Recall on ballot needs 30 percent voters to vote
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The People’s Voice, Inc. gathered more than 1,365 signatures of eligible tribal members for a proposed recall amendment to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ constitution, under Article V, Vacancies and Removal from Office, subsequently adding a Section 3. This new section provides for tribal members to be empowered with authority to remove up to three council members at a time for breaking Section 3, which covers malfeasance (misconduct or wrong-doing) and for any infraction of The Confederated Tribes constitution. Prior to this proposed amendment, only the Tribal Council had the authority to remove another Council member.
On September 20, 2013, Burea of Indian Affairs Regional Director Stanley Speaks of the Northwest Regional Office, Portland, Ore., approved the narrative of the proposed amendment, adding that his solicitors had slightly changed part of the language in the narrative; however, this slight change did not break any federal laws.
When the Tribal Council saw this, they appealed to the Board of Indian Appeals, challenging the language of the proposed amendment on Oct. 23, 2013. Several legal documents went back and forth between the Confederated Tribes, the Northwest Regional Director, and the Board of Indian Appeals.
On Feb. 20, 2014, Howard Toole, attorney for The People’s Voice, Inc. received the Order Docketing and Dismissing Appeal. The Board dismissed the tribe’s appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
In a telephone conversation with Betty Scissions, Tribal Operations of the Portland Bureau of Indian Affairs Regional Office, and myself, spokesperson for The People’s Voice, it was noted that Cheryl Finley, Flathead Agency was still the Chairperson for the Secretarial Election. She had packets to get to all voters for registration. It was anticipated that the Secretarial election would be held in six to eight weeks.
Information concerning details would be posted in the Char-Koosta. The Tribal Council has no part nor will it cost them anything for the Secretarial election. In order for the recall to become a part of the Confederated Tribes’ constitution, we need 30 percent of the voters to vote.
The People’s Voice, Inc. congratulates sincerely all those tribal members who had the courage to sign the petition for change in tribal government. We thank you sincerely, and appreciate your signature. If it weren’t for you, we would not be in the recall process.
