25 U.S.C. § 1726
Section 1726 · Tribal organization
Amended 1 time on record
Applied in 3 court decisions — leading case 960 F. Supp. 449 - Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians v. Maine Human Rights Commission (1997)
Most recently applied in 403 F. Supp. 2d 114 - Aroostook Band of Micmacs v. Ryan (December 2005)
How often courts cite this section
Court decisions citing this, by year.Markers show enactment, consequential amendments, and circuit splits over this section — watch for a citation surge after a change or a disagreement. The dip in the last several years is a data-coverage gap, not a real trend — our corpus holds fewer opinions from the most recent years, so recent citations are undercounted.
The Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians may each organize for its common welfare and adopt an appropriate instrument in writing to govern the affairs of the tribe, nation, or band when each is acting in its governmental capacity. Such instrument and any amendments thereto must be consistent with the terms of this subchapter and the Maine Implementing Act. The Passamaquoddy Tribe, the Penobscot Nation, and the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians shall each file with the Secretary a copy of its organic governing document and any amendments thereto.
For purposes of benefits under this subchapter and the recognition extended the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, no person who is not a citizen of the United States may be considered a member of the Houlton Band of Maliseets, except persons who, as of October 10, 1980, are enrolled members on the band's existing membership roll, and direct lineal descendants of such members. Membership in the band shall be subject to such further qualifications as may be provided by the band in its organic governing document or amendments thereto subject to the approval of the Secretary.