Beardy’s and Okemasis Chief and Council. Photo courtesy of Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation.
The Beardy’s and Okemasis Cree Nation has received overwhelming band member support on its path toward self-determination.
The band has adopted a new constitution, executive act, and financial management act. They were put to referendums and were passed by margins of 89 to 94 per cent.
The band also recently amended its election act.
“Through enacting the legislation, we have asserted our inherent right to self-determination as sovereign Indigenous people and proven to those who doubted our ability to govern ourselves, that we can, and will, according to our own principles,” said Councillor Leighanne Gardipy-Bill, who is responsible for the governance portfolio on the First Nation.
The new regulations set out everything from salaries, to mandatory drug testing for those seeking elected office.
The constitution details how new laws can be established and establishes a process for involvement of youth and elders in decision making. There is also a code of conduct for all elected members, as well as random drug testing.
The emphasis is on leading by example, inclusion of all band members and self-determination, rather than operating under the rules of the Indian Act.