October 4, 2026
A Three-Branch Government Is Not the Problem. Giving Up Our Rights Is.
The Sault Tribe Guardian believes our Tribal government can—and should—have a strong system of separation of powers.
But that does not mean Tribal Members should be required to approve an entire new Constitution simply to obtain a three-branch government.
The proposed Constitution contains far more than a separation of powers. It changes the structure of Tribal government, elections, recall, referendum provisions, the courts, executive and legislative authority, and other fundamental provisions.
We believe those major changes deserve to be considered individually—not bundled together into one YES-or-NO vote.
OUR CONCERNS ARE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS.
A Constitution should protect the rights of every Tribal Member—not leave important protections to future decisions by Tribal government.
We believe the Constitution should clearly guarantee:
• The opportunity for qualified Tribal Members to seek elected office regardless of their address.
• Equal opportunity for qualified Members to apply for Tribal programs and benefits.
• Strong and enforceable access to Tribal records and government information.
• Meaningful protections against retaliation when Members question or challenge their government.
• Clear accountability when elected officials fail to follow the Constitution or Tribal law.
These are not unreasonable demands. They are the foundation of accountable self-government.
WE DESERVE A BETTER CHOICE.
The official Tribal proposal describes the amendments as creating three co-equal branches of government. We agree that checks and balances can strengthen Tribal government.
But a better Constitution would do more than rearrange governmental powers.
It would strengthen the rights of the people who created that government.
It would provide transparency.
It would provide equal opportunity.
It would protect the ability of Tribal Members to hold their government accountable.
And it would allow Members to vote separately on major constitutional questions rather than being asked to accept an entire package.
VOTE NO — AND DEMAND BETTER.
A NO vote does not mean we oppose reform.
It means we believe our Tribe can do better.
We believe the Sault Tribe deserves a Constitution that protects the rights of ALL Tribal Members, wherever they live.
We believe important constitutional changes should be presented honestly and voted on individually.
And we believe that once fundamental rights are surrendered, getting them back can be extraordinarily difficult.
Do not vote against a three-branch government.
Vote NO on a Constitution that does not go far enough to protect the rights of the people.
PROTECT OUR RIGHTS.
PROTECT OUR FUTURE.
VOTE NO.
Sault Tribe Guardian
Independent. Member-focused. Not afraid to ask difficult questions.
Read our complete editorial coverage at SaultTribeGuardian.com
