Constitution of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation

Constitution

Part 1 - Preliminary Provisions

1 Title

  1. (1) This Constitution shall be known as the Constitution of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.
  2. (2) This Constitution may be cited as the Constitution of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.

2 Commencement

  1. (1) This Constitution comes into effect on 6 January 2021.
  2. (2) Upon commencement, all constitutional institutions, authorities, and public offices established under this Constitution derive their authority from this Constitution.

3 Constitutional Status

  1. (1) This Constitution is the supreme constitutional instrument of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.
  2. (2) This Constitution establishes the constitutional order of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation and provides the foundation for governance, justice, stewardship, public administration, public finance, monetary authority, identity, records, legislation, and institutional continuity.

4 Constitutional Supremacy

  1. (1) This Constitution is the supreme law of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.
  2. (2) All Constitutional Instruments, Acts, Charters, Frameworks, Regulations, Rules, Policies, Decisions, Orders, Directives, and Public Authorities shall be interpreted and applied consistently with this Constitution.
  3. (3) Any law, instrument, decision, or action inconsistent with this Constitution shall be invalid to the extent of that inconsistency.

5 Sovereignty

  1. (1) Sovereignty resides permanently in the Niisitapi People.
  2. (2) All constitutional authority, legislative authority, executive authority, judicial authority, and public authority derive from the sovereignty of the Niisitapi People.
  3. (3) Sovereignty shall not be surrendered, transferred, extinguished, or diminished except in accordance with this Constitution.

6 Constitutional Principles

(1) This Constitution shall be interpreted and applied consistently with the following constitutional principles:

  1. self-determination;
  2. stewardship;
  3. justice;
  4. accountability;
  5. transparency;
  6. public trust;
  7. respect for future generations;
  8. institutional continuity;
  9. peaceful cooperation;
  10. responsible governance; and
  11. the rule of law.

7 Application of the Constitution

(1) This Constitution applies to:

  1. all institutions established under it;
  2. all constitutional office holders;
  3. all public authorities;
  4. all legislative authorities;
  5. all judicial authorities;
  6. all public financial institutions; and
  7. every person exercising authority under the laws of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.

(2) Every institution established under this Constitution shall exercise only those powers lawfully conferred upon it.

8 Interpretation

(1) This Constitution shall be interpreted in a manner that promotes:

  1. constitutional stability;
  2. lawful governance;
  3. protection of rights and freedoms;
  4. institutional accountability;
  5. financial integrity;
  6. stewardship responsibilities; and
  7. the wellbeing of present and future generations.

(2) Where uncertainty exists, interpretation shall favour the purposes, principles, and integrity of this Constitution.

9 Official Languages

(1) The Niisitapi Sovereign Nation may recognise one or more official languages in accordance with this Constitution and any law made under it.

(2) The authoritative version of every constitutional and legislative instrument shall be identified in the Legislative Register.

10 Constitutional Instruments

(1) Constitutional Instruments may be established where authorised by this Constitution.

(2) Constitutional Instruments form part of the constitutional framework of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.

(3) Constitutional Instruments shall be recorded in the Constitutional Registry and published in accordance with law.

11 Constitutional Oath

(1) Every person assuming a constitutional office shall swear or affirm an oath to uphold this Constitution, faithfully discharge their duties, and act in the interests of the Niisitapi People.

12 Continuity of Government and Institutions

(1) The institutions established under this Constitution shall continue notwithstanding changes in office holders, administrations, governments, organisational structures, or political circumstances.

(2) Constitutional continuity shall be preserved at all times.

13 Preservation of the Constitution

(1) This Constitution shall be preserved as a permanent constitutional record of the Niisitapi Sovereign Nation.

(2) The Constitutional Registry shall maintain authoritative versions, amendment records, and historical records relating to this Constitution.

(3) The Constitution shall remain publicly accessible through the Official Legislative Library.