Tribal leadership turns a deaf ear

Editor,

The Tribal Council elections are upon us and Tribal members who are looking for a change in leadership have their best opportunity this election. Talk to your family about our leadership, or lack of it, but most importantly, go vote!

We have seen our leadership turn a deaf ear to us while giving one of their own a "golden parachute." And, this was done after unanswered accusations of impropriety among our Council leadership. It seems as if the council person was rewarded for dishonesty to one's family and constituents. All Council members know this and continue to clench their teeth, look at you, and say "we have spoken, drop it."

The Tribal chairman and the executive secretary say we need to rally together, show unity, and support our leadership. It was also a wish that no name calling go on during this election. Where is this unity and support when dealing with the Tribal membership? No name calling, does that mean overlook Council members' questionable behavior, that we cannot ask the questions on people's lips? At some point we need to show unity and say "this is enough."

I have heard people ask, "Where is the respect for the Tribal Council?" Respect is not something that one hangs on an individual like a medal or a title, it is something one earns. A person can be well mannered and courteous, and exhibit these traits at a Tribal Council meeting and most people do. But respect from the people does not automatically come from being voted in; it happens as people interpret an individual's intentions and how that individual works for the good of all the Tribal people, not just themselves or only the Tribal government.

If you are fed up with this self-serving council and administration, vote. If you have family members or friends that have been run out of the woods, no place to graze their cattle, had land appraised thousands lower than a non-member's land, lost health benefits, lost their job due to financial shortages when the council builds a new building, then vote for new leadership. This election is when you need to be heard.

C. Douglas Morigeau

St. Ignatius