Why A Community Constitution For M'Chigeeng

Putting down in writing and following those values and beliefs and teachings can guide us in living a satisfactory life and generally being happy about ourselves and our community is maJn1y why a constitution is needed by M'Chigeeng. Knowing and following only negative thoughts and opinions leads to jealousy, criticism, hatred, anger, disrespect, lies and discontent.

A constitution is sometimes called a vision, or purpose, or philosophy. No matter what it is called -we're calling it a community constitution -it will bring clarity to our collective and individual lives. It can be helpful to understand why certain things have to be done and how they should be done.

Our community constitution will contain core values, beliefs, teachings and principles. A community constitution can be the basis for putting extra effort in what Chief and Council do and what employees expect themselves to achieve in giving service to the Band Members. It can be the basis of providing a motive for Band Members to survive and achieve, become stronger and stand tall.

A community constitution can provide the context for strategic and tactical decisions by groups, committees and Chief and Council.

A constitution, largely shared, understood and supported by Band Members can create better relations, teamwork and community involvement.

A constitution can lay the groundwork for community development and planning relying on many more Band Members and not rely or blame a few individuals who dare to articulate a vision. These visionaries are needed at the start but the majority of Band Members must be able to articulate their beliefs and positive needs otherwise our on the spot opinions and knee jerk reactions will remain
splintered and keep us divided.

A constitution will assure us that our leaders are making the right decisions because they will be guided by what we have put together. We will know who to believe. We will no longer rely and turn to Indian Affairs for remedies. There will not be much need for remedy. Indian Affairs does not tell us about beliefs, values, principles, teachings which do us good. They just tell us to jump and we
can only ask how high? We need to listen to ourselves, plan our destiny and figure out how to reach our goals, our visions.

Sitting Bull, the greatest protector of all Native people, said this; " We are an island of Indians in a lake of whites. We must stand together, or they will rub us out separately"

Write down here what you believe in and explain its propose and then send it in to the Band Office