Former chief calls for rejection of the constitution in the upcoming vote
To the Expositor:
Re: Open letter to Sheguiandah First Nation (SFN) band members
As some band members may be aware, there is an important vote coming up regarding the Anishinabe Education System (AES). While I do support this initiative, it is can only move forward on each First Nation with a vote on an education component of a community driven Constitution. Many First Nations have developed their own education constitutions and are moving forward to ratify this agreement.
However, SFN has gone beyond the scope of what was necessary and have created a constitution that is unworkable and very unfair. There are some communities that have worked for years on their constitutions yet SFN was able to churn one out in six short weeks. The draft constitution is poorly written and seriously flawed! The constitution has a number of issues that need to be changed and/or clarified.
Firstly, the current electoral system remains status quo. The current dysfunctional system favours some that sit or have sat on council and the number of council members never changes.
Secondly, a Deputy Chief section has been added. The previous council had one band councillor assume the role of Deputy Chief even though there are no such provisions under the Indian Act. We all know how disastrous that turned out; you only need to drive around SFN to see devolution and dysfunction that was caused by this “deputy chief.’
Thirdly, the authors of this draft constitution write about following the seven grandfather and clan teachings yet they talk about the council being democratically elected. You cannot have it both ways. If we follow the traditional ways, our leaders were never democratically elected. Leaders emerged naturally and were sought out for their knowledge, experience and their oratory skills.
Fourthly, the “law making” component gives the chief and council too much power. The power to make and enact laws should remain with the band members. All members should be consulted on draft laws and then voted upon by the membership.
Lastly, there was inadequate consultation on this document. The chief and council have an obligation to consult and accommodate the band membership on issues that may impact the First Nation as a whole.
I am urging all Sheguiandah First Nation band members to reject these documents in the upcoming vote. We desperately need change to break the shackles of oppression that have been imposed upon us but not in the direction that we are being steered towards.
Orville Aguonie
Sheguiandah First Nation band member
