People’s Voice questions council
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Editor,
On Nov. 12, The People’s Voice submitted a petition signed by 1,414 eligible voters of the Flathead Reservation, requesting a referendum vote on the remainder of the settlement funds, along with any accrued interest.
Pursuant to Article IX of the confederated tribes’ constitution, the People’s Voice gathered over 1/3 of the eligible voters in order to have a popular referendum conducted by the Tribal Council. Article IX gives the membership the right to have the Tribal Council’s resolution 12-180 voted on to determine if the majority of the tribal membership wanted a 100 percent payout or not.
At this time, the council has had more than enough time, as prescribed in ordinance 53A, which establishes rules for formulating and submitting petitions.
When The People’s Voice submitted the petition calling for a referendum vote, the tribal chairman refused to acknowledge, in writing, that a petition had been filed. The chairman should have referred the petition to the tribal secretary. The tribal secretary is obligated to follow ordinance 53A. Also, tribal attorney Ranald McDonald stated that there were no protocols in place for a referendum. Mr. McDonald also said that a referendum process is not designed to make the Tribal Council take action. That is exactly what it is meant to do. The Article IX referendum in our constitution ensures that the tribal membership has an avenue they can turn to in our constitution. Under ordinance 53A, the Tribal Council has a total of 45 days to respond to the People’s Voice petition.
The Tribal Council members, when taking their oath of office, affirm to do the best of their ability, to cooperate, promote and protect the best interests of the tribes in accordance with the confederated tribes’ constitution and bylaws, as amended. In this particular case, the Tribal Council did not follow the constitution and bylaws, and their own ordinance 53-A.
As such, the People’s Voice feels that the council has no challenge on the merits of the petition. The council has no choice but to call a referendum on resolution 12-180. Tribal Council failed to follow proper procedures as set forth in ordinance 53-A.
Sharon Rosenbaum
president, The People’s Voice
Charlo
