Government should be of, for, by people
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Editor,
In 1935 under section 16 of the Indian reorganization act, the tribal constitution was adopted by a majority vote (30 percent) of the tribal members making us self-governing, but still required to uphold state and federal laws.
Tribal officials, tribal court, tribal judges, tribal council and chairman have the same responsibilities as federal and state equivalents. The CS&KT did not initiate but joined December 2008 in the Salazar lawsuit along with 79 other tribes. The Salazar lawsuit was based on harm caused by violations for 100 years of tribal members trust funds, non-monetary trust assets or resources. As with class action, this lawsuit was based on the impotence of control of individual members’ personal possessions under control of the BIA. There were 79 tribes: 44 plus 35 combined as one. Our tribal council remains the only representatives that claimed the settlement for themselves as sole authorities.
The Salazar settlement was never counted as part of the money set aside for Kerr Dam buyout. After claiming the settlement as theirs, begrudging giving half to undeserving tribal members the other half is “set aside” for the Kerr Dam buyout. Before 2012 it was $34 million, by fall, $29 million, along with rumors of missing money and bad investments. The concept of “one man, one vote” was set aside in the 2013 tribal election by tribal officials and campaigning councilmembers’ refusal to acknowledge petty election and constitutional rules.
Did you notice former council members have good paying jobs lined up for when they’re out? Of the hundred-thousands of dollars we spend on culture committees, retaining language, culture traditions, etc., we seem to be losing ground with the well-mindfulness, yoga and other Buddhism being implemented within. Our tribal council did whatever was in their power to prevent the recall referendum.
The referendum is still ongoing. As tribal members we have the right to petition, to file petitions in tribal court as 79 tribes did in federal court. Support a government, of, for, by the people.
Sybil R. Butler
Dixon
