58.01.010 Purpose

(a) This title should be applied to promote the purpose of this ordinance described in subsection (c), below, and to promote the health and general welfare of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians] people, their culture, economy, and natural resources through food and agricultural production using materials hunted, fished and gathered pursuant to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians

(b) It is not the intent of this title to waive the sovereign immunity of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians or any of its agencies or instrumentalities through the passage of this title or with regards to any provisions contained therein. Nothing in this title or amendments thereto shall be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity on the part of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians absent a recorded, express waiver of sovereign immunity.

(c) Our traditional foods are derived from the plant, fish, and animal beings living within the Ceded Territories, given as gifts by Gichi-Manidoo, and thus are integral to the spiritual and cultural identity of the Anishinaabeg. Access to these traditional foods, for all Anishinaabeg, is critical for our survival, to decrease incidents of chronic disease and to achieve overall wellness. Without the continued availability of plants, fishes, and animals, the Anishinaabeg would cease to be as Gichi-Manidoo made us.