Constitution

Whitecap Dakota's Work on a New Constitution

As part of becoming a self-governing nation, Whitecap Dakota Nation is currently developing a constitution to outline the guiding principles of the WDFN community. This work is being done in consultation with Chief and Council, WDFN Committee members, & Elders.

Why is a Constitution Important?

Whitecap Dakota’s Constitution is the starting point for our community’s self-governance. This constitution will outline how Whitecap Dakota will govern ourselves. It will reflect upon the community’s culture and traditions.
As a Nation asserting our inherent rights, our Constitution will describe, who we are, where we come from, and how we wish to govern ourselves as an Indigenous Nation including how we elect our leaders, make our laws and organize our government.
Our Constitution comes first, followed by the Governance Agreement with Canada which sets out Whitecaps and its government’s relationship with Canada in the Canada’s Constitution.

A few more details on the WDFN Constitution:

What is a Constitution?

A constitution is the supreme law of the nation. It is the set of laws that are determined and agreed on by the people. The Constitution will set out the powers and functions of the WDFN Government in relation to how they govern the people of Whitecap.

What is the purpose of the Constitution?

A constitution of the authority of the First Nation Government (in this case, the Whitecap Dakota Government). It also describes the most important principles by which WDFN will be governed and organized. The Constitution will adopt and reflect community values and beliefs and will provide a set of core values that guide the government. The Constitution reflects the aspirations and desires of the members and is developed to protect, enhance and promote the Dakota culture and language. The Constitution will protect your rights as a member of WDFN and provide you with a secure environment to work and live in.

How is the WDFN Constitution being drafted?

WDFN leadership is working closely with the Community Committees and members to ensure that all needs and aspirations of the nation are reflected. The draft Constitution has been presented at the All Committees Meetings in Regina in 2015 and Edmonton in 2016. In addition, the Constitution was reviewed at the Band Membership Meeting in 2020. For the Constitution to be in place, members will have to vote to ratify the document. This may take place before, or at the same time as the self-government final vote.

What will WDFN's Constitution mean for non-members residing on WDFN Lands?

The WDFN Constitution will provide fairness, security and transperency to non-band members living on our lands. These individuals will be provided with a way to voice their concerns and interests to the WDFN Government if they arise.