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Recommended TribalDAOs Updates

Overview​

This document outlines recommended updates to the TribalDAOs Blueprint v3 based on findings from the Mātou Collective DAO simulation. The simulation tested the draft governance model through a full cycle of proposal development, community and contributor voting, and implementation. The purpose of these recommendations is to enhance clarity, consistency, cultural alignment, and functionality across the framework.

1. Proposal Lifecycle Clarity​

1.1 Add Clear Lifecycle Descriptions​

  • Add a visual flowchart and detailed lifecycle descriptions for each status transition (e.g., "proposal submitted" to "proposal complete").
  • Define what each status means, what actions are required, and who is responsible.

1.2 Define Readiness Criteria for Proposals​

  • Introduce guidelines that help proposers and stewards determine when a discussion is ready to become a formal proposal.
  • Examples of readiness: validated kaupapa, clear outcomes, defined roles.

1.3 Clarify Roles Per Stage​

  • Assign and describe responsibilities at each stage of the lifecycle (proposal, voting, implementation).
  • Ensure this is consistent across all simulation stages (e.g., governance stewards vs project stewards).

2. Governance Stewards​

2.1 Introduce Steward Guidelines​

  • Create a Steward Onboarding Guide that includes expectations, templates, and timelines.
  • Include checklists for each phase: proposal intake, review, voting facilitation, and implementation.

2.2 Peer Review Clarity​

  • Define clearly when and how peer stewards are involved (e.g., decision plan review).
  • Include steps for peer review acceptance, feedback, and sign-off.

2.3 Voting Protocol Simplification​

  • Create a single Voting Protocol page that outlines quorum, token thresholds, roles eligible to vote, and steps for facilitating votes.
  • Ensure consistent formatting across elders, community, and contributors.

3. House-Specific Voting Improvements​

3.1 Elders Council​

  • Clarify cultural veto process: timing, communication, quorum.
  • Emphasize collaborative relationship between proposer, steward, and elders.

3.2 Community Representatives​

  • Reinforce role as strategic guardians of kaupapa alignment.
  • Include example decision types that reps are expected to make.

3.3 Contributor House​

  • Define expectations around budget review, feasibility, and implementation capacity.
  • Add examples of what constitutes a "change request."

4. Implementation Process Updates​

4.1 Project Steward Role​

  • Clearly define the responsibilities of a Project Steward.
  • Add implementation flow diagram: steward selection → implementation plan → contribution requests → feedback + rewards.

4.2 Contribution System Clarity​

  • Standardize contribution request formatting (description, outcomes, reward, evidence).
  • Create a guide for nested contributions.

4.3 Distribution and Feedback Loop​

  • Add formal feedback loop to every contribution: review, feedback, sign-off.
  • Define how $CTR is calculated based on contribution performance.
  • Include trigger conditions for Treasury reward release.

5. Cultural and Relational Integrity​

5.1 Language Consistency​

  • Ensure Te Reo Māori terms are consistently used and explained.
  • Offer translations and context for key governance terms.

5.2 Communication Protocols​

  • Standardize how proposals and decisions are communicated across houses.
  • Include minimum expectations for communication touchpoints (e.g., pre-vote hui, async discussion threads).

5.3 Reflection and Learning​

  • Include optional but encouraged "Post-Implementation Reflection" section for each proposal.
  • Allow contributors to document what was learned, challenges, and tikanga upheld.

6. Tooling & Templates​

6.1 Provide Required Templates​

  • Contribution Request Form
  • Project Steward Plan Template
  • Voting Facilitation Checklist
  • Proposal Form Example
  • Decision Plan Template

6.2 Tooling Layer Recommendations​

  • Outline ideal tool stack for v3 use: shared document platforms, communication channels, simple voting tools.
  • Recommend open source / minimal options aligned with accessibility goals.

Summary​

The simulation confirmed that the TribalDAOs framework is grounded and workable, but needs refinement in clarity, process flow, and role definition. These updates aim to improve contributor confidence, cultural integrity, and long-term viability of the governance model. By implementing these adjustments, the next version of the TribalDAOs blueprint will be more ready for real-world deployment and experimentation by Indigenous collectives.