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Why doesn’t Tribal Council listen to members?

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Editor,

I have been carrying a petition for tribal members to sign in regard to paying out the remaining money from the recent settlement. I just want the Tribal Council to know what I am seeing and hearing from an overwhelming majority of the members I talk to. 

First, I’ve seen what wonderful blessings have come about from the first payout. I’ve seen and heard of people using their money to help family members, make improvements on their homes and property, clear up outstanding debts, make repairs on or replace vehicles, stocking up on wood and groceries and contributing to charities. The other blessing is that this money was a shot in the arm to the troubled local economy. This is important, as many members have to depend on the local economy for jobs. 

Following are some of the questions members seem to have for the Tribal Council:

1. Why did you refuse to put this issue up for a membership vote before you made your decision?

2. Why have you been so secretive as to why you made the decision not to pay out the remaining money?

3. Why are you ignoring the input you received from the members at the meetings that were held on this subject?

4. What possible motivation would you have for not wanting your people to have further opportunities to improve their economic status.

I can tell you Tribal Council members that the distrust and anger many members are feeling about this issue is not going to just go away. The ramifications of your current position/decision are most likely just going to cost the tribe as a whole more money with possible legal questions and your time that should be spent on other issues. Many members are now questioning your past and future decisions on other matters, such as Kerr Dam and land-buying. There is a sense that by your arrogance on this subject, many members feel insulted that you decided that they will not or cannot make good decisions regarding this money. I should also mention that I ran into members who were afraid to sign the petition, for fear of retaliation from the council or department heads. Personally, I find that the most disturbing issue.

Joelene Frey

Polson

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