How does the new complex help the tribal members?

Editor,

I've been a member of the Salish and Kootenai Tribe for many years and I've seen a lot of things happen on this reservation. I believe the new tribal complex building should have never been built or was never needed.

It's just a waste of the tribes' money.

What's it gonna do for the tribal people?

They'll still be on the (General Assistance) and standing in welfare lines.

The worst thing about this fascinating building is who's going to pay for it.

The tribes, using the people's money?

They're not gonna get a thing, all for someone else's luxury.

It's been almost 30 years since the reservation has had a big tribal per-capita payment to each individual that is enrolled, and that was a lousy $2,700.

Back then it was a lot, compared to today. And $400 three times a year isn't anything these days. This tribe is still a poor-people tribe.

And where is our casino, instead of these small-time keno machines?

The money for this new building should have been used to summon up the costs of constructing a casino for the people and for turning the gaming law around because all the tribes that have casinos are doing good.

Why not the Flathead Reservation?

So come on, Jami Hamel and the rest of you in your new chairs, do something for the people for once.

Harold Paul

Ronan