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.
