BROTHERTOWN  INDIAN  NATION  AMENDED
CONSTITUTION PASSES 

What does this mean to the Tribe?

The results of the balloting reported by the Election Committee to the Council on Saturday, January 20, 2007 

866 Total Votes. 46% response of the 40% required of 1,880 total eligible voters
827 Yes
39 No
Constitution Passes 

The Brothertown Indian Nation will now follow the Amended Constitution.  All members should be aware of some important changes in the election process.  These changes are in effect for the May 2007 election. 

The New Election Process: 

At the May 2007 election the entire Council will be up for election to establish a staggered term of service as described in Article IV, Section 8: First Election. 

At the February General membership Meeting there will be an election of a three (3) person Election Committee comprised of voting-qualified nation members.

At the March General Membership Meeting, in addition to conducting other business shall include a report from the Election Committee identifying nominees for Council as well as receiving nominations from the floor.

Within the Election process will be the requirement to follow our current Election Ordinances. 

IV, SECTION 8: FIRST ELECTION
a. The first election of Council members shall be conducted in accordance with Article IV.
b. The date for the first election shall be held at the next regularly scheduled election as specified in Article IV Section 2 after ratification of this Constitution.
c. The election shall be conducted to implement a system of staggered terms of service for Nation Council members. The Chairperson, Treasurer, and the one (1) candidate receiving the highest number of votes for a non-officer position on the Council, shall each serve a three-year term. The Vice-Chairperson, and two (2) candidates receiving the next highest number of votes for a non-officer position on the Council, shall each serve a two-year term of office. The Secretary, and two (2) candidates receiving the next highest number of votes for a non-officer position on the Council, shall each serve a one-year term of office. 

All positions after the First Election will be a term of three (3) years at every proceeding elections (Article IV, Section 4: Terms and Duties of the Council). 

There are no residency restrictions to run for a Council position (Article IV, Section 1: Qualifications) 

If anyone is interested in running for one of the positions on the Council please notify the Tribal office by the end of the March 17th Council meeting. 

A New Judiciary Process: 

A Judiciary process has been created to handle controversies that may arise (Article VI - Judiciary) which includes Peacemakers to have the responsibility and authority to act as a court of appeals.  The judicial members called Peacemakers shall consist of five (5) members who must be duly enrolled members of the Nation of at least fifty-five (55) years of age. 

VI, SECTION 3: PEACEMAKERS FIRST ELECTION
a. The first election of the Peacemakers shall be conducted in accordance with Article IV. Peacemakers will be elected in a general election.
b. The date for the first election shall be the next regularly scheduled election as specified in Article IV Section 2 after ratification of this Constitution.
c. The election shall be conducted to implement a system of staggered terms of service for Peacemakers members. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will serve an initial five (5) year term. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall serve an initial four (4) year term; third highest number of votes shall serve a three (3) year term; fourth highest number of votes shall serve a two (2) year term and the fifth highest number of votes shall serve a one (1) year term. 

If anyone is interested in running for one of the positions of Peacemaker please notify the Tribal office by the end of the March 17th Council meeting. 

Oath of Office: 

All elected and appointed officials shall take an oath of office prior to assuming the duties of that office (Article IX - Oath of Office) 

Review your copy of the entire Amended Constitution for all changes. 

Brothertown Indian Nation Community Council
Mark Schreiner-Chairperson,  Craig Cottrell-Vice Chairperson, Mary Rudolph-Treasurer, Caroline Andler-Secretary
Council Members: Irene Shady, Jane Wisnefske-Borchardt, Mike Pelky, Doug Foy, Dennis Gramentz

To view the entire Amended Constitution in PDF format, click on the link below
Amended Constitution in PDF Format

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