Tribal government violating constitutional rights
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Editor,
Quoting the April 30, 2013 Tribal Council minutes published in the May 23, 2013 Char-Koosta newspaper: “Ruth Swaney discussed her concerns about the Valley Journal. She believes that newspaper is anti-tribal. It has not been accurate or fair in the information published. Ruth suggested boycotting this newspaper. She also wants the Tribes to not respond or provide stories to the Valley Journal. Ruth will be contacting the manager to provide notification to no longer deliver the Valley Journal on tribal property.”
Ms. Swaney appears to be in total disregard of the United States Constitution’s First Amendment and the CSKT’s Constitution, Article VII-Bill of Rights, Section 3. – “All members of the Confederated Tribes may enjoy without hindrance freedom of worship, speech, press and assembly.”
It is this kind of apparent dictatorship mentality in the tribal government that the Peoples’ Voice is strongly objecting to. Who are you Ms. Swaney, to tell the membership what newspaper you are going to allow on Tribal property? Is this in your job description as a Financial Management employee of the Tribe? If it is not, then you should be appropriately and formally reprimanded for using your position to deliberately abuse the membership’s constitutional rights. It appears you have grossly overstepped your employment boundaries.
During the May 7, 2013 Tribal Council meeting, Sharon Rosenbaum of the Peoples’ Voice presented the council with the recent petition with signatures. During that presentation, Mrs. Rosenbaum asked council that her statements be a matter of record. Chairman Joe Durglo replied, “We decide what goes in the records.” Again, another example of the dictatorship mentality that appears prevalent in our tribal government.
The Peoples’ Voice feels the Valley Journal is not “anti-tribal” and in fact is more than fair with all entities on the reservation. Whereas with our own tribal newspaper, the Char-Koosta, many members have difficulty getting their opinions printed.
Peoples’ Voice Media
Donna Orr, St. Ignatius
Joyce Mitchell, Ronan
Joelene Frey, Polson
