It's gettin' hot in hrrr!
I'm not referring to the 90-degree, 90-percent humidity weather that has been suffocating my family's Lansing area home. Rather, I'm referring to the biannual Bay Mills political season, which is descending upon us. In just two short months tribal members will start declaring themselves for various offices.
Soon, we'll all be discussing issues like Charlotte Beach, per cap payments, and whitefish recipes.
Okay, I might be the only one who associates politics with frying up a nice fillet. I can usually associate anything with frying up whitefish, as you can tell from a quick glance at my belly.
In any event, one issue that is rarely discussed seriously during our biannual elections, but should be, is reforming our Constitution.
The Bay Mills Constitution was adopted in 1936 under the terms of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (IRA).
After Congress passed the IRA many tribes adopted cookie-cutter constitutions that made it very easy for the federal government to deal with them. These constitutions established simple governments based upon American and western-European cultural values. Most of the tribes that adopted IRA constitutions abandoned the traditional forms of governance which they had enjoyed for millennia in favor of new charters that seemed pragmatic at the time.
Here at Gnoozhakaaning, our forbearers were able to secure some of our traditional Anishnabe values in our constitution, which are largely reflected in the existence of the General Tribal Council.
This constitution has served us pretty well over the past 70 years. It is a simple document for a small community in simple times.
But those times are rapidly changing.
We are a much larger community than we were 70 years ago and business and politics have grown far more complex. We should take a serious look at reforming our system of government to meet those challenges, while re-enshrining some of our traditional Anishnabe governing norms.
One idea that should be considered is how to better incorporate our elders into our government. For centuries we have recognized the inherent value of securing a seat at the table for the most experienced among us. Perhaps we could explore the concept of establishing an Elders Council for members over the age of 60. This council could elect its own representative to a new seat on the Executive Council. We would certainly benefit from the continuous presence of a steady and experienced voice on that council.
Lest we forget, the warrior generation was also provided a voice in decision-making for our people. In addition to a new seat on the Executive Council for elders, we might also consider a 7th seat for members under the age of 35. Just as we'd benefit from the wisdom of our elders, we could also benefit from the vibrancy of younger members.
Another idea to be considered is extending the terms of our council members to four years, with staggered elections every two years. As it stands, we often have an entirely new council every two years which makes it very difficult for our tribe to work with Congress and business partners. Staggered elections would provide a measure of stability.
These few ideas would help mitigate any consolidation of power within our tribe and enhance consensus-building, another traditional value that has served us well.
This election, our candidates should discuss this issue seriously. A call for a new constitution committee with a firm deadline by which to make recommendations to the GTC would certainly yield much more and better ideas than the few listed above.
Perhaps even an amendment for a fish-fry at every GTC. Mmm.
Bryan Newland is a Bay Mills Indian Community Member and a student at Michigan State University College of Law in East Lansing. He is the oldest son of Gordon and Vickie Newland of Bay Mills. He has written columns and letters that have appeared in local, regional, and national publications. You can respond to his column at 517-420-0808 or tikro6@yahoo.com.
