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Sample Regional Government Constitution

New nations and regional districts should use this example when developing a constitution and bylaws.

Please submit these bylaws and constitution by email to: salishgov@gmail.com for approval.

ARTICLE I: NAME & PURPOSE

Section A: Name – The name of this regional government shall be [name of nation/district].

Section B: UFN Affiliation – This regional government shall be a member of the United First Nations, and shall pay all membership dues, and follow all legislation, bylaws, policies, and procedures.

Section C: Purpose – The purpose of this regional government shall be:

1. [List in detail the purposes and objectives of the government.]

2.

3.

4.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP & DUES

Section A: Eligibility – Membership shall be open to [define membership qualification] upon payment of the dues as outlined in Section C.

Section B: Dues – Dues shall be $______ per year.

ARTICLE III: OFFICERS

Section A: Officers – The officers shall be a President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. [These are general officers, add officers specific to the needs of the district, if necessary.]

Section B: Eligibility – Officers must be_______ [state officer requirements]

Section C: Election – The officers shall be elected by ballot at the annual general meeting by a majority of the vote cast for that office.

Section D: Term – The officers shall serve for one year and their term of office shall begin at the day following the annual general meeting.

Section E: Vacancy – If a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall assume the office for the remainder of the term and vacancies in any other office shall be filled by a special election.

ARTICLE IV: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

Section A: President – it shall be the duty of the President to:

  • Preside at meetings
  • Vote only in case of a tie
  • Represent the district/nation
  • Appoint committee chairpersons subject to the approval of the Executive Committee
  • Serve as an ex-officio member of all committees except the nominating committee
  • Perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to this office

Section B: Vice-President – It shall be the duty of the Vice-President to:

  • Preside in the absence of the President
  • Serve as chairperson of the Program Committee

Section C: Secretary – It shall be the duty of the Secretary to:

  • Record the minutes of all meetings
  • Keep a file of the government’s records
  • Maintain a current roster of membership
  • Issue notices of meetings and conduct the general correspondence of the district

Section D: Treasurer – It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to:

  • Receive all funds and process Request for Payment, Deposit Slip, and Officer Signature Forms.
  • Keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures and make reports as directed

ARTICLE V: MEETINGS

Section A: Meetings – Regular meetings shall be held monthly throughout the year.

Section B: Special Meeting – Special meetings may be called by the President with the approval of the Executive Committee.

Section C: Quorum – A quorum shall consist of [example: two-thirds (2/3)] of the membership. [The number required should be small enough to ensure that a quorum will usually be present but large enough to protect the district against decisions being made by a small minority.]

Section D: Parliamentary Authority – Robert’s Rules of Orders, shall govern this regional district in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

ARTICLE VI: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Section A: Responsibility – Management of this district shall be vested in an Executive Committee responsible to the entire membership to uphold these bylaws.

Section B: Membership – This committee shall consist of the officers as listed in Article III.

Section C: Meetings – This committee shall meet at least once between regular meetings of the district to organize and plan future activities.

ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES

Section A: Committees – [List committees germane to the district such as finance, publicity, membership, professional relations, social, etc.]

Section B: Special Committees – The President shall have the authority to appoint any special committees, with the approval of the Executive Committee, from time to time as need demands.

ARTICLE IX: AMENDMENTS

Section A: Selection – these bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the district membership.

Section B: Notice – All members shall receive advance notice of the proposed amendment at least five days before the meeting. [The time may be extended to the following meeting.]