42 Tribal Council candidates on ballot for primary election
Shelly Fyant
Amelia Adams
Linda Altamirano
Patty Stevens
Tim Jeffries
Zachary Camel
Vernon Finley
Dennis Villegas
Helen Rhine
Les Buck
Steve Lozar
Tracy Burland
Leonard Michel
Brad Pluff
Carole Lankford
Charles Morigeau
Craig Pablo
Dacia Whitworth
Bryan Dupuis
James Steele, Jr.
Judy Gobert
Junior Caye
Len Two Teeth
Leroy Black, Jr.
Michael McElderry
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This year marks one of the largest pools of candidates for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council as 42 people have announced their candidacy. The primary election will take place Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8 a.m to 8 p.m.
Polling places are the Arlee Indian Senior Center, the Elmo Community Center, Polson Indian Senior Center, Ronan Indian Senior Center, St. Ignatius Indian Senior Center, the Tribal Complex in Pablo, the Dixon Senior Center and Hot Springs Indian Senior Citizen Center.
The St. Ignatius district has nine candidates on the ballot including incumbent Joe Durglo. Amelia Adams, Leslie Buck, Jr., Francis C. Cahoon, Tim Jeffries, Charles L. Morgieau, Michael McElderry, James H. Steele, Jr., and Patty Stevens are also vying for this seat.
Amelia Adams, 29, is a coordinator for Tribal Health and Human Services Safe On All Roads program and is a fitness specialist. She said she is running to restore the trust of the people in the Tribal Council.
“Our people feel there is not enough communication between the Council and the membership,” Adams said. “I think the membership should be able to voice their opinions and give their input on issues. Our tribe should be striving to be more self-sustainable, especially with the recent federal government shutdown. A majority of our people were in danger of not having a job because a good portion of our tribal jobs rely on federal funding. One of my main goals is to find ways to create more jobs and to boost our tribal economy without being so reliant on federal funds.”
Francis Cahoon, 56, is a logger and wildland firefighter.
“The reason I’m running for council is to ensure a better quality of life for my fellow tribal members,” Cahoon said. “My main issue is, in my opinion, the present tribal council does not fulfill the duties of the tribal membership. There are various examples.”
Tim Jeffries, 66, is a veteran who served in Korea and is a heavy equipment operator. He said he wants to serve on Tribal Council “to try and make a difference on our reservation, listen to our elders and the young, (and) go out amongst our people and listen to their issues.”
“Our people have not been heard,” Jeffries said. “It would be my honor to be their voice, be their representation.”
He said there are many issues that need to be addressed, including education and medical care.
“Our medical care and rampant drug use on the reservation should be of concern,” Jeffries said. “There are so many issues needing (to be addressed) and it is time for a change. I would be proud to be involved in this process.”
Charles Morigeau, 65, is a U.S. Marine Vietnam veteran and the human resources manager at S&K Gaming.
“For the past 40 years I have been employed by the tribes,” Morigeau said. “Under all of the jobs I have held they have been helping the tribal membership. I want to continue in that capacity. I was on council 2008-2012 and I feel that I have a lot of unfinished issues that I need to work on to bring a feeling of unity back to the membership. I feel as a councilmember accountability is of great importance.”
Morgieau said the tribe’s money issues and other causes were important to him.
“I can’t select just one (issue), because all of them are important issues,” Morigeau said.
Michael McElderry, 59, is an investigator for the Tribal Fish and Game department.
“I don’t want to brag about myself,” McElderry said. “I want to ask our people to vote. Vote for the candidate who knows God, who has a personal relationship with Him, who will seek Him for His wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, especially these days.”
He said he wants people to vote for the candidate who “won’t be afraid to make a stand by being an example to our country and saying ‘one nation under God’s Flathead nation’ or ‘standing on the right covered in prayer.’”
Brad Pluff, 48, is a self-employed graduate of Polson High School.
He studied business administration at the University if Montana-Western. Pluff was a Tribal police officer for 12 years, and on the drug task force for six years. He was also a tribal judge for six years.
"I made the decision to run for council because I, like many of you, am frustrated by a council that has apparently forgotten who they work for. I feel my strengths are this councils weaknesses. I would bring accountability, decisiveness, and integrity back to the council; Somebody that would be open and respectful to the tribal membership.”
James H. Steele, Jr., 45, is a policy consultant.
Steele said his main issue is “bringing back the respect for our tribal citizens and tribes.”
“The Salish and Kootenai people have been attacked over our water rights proposal and our leadership’s response has been virtually silent,” Steele said. “The Salazar Settlement could have been better handled; the petition should have been approved. We must have council members that will speak up for our people when attacked. I have the proven ability to challenge our foes and to work with our allies. We only have one homeland, and it is up to us to protect it.”
Candidate Patty Stevens said her main issues include caring for tribal elders and veterans, protecting resources, educating the tribe’s children, revitalizing the tribe’s languages, helping small business compete, practicing the tribe’s culture and traditions, effective law enforcement, better healthcare, and self-sustainability.
“Look to me for steady leadership,” Stevens said. “I want to make a difference in the lives of my people. The hopes and dreams of the membership are what matters to me. My obligation is to them. I will communicate. I will act in their best interest. I’ll work hard to regain (their) trust in our tribal government.”
The primary election has nine candidates for the Ronan council seat, including incumbent Carole Depoe Lankford, Linda Altamirano, LeRoy Black, Jr., Tracey Burland, Bryan Dupuis, Barney D. Finley, Sr., Caryn L. Kallay, Leonard Michel, Craig Pablo, John Stevens, and Dacia Whitworth.
The incumbent is Carole Depoe Lankford, 54.
“I would like to continue to serve on the tribal council because I feel I work very hard for the tribal membership,” Lankford said. “I bring with me a lot of institutional knowledge which allows me to maneuver through the system; so when it’s time to help the membership with their needs and desires, I have been able to provide the needed help very quickly.”
Lankford said she feels the tribe is at a pivotal time in its history.
“We are dealing with some of the most critical issues facing our tribal government such as: water rights, Kerr Dam acquisition, sequestration, the Affordable Care Act, the land buy back programs and many more issues” Lankford said. She said the tribe must be consistent in how it approaches issues.
Linda Altamirano works for tribal credit cash receipts. She said she believes serving on the tribal council will allow her to restore trust between the people and the council, implement the changes necessary to improve existing enterprises and employment opportunities, identify and fill the needs of elders and youth, expanding thinking to ready the tribe for the 21st century, and preserve the language, culture and ceremonies for future generations.
“I’ve acquired knowledge in accounting and the dental health field from 33 years experience,” Altamirano said. “I’m a problem solver. I will bring great work ethics, honesty, and fairness to the Ronan District Tribal Council seat.”
Leroy Black, Jr., 40, is a dispatcher and driver at CSKT Transportation.
“I’m running for the tribal Council because I want to ensure all our youth have educational opportunities, have youth programs so they won’t be getting into trouble with drugs and alcohol,” Black said. “I want a respectful Council who is willing to listen to everyone’s concerns and ideas to improve our Tribal Government. I want to see better communication and accountability to the Tribal membership. I’m a firm believer in our traditions and culture and want to make sure it is still here for the next seven generations and more.”
Tracy Burland, 54, has been the owner and operator of Tracy’s Auto and Marine since 1979. He has owned and operated Top Shelf Construction since 2000. He is also owner of Mr. B’s Limo service.
Burland said he wants to serve on the Tribal Council because be believes he can bring the government back to the people.
“The voting membership of CS&KT has the right to know, the right to understand, and the right to agree or disagree with Tribal Council’s decisions pertaining to their Tribe,” Burland said. “As a Tribal Council representative my main issues are Tribal hiring Policies and Procedures, with an effort to build a stronger economy within the Tribes membership by forming an Independent Tribal Business Association. I will give full attention to the Rules behind serving the Tribal membership by demonstrating Fair and Equal Treatment among all enrolled members.”
Burland said he will have an open door policy.
Bryan Dupuis, 27, has been a clerk at Dupuis Smoke Signal for 12 years.
“I want to run for Tribal Council because it is something that intrigues me and I want to learn more about (it),” Dupuis said. “I also want to run because the people have anger on their hearts. Everywhere I go, everyone I talk to is mad. The people want change. You can see this with how many candidates are running. What I lack in experience and education I make up with ambition and hard work. I would love to bring integrity, honesty, and transparency to the tribal council.”
Barney Finley was born and raised on the Flathead Reservation. He said he is running for council “to help preserve our treaty rights and our culture and to help create jobs by using what resources we already have on this reservation.”
“I support education of our youth,” Finley said. “I worked in the tribal school for 22 years serving in many capacities. Education is the key to our survival.”
He asked tribal members to vote because “our leadership needs a desperate change.”
Leonard Michel, 60, is a highway surveyor.
“I have always held strong passion for our traditions, culture management and protection of the vast Tribal resources that lie within our aboriginal homelands,” Michel said. “As a full blood Tribal member raised in Dayton area, I have spent my lifetime protecting, working, and enjoying the Reservation and aboriginal resources with my family. My lifetime experiences as a wild land firefighter, logger, rancher, Tribal Credit Committee Chairman, and highway surveyor have taught me the importance of hard work and being actively involved. I believe a holistic, well-planned, balanced, sustainable economy is vital for our current and future generations.”
Craig Pablo, 44, is a water quality specialist at CSKT, natural resources department.
Pablo said his main issue is leading by example on a council that works for the people.
“I will focus on accountability through transparency, open communication with and respect for the membership in all aspects of tribal business,” Pablo said. “I want to lead our people in a direction that will increasingly prosper in all aspects, from economic to culturally. I want to ensure proper care is taken of our elders, a better life is promised for future generations, as proud Salish, Ktunaxa, and Pend d’Oreille people through our language and cultural ways, and continued protection of this land, water and its resources.”
Dacia Whitworth, 38, is owner of SkayKuhAy Bead store.
Whitworth said it seemed impossible to list all the reasons she wanted to run for tribal council in less than 100 words.
“I love my tribes, love being part of something that is bigger than me,” Whitworth said. “Not a day goes by that I don’t appreciate how blessed I am to have been born into something so powerful yet gentle. I feel a loyalty to my tribes, to the membership not only here on the reservation, but to those who have made their homes outside of our reservation. With that loyalty comes an obligation, an obligation to protect and preserve, to advance, secure, and support.”
She said she wants to serve on the council because “it’s time and I am ready.”
Arlee district are incumbent Jim Malatare, Travis L. Arlee, Bryan Brazill, Zachary Conko Camel, Myrna DuMontier, Shelly R. Fyant, Tom A. Haynes, Shelley R. Hendrickson, Joe G. Pablo and Dawnelda M. Parker.
Zachary Conko-Camel, 45, has 20 years of successful management experience with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, 12of them as the central accounting manager.
Being elected into the Tribal Council is one of the greatest honors the people can bestow on an individual, Conko-Camel said.
“We need to get back to the days where you enter the Tribal Council with the understanding that this is a respected and honored position,” he added.
This is a vital part of the tribal government and can only be accomplished if the Tribal Council displays the qualities of integrity and transparency.
“We may not all agree or have the same viewpoints,” Conko-Camel said, “but in the end we should work together in the best interest of the tribes. If elected I will make it possible.”
Shelly Fyant, 56, is the Career Technical Training Director at Kicking Horse Job Corps.
Fyant said she would work to increase the strength of the people through wellness, entrepreneurial and educational opportunities.
“Defending our treaty rights is of utmost importance, including protection of natural resources and improving the quality of life for our children, elders and families,” she said.
“I have strong convictions and believe our people deserve a passionate resourceful individual to represent them. I believe the tribal membership deserves a strong leader who will provide communication, accountability, integrity, transparency and energy to promoting initiatives that benefit our tribe as a whole. I will keep the membership informed and be accessible,” Fyant added.
Tom Haynes, 61, served in the United States Army.
He wants to get the tribe on the right track. The water compact situation and the Kerr Dam situation are both issues that concern Haynes. He said he wonders if the tribes are stepping into an agreement to buy the dam too soon, “or if we have enough (tribal) members to operate the dam.”
Important concerns for Haynes are trying to help small Indian contractors who are establishing businesses on the reservation, jobs, kids involved with alcohol and drugs with no follow up on the situation and taking care of elders.
Elmo candidates are incumbent Reuben A. Mathias, Willie Burke, Junior Caye, Lois Friedlander, Mignon “Ceta” Harris and Len Two Teeth.
Junior Caye, 59, is running for the Elmo seat now held by Reuben Mathias.
Employed by the tribe in Early Childhood Services, Caye works with “the little guys” in Head Start, doing culture circles.
“I would like to serve because of the work — tribal government and people,” Caye said. “The reason is I see the kind of work a tribal council member should do. I’ve always been a voice for the people, all about the meetings, issues, just to be aware.”
He’s wanted to serve on tribal council for quite some time, and his main issue would be the water compact.
“(The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes) shouldn’t have to negotiate; it’s our water. We are giving up some of our treaty rights,” Caye said.
Len Two Teeth, 47, works for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes as a land specialist.
Two Teeth said he wants to serve as a Tribal Council representative when the tribes purchase Kerr Dam, which will make the CSKT the only tribes in the nation to own a hydroelectric dam.
“This historical event will bring vast opportunities to our people, and I look forward to being a major decision maker during this era,” Two Teeth said.
Tribal members running for the Polson seat on the council are incumbent Steve Lozar, Vernon S. Finley, Judy Gobert, D. Renee Pierre, Brad Pluff, Helen M. Rhine and Dennis D. Villegas.
Incumbent Steve Lozar, 64, said, “I wish to continue to serve on the Tribal Council because I have a profound belief in the values and traditions of the Salish, Pend d’Oreille and Kootenai peoples. I have actively fought for the issues most important to the well being of the tribal membership of today and of the future.’
“The complex challenge of maintaining a vibrant culture while sustaining financial security is very important. Open, respectful communication with the tribal membership is paramount. Caring for our elders and children is a cultural tradition that must be honored. I bring a record of openness, sound judgment and courage to the job,” Lozar said.
Judy Gobert, 57, is an academic contractor. Gobert said she never had political aspirations.
“I was told that I had to run by respected members of our community.”
“My issues are the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health of my Peoples,” Gobert said.
“That is what the job of Council entails. It encompasses all of the things I am passionate about and willing to train my expertise and energy into seeing to success; our environment (Kerr Dam, water rights, land issues), health and welfare (healthcare, social safety nets, mental and emotional healing), culture, language and education embody the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health; and tribal member economic development for sustainability.”
Helen M. Rhine, 66, is a tribal candidate for the Polson district because “I want to be a positive voice for our people and our children.”
Rhine’s main issues are education, jobs and economic development.
(Editor’s note — Candidates whose answers or photographs are not in the story did not respond by press time.)
