Tribal Procedures Act Working Group Established
Jul 3, 2023
AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is pleased to announce that four (4) tribal members have been named to the newly formed Tribal Procedures Act Working Group: Ruth Bell, Melissa Ward, Amber McDonald, and Emily Lauzon. The four (4) individuals have successfully expressed their interest to review the Procedures Act (TCR 2013-32) that provides guidelines and outlines processes for the governance of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.
“The Tribal Council convenes annual priority planning sessions and has continuously identified the need to update and amend the existing Tribal Procedures Act,” stated Tribal Chief Michael Conners. Chief Conners added, “This call has been joined in recent years by members that attended Monthly Tribal Meetings and at other forums. As a result, a callout was conducted earlier this year for individuals interested in helping to amend the Procedures Act in consultation with tribal members.”
The Tribal Council Procedures Act (94-D) was initially adopted in 1994 and helped define Tribal Council powers and procedures, provided steps for initiating tribal referendums, as well as outlined the process for the recall and removal of elected officials from office. It was subsequently amended in 2013 to provide a greater voice to tribal members and make the tribal government more transparent and accountable to the general membership.
Tribal members helped strengthen the Procedures Act in 2013 by increasing their participation in the tribal government’s decision-making process. It added steps for members to initiate petitions for the enactment or rejection of tribal laws, as well as more-clearly outlined the process for placing important questions before membership through the referendum process. It also added regular meetings with tribal members that enhanced transparency and provided a process for members to review the tribal budget, as well as specified steps for gaining access to tribal records.
“The Tribal Procedures Act continues to be an evolving document that gives individuals the ability to determine how the tribal government functions for the benefit of all tribal members,” shared Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance. Chief LaFrance added, “Given the advancement in technology during the past decade, particularly with the usage of online meeting platforms during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Working Group will examine and help update the Procedures Act to reflect today’s realities.”
To be eligible for the Tribal Procedures Working Group, interested candidates needed to submit a letter of interest; as well as be at least 18 years of age, an enrolled tribal member, and pass a criminal background and drug test. Following consideration of all candidates, the four (4) tribal members were formally selected through Tribal Council Resolution 2023-30 that was signed during Tribal Council’s Work Session held on Wednesday, June 28th.
The Working Group will hold their first meeting within a few weeks to determine their meeting schedule and begin undertaking their task of updating the Tribal Procedures Act. They will seek the assistance of tribal staff and advisors, as well as participate in community consultation sessions to gain input and feedback from the general membership on proposed amendments.
Their final draft amendments will be presented to the Tribal Council for commencing the referendum process, with the goal of June 2024 for its final adoption. Prior to the tribal referendum however, a 90-day community consultation phase will be held to present, explain, and answer any questions related to the proposed amendments.
“We congratulate and commend Ruth, Melissa, Amber, and Emily on their appointment to the Tribal Procedures Act Working Group, and express our sincere gratitude for their continued community engagement and willingness to commit to this important governance document,” said Tribal Chief Beverly Cook on behalf of the Tribal Council. Chief Cook added, “The Working Group will begin their work with the full support from the Tribal Council and the Office of Boards and Commissions, with cooperation from the Executive Director’s Office, General Counsel, Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, and other tribal offices, as needed.”
Future updates on the Tribal Procedures Act Working Group will be provided, as they become available.
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The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council is the duly elected and federally recognized government of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe.