The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon [Ordinances], 8.30

	DATE ORIGINALLY ADOPTED: 12/2/92
	DATE AMENDED: ________________
	SUBJECT: Burial Fund Ordinance
	RESOLUTION NUMBER: 063-92; 094-99

Burial Fund Ordinance

Tribal Code § 8.30

(a) PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY: The purpose of this Ordinance is to set requirements for the use of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon's Burial Benefit. The Tribe recognizes the special financial burden families suffer at the time of a family member's death and desires to provide some assistance to families with the costs of funerals. This authorization is found in Article III, § 1 of the Tribal Constitution.

(b) DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:

(1) "Burial Benefit" or "benefit" shall mean the benefit established by the Tribal Council to assist with the costs incurred for funeral services and burial of Tribal members and their non-member children, parent and spouses.
(2) "Burial Fund" or "fund" shall mean the fund established by the Tribal Council from which burial benefits are paid.
(3) "Parent" shall mean natural parent, adoptive parent or step-parent. This definition does not apply to a man whose paternity for any tribal member is not established. Step-parent is defined as the current, legal spouse of a natural or adoptive parent of a minor tribal member.
(4) "Tribe" shall mean the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Community of Oregon.
(5) "Vital Statistics" shall mean the vital statistics section of the Enrollment Office of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

(c) TRIBAL BURIAL BENEFIT:

(1) Any Tribal member or spouse or parent of a tribal member may apply for payment of a burial benefit for any deceased family member who is a tribal member or their non-member child, parent, or spouse. Adopted children, whether by law or Tribal custom, are eligible for payment on the same basis as natural children. To establish family status of non-members, the applicant or other individual shall provide the same evidence as is required under the Enrollment Ordinance, provided, however, that in the case of a spouse, a marriage certificate must be provided.

(2) To obtain payment of a burial benefit, application must be made to Vital Statistics within 60 days of the date of death, and required documentation submitted within 90 days of the date of death.

(3) The Tribe will pay burial benefits up to a maximum of $3,000 directly to the funeral service provider chosen by the applicant. The amount of the benefit shall be paid out of the Tribal Burial Fund.

(4) Arrangements will be made by a representative of the deceased, the provider and Vital Statistics. Invoices from the provider will be submitted to Vital Statistics.

(5) Vital Statistics will prepare and maintain a list of funeral providers and their costs within western Oregon and adjacent areas.

(d) EFFECTIVE DATE: This Ordinance shall take effect on January 1, 1993.

I hereby certify this to be a true copy of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Burial Fund Ordinance.

______________________________
Tribal Council Secretary