We the First People : The Catawba Constitution Initiative Creating Laws to Provide Harmony A Constitution by the People for the People General Council Meeting January 10, 2015

Why do we need a new constitution? 1993 Settlement directs the tribe to pass a new constitution1993 Settlement directs the tribe to pass a new constitution The 1975 Constitution served the Catawba people well for many years. But the tribe has changed in many ways since 1975 which has led us to need a new Constitution.The 1975 Constitution served the Catawba people well for many years. But the tribe has changed in many ways since 1975 which has led us to need a new Constitution. Number of tribal membersNumber of tribal members Where tribal members liveWhere tribal members live Federal recognitionFederal recognition Full tribal government with a staffFull tribal government with a staff Grants and programs that benefit tribal membersGrants and programs that benefit tribal members

Why is the executive committee trying something new? In order to adopt a new constitution, the 1993 Settlement Agreement requires 30% of all eligible voters vote on the constitution, and over 50% of those people vote for adoption of the new constitution.In order to adopt a new constitution, the 1993 Settlement Agreement requires 30% of all eligible voters vote on the constitution, and over 50% of those people vote for adoption of the new constitution. Since then, four constitutions have been proposed, but we have never had 30% of tribal members vote on the proposed constitution.Since then, four constitutions have been proposed, but we have never had 30% of tribal members vote on the proposed constitution. This initiative is driven by community input.This initiative is driven by community input.

Community Meetings and Focus Groups We held a Community Meeting on March 18th to discuss what we all value in a constitution and what hopes are for the future of the tribe and tribal government.We held a Community Meeting on March 18th to discuss what we all value in a constitution and what hopes are for the future of the tribe and tribal government. We had 48 people in attendance at the first Community Meeting. We held 7 live focus groups in May and June and created an online focus group where we asked people’s opinions on everything from membership requirements to the structure of our government to why attendance is low at General Council. We had 137 people participate in either live or online focus groups.We held 7 live focus groups in May and June and created an online focus group where we asked people’s opinions on everything from membership requirements to the structure of our government to why attendance is low at General Council. We had 137 people participate in either live or online focus groups. The Process so far

Surveys Surveys were sent out to every tribal member by mail to get additional information about what tribal members want in their government and elected officials.Surveys were sent out to every tribal member by mail to get additional information about what tribal members want in their government and elected officials. We had 351 people fill out and return the survey. The Process so far

Demographics

Demographics

Demographics

General Council

What We Learned From the Survey People feel that the General Council serves an important role, and it should continue to do so. - Making tribal laws, ordinances, and resolutions - Overturning tribal laws, ordinances, and resolutions passed by Executive Committee - Recalling elected officials in certain circumstancesPeople feel that the General Council serves an important role, and it should continue to do so. - Making tribal laws, ordinances, and resolutions - Overturning tribal laws, ordinances, and resolutions passed by Executive Committee - Recalling elected officials in certain circumstances However, people are not involved in the political process and not attending General Council meetings for many different reasons. - We must find new ways to give people the opportunity to participate in important General Council decisions.However, people are not involved in the political process and not attending General Council meetings for many different reasons. - We must find new ways to give people the opportunity to participate in important General Council decisions.

Executive Committee

What We Learned From the Survey People want a Executive Committee that is representative of their interests. - 7 members of the Executive Committee - Separate Secretary and Treasurer positions on Executive Committee - 4-year staggered terms - Vacancies filled by special election instead of at General Council meetingsPeople want a Executive Committee that is representative of their interests. - 7 members of the Executive Committee - Separate Secretary and Treasurer positions on Executive Committee - 4-year staggered terms - Vacancies filled by special election instead of at General Council meetings People want a elected officials to meet higher standards to be eligible to run for office. - Higher standards for running for office, including minimum ages, passing criminal background check and drug tests, high school degree or GED, and involvement in or familiarity with tribal programs, services, and committeesPeople want a elected officials to meet higher standards to be eligible to run for office. - Higher standards for running for office, including minimum ages, passing criminal background check and drug tests, high school degree or GED, and involvement in or familiarity with tribal programs, services, and committees

ETHICS committee

Amendments to the Constitution

Tribes are encouraged to organize their governments in a way that allows for separation of responsibilities, clear roles, and decision making authority. Tribes are more successful economically when their constitution clearly defines these things Tribes with an independent judiciary are more successful politically and economically What we have learned so far Native Nations Institute Training

Constitution Draft Input Meetings A draft Constitution is being put together right now based on YOUR input.A draft Constitution is being put together right now based on YOUR input. FebruaryDRAFT Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members March 10 th Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm March 31 st Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pmFebruaryDRAFT Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members March 10 th Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm March 31 st Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm An opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and give more public input so that the draft can be revised- if necessary- before the Constitution is finalized and prepared for a vote.An opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and give more public input so that the draft can be revised- if necessary- before the Constitution is finalized and prepared for a vote. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

Upcoming Dates FebruaryDRAFT Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members March 10 th Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm March 31 st Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm MayFINAL Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members July 25 th Election including Constitution voteFebruaryDRAFT Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members March 10 th Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm March 31 st Constitution Draft Input Meeting at 6pm MayFINAL Constitution mailed to all voting age tribal members July 25 th Election including Constitution vote HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?

It is our hope that by doing this, we can create a constitution that reflects the values, concerns, and aspirations of our entire tribe.It is our hope that by doing this, we can create a constitution that reflects the values, concerns, and aspirations of our entire tribe. This will make this a constitution that belongs to each of us throughout the process- from the first community meeting all the way to the vote to adopt the new Constitution.This will make this a constitution that belongs to each of us throughout the process- from the first community meeting all the way to the vote to adopt the new Constitution. We want you and ask you to participate and have your voices heard. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?