New Henvey Inlet First Nation Ratification Vote Protocol
Community Meetings will be convened in the Firehall, available online by Zoom, to discuss the Ratification Vote Protocol prior to the vote:
Ratification Vote Protocol Meeting #1
Tuesday 19 September 2023, dinner for those who attend in person at 5:00 pm, meeting starts at 6:00 pm
Ratification Vote Protocol Meeting #2
Sunday 24 September 2023, lunch for those who attend in person at noon, meeting starts at 1:00 pm
Members will receive voting packages within the next few weeks. Please ensure that your address is up to date.
Many important matters of governance need to be approved by the eligible voters. Typically, federal legislation, Henvey Inlet First Nation’s laws or an agreement will specify how many votes must be in favor of a matter for it to be deemed approved. Sometimes, however, there is no prescribed formula.
Henvey Inlet First Nation’s 1987 Membership Code is an example. The Code needs amendment, and the amendment must be approved by the eligible voters. But there is no amendment formula in either the Indian Act or in the 1987 Membership Code itself.
To remedy this situation, Council is proposing to enact a Ratification Vote Protocol which will state that, where no other formula is prescribed by law or by a resolution of Council, a matter will be deemed approved if a majority of the eligible voters vote in favor and a minimum of 10% of the total membership cast votes. This formula is the same as the minimum required on a second vote in Henvey Inlet First Nation’s Land Code.
Council has decided that this proposed Ratification Vote Protocol itself to a vote among the eligible voters for approval. Eligible voters will be able to vote online through OneFeather.ca, by mail-in ballot or at the in-person poll in the Firehall, Pickerel Reserve, open 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sunday 15 October 2023
