Red Lake Constitutional Reform Initiative holds Community Meeting in Little Rock District

LITTLE ROCK DISTRICT - On Wednesday, October 5, 2016, the Red Lake Constitutional Reform Initiative held a Community Meeting at the Community Center in the Little Rock District.

Although a low turnout of about twenty people, items of discussion included Separation of Powers, the Government System, Term Limits for Tribal Council Members and Enrollment.

According to their Website, the Red Lake Tribal Constitution resembles an Indian Reorganization Act-era Constitution (almost 80 years ago) when federal policy essentially required Indian tribes to adopt boilerplate, European-style governing "constitutions" in order to be fully acknowledged as sovereign, legal entities by the United States government. In the past two decades, many Indian tribes have successfully undergone the extensive process to revise their Constitutions to better allow them to seek progressive solutions to problems, pursue economic stability and revitalize their cultures, languages, and traditions.

Over the past several years, in an effort to implement a consistent and collectively-accepted foundation for the Red Lake Tribal government to lead and serve, the Red Lake Tribal Council has been researching options to revise the current Tribal Constitution to accurately reflect the values, customs, and priorities of the Red Lake Anishinaabe people and communities. In August of 2012, the Tribal Council passed a resolution which approve the Constitutional Reform Initiative ("CRI" or "Initiative") which directs the Economic Development & Planning Department to seek a formal relationship with the Bush Foundation and aggressively carry out the Initiative's action plan. One primary component of the action plan, developed in March of 2013 (Resolution 43-13), called for the formation of Constitutional Reform Initiative Committee with the significant responsibility of recommending and drafting a revised Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians' Tribal Constitution.

The CRI Committee is a 13-member group of Red Lake Band Members who represent a cross-section of the Band membership. Each area of representation on the Committee has been carefully selected by the Tribal Council to ensure the revised Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians' Constitution is crafted to mirror the importance of the Ojibwe language, culture, and way of life embraced by the Red Lake Band membership, while also realistically addressing the current and evolving needs of the Tribe. The Committee will be working over the next two years (at least) and is responsible for formally recommending a revised Tribal Constitution for approval to appear on the Election Referendum ballot. The work of this Committee is not to advocate for a particular outcome, but to gather all information pertaining to specific areas, and make a determination as to the best option to include in the revised constitution.

Four more Community Meetings are scheduled this month; Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at the Ponemah Boys & GIrls Club; Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at the Redby Center; Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Red Lake College; and Wednesday, October 27, 2016 at the Northwest Indian OIC in Bemidji.

FAQ'S

What is a Constitution?

A Constitution is a written record of a body of basic principles, privileges, rights and limitations that a governing body must abide.

Is the Constitution Reform Initiative Committee going to write the new Constitution before presenting it to the band members and tribal council?

No. The Committee is going to engage the community throughout the process in order to receive feedback from band members. The CRI Committee will be holding meetings in each community within the coming year as well as setting up a website where members can retrieve updated information regarding the Initiative. When the committee feels that it has enough community input and support then they will start to draft the initial constitution changes for the entire Nation's approval.

Is the Tribal Council in charge of the Constitution reform?

No. The Community is in charge of what is going to be included in the Constitution. This is an opportunity to showcase what makes Red Lake unique. As Red Lake Band Members, we can focus on creating an environment that honors our past, as well as, sets a firm foundation for our future generations.

Why is the constitution important to me?

Constitution Reform is an opportunity for each citizen to voice their opinion on what kind of government and future they want for the Red Lake Nation. Without the support and input from the community the Initiative will not be as successful as it could be.

Who will be drafting the final constitution and when will that happen?

The final draft of the new Red Lake Constitution does not have a specific timeline. It will be completed by the CRI Committee when they, along with the community, have decided that the content accurately reflects the views of the Nation.

How can I help out?

The Constitution Reform Initiative will provide opportunities for community members to help the CRI Committee in a variety of ways. When the website I complete, there will be a portion that will allow community members to be connected directly with the effort. Band Members may also contact CRI staff members, Justin Beaulieu and Eva Kingbird to receive further information.

Contact Us

Red Lake Constitution Reform Initiative

P.O. Box 588

Red Lake, MN 56601

Office: 218-679-1501 - Tom Cain Jr. or 218-679-1502 - Eva Kingbird

Fax: 218-679-3385

Offices located in Red Lake Government Center

Tom Cain Jr., Constitution Reform Coordinator

Eva Kingbird, Constitution Reform Administrative Assistant

Lori Maxwell, Office Assistant