(1) Open Meetings. All meetings of the Tribal Council shall be open to the citizenship of the Samish Indian Nation; however, the Tribal Council may recess at its discretion to discuss any matter in an executive session. Persons other than citizens of the Tribe, family members, tribal employees, consultants or contractors, and invited guests shall be allowed to be present at Tribal Council meetings only upon approval of the Tribal Council. Only members of the Tribal Council and invited guests may speak at Tribal Council meetings; the Chairman must first recognize other persons.

(2) Executive Sessions. During executive session, all persons other than the members of the Tribal Council shall be excluded from the meeting, and the Chairman shall designate any such person whose presence shall be required before the Tribal Council, and no other person(s) shall be allowed to be present. Executive sessions shall be commenced and adjourned by motion duly passed and shall not be recorded, except by motion of the Tribal Council. The motion calling for such session shall state the general subject matter to be discussed in the executive session. The Council may not take any final or official action in the executive session. The Chairman shall call the meeting back to order after the executive session. Revealing matters discussed in executive session that are confidential is grounds for expulsion.

(3) Video-Conference or Other Electronic Means Meetings. Because of the geographic distribution of the Samish Indian Nation and its citizens, including Tribal Council members, it is not always possible for the Tribal Council to meet in person to conduct the business of the Tribe. To carry out its duties, the Tribal Council may conduct a special meeting by video-conference or other electronic means. In all other respects, except as provided in this subsection, these rules of procedure shall apply. Video-conference or other electronic meetings shall be available through a video-conference or other electronic platform for those tribal citizens who wish to participate. As an alternative to video-conference or other electronic means, Council may provide a call-in number for tribal citizens to listen to audio only. Votes by the Tribal Council during such meetings will be recorded by roll call.

(4) Voting by Email. The Chairman, or other Tribal Council officer chairing the meeting, may conduct a vote of the Tribal Council by email, and shall call for a motion by email through the Executive Secretary. Once seconded, the motion shall be voted upon by email. Tribal Council members shall have 24 hours to respond by emailing their votes back to the Executive Secretary, where results will be tallied by the Tribal Council Secretary or designee. It is important for all available members to vote on motions within the specified time period, abstaining if necessary, to ensure that a quorum is established. The results of the email vote shall be reported to all members of the Tribal Council. An email vote shall become effective upon the tally of the votes. [Res. 2021-05-011, 2021.]