Legislation

The laws of Toquaht Nation are known as “Acts,” and they must comply with our Nation’s Constitution. These Acts establish formal procedures in various areas and are binding on all citizens. Our Constitution designates our full Council as the “legislative” branch of our government with the authority to make or enact laws.

The Toquaht Executive establishes “regulations,” which are rules or orders having legal force for the purpose of carrying out intentions regarding a specific act. Regulations must be consistent with the legislation that authorizes them, and they are part of the “law.” However, regulations tend to be more flexible and can more readily be changed by the Executive.

The general principles that guide administration (staff, employees, and department heads) in the conduct of the Nation’s public affairs are called “policies.” They are typically written in policy manuals and focus on how the government and its employees conduct themselves and their decision-making processes. Policies typically do not apply to non-government individuals.

“Orders” are statutory instruments by which the authorized body expresses a decision, sets out rules, or are notices of appointments or regulation. The taayii ḥaw̓ił (highest ranking chief), Executive, law clerk, and any director can enact an Order.