Band Assembly announces publication of updated laws of the Mille Lacs Band

Published

The Mille Lacs Band Assembly has shared a digital copy of the updated Laws of the Non-Removable Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians. A book version of the document will be published in coming months. The searchable document can be viewed or downloaded here: laws-of-the-non-removable-mille-lacs-band-of-chippewa-indians_11.09.2020..

Secretary-Treasurer Sheldon Boyd wrote the following forward to the document:

"The Legislative Branch is pleased to provide an updated publication of the Laws of the Non- Removable Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians. These statutes belong to the People and are the result of many years of hard work by dedicated individuals in collaboration with elected leaders. The lawmaking process is one of negotiation, review, rewrites, deliberation, and, yes, politics. But these statutes lay the foundation to govern independently and promote our sovereignty as a People.

"The Legislative Branch is taking on the task of regular publication of statutes, routine notification to Band membership, and the creation of a Revisor’s Office. Since the most recent publication of Band Statutes in 2006, one title has been repealed (Title 25), two titles have been adopted (Titles 26 and 27), and several titles have been amended by way of ordinance. Thus, Band Statutes are fluid in nature and will need constant review by Band members and elected leaders.

"According to 4 MLBS § 18(e), only the Band’s Solicitor General may “certify to the ordinances of Band government and codify said ordinances into Band Statutes.” The Solicitor General has recently issued Certificates of Correctness for Titles 5, 6, 16, 18, 24, 26, and 27. As of November 9, 2020, the titles contained herein are the most current versions known to the Legislative Branch. As more laws are passed and Certificates of Correctness are issued, official titles will be uploaded to the Band’s website.

"We all have a duty to read and know these words, to disagree and second-guess, to recognize and abide by, to make ongoing changes, and to propose the creation of entirely new bodies of law to meet the times we live in. Thank you to all Legislative staff, past and present, who have been instrumental in the exercise of our tribal sovereignty. But the ultimate thank you is to the People of the Band from whom the Legislative Branch derives its power. We must never forget that the inherent power to make law comes only from the People."