SȾÁUTW̱ Constitution Community Engagement

SȾÁUTW̱ is in the process of developing a Constitution to set out SȾÁUTW̱’s jurisdiction and law-making authority throughout SȾÁUTW̱ territory. A draft has been completed, and it is now entering the community engagement phase. SȾÁUTW̱ will be holding a variety of community engagement events with the goals of informing the community about the Constitution and gaining feedback that can be incorporated into the next draft. We would be grateful to receive your valuable input at the following events:

  • All-community event: [Month and date], 2026, at [location].

Community members of all ages are welcome to join.

  • Elders’ lunch: [Month and date], 2026, at [location].

SȾÁUTW̱ Elders are invited to join us for a lunch-time event. Food will be served.

  • Youth event: [Month and date], 2026, at [location].

SȾÁUTW̱ youth [aged ?] are welcome to join.

Whats this about?

[Description of the purpose of the Constitution, why Tsawout leadership think this is a good idea, a general overview of the elements of the draft law, as well as the need for community ratification]

Whats this about?

[Description of the purpose of the Constitution, why Tsawout leadership think this is a good idea, a general overview of the elements of the draft law, as well as the need for community ratification]

Timeline

The SȾÁUTW̱  Constitution project started in ____, and we are planning to put the Constitution before the membership for a ratification vote in early 2027. We are currently in Phase 3 of the process – community engagement.

Please see the detailed timeline below that shows each stage of the process. We look forward to your participation as a SȾÁUTW̱  community member in making this project a success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Constitution?

The purpose of the Constitution is to confirm SȾÁUTW̱’s jurisdiction and law-making authority throughout SȾÁUTW̱ territory, both on and off reserve, filling the gaps left by other statutes and agreements, including the Marine Use Law, SȾÁUTW̱ ’s Land Code, the Indian Act, and SȾÁUTW̱’s Douglas Treaty. Under the Constitution, SȾÁUTW̱ could develop laws over time based on SȾÁUTW̱ ’s priorities and across a variety of subject areas, such as land use, environmental protection, archaeology, child and family services, and business licensing.

Once ratified, the Constitution would be the supreme law of SȾÁUTW̱, grounded in SȾÁUTW̱’s inherent right of governance and its Douglas Treaty.

Unlike the Land Code or the Financial Administration Law, which have been enacted by SȾÁUTW̱ in accordance with processes set out in federal law, by enacting a Constitution SȾÁUTW̱ is exercising its inherent governance authority in SȾÁUTW̱ territory. In doing so, SȾÁUTW̱ is challenging the notion that its law-making authority is limited to powers delegated to it from state government, or limited to its reserves.

A draft Constitution has been developed by the Constitution Working Group. The Working Group continues to seek the assistance of SȾÁUTW̱ Elders to help with incorporating SENĆOŦEN language and concepts into the Constitution. The next phase is broader community engagement.

Community engagement and input is a key component in the development of the Constitution. SȾÁUTW̱ will be holding a variety of events, such as an all-community event, an Elders’ lunch, and a youth event. Feedback from the community will be incorporated into the next draft.

Additionally, the Constitution must be ratified by the community before it can be enacted.

Following the community engagement phase, the Working Group will incorporate community feedback into the draft Constitution. Once the Working Group and Council are satisfied with the Constitution, SȾÁUTW̱ can proceed with bringing it into effect. This would involve a formal process of ratification by the community, followed by adoption by Chief and Council.

Once ratified, the Constitution would be the supreme law of SȾÁUTW̱. All other SȾÁUTW̱ laws, including laws enacted by SȾÁUTW̱ under delegated authority (such as the Land Code or the Financial Administration Law) must be consistent with the Constitution. As currently drafted, there is no conflict between the Constitution and these previously enacted SȾÁUTW̱ laws. If at any point a law conflicts with the Constitution, that law would need to be amended to bring it into compliance with the Constitution.

SȾÁUTW̱ successfully applied for funding from the Declaration Act Engagement Fund (DAEF) to support development of the Constitution, as well as a consultation protocol and environmental assessment law.

Please submit your survey responses to the linked survey with any comments or questions you have. We will update the FAQs with recurring questions received through the survey.

In addition, the community engagement events are intended to serve as opportunities for community members to learn about the Constitution and provide input. Please keep an eye out for updates regarding the dates and locations of these events.

Important Dates & Community Engagement Sessions

SȾÁUTW̱ First Nation is committed to keeping its members well-informed and engaging directly with members throughout the Constitution process. In keeping with this goal, we are in the process of scheduling several community engagement sessions where membership can learn more about this proposed law, and provide feedback in order to help guide the process.

These sessions will take place in September and October, and will be offered at different times so that members can find a time that works best for them. More information regarding dates and times will be posted below as soon as available.

In the meantime, members can read the draft Constitution here, and the frequently asked questions page, which will be updated on a rolling basis in response to member feedback and questions received through the survey.

In addition to these community sessions, all meeting materials will be made available online here, so that community can view materials and feedback if they are unable to attend the community meetings.

We want to hear your voice. The Constitution is an assertion of SȾÁUTW̱  inherent jurisdiction and right to govern our territory. These are shared rights that impact everyone at SȾÁUTW̱ , and your feedback and questions will be taken into consideration before the draft Constitution is finalized.

HÍSW̱ḴE.

Meeting Dates, Times & Locations

DateTimeLocation
Thursday, September XX, 20225:00pm to 9:00pmGym
Monday, September XX, 20265:00pm to 9:00pmMultipurpose
Wednesday, October XX, 20265:00pm to 9:00pmElder's Room
Saturday, October XX, 202610:00-12:00pmAuditorium