Ctkwenme7iple7ten: SECWEPEMC CONSTITUTIONTable of Contents Section 1.0 Preamble - Section 2.0 Constitutional Commitment - Section 3.0 Reconciliation with Canada Section 4.0 Definit ‘ions and Interpretation. Section 5.0 Membership- Section 6.0 Structure of the Seewepeme Government. Section 7.0 Role of the Seewepeme Government Section 8.0 Role of Band: Section 9.0 Role of the Elders Council Section 10.0 Financial Administration Section 11.0 Conflict of Interest ~ Section 12.0 Dispute Resolution - Section 13.0 Oath of Office Section 14.0 Amendment Procedure -~ Section 15.0 Referendum Procedure —~ Section 16.0 In Force — (CtkwenmeTiple7ten: SECWEPEMC CONSTITUTION, January 11, 2005Section 1.0 Preamble Whereas the Seewepeme peoples have expressed a clear and strong desire to rebuild our own distinct institutions and government systems; ‘Whereas the Seewepeme peoples recognize and acknowledge the complexities and challenges that we face in advancing steps towards rebuilding our governance structures as a result of the negative impacts of colonialism and by the losses of culture and language through assimilation policies of the Government of Canada; Whereas in recognition of the determination of the people to face the challenges and strong desire for change, the Secwepeme peoples agree that rebuilding of the Secwepeme governance structures should take the best from the past and the best from today’s world and integrate these two different ways in to one strong, modem Secwepeme governance approach; Whereas the Seewepeme people acknowledge that in order to have a successful governance structure, we must strive towards achieving a balance between our vision for the future and our realities of today. Whereas the Seewepeme peoples have never ceded, surrendered, or in any way relinquished aboriginal title and will continue to assert our interests and exercise our aboriginal rights over the traditional territory. Through the adoption of this Constitution the peoples of the Secwepeme Nation exercise our inherent rights of governance and provide for governance that is accessible, stable, effective, accountable and transparent for the benefit of our peoples. Cthwenme7iple7ten: SECWEPEMC CONSTITUTION, January 11, 2005 3