The DRFN constitution would the fundamental law of the DRFN government and all laws and decisions of the DRFN government would have to be consistent with the constitution.  The DRFN constitution would establish the shape, values and structures of the DRFN government.  It would set out the rules for operation of the DRFN government.

The constitution is intended to provide clarity, certainty and transparency with respect to the operation of the government and its administration.  Its terms must be broad and flexible so that will grow and evolve to meet the changing needs and circumstances of the DRFN and its members in accordance with the DRFN’s values and traditions.

The Committee’s mandate is set out in the terms of reference (the “TOR”) approved by the Council.  The TOR direct the Committee to carry out two main tasks: (a) engage with DRFN members and seek their views and opinions about a constitution; and (b) recommend a draft DRFN constitution to the 2026 DRFN Annual Meeting for review and, if appropriate, approval.  Please review the TOR attached to this document.

The Committee would work collaboratively with the Council to develop a workplan to govern the Committee’s work for the development of a DRFN constitution (the “Workplan”) that would be approved by the Council.  Among other matters, the Workplan would include a schedule of meetings with DRFN members, in-person and electronic means, in Good Hope Lake and other communities so that they can provide comments and input to the Committee with respect to the proposed DRFN constitution.  The Workplan would also include a budget to fund its implementation.

The Council will appoint five DRFN members to sit on the Committee.  Interested DRFN members must provide a written confirmation of interest to the Council by email or mail in order to be considered for appointment.  The Council will not consider any written confirmations of interests from DRFN citizens that are received after 4:30 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The Council will appoint one of its members to be an ex-officio member of the Committee.  As an ex-officio member, this Council member would attend meetings of the Committee and participate in the work of the Committee.

The Council will provide an honorarium of $350 for a full day and $175 for a half-day, including travel time, to the members of the Committee for their work.  Each member will be responsible for recording their time and completing a monthly timesheet that will be submitted to the DRFN by the Committee Chairperson for payment.

The Council will provide travel costs and per diem expenses to Committee members in accordance with DRFN’s policies.

The Committee will try to make decisions by consensus.  In cases where consensus cannot be reached, a majority vote of those present will be required to approve a decision of the Committee.  The ex-officio member may participate in the discussions relating to an issue that may require a decision of the Committee, but they will not cast a vote of the Committee members.

The TOR provide that the Committee members will select one of its members to be the Committee Chairperson who will be responsible for administration and management matters relating to the Committee.

The Council has appointed legal counsel to work with the Committee to carry out the Workplan.  The Committee may provide instructions to legal counsel consistent with the TOR and the Workplan.  The Committee may seek advice from other technicians and advisors in accordance with the Workplan’s budget.

The DRFN may provide administrative and technical support to the Committee, including the organization of meetings and the circulation of information packages.

The Committee will be established upon the initial appointment of DRFN members in May 2025 and dissolve at the close of the 2026 DRFN Annual Meeting, unless provided otherwise.