Why the rush over water compact?
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Editor,
After re-reading the Tribal Council’s article concerning the proposed settlement of reservation water claims, I became aware of an overview of this whole proceeding that troubles me. Most of the issues that are visible seem relatively minor, so what really is the driving force behind the sudden urgency to settle a problem that has existed since day one of the tribal vs. non-tribal debate? Before I express my opinion, I would like to make crystal-clear my position in regard to tribal authority. I respect your right to govern yourselves and to manage your lands as you so chose. If your members wish to give you the power to create redundant bureaucracy, patterned after the federal monster, then they must also be prepared to stand with you in the very real possibility of the collapse of the federal dollar. History has proven that overreaching governments, sooner or later, fails. How the concept of a burdening power structure goes with traditional native culture evades me. In summary, I respect my neighbors’ property rights.
In the spirit of my belief, I now ask the question that demands an answer, who or what is the driving force behind the sudden rush to settle an issue that will, over the course of a short period of time, consolidate a power base that gives a third party a powerful lever of control over most of Western Montana? Montana’s river basins are major contributors, if not the headwaters, of the northwest United States. Water used by the Flathead irrigation district is a drop in the bucket compared to what flows downstream. I can’t help but believe that it’s the downstream interests that will overshadow any decision that is made in our back yard. Please let me ask this question, beginning back in 1855, was the Hellgate Treaty one of peace or government convenience? Through the years were the various rules, laws and acts passed down by Washington for the betterment of the tribes or for government policy? Throughout this period of history, there has always been one common denominator: government convenience, which led to authority, and with authority, money. You give us, the government the authority, and we will give you some of your money back. Recent events between tribal government and the will of their membership should more than establish my point.
As to lawsuits, I for one would direct my wrath at the party responsible for creating this conflict — the know-it-alls who wear the cap of authority and reside in Washington, D.C. They also can claim a seniority date of 1855, 1909, etc.
Joseph G. Brooks
Ronan
