation liquor distribution and possession, and at the same time, will provide an important source of revenue for the continued operation of the tribal government and delivery of tribal governmental services.
(Res. 80 A 52, 11/19/1980)
All prior titles and resolutions of Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe regulating, authorizing, prohibiting or in any way dealing with the sale of liquor are hereby repealed and of no further force and effect and no tribal business licensing law or other tribal law shall be applied in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the title.
(Res. 80 A 52, 11/19/1980)