DELEGATE COMMITTEE UPDATE: CONSTITUTION BELONGS TO ALL MILLE LACS BAND OF OJIBWE MEMBERS

Jun 29, 2026

As the Constitution Delegate Committee continues their work in the process of creating a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Constitution, they are grateful for the feedback they are receiving from the community. "Thank you to everyone who has completed a survey and participated in the constitutional engagement process," said Michele Palomaki, Delegate Committee member. "Your feedback has helped shape the next phase of this work and determine meeting times as the Constitutional Convention Delegates Committee moves into the drafting stage."

Survey responses will continue to be accepted, and meeting times may be adjusted to better accommodate participants. The committee also hopes to return to Zoom meetings once drafting efforts are fully underway. Band members who would like to receive a survey or have questions about the process may contact the committee at mlbo.delegates@millelacsband.com.

The committee emphasized that the Constitution belongs to all Band members. Through informed discussion and collaborative drafting, participants have an opportunity to help shape a document that reflects the collective voice and vision of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. Once completed, any proposed Constitution will be presented to Band members for a vote.

Delegates also noted that feedback from Band youth during last year's engagement efforts helped inspire the educational meetings and discussions being held throughout the summer.

Many youth shared that they had limited knowledge of the Constitution and its role in tribal government. The committee hopes the meetings will provide opportunities for younger generations to learn about the Band's governing documents and participate in discussions about the future of the Band.

As drafting begins, the committee announced the following upcoming meetings, which will focus on the articles identified as top priorities by participants in each district:

District I - Article V: Membership

July 13, 2026, at 9 a.m.

District II (McGregor) - Article I: Sovereignty

July 28, 2026, at 2 p.m.

Urban Area - Article V: Membership

Aug. 10, 2026, at 5 p.m.

District I|I (Aazhoomog) - Article V: Membership

Aug. 24, 2026, at 10 a.m.

District Il meetings will rotate between McGregor and Isle, while District Ill meetings will rotate between Hinckley and Aazhoomog. Breakfast or lunch will be provided, and gift cards will be available for fully engaged participants ages 15 and older.

The committee encourages all Band members to stay involved in the process and reminds members that they are welcome to attend any district meeting.