DELEGATES CONTINUE CONSTITUTION REFORM WORK, PLAN DRAFTING SESSIONS
May 3, 2026
Urban Area convention conludes as delegates prepare for drafting session in District III and District I
The Mille Lacs Band Constitution Reform Delegation continues moving forward with its work to develop a Mille Lacs Band-specific constitution, with recent community conventions and additional drafting sessions planned across the districts.
Delegates recently completed their fourth convention, held in the Urban Area, with the most recent session taking place April 23. These conventions are part of the delegation's ongoing effort to keep Band members informed and involved as the drafting process continues.
The next phase of the work will focus on community drafting sessions, which will begin in District Ill and be held in collaboration with District I. Additional sessions will follow in the Urban Area and District |I so that all communities have the opportunity to participate in the drafting process.
As the work continues, delegates say they will build upon the 2010 draft of a Mille Lacs Band constitution, which was developed through significant effort and input from Band members at that time. The delegation plans to continue using that draft as a starting point while gathering new feedback from Band members about what they believe should be included in a Mille Lacs Band constitution today.
Community participation remains central to the effort. Delegates encourage Band members to attend upcoming sessions, review the 2010 draft, and share their ideas and feed-back. Copies of the draft are avallable through delegates for those who have not yet received one.
To encourage participation, meals will be provided at drafting sessions and gift card drawings will be held for attendees.
Delegates also say they hope to include youth voices in the process as the school year comes to a close. Youth participation will help ensure the constitution reflects the perspectives of future generations.
In addition to the community sessions, Mille Lacs delegates have resumed attending the All Delegation monthly meetings of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT). Band members and youth who are interested in attending those meetings are encouraged to reach out to a delegate for more information. Plans are also underway to host a future All Delegation meeting in Mille Lacs, with details to be announced.
Delegates have also been conducting community updates and distributing surveys to gather additional feedback. Completed surveys can be returned to any delegate and will help guide discussions about what works best for each community as the drafting process moves forward.
Information about upcoming community drafting sessions is being posted throughout the districts. Band members with questions are encouraged to contact any of the delegates for additional information.
Delegates say they look forward to continuing the work alongside Band members and youth as the constitution reform effort progresses.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Mille Lacs Band Constitution Reform Delegation is working to develop a Band-specific constitution that reflects the priorities and voices of Mille Lacs Band members today. A draft constitution was first developed in 2010, following extensive work by Band members. Band members across all communities are now again being asked to share their ideas about what should be included in a Mille Lacs Band constitution moving forward.
Youth participation is also being encouraged so that the perspectives of future generations are included in the process. Band members can participate by attending community drafting sessions, completing surveys, or speaking with a delegate.
