Poarch Band of Creek Indians: Preamble Excerpt

We, the members of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, acknowledging the powers of inherent and aboriginal tribal sovereignty, and exercising the right to self-determination, and with the desire to organize pursuant to 25 U.S.C. 476 and the Act of June 18, 1934 (48 Stat., 984), hereby adopt this Constitution and our Tribal Government in order to:

1. Continue forever, with the help of God our Creator, our unique identity as members of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians and to protect that identity from forces that threaten to diminish it;
2. Protect our inherent rights as members of a sovereign American Indian tribe;
3. Promote our cultural and religious beliefs and to pass them in our own way to our children, grandchildren, and grandchildren's children forever;
4. Help our members achieve their highest potential in education, physical and mental health, and economic development;
5. Maintain good relations with other Indian tribes, the United States, the State of Alabama and local governments;
6. Support the Government of the United States and encourage our members to be loyal citizens;
7. Acquire, develop, and conserve resources to achieve economic and social self-sufficiency for our tribe; and
8. Ensure that our people shall live in peace and harmony among ourselves and with all other people.