Gila River Indian Community
Urban Members Association
Summary of comments regarding the
Constitutional Amendments presented to
the membership on March 19th, 2016
Quick Refresher on our U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution
7 Articles -1789
Bill of Rights – First
10 Amendments to
the constitution.
1791
The remaining 17
Amendments were
passed individually.
The U.S. Constitution was always amended and not re-written.
GRIC Constitutions
1936
1960
2016
20??
THE 1960 REFERS TO THE 1936
2016 Re-Write Articles:
III – Membership
VI – Qualifications
VII – Appointments
VIII - Tenure
IX – Vacancies
X – Elections
XV - Powers
Continuously rewriting the constitution will erase
history and will add more homework to those that
are expected to know our Constitution.
First things First
• Although we voted to remove the Secretary of
Interior, we never amended the Constitution.
• This should be the first amendment of our
constitution conducted as stated in the 1960
Constitution.
• This is the current law of the land until Amended
and Ratified.
Unconstitutional to add to General Election
The Constitution is explicit about purpose of elections either for a Referendum, Initiative or
Amendment.
Oath of Office
Next Steps
• Provide our input to membership at 3/26 general mtg.
• Let membership decide on action(s):
o
o
o
o
o
Present to Legislative Standing Committee (LSC) / Council
Litigation in GRIC court challenging the constitutionality of the process
Write article in the GRIN with our position
Organize voters to oppose amendments
Do nothing
Just Curious!
Why was the 20 year rule not removed?
• Our first concern is procedural as presented and to
ensure we have a valid constitution.
• A concern of UMA has always been Article III,
Section 3. Tribal Constitution Reform Project (TCRP)
stated: