Tribal members, non-Indians need to come together
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Editor,
Giving the CSKT full control of Kerr Dam is a totally whacko idea and under no circumstances should ever come to pass. There would be the leverage they most highly desire – and sure to be, the levying of excessive electric rates on the non-Indian Lake County (Mission Valley) residence. This as another measure (besides the already high taxes) to drive non-Indians out of the area.
Does this contrived “water issue” debacle remind you of another local Indian happening when the CSKT decided (with chutzpah) that they were deserving of a “cut” of all proceeds from the numerous non-Indian casinos around here? Yes, that was four years ago, and it was obviously a greed-driven attempt (just like the water issue) to extract even more money from the local white population and the ownership of those non-Indian casinos. To his credit, Montana Governor Schweitzer showed the tribe the door on that attempt. But it left very many out of jobs, on unemployment and food stamps, etc. This not-so-small issue should not be forgotten, Valley Journal readers.
Both local entities, non-Indians and reservation members, are in need of some serious thought about our futures in this area. These are crucial times and we need deep foresight. We peoples should not in any way “screw up” any further or ruin relationships over the waters we have here in abundance in the first place.
Will Elliott
Polson
