DELEGATE UPDATE: BUILDING A CONSTITUTION FOR THE FUTURE

Delegate committee conventions open dialogue to advance efforts to create a living, sovereign Mille Lacs Band Constitution

By Vivian LaMoore, Inaajimowin Editor

The Mille Lacs Band Constitution Reform Delegate Committee (Delegates) has been closely examining the history, language, and intent of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) Constitution. Originally drafted in 1936, the MCT Constitution was later revised in 1962 — which is when the ¼ Chippewa blood quantum requirement was added — and formally adopted in 1963.

After extensive research and discussion, the Delegates concluded that the MCT Constitution no longer adequately supports or protects the sovereignty of each individual member Band. They believe that the best interests of the Mille Lacs Band would be served by developing a separate Mille Lacs Band Constitution — one that reflects the Band's unique identity and governance.

The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe consists of six member Bands: Bois Forte, Fond du Lac, Grand Portage, Leech Lake, Mille Lacs, and White Earth. Each Band participates in the tribal organization of the MCT. The Constitution Reform Delegate Committees, with representatives from all six Bands, were formed over a decade ago to thoroughly review and reconsider the meaning and future of the MCT Constitution.

"The MCT Constitution just isn't working for us anymore," said Mic Davis, District II Delegate.

Building on their extensive research, the Delegates recently held two conventions — one in Hinckley and another in the Mille Lacs communities. Each event drew an impressive turnout of 80 to 100 participants, demonstrating strong community engagement in the constitutional reform process.

The conventions opened with messages from Chief Executive Virgil Wind and Speaker Sheldon Boyd, whose words helped frame the discussions ahead. Participants engaged in open, respectful dialogue as the Delegates outlined their progress toward drafting a separate Mille Lacs Band Constitution — one designed to uphold sovereignty, self-determination, and the unique identity of the Band.

"This work isn't just for the Delegates — it is for every-body," Davis said. "We need engagement and input from the entire community."

An original draft of a Mille Lacs Band Constitution was created in 2010. The Delegates — comprised of two community members from each District and the Urban Area — reviewed that draft. While some parts remain valid, others are now considered outdated and do not fully reflect the Band's unique culture, beliefs, and traditions.

"It should be designed to be a living, breathing document that can be changed," Davis said. "To truly exercise our sovereignty and move forward, we need to change it."

"Change is hard," added Al Olson, Urban Area Delegate. "We need to make sure we engage and educate all Band members."

Davis and Olson said the Delegates have not been walking this path alone. They initially sought help from long-time Band consultant Jay Kanassatega for education on the history of the MCT and its Constitution. More recently, they consulted the Native Governance Center — at no cost to the Band — for assistance in drafting a preliminary Mille Lacs Band Constitution. With this guidance, the Delegates have prepared a revised version of the 2010 draft. Copies of this new draft were shared at the recent conventions.

"This is not meant to be final. This is a starting point. We need help and input from more Band members," Olson said. "We would also like to see more grassroots engagement from youth and Elders. The youth are our future, and the Elders share wisdom from our past."

He noted that a Youth Advisory Council once existed and expressed hope that such a group might be reestablished. Olson also mentioned hearing about a grassroots Elder group forming in District I, though more information is still forthcoming.

The conversation at the conventions also brought forward a controversial topic that has resurfaced periodically since the 1980s - the idea of the Mille Lacs Band separating entirely from the MCT.

"The only things that tie us — Mille Lacs — to the MCT are enrollments, land, and elections," Davis said.

"The needs of each Band are different. I think change scares people, but change will have to come from the people for the people. This is our chance at true sovereignty," Olson said.

The Delegates' goal is to develop a strong Mille Lacs Band Constitution draft to place as a referendum on the ballot for next June's elections. They also hope to include a referendum question asking Band members whether the Mille Lacs Band should withdraw from the MCT entirely.

As the Delegates continue their work, they emphasize that community participation will shape the future of the Mille Lacs Band. Every Band member's voice matters in building a constitution that reflects who they are today — and who they strive to be for generations to come. The Delegates encourage all Band members to stay informed, get involved, and help create a document that truly honors the sovereignty and spirit of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

EDITOR'S NOTE: These are the opinions and views of the Mille Lacs Band Delegate Committee only and do not represent the views of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. The views of the delegation committee may not be cited as a statement of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's position or viewpoint on any matter.