Live-Streaming Reveals Transparency

Secretary/Treasurer and Speaker of Band Assembly Sheldon Boyd.

By VALERIE HARRINGTON-WIND, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER LEGISLATIVE BRANCH, and VIVIAN LaMOORE, EDITOR

In the first week of June 2021, the live-steaming of sessions of Band Assembly began by Legislative Order and changed the level of accountability of the Mille Lacs Band government to the people and was one of the goals of Sheldon Boyd, Secretary/ Treasurer and Speaker of the Assembly. Although there have been technical issues on occasion, the success of live-streaming Band Assembly sessions has never been more evident as it was during the Band Assembly session on Wednesday, November 2. The analytics reports indicate there were 672 live views with 62 playbacks of the video, totaling 734 total views. Prior to this, the live-streaming averaged around 100 views per session.

"Those numbers show that Band members are stepping up and taking ownership of these live-stream sessions," Boyd said. "The People are making history here, not necessarily the Legislature and staff in this case. The People are breathing life into the relationship to our government, the government of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. We cannot thank them enough."

What set the November 2 session apart from the others? The session opened with roughly two hours of a public hearing regarding a proposed bill that would change Section 4 of Title 4 of the Band Statutes. Title 4 governs the Executive Branch. The proposed amendment to section 4 would provide for a timeline in which the Chief Executive shall make a nomination for any vacant Commissioner position. The bill was introduced by District I Representative Virgil Wind. Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin had publicly announced previously that should the bill pass Band Assembly, she would veto the bill.

Each of the three District Representatives gave opening statements before the floor was opened for Band members to speak. According to the Band Assembly minutes, testimony was heard from Nicole Anderson, Percy Benjamin, Irene Benjamin, Melissa “Baabiitaw” Boyd, Christine Costello, Michael Davis, Syngen Kanassatega, Katie Draper, Joe Nayquonabe, Wallace St. John, and Adrienne Benjamin. Speaker Boyd also read aloud a written statement prepared by John Mojica.

Compelling statements were heard from both sides. It appeared that all sides agree filling vacant Commissioner positions is of the upmost importance and should be fulfilled in a timely manner.

Those opposed to the proposed change argued that the Elders and ancestors who designed the three-branch form of government for the Mille Lacs Band did so to create a separation of powers with a system of checks and balances. Each branch — Legislative, Judicial, and Executive — are responsible for hiring staff to fulfill the needs in each respective branch, including appointed positions such as Commissioners. The proposed bill as it is currently written essentially crucifies a portion of the system of division of power destroying pieces of the checks and balances.

Arguments in agreement with the proposed change had one thing in common, and that was the length of time it takes to nominate Commissioners and for those nominated to be ratified, thus the length of time some positions are vacant is too long.

Band Assembly members all agreed there was work to be done to amend the proposed bill. No action was taken.

What was evident by the sheer number of viewers on the live-stream, the number of Band members present in the Band Assembly Chambers, and those Band members who gave testimony is that Band members are interested in how the government tasks are being conducted.

In his 2022 State of the Band speech, Speaker Boyd said live-streaming has “impacted protocol, etiquette, and preparation just to name just a few aspects, because people are now watching and are free to form opinions without influence which has increased transparency and oversight by the people.”

Boyd said the Legislative Branch staff are working on ideas to expand live-streaming in the future with added features such as additional cameras and microphones in the chambers, the possibility of creating a mobile application for phones, and more. As more sophisticated internet access becomes available for Band members even in remote areas, the possibilities are infinite.

"The staff have taken note of problems and are working to improve the experience. Remember we are only just over a year into this long overdue practice and the impact is only now being realized and will impact government in the future," Boyd said.

Live-streaming opens opportunities for Band members to view Band Assembly meetings from anywhere, provided they have internet access. Boyd said the analytics also revealed the geographical locations of where Band members were logged in to view the sessions, indicating people were watching from as all around the country. Boyd also pointed out in his January 2022 speech that because the meetings are being viewed by Band members of all ages, that Band Assembly members “must represent all ages, and our behavior and our words are on display where current leadership is being viewed and assessed by future leaders.”

Legislative Branch sent out a survey requesting Band members share thoughts regarding their experience with Band Assembly live-streaming. Below are all of the results of the survey.

• This is a wonderfully effective way for those of us who want to see the legislative meetings, but have obligations that keep us from attending in person. I appreciate this addition so much. — Michele Berger.

• Live streaming has opened up Band Assembly to the many who cannot attend in person. I encourage those who can get involved in our government. We are the voices of our government. Let your voices be heard. — Mike Davis.

• I have enjoyed viewing the live stream Band Assembly meetings so I am in the know of what is going on in my government and other departments. It is a great learning tool and easy to watch while I do my own work for the Band without taking too much time to go and sit in the Band Assembly Chambers. — Brooke S.

• The live streaming now available from Band Assembly has allowed me to be more up to date and informed on important bills and happenings of not only the Legislative Branch but the tribe as a whole. Live streaming has allowed me to do this from anyplace where I have access to internet, whether it be at home, work, or in a vehicle. — Carla Big Bear.

• I believe live streaming is a good way to see our elected officials carry out their responsibilities of their offices so that it will give me a good look to see if my [District] Representative is reflecting my and the Band’s best interest on finance and social issues. — Al Olson

• It only works sometimes, but damn we're proud of this. — Jim Kalk.

• Sometimes the live streaming doesn't work it pauses a lot. — Ruth Sam.

• Have not experienced live streaming yet. — Steve L. Sam.