Constitutional amendments fail to pass

Observer Staff

11/5/2003 12:00:00 AM

Twelve amendments to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan's Constitution were defeated on Sept. 30.

Despite most of the proposals passing in Districts 2 (Saganing) and 3 (At-Large), the measures were overwhelmingly rejected by District 1 voters on the Isabella Reservation. The only amendment that did not pass in both of the districts was "K"-which concerned establishing a Bill of Rights. That proposal was turned down by one vote in District 3.

According to voter registration lists, 1,426 Tribal members were eligible to participate in the election. Of those voters, 542 were from District 1, 36 for District 2 and 848 in District 3. Voters needed to register with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to be able to participate in the election.

Proposed amendments included rules concerning membership, a Bill of Rights, changes in the number of Tribal Council representatives for the three voting districts, as well as provisions for staggered terms while in office.

The election will be considered final 45 days after being certified by the Secretary of the Interior. The results can be challenged within three days of being posted.

Due to press deadlines, a detailed breakdown of the election will be in the Oct. 16 edition of the Tribal Observer.

The election was conducted in accordance with federal regulations and the Tribe's Constitution. Adult members of the Tribe who were 18 years of age or older on Sept. 30 were able to participate in the election provided they registered with the BIA.

The election followed the mandate set forth in the March 25 decision issued by U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson, of the Eastern District of Michigan's Northern Division.

Overall results are as follows:

Amendment Yes No Totals

A 505 709 1,214

B 537 683 1,220

C 534 683 1,217

D 541 675 1,216

E 528 688 1,216

F 522 693 1,222

G 516 697 1,213

H 520 693 1,213

I 529 683 1,212

J 530 682 1,212

K 551 662 1,213

L 539 672 1,211