The White Earth Band of Ojibwe of Minnesota is closer to adopting a new governing document after delegates ratified a new constitution over the weekend.

The constitution creates separate executive, judicial and legislative branches. The chair position would become a president and the tribal council would become a legislative body to represent tribal members who live on and off the reservation in Minnesota.

The tribal court will operate independently but the legislative council has the power to appoint and remove the chief judge. There was some discussion about having elected judges but that wasn't approved.

The constitution also eliminates the blood quantum requirement for membership. The tribe will move to a system of lineal descent.

Chairwoman Erma Vizenor said the White Earth Band was the first in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe to undergo the constitutional reform process. Tribal members still have to agree to accept the changes.

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White Earth delegates ratify new constitution (The Detroit Lakes Tribune 4/8)
Some shout rejection of tribal process (The Detroit Lakes Tribune 4/8)
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