The Chief Elected or Executive Official (CEO) in a Tribal Government is similar to the highest elected leader of a Nation, for example the President in the U.S. or a Governor in a state or territory. The title of a tribal CEO will differ from tribe to tribe. Governor, President, Chairman or Chairwoman, Chief or Principal Chief, Mayor, Spokesperson or Representative are among the most common.

A tribes legislative body is usually called a tribal council, a village council, or a tribal business committee. It is usually comprised of members who are elected by eligible tribal voters. In some tribes, the council is comprised of all eligible adult tribal members. Although some tribes require a referendum by their members to enact laws, a tribal council generally acts as any other legislative body in creating laws, authorizing expenditures, appropriating funds, and conducting oversight of activities carried out by the chief executive and tribal government employees.

As a federal employee, you might not ever meet the CEO of a tribe or meet with the Council, depending on how busy they are, and depending on how formal the protocols are for that tribe. For most of your work with FEMA, you will likely initiate contact and work with the tribe’s designated emergency manager, public safety manager, or other emergency response related position.

Should you have the opportunity to interact with tribal leadership, it’s important to convey the utmost respect just as you would the U.S. President or Vice President or a member of Congress.

For more information about the organization of tribal governments, please visit this website: https://www.bia.gov/frequently-asked-questions