(a)
PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY: The
purpose of this Ordinance is to set requirements for the use of the
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon's Burial Benefit.
The Tribe recognizes the special financial burden families suffer
at the time of a family member's death and desires to provide some
assistance to families with the costs of funerals. This authorization
is found in Article III, § 1 of the Tribal Constitution.
(b) DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this Ordinance, the
following definitions shall apply:
(1) Any
Tribal member or spouse or parent of a tribal member may apply for
payment of a burial benefit for any deceased family member who is
a tribal member or their non-member child, parent, or spouse. Adopted
children, whether by law or Tribal custom, are eligible for payment
on the same basis as natural children. To establish family status
of non-members, the applicant or other individual shall provide the
same evidence as is required under the Enrollment Ordinance, provided,
however, that in the case of a spouse, a marriage certificate must
be provided.
(2) To
obtain payment of a burial benefit, application must be made to Vital
Statistics within 60 days of the date of death, and required documentation
submitted within 90 days of the date of death.
(3) The
Tribe will pay burial benefits up to a maximum of $3,000 directly
to the funeral service provider chosen by the applicant. The amount
of the benefit shall be paid out of the Tribal Burial Fund.
(4) Arrangements
will be made by a representative of the deceased, the provider and
Vital Statistics. Invoices from the provider will be submitted to
Vital Statistics.
(5) Vital
Statistics will prepare and maintain a list of funeral providers and
their costs within western Oregon and adjacent areas.