DELEGATION UPDATE: YOUR VOICE, OUR SOVEREIGNTY
May 29, 2026
Constitutional reform drafting process
By Mille Lacs Band Delegation Committee
The Delegation held their first two Community Engagement Meetings at District I|I Azhoomog Community Center, May 4, and District I, Baadwewidang Center on May 18, 2026.
These meetings are intended to serve as the introduction and transition into future Constitutional drafting sessions. The schedule below reflects an every-other-week commitment to the Mille Lacs Band communities, ensuring consistent engage-ment, transparency, and opportunities for community voice and participation throughout the process.
Join us for MLB Constitution Intro and Draft Development Sessions this summer!
June 1 - District IIA Chiminising
June 18 - MLB Host ALL DELEGATION - DII East Lake June 29 - District III - Hinckley, Meshakwad July 13 - District I
July 28 - District Il East Lake *Tuesday
August 10 - Urban
September 14 - District || Chiminising
Surveys have been used to help determine the best meeting times and approach for each community. If you have not yet completed a survey, copies will be available at each meeting to ensure everyone has an opportunity to provide input and help guide the Constitutional drafting process.
This work is very important, and the summer meeting schedule has been intentionally designed to encourage youth participation. Last July, we were honored to have interns, Junior Ambassadors, and Next Gen Shadow participants join us for a two-day Native Governance Training in District I. We learned a great deal from that experience, and one of our biggest takeaways was the importance of including our youth in these discussions and processes.
For that reason, any Band member age 15 and older who participates in these sessions will receive a $25 Band gift card in recognition of their time, participation, and commitment to helping shape the future of our communities.
Finally, district agendas will be posted once the drafting process begins. The surveys are intended to help delegates identify the top three constitutional amendments or topics to prioritize within each district. Because each district may have different priorities, a topic not selected in one district may still be addressed in another. Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend and participate in any district session that interests them.
