SUMMARY REPORT Saint Paul, Urban MCT Area MCT CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION MEETING #5 December 14-15, 2017 | Saint Paul, MN Facilitated by: The Native Nations Institute, University of Arizona Joan Timeche, Executive Director Danielle Hiraldo, Outreach Specialist/Senior Researcher Sponsored by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and Native Governance Center Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 1 SUMMARY REPORT MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL URBAN AREA MCT CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION MEETING #5 Presented, Facilitated, & Reported by the Native Nations Institute University of Arizona Sponsored by the Native Governance Center and Minnesota Chippewa Tribe St. Paul, Minnesota | December 14-15, 2017 The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) hosted a series of community meetings beginning August 2017. This report is a summary of the fifth gathering, held in the Minneapolis/St. Paul urban area community on December 14-15, 2017. The meetings were intended to provide off-reservation MCT members/citizens educational information on the existing MCT constitution and begin the process for its revision. Day 1 | Thursday, December 14, 2017 Location: InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront Day 1, December 14, 2017, started at 2:48 p.m. with the Native Governance Center (NGC) Program Director Rebecca Crooks-Stratton (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community) welcoming the participants and introducing NGC staff Jane Townsend, Development Director, and Native Nations Institute (NNI) staff Joan Timeche (Hopi), Executive Director, and Danielle Hiraldo (Lumbee), Senior Researcher/Outreach Specialist. To the shorten agenda due to a late start, Crooks-Stratton explained that MCT Counsel Phil Brodeen (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) will review the MCT constitution session on Day 1 and the remainder of the agenda would continue on Day 2. Brodeen asked for an individual moment of silence to open the session. Rebecca Crooks-Stratton reviewed the agenda (see Appendix A). Thirty-five participants signed in for both days. Participants were encouraged to sign in but it was optional. There were several individuals who chose not to sign in. Brodeen presented SESSION 1: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MCT & CURRENT STRUCTURE. The presentation covered the history of the MCT Constitution, the powers and duties of the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) and Reservation Business Committees (RBC), and the constitution’s day-to-day operations (Administration, Education, Finance, Human Services departments). Brodeen discussed the traditional political systems for Anishinaabe in Minnesota including the roles of families, clans, hereditary chiefs, etc. He also reviewed the current enrollment of MCT and the 30% requirement to amend the constitution. The following questions/answers or comments were raised: • A participant asked about Article XIV, Section 1, the petition process. If MCT goes through this process, don’t we have to get Secretary of Interior approval? o Brodeen explained that some say get rid of the Department of Interior (DOI) approval first. DOI is not likely to disapprove, if majority of voters approve a vote. o This means no more Secretarial election, resulting in the tribe allowing for its own election process. That’s where we should be going. • Participants began to talk about what happens if they don’t get 30% electors at the polls? Will this process have been a waste of time? o Brodeen explained that new federal regulations state that they will accept the tribe’s own interpretation of its constitution, if 30% not met. The current constitution requires 10,000 plus votes. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 2 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 • A participant explained that Article XII Section 1 of the constitution requires 30% approval but earlier votes did not meet this threshold. BIA said if people felt strongly about changes, they would show up for election. Yet in the past, like at Fond du Lac, BIA took those who did not show up for vote as ‘yes’ votes. This was seen throughout the U.S. at this time. • A participant stated that the assembly gathered because of the interpretations of the amendments, please explain article interpretation. o Brodeen explained that in Article XVII an explicit interpretation clause does not exist. Question is how the TEC uses this authority. He explained that this is an opportunity to provide more specific delegation of authority, so everything is up for consideration. If it is not explicitly written in the U.S. Constitution, interpretation is reserved to the Judicial system. • A participant asked for Brodeen to provide his comments/suggestions as a tribal member and not as tribal attorney. o He responded that this process is an opportunity to provide better delegated authority and figure out how to amend the current constitution. • A participant asked about the blood quantum issue everyone is facing. He said that the open dialogue about the constitution is exciting. He asked how did original members become established within a “Native database”? He stated that members don’t want to make a hasty decision. This process will take time. MCT will have to go around to the six tribes again to see where everyone is at. MCT will need to carefully evaluate, but there is no need to over analyze. On behalf of Leech Lake, we want to figure out how to allow each tribe’s own self-determination on their own reservation and how to practice inherent sovereignty. He agreed that there is strength in number, but not everyone is happy with the current organization. MCT needs liberty among each tribe to meet the best interests of each reservation and not hold each other back. He concluded with the sentiment that these are hard issues that have to be put on the table, talked, and discussed among all the members. o Brodeen stated that this process doesn’t have to have a clear path; there might be starts and stops. The final outcome will require a compromise by everyone who adopts it. • A participant stated that there are lot of knowledgeable people within MCT to get this process completed. Education is an important piece. If MCT is an umbrella base, individual reservations can have own constitution; however, he is worried about the principle of conquer and divide. The current system is tied to treaties that other tribes do not have. If MCT separates, someone will be picked off; however, if MCT stays as a collective, it will have the ability to work. This is the first round, when delegates are chosen there will be more meetings to educate the tribe. The outcome is what the membership chooses to do. Education piece must be done before we can make a decision. There are a few issues that need to be addressed. Enrollment is a big issue. TEC went to ¼ blood quantum based on funding (if don’t accept, will not be funded). • Another participant explained that annuity payments have been lost over time. Mormons have latest annuities payments in 1937 for people on Leech Lake, Fond du Lac, etc. and this turned into the base roll. Enrollment numbers tie to various treaties to specific reservations. The base roll depends upon the reservation. The participant asked: ‘how did you self-identify in 1933? Who were we in 1887?’ Leech Lake has seven different tribal groups alone, while White Earth is different. Crow Wing County--based on 1955 efforts-- dismissed a case stating that a MCT member has rights to the lake, another individual was not given the same decision. The state is basically saying who he is and what his treaty rights are through this decision. This is scary to have a county judge say what are tribal member rights are and are not. There needs to be more discussion on annuity rights and what they are. • One participant suggested that MCT members drive people to polls because we are looking at how you become a member. Only in the MCT bylaws does it mention that RBCs have bylaws Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 3 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 (Article VI). The participant argued that MCT needs to remain together with more local control. Another part of the amendments that are being proposed is to add the possibility to allow local reservations to adopt their own constitutions, only if the overall constitution is not abridged. There needs to be clearly defined authorities and powers for each of the reservations. The participant asked, do we want separation of powers at MCT, if so how will it work? Do we want a judicial branch, if so how will it work? He explained that members need to support each other to find best ways to have courts, elections, etc. instead of fighting each other. Members need to think about how we want our government to look and whether our descendants will be happy about what we’ve done. The participant would hope to write that the local governments clearly have the right to have their own constitution as long as it doesn’t violate the overall MCT constitution including whether RBCs can only consist of President, Vice, Secretary/Treasurer, plus two members. This process needs to clearly define what RBCs can do or not. • A participant stated that changes need to be done to the existing structure. Individual tribes should have role, and blood quantum would need to considered. This process affects the economic side. The government needs things in order to develop. The process needs to focus people on important things to somehow achieve the 30% eligible voter requirement. ‘We gotta get the vote. If we don’t get the votes, then all the money spent will be wasted.’ • Someone mentioned that the location and parking was not ideal for the urban area session. The cost of parking is too much for the members in the area. At the end of the discussion, Timeche assigned homework to the group to identify “What suggestions do you have in changing the MCT Constitution?” Day 1 adjourned at 4:31 p.m. Day 2 | Friday, December 15, 2017 Location: InterContinental Saint Paul Riverfront Day 2 started at 8:31 a.m. with Timeche delivering the welcome and MCT President and Fond du Lac Chairman Dupuis offering a prayer. Timeche introduced NNI and asked for participants to introduce themselves considering it was a small group. Timeche explained NNI’s role throughout the process is to inform and educate members about what is a constitution and learn with others, and facilitate the discussion. Timeche asked the group who had not attended the other sessions; no one raised their hands. She suggested that she would quickly review the keys issues a constitution needs to address section in SESSION 2: GOVERNMENT & CONSTITUTIONS: WHAT THEY ARE, DO, & LOOK LIKE ACROSS INDIAN COUNTRY. She explained the governing structures of the Hopi Tribe, Tohono O’odham Nation (TON), Citizen Potawatomi Nation (CPN), and All Pueblo Council of Governors to demonstrate how others have adjusted to imposed governmental forms. • A participant read the MCT preamble and discussed the “exclusion of Indians not taxed” as an important concept to remember as MCT members are reconsidering the constitution. He explained that he was born Anishinaabe by Anishinaabe parents. His status does not derive from a reservation. However, the preamble talks about reservations. Timeche asked the group if they had questions about models that were highlighted. • One participant asked, “Were they adopted originally or did they have growing pains?” Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 4 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 o Timeche replied that the Citizen Potawatomi Nation initially had a standard IRA government. The Tohono O’odham Nation had a traditionally styled leadership with headmen who made decisions for their area/jurisdiction then the nation was forced into an IRA government. The 11 legislative districts forced the headmen together. Timeche asked participants to share their assigned homework response to: “What suggestions do you have in changing the MCT Constitution?” • One participant stated “Follow Article XII, which includes informed participation consent of the affected MCT members.” • Another explained that Mille Lacs band would like to be sovereign and removed from MCT. Mille Lacs people are sovereign; however, they ask the people to elect them into the MCT structure. Participants began to ask the following questions and discussion followed: • What’s the difference between the 30% requirement for amending the MCT constitution compared to individual referendums, which have a different percentage requirement? • Do options include: have Secretarial election or run the amendments through MCT referendum process? • How is it fair among the six reservations when White Earth has three times the amount of band members than Bois Forte? White Earth has the most amount of members and if voted, how is it fair to the other reservations? o Historically, White Earth says it is the other way, they only have two representatives for their large population. o Another participant added: There are implications for both types of tyranny: one of minority - small number of people can trample the rights of large; then the opposite, the majority - larger population tramples rights of a small minority. The participant discussed the U.S. bicameral system vs. the MCT unicameral system. He is a strong advocate not to break up the tribe because there is strength in numbers. • How did CPN break up the U.S. into districts? Is that an option and make sense for MCT? • One participant read Article I the “function of this organization.” Are all tribes considered “organizations”? o MCT needs to clarify why Red Lake Nation voted against joining MCT. • A participant argued that former Chairwoman Erma Vizenor should have resigned from the MCT TEC and RBC before advocating for White Earth to adopt a constitution. After the discussion, Hiraldo led a citizen engagement exercise that required the participants to “Think of ways to engage your members/citizens to come to the meetings and get them to vote.” Participants answered with the following ways to get more people involved and to attend the meetings: • Consider messaging strategies that includes identify/talk/educate on ‘hot’ issues. Don’t just say ‘enrollment’ but talk about the impact of it and making the case for change. • Offer transportation to meetings and transportation to the polls. • Participation needs to be encouraged in a safe place, which needs to come from elected leadership. There is a somewhat oppressive type of environment on our reservations because they are so small and people are afraid of losing jobs or houses. Members should feel free to get involved. • Provide accurate information including providing packet materials and information in advance of meetings (such as TEC). Typically, there is only a handful of membership in the room. • People need to have faith in the system. They don’t know if their vote counts. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 5 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 • There needs to be a process where leaders identify a reason for members to be involved. Identify a ‘carrot’ that might be blood quantum/membership requirements to entice the members. Maybe the leaders explain that the plan is to change the enrollment requirements or the revisions include adding a court system, etc. Leaders need to get informed consent of the affected, somewhat like what we see at the U.S. congressional level when riders are added to bills on ‘hot’ topics. • We have to use every media opportunity possible including with the upcoming State of Band addresses. We have a tremendous amount of knowledge in the room but need 1/10 or more of our people to read, attend, listen, or then we’re talking to ourselves. Perhaps a TEC member could make a State of Indian Nations address, and replicate that across each band, localize such a statement. • Some of my grandchildren are enrolled with another tribe but blood quantum does not change no matter the generations or inter-marriage. The Seminole Nation allows for this as long as the individual can be tied back to the base roll. • The topic of enrollment always comes up. This might be an issue that might stall this process but it can be addressed. • To allow for all federally recognized blood; do other tribes do the same thing? Does Seminole accept all other blood? Choctaw? Etc. We have a fractionated system so this will have to be considered. If we want to apply other blood, do other tribes allow for Anishnabeg blood to be applied? • People talk about historical trauma, is the boarding school era still affecting our people? The participant shared an example of going to a rural home to address truancy where the grandma challenged him on why her grandchild should go to school. Some people may not have trusted leadership, many don’t follow very well, so many won’t trust this process. In old the ways, if members didn’t believe in something, they turned their back on it and walked away. We need to empower the people. If we want to empower the people, we have to provide a mechanism for participation, informed consent, and consider why members are not trusting this process and turning out in large numbers. People turn out for elections every two years. We have had four amendments and two processes (1975 when voting age changed from 21 to 18 and ‘on reservation of enrollment’; in 2005 and ratified in 2006, to prevent those with felonies from running for political office and raised voting age back to 21 in same ballot). We need to be honest with the people. The prior amendment probably did not have 30% of the required votes. Each person here represents 5-10 people, so we are many. Traditionally, those who are able to be there attended, no matter their standing. They would go back home and share with their family to get input and come back as a representative. Hiraldo then posed the question “Why are people not showing up?” The participants answered with the following: • Relevance – it’s the same people attending, and other people don’t know why this is important. • Most feel that their vote doesn’t matter, so why bother. • Seeing change happen over the years, sometimes was followed in best interest for the personal interest of TEC. When not followed, it is difficult to remove folks, Article X of the MCT constitution. Today, there seems to be more adherence of the constitution. Majority vote – in past when we had large numbers of candidates, the vote was split so no one really got ‘majority’. What we really need are enforcement mechanisms so when constitution is violated, you don’t have to move a mountain to address them. Oral history informs us that first constitutional amendment was made because of personal interest (re ‘on reservation of enrollment’ change). As adults we need to remind ourselves, that agreements we have in society can be met with rewards or consequences if violated. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 6 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 Timeche and Hiraldo co-presented SESSION 6: STRENGTHENING OUR GOVERNMENT — HOW HAVE OTHER NATIVE NATIONS ADDRESSED THE PROCESS OF REVISING OR REFORMING THEIR CONSTITUTIONS? The presentation included a brief survey of several constitutional reform process examples. They concluded with a group discussion prompting the participants to provide recommendations for the MCT constitution process. The group was asked to answer Based on what we’ve heard and discussed today, our recommendations for continuing the MCT constitution process are... Participants answered with the following: • We need a discussion on ‘What is the legal status of the MCT?’ Is it a corporation, a tribe, or nation”? • Establish a 1-800 number for those who are not comfortable with surveys. • Have a questionnaire at the clinic for members to complete and submit. Timeche turned the discussion to NEXT STEPS. She explained that there are two more educational meetings left. The following comments were made: o The streamed radio recording is live and will be available at www.niijiiradio.org. o NNI has survey that participants are encouraged to complete. It is being compiled for each session. • Gary Frazer, MCT Chief Executive Officer, explained that the TEC already decided on quarterly meetings. The members will decide what’s next. • Councilman Archie LaRose encouraged everyone to attend the Leech Lake session. • Chairwoman Cathy Chavers explained that the Bois Forte session is on YouTube.com. She very thankful that everyone can contribute their own voice/perspective. She has a meeting with Red Lake on Monday for another issue and will ask about their reform efforts. President Dupuis thanked everyone for attending and stated they don’t plan to drop this effort. The meeting adjourned at 12:14 p.m. ST. PAUL WRITTEN SURVEY RESULTS NNI received two completed surveys. The following pages include a summary of those responses and a preliminary analysis. Note about survey: On the morning of the first day MCT representatives distributed a paper copy to the participants who chose to participate during the St. Paul Constitution Convention meeting. Participants submitted their completed surveys in to box at the end of each day. NNI collected the responses and recorded them into an online version through Qualtrics, a survey software. In order to maintain the integrity of the survey, an NNI staff member recorded the responses verbatim into the online software. Misspellings and illegible remarks are marked with [sic] and [illegible], respectfully. The survey was developed to assess three main categories: level of understanding, personal views, and general information. Respondents were asked to “rate each statement by circling a number between 1- 5.” 1 =Strongly Disagree; 2=Disagree; 3=Neutral; 4=Agree; 5=Strongly Agree. There were two open- ended questions that focused on recommendations for specific changes to the MCT constitution. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 7 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 The first set of questions (Q1-4) related to the respondent’s level of understanding of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe. You will notice that the respondents are “neutral” on the matter that they understand the constitution (Q1). Respondents either “agree” or remain “neutral” on understanding the powers of the Tribal Executive Committee (Q2). In reference to understanding the powers of the Reservation Business Committees (Q3), one (1) respondent “strongly disagree” and the other marked “agree.” In understanding the way MCT government operates (Q4) respondents marked either “agree” or remain “neutral”. One question (Q5) was designed to inquire whether a respondent has read the MCT constitution. Both respondents (100%) answered “no”. The second set of questions (Q6-10) gauged the respondents’ personal views of MCT governmental functions. These questions address the perceived notions of equity, clarity, and representation within the MCT government. The graphs below illustrate that the respondents were spilt on their response, one chose “strongly agree” and the other selected “neutral” as their response for whether the MCT’s election process is fair (Q6). For question 7, one (1) respondent chose “strongly disagree” and the other Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 8 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 selected “neutral” that the TEC exercises power fairly. One (1) respondent “agree” that the qualifications to run for TEC are clear compared to one (1) who remained “neutral” (Q8). while one (1) marked “strongly disagree” and the other selected “neutral” that the qualifications are adequate (Q9). Respondents appear to not agree that the candidate qualifications are clear; in addition, equity may be a concern with the execution of such powers and authorities at the TEC level. At the RBC level (Q10), one (1) respondent chose “strongly disagree” and the other selected “neutral” that power is exercised fairly. One (1) respondent each chose to “disagree” or remain “neutral” that the current MCT enrollment criteria reflect how they view themselves as Anishinaabe (Q11). Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 9 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 The respondents expressed the most agreement with the statements related to representation and equity (Q12-15). One (1) respondent chose “disagree” and one chose (1) “strongly disagree” that the bands’ needs are equally considered (Q12). One (1) respondent “agree” and one (1) remained “neutral” that major TEC decisions include band input (Q13). Two (2) remained “neutral” that there is ample opportunity to address concerns within the MCT government (Q14). Finally, one (1) respondent “disagree” and the other remained “neutral” with the statement that the MCT constitution serves the needs of the people (Q15). The final set of questions seek community input on how to improve the MCT government. Respondents were asked to consider how much change they would like to see in the future (Q16). One (1) respondent answered the question suggesting that the tribe should “keep its current constitution and make amendments” to address some of the concerns (a. below); while the other (1) responded that there should be an entirely “new constitution” written (b. below). Zero (0) respondents elected to keep the constitution the way it is currently written. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 10 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 If the respondents chose to amend the constitution or write a new one, they were prompted to write what they think needed to be amended in the existing constitution or any major changes that needed to be included in a new constitution. a. Amend Existing Constitution One response suggested: • “Felony Backgrounds should be allowed to run for office after certain years have passed of convictions.” b. Write a New Constitution One (1) of the two (2) respondents suggested specifics to writing a new constitution. The response includes: • “Blood quantum; eliminate the Sec. of Interior approval” c. Other Suggestions Two (2) respondents offered more suggestions to strengthen the MCT constitution. Responses included: • “Amendment to review constitution and amendments every 15 or 20 years.” • “Tribes of smaller enrollment numbers should make own decisions, not where larger reservations have more say.” Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 11 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 General Information The demographics of the audience may help understand who attends the MCT Constitutional Convention sessions and how they may assist in future endeavors. In addition, it allows the elected leaders to discuss a strategy to engage members who are not attending the sessions. Both respondents are male (100%). The respondents’ ages are 39 and 74; both are employed and 100% are enrolled MCT citizens. Additional comments include: • “I believe a constitution [convention] is needed to change some of the outdated articles of the present constitution. It will be a long process and the key is to keep people involved to arrive at suggested changes that will need to be [practiced].” • “Possibly more referendums within the tribes for own decision-making purposes. - Other tribes shall not interfere or present in another tribe’s issues. For instance, Mille Lacs Member cannot speak on behalf of Grand Portage issues! - Repeal Amendments -Change the wording of the RBC as it does not pertain to all tribes. MLB has a three-branch government. Maybe refer [to] them a[s] Tribal Governments Elected bodies. (Councils).” The complete survey is located in Appendix B. Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 12 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 Appendix A Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 13 MINNESOTA CHIPPEWA TRIBE CONSTITUTION MEETINGS December 2017 – January 2018 Sponsored by the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (MCT) with generous support from the Native Governance Center Presented & Facilitated by the Native Nations Institute, University of Arizona InterContinental Hotel | 11 East Kellogg Blvd. | St. Paul, Minnesota Day 1: December 14, 2017 Time Agenda Item 11:30 a.m. REGISTRATION 12:00 p.m. OPENING PRAYER WELCOME & PURPOSE • President Kevin R. Dupuis, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe INTRODUCTIONS: FACILITATORS, PRESENTERS, & SPONSORS 12:15 p.m. SESSION 1: THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MCT & CURRENT STRUCTURE — Philip Brodeen • History of the MCT Constitution • What are the powers and duties of the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC)? • What are the powers and duties of the Reservation Business Committees (RBC)? • How does the MCT work on a day-to-day basis in comparison to each Band? • Discussion: Does the current MCT Constitution accurately reflect who we are as a people today? 2:15 p.m. SESSION 2: THINKING STRATEGICALLY ABOUT MCT’S FUTURE — Native Nations Institute • Complete the following sentence: “I want my (grand)children to live in a tribal community where….” 2:45 p.m. SESSION 3: GOVERNMENT & CONSTITUTIONS: WHAT THEY ARE, DO, & LOOK LIKE ACROSS INDIAN COUNTRY — Native Nations Institute • The foundations of effective governments: What does a government do? • Defining a constitution in the broadest sense • The key issues a constitution needs to address • The diversity of constitutions and governing systems across Indian Country • Do you have the governance tools you need to achieve your strategic goals? 3:00 p.m. DISCUSSION (Small Groups) • What suggestions do you have in changing the MCT Constitution? 3:45 p.m. SMALL GROUP REPORTS 4:00 p.m. ADJOURN 1 Day 2: December 15, 2017 Time Agenda Item 8:00 a.m. WELCOME, REVIEW OF DAY 1 DISCUSSION and REVIEW OF DAY 2 AGENDA 8:15 a.m. SESSION 4: WHY ARE SOME NATIVE NATIONS MORE SUCCESSFUL THAN OTHERS? — Native Nations Institute • The Standard Approach to Native community and economic development • The Nation-Building Approach to Native community and economic development • The results of each • Discussion: How does this apply to the MCT? 8:30 a.m. SESSION 5, ROUND 1: HOW DO WE STRENGTHEN THE MCT & BAND GOVERNMENTS? • Groupwork: What’s WORKING with the existing constitution of the: o MCT overall? o Tribal Executive Committee (TEC)? o Reservation Business Committees (RBCs)? 9:15 a.m. SESSION 5, ROUND 2: HOW DO WE STRENGTHEN THE MCT & BAND GOVERNMENTS? • Groupwork: What’s NOT WORKING with the existing constitution of the: o MCT overall? o Tribal Executive Committee (TEC)? o Reservation Business Committees (RBCs)? 10:15 a.m. SMALL GROUP REPORTS & CATEGORIZATION OF COMMONALITIES 10:45 a.m. SESSION 5, ROUND 3: HOW DO WE STRENGTHEN THE MCT & BAND GOVERNMENTS? • Groupwork: Of the issues identified in previous rounds, how might we address some of the key issues? 11:30 a.m. SMALL GROUP REPORTS 12:00 p.m. LUNCH (ON YOUR OWN) 1:00 p.m. SESSION 6: STRENGTHENING OUR GOVERNMENT — HOW HAVE OTHER NATIVE NATIONS ADDRESSED THE PROCESS OF REVISING OR REFORMING THEIR CONSTITUTIONS? • Questions & Answers 1:30 p.m. DISCUSSION (Small Groups) • Based on what we’ve heard and discussed today, our recommendations for continuing the MCT constitution process are... 2:15 p.m. SMALL GROUP REPORTS 2:45 p.m. NEXT STEPS 3:00 p.m. ADJOURN 2 St. Paul MCT Constitutional Convention Meeting, December 14-15, 2017 Appendix B Presented and Summary Prepared by the Native Nations Institute 14 Default Report MCT St. Paul Constitutional Convention Survey January 24th 2018, 11:16 am MST 1 - I understand the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's Constitution and Bylaws. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 100.00% 2 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 2 - I understand the powers of the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC). # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 50.00% 1 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 3 - I understand the powers of the Reservation Business Committees (RBCs). # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 50.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 0.00% 0 4 Agree 50.00% 1 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 4 - I understand how the Minnesota Chippewa Tribal government operates. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 50.00% 1 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 5 - I have read the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's Constitution. # Answer % Count 1 Yes 0.00% 0 2 No 100.00% 2 3 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 6 - The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's election process is fair. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 50.00% 1 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 7 - The Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) exercises power fairly. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 50.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 8 - The qualifications to run for the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) are clear to me. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 50.00% 1 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 9 - The qualifications to run for the Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) are adequate. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 50.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 10 - The Reservation Business Committee (RBC) exercises power fairly. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 50.00% 1 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 11 - Current enrollment requirements reflect how we view ourselves as Anishinaabe. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 50.00% 1 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 12 - The needs of each band are equally considered. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 50.00% 1 2 Disagree 50.00% 1 3 Neutral 0.00% 0 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 13 - Major Tribal Executive Committee (TEC) decisions include band input. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 50.00% 1 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 14 - There is ample opportunity to address concerns with the Minnesota Chippewa Tribal government. # Answer % Count 1 Strong Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 0.00% 0 3 Neutral 100.00% 2 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 15 - The Minnesota Chippewa Tribe's Constitution serves the needs of the MCT people. # Answer % Count 1 Strongly Disagree 0.00% 0 2 Disagree 50.00% 1 3 Neutral 50.00% 1 4 Agree 0.00% 0 5 Strongly Agree 0.00% 0 6 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 16 - In looking to the future of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribal government, how much change do you think should happen? # Answer % Count Do not change the current 1 0.00% 0 constitution. It is fine as is. Keep the current constitution and make amendments. Area(s) the 2 need to be amended in 50.00% 1 the MCT constitution (if you know the article and section, please list it): A new constitution. The 3 major changes would 50.00% 1 include: 4 I am neutral on this issue. 0.00% 0 5 No Answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 Keep the current constitution and make amendments. Area(s) the need to be a... Keep the current constitution and make amendments. Area(s) the need to be amended in the MCT constitution (if you know the article and section, please list it): - Text Felony Backgrounds should be allowed to run for office after certain years have passed of convictions. 16_3_TEXT - A new constitution. The major changes would include: A new constitution. The major changes would include: - Text Blood quantum Eliminate the Sec. of Interior approval 17 - What other suggestions do you have for strengthening the MCT constitution? Please be as specific as possible: # Answer % Count 1 My suggestions are: 100.00% 2 2 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 17_1_TEXT - My suggestions are: My suggestions are: - Text Amendment to review constitution and amendments every 15 or 20 years Tribes of smaller enrollment numbers should make own decisions, not where larger reservations have more say. 18 - What is your gender? # Answer % Count 1 Male 100.00% 2 2 Female 0.00% 0 3 Other: 0.00% 0 4 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 Other: Other: - Text 19 - What is your age? # Answer % Count 1 I am: 100.00% 2 2 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 19_1_TEXT - I am: I am: - Text 74 39 20 - What is the highest level of education you have completed? # Answer % Count 1 No formal education 0.00% 0 Elementary / Primary (Pre- 2 0.00% 0 K to 6) Middle / Junior High 3 0.00% 0 School (grades 7 - 8) High School (grades 9 - 4 0.00% 0 12), no diploma / GED. High school graduate, 5 0.00% 0 received diploma / GED. 6 Some college, no degree 0.00% 0 7 Associate's (2 year) degree 0.00% 0 8 Trade certificate 50.00% 1 9 Technology degree 0.00% 0 10 Bachelor's (4 year) degree 50.00% 1 11 Master's degree 0.00% 0 12 Doctorate degree 0.00% 0 13 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 21 - What is your current employment status? # Answer % Count 1 Employed 50.00% 1 2 Self-employed 50.00% 1 3 Retired 0.00% 0 Unable to work, not 4 0.00% 0 retired Out of work and not 5 0.00% 0 currently looking for work Out of work and looking 6 0.00% 0 for work 7 Homemaker 0.00% 0 8 Student 0.00% 0 9 Other: 0.00% 0 10 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 Other: Other: - Text 22 - What is your current marital status? # Answer % Count 1 Single (never married) 0.00% 0 2 Married 50.00% 1 3 Separated 0.00% 0 4 Divorced 0.00% 0 5 Common Law Marriage 0.00% 0 6 Widowed 0.00% 0 Committed Relationship, 7 0.00% 0 not living together Domestic Partner, living 8 0.00% 0 together 9 Other: 50.00% 1 10 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 Other: Other: - Text Together with kids! 23 - What is your MCT affiliation, check all that apply: # Answer % Count 1 Enrolled MCT citizen 40.00% 2 2 Married to a MCT citizen 20.00% 1 MCT descendant, not 3 0.00% 0 enrolled Parent of an enrolled MCT 4 20.00% 1 citizen 5 Enrolled in another 0.00% 0 federally-recognized tribe. Please specify: Live on one of the band 6 20.00% 1 reservations of the MCT Work on one of the band 7 0.00% 0 reservations of the MCT 8 Friend of the MCT 0.00% 0 9 Other: 0.00% 0 10 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 5 Enrolled in another federally-recognized tribe. Please specify: Enrolled in another federally-recognized tribe. Please specify: - Text Other: Other: - Text 24 - Where do you live? # Answer % Count I live on one of the band 1 reservations. The 100.00% 2 reservation I live on is: I do not live on any of the 2 0.00% 0 band reservations. 3 Other: 0.00% 0 4 No answer 0.00% 0 Total 100% 2 24_1_TEXT - I live on one of the band reservations. The reservation I live on is: I live on one of the band reservations. The reservation I live on is: - Text White Earth Band Mille Lacs Band Dist. 1 25 - Comments and/or suggestions: Comments and/or suggestions: I believe a constitution [convention] is needed to change some of the outdated articles of the present constitution. It will be a long process and the key is to keep people involved to arrive at suggested changes that will need to be [practiced] -Possibly more referendums within the tribes for own decision making purposes. -Other tribes shall not interfere or present in another tribe’s issues. for instance, Mille Lacs Member cannot speak on behalf of Grand Portage issues! -Repeal Amendments -Change the wording of the RBC as it does not pertain to all tribes. MLB has a 3 branch government. Maybe refer them a Tribal Governments Elected bodies. (Councils)