By George Tiger
Tribal members of the Muscogee Creek Nation will go to the polls today to vote on 12 proposed amendments to the nation’s Constitution. The amendments were voted on and passed during a Constitution Convention held in November 2008.
At a number of recent public meetings, nation members expressed deep concerns of lack of publicity of the election, change in language on the ballots by civil officers of the nation, membership of a civil officer on the commission. After hearing discussion some members stated they would not be voting on the amendments due to apathy and disappointment in the process. Others expressed confusion in the language of the ballots would probably mean a no vote on all amendments.
I believe as with any election, tribal, state or federal, we must exercise our right to have our vote counted.
A majority of absentee voters have returned their ballots to the Election Office of the Creek Nation. Precinct votes may determine the outcome of this every important election. Historically, the absentee votes swayed Creek tribal elections.
The proposed amendments are summarized as follows:
• A-18 would change the way Citizenship Board members are nominated and confirmed by allowing the National Council to select and confirm a member every year.
Important language about the maintenance of the Citizenship Roll and degree of blood according to the 1906 Dawes Roll is deleted. Due to that deletion I would vote no.
• A-45 would add “and laws” to the principal chief’s oath to uphold the Constitution. I would vote yes.
• A-46 would disqualify a candidate who has a felony conviction from running for principal chief or second chief. Certainly could have been written more concise. However, it is needed and I would vote yes.
• A-51 takes existing language in constitution and combines it in a single place to clear interpretation for the future on appropriation of tribal funds. I would vote yes.
• A-59 adds a citizen initiative to the process of adopting tribal laws. I would vote yes.
• A-60 would add a fine for council rrepresentatives who miss a meeting that has no quorum. Convention approved to amend Article VI (Legislative Powers). Ballot shows it as amending Article XI (Constitutional Amendments). National Council has its own Rules of Procedures and a Internal Affairs Committee that could address representative’s absences and shouldn’t be a part of a Constitution Amendment. I would vote no.
• A-67 would end district representation as it is today and change to electing each representative on an at large basis just like the chief and second chief elections. In the proposed amendment there are too many uncertainties and contradictions and most of all unclear of the election process. I would vote no.
• A-105 would repeal the current constitution convention process. The convention in 2008 was not allowed to elect its own officers, to form committees or consider problems revealed during discussion. Convention process needs to be changed. I would vote yes.
• A-112 would add language protecting burial and cultural sites throughout the country and our homelands. This is necessary for states, federal government and foreign countries to recognize our cultural rights. I would vote yes.
• A-113 would establish procedures for initiative, referendum and recall petitions. It conflicts with A-59 and wording is not defined and unclear. Proposed amendments creates “a person authorized … to clarify election returns” instead of recognizing the existing role of the Election Board. I would vote no.
