Self Government

WDFN Members' Vote on Core Laws 

On June 23, 2023, Chief Bear, Council and Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced that Bill C-51 received Royal Assent, which will bring into effect WDFN's Self-Government Treaty Recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and recognizes Whitecap Dakota Nation as "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" and affirms the inherent right to self-government under the Constitution Act, 1982 (sections 25 and 35).

As part of the next step to achieve this milestone, we are seeking community approval on the following:

• Approval of amendments to our Constitution so that is recognizes our new Treaty with Canada
• Approval of a Whitecap Dakota Nation Governance Code to set out the rules for Council, passing laws and other WDN government structures 
• Approval of the WDN Financial Management and Accountability Code to set out rules for sound management of our Nations financial resources 

A Members' Vote is scheduled to take place on Monday, August 28, 2023 in-person and virtually. 

The Codes 

The WDN Governance Code ("Governance Code") and the WDN Financial Management and Accountability Code ("Finance Code") are new documents that codify many existing processes and recognize the new exercise of authority and jurisdiction now held by the WDN by virtue of the Treaty. They are required by the Constitution (Governance Code in Part 5, the Finance Code in Part 9). The Constitution also requires a ratification Vote to approve both of these core laws and in the future can be amended by a Membership Vote if needed.

Governance Code

The Governance Code is aimed at ensuring continued good governance into the future. It includes Composition of Council, Duties and expectations of Council, Law-making processes and mechanisms for Council discipline

Finance Code

The Finance Code replaces the Financial Administration Law and is aimed at allowing WDN to effectively and efficiently deal with financial matters while also protecting WDN's assets.

WDN Constitution

The WDN Constitution should be amended to reflect the Treaty including WDN Members being recognized as "Aboriginal Peoples of Canada" with s.35 rights.

Voting Information - August 28, 2023 

You may vote in-person at one of our designated polling stations: 
Whitecap Dakota First Nation - Fire Hall 
Saskatoon - White Buffalo Youth Lodge 

You may also vote electronically by using our online voting platform LBNet.  E-voting registration begins on Monday, August 14, 2023 and closes Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Voting will take place on August 28, 2023 from 9 am - 8 pm.  

All members that vote will be eligible for a "voter participation prize".  More information to come on Facebook! 

Resources:

Members' Voting Information Package

WDN Governance Code

WDN Finance Code 

WDN Constitution