The chiefs of such tribe in council assembled may hear and determine charges of encroachment or trespass on lands cultivated or occupied by any Indian, entered or described in the clerk's book of records; and controversies involving the title to property between individual Indians residing on such reservation. A chief shall not act in any such case where he is related by blood to either of the parties within the fourth degree by the common law, or has any interest in the action or proceeding.
New York Legal Code