In the traditional Tribal government, the head Chief

presided over approximately fifteen villages.

Each village had a population of at least 1,500 and was

governed by four to five War Chiefs, one or more

Spiritual Leader, a Medicine Person, and a Ceremonial Leader.

On September 14, 1970, the Tribe

adopted a Constitution and bylaws, and the traditional

system of government was replaced with a Tribal Council.  The Council

 

 consists of five elected officials: a Chairman, Vice- Chairman,

 

Secretary/ Treasurer and two councilman-at-large.

The Chitimacha Tribe, as a sovereign nation, shares

a unique government-to-government relationship with the United States.