Wednesday, April 29, 2009

ARTICLE VI- ADOPTION

This Constitution and By-Laws, when ratified by a majority of the adult members of the Sac & Fox Tribe in Iowa, voting at special called for the purpose by the Secretary of the Interior, provided at least thirty percent of those entitled to vote shall vote in such election, shall be submitted to the Secretary of the Interior, and if approved , shall be effective from the date of approval.

ARTICLE V- AMENDMENTS

This Constitution and By-laws may be amended by a majority vote of the adult members of the Sac & Fox Tribe in Iowa voting at an election called for the purpose by the Secretary of the Interior , provided at least thirty percent of those entitled to vote shall vote in such election; but no amendment shall become effective until it shall have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior. It shall be the duty of the Secretary of the Interior to call an election on any proposed amendment, upon receipt of a written resolution of the Tribal Council and signed by at least five members of the Tribal Council.

Are you aware that the Tribe's Constitution is riddled with bogus bylaws?

Any admendments made were never submitted to the Secretary of the Interior and they haven't been voted on by the tribal members. Thus they were never approved by the Secretary of the Interior. The Tribe's Constitution is still the same version from 1937.

So, this means that the tribal council has to give the people back their $2,000 percap because that is the result of the referendum.

This better be a rumor

THERE WILL NO ELECTION FALL 09'. It has been decided that it would be for the best interest of the Tribe, if the tribal council remain the same.

It is my intent to make the Meskwaki Tattle as venomous and slanted as the Meskwaki Nation newsletter. Enjoy!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Just give them back their percap

1. Roberta Hale
2. Leo Dean Peters?
3. Elisabeth Roberts
4. Aaron Walker
5. Alex Walker
6. Lyle Walker
7. Donald Wanatee
8. Frank Wanatee
9. Priscilla Wanatee

They haven't received their percap since 05'. I believe they are still being fined an excessive $1,000 a day for not showing up to their hearings. They are believed to have information pertaining to the $400,000-$700,000 that was unaccounted for during the 03' takeover?! BS. June 24, 2003 two tribal members(not mentioned on the list above) withdrew $400,000 in cash from the Home Federal Bank. Date, names, signatures, and the amount they withdrew. I have this information and I will upload it soon. My scanner is on the blink.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Stumbled upon old papers. Is it 2009 or 2003? Creepy.

ATTENTION MESKWAKI PEOPLE!!!
NO PERCAP PAYMENTS, NO JOBS, NO SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, NO WATER, NO SEWER, NO GARBAGE PICKUP, NO CHILDRENS TRUST FUNDS, NO FUTURE!!!

AN OPEN LETTER TO COMMUNITY
The elected tribal council betrayed our trust. Their arrogance blinded them. They ignored the concerns of the people and set themselves up to be rulers , rather than representatives. They ignored the will of the people and refused to honor recall petitions. They have rejected our proposal to have an election. They have ignored the will of the people.

Does the tribe no longer have a RAP?

290.7 Must an indian tribe have a tribal revenue allocation plan if it is not making per capita payments?
No, if you do not make per capita payments, you do not need to submit a tribal revenue allocation plan.

Is the tribal council going to cut the people off completely? I believe they were going to until Calvin Johnson filed a lawsuit against the tribe about the percap last year. Don't bother getting your hopes up the lawsuit was dismissed.

Tribal council is hiding behind 290.9 How may a tribe use net gaming revenues if it does not have an approved tribal revenue allocation plan?

Without an approved tribal revenue allocation plan, you may use net gaming revenues to fund tribal government operations or programs; to provide for the general welfare of the tribe and its members; to promote tribal economic development; to donate to charitable organizations; or to help fund operations of local government agencies.

We need a tribal council who wants the tribal members to have percap.

Too much to aspire for?

The reality is we need to money to survive nowadays. Is it wrong to want the Meskwaki people to be taken care of and have a good life? Yes, this can be accomplished with education and jobs, but who are the tribal council to tell people what to do with their lives? The casino's profits can provide well for the people as it has been until the tribal council unnecessarily cut the percap. I don't care if people sit on their arse all day just as long as they're OK while they're doing it. OK as in money for food, bills paid, civil rights intact, a home.

Favorite quotes from the tribal chairman

1. "Money, money, money."
2. "You're living way beyond your means."
3. "Go back to school, the tribe will pay for it."
4. "Get a job."
5. We're losing what is means to be a Meskwaki."
6. "We can have a community garden." We're cutting the percap and you will starve! followed by an evil cackle. I swear I could see green money signs in his eyes.

Get off my back and stop telling me how to live my life...

What is the "no good plan" or one member's vision for the tribe and being carried out by the current tribal council

1. Tribal court- to send fellow tribal members to prison
2. Tribal police- to make sure nobody can do what they did in 03' takeover
3. Take away the percap from tribal members who have gone against them
4. Disenrollment- there's a list
5. Tribal bank- Tribal members won't know the true state of the tribe's finances.
6. Decrease percap to no more percap. Zero.
7. Out of state tribal members are slowly losing their tribal membership rights. Will they eventually be disenrolled?

Was cutting the percap a way to rein the people in? Are certain leaders hoping that if their "no good plan" is carried out successfully, the people will come flocking back to the clan houses? Is this really all about power, influence, and greed? You know some people are funny that way; they don't like OTHER people to have anything.

I wonder why they don't just get a dog to lord over and kick around. A certain breed of dog can provide great companionship and they will unconditionally love their masters. Dogs are loyal to their masters unlike the tribal members who no longer support you.

Friday, April 24, 2009

$400,000 is quite the popular amount to steal

A just tribal court?

Who else is annoyed that this situation has gone on as long as it has? Our one disadvantage is a lack of resources. Who has tens of thousands to retain legal counsel we need to get rid of the tribal council . Petitions will only be rejected or deemed invalid. Since the tribal court and tribal police have been established- a takeover is no longer an option. That is, unless you're willing to do jail time. I have gone over the pros and cons of a tribal court. It is definitely a Nay to a tribal court. What justice can be had when who had the ultimate say in hiring you. I cannot imagine anyone wanting to make waves in this recession.

Tribal council hangs disenrollment over our heads

It encourages us to cower, obey and never question the "knows what's best for you" tribal council. That bit about disenrollment in the Meskwaki Nation Times May 23, 2008. It was posted just before the first percap cut in June 08'. It was not a subtle act of intimidation. I suspect the the tribal council was expecting more of an uproar from the tribe. What kind of tribal council does that to their people? Disenrollment is clearly a referendum issue. I'm not in favor of disenrollment.
http://www.meskwaki.org/Newsletter/V5I10.pdf

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

The tribe's audit is being passed around

I'm off to pick it up at an undisclosed location. Kidding. Anyone could have requested this information from the Freedom of Information Act. I'll upload it soon.

Now is the time to start campaigning, if you're going to run for tribal council

Who's brave enough to run for tribal council? I'm eager to see who comes out of the woodwork. The tribe is more than ready for a new tribal council. I must stress that the new tribal council members must completely take over the tribal council once they get on. I don't know where Eddie and Jon stand. Did they actively help carry out the "no good plan" or were they just mere seat fillers. The "no good plan" or one tribal member's vision for the tribe was devised by a former tribal council chairman who is having a hard time getting back on the tribal council. I wonder why...

I've grown wise to the all the tricks you played on me...

I hope that the tribal council and election committee aren't going to pull any funny stuff at this Fall 09' nominations/election. Remember the nominations in 2007? I can't give credit to the tribal council for that. Ingenious. Lawyers, that was admirable, really. $$$Wanted it$$$ I should have know something was up when people started lugging in their children and inflatable donut cushions. Of course! They were settling in for a lengthy nominations. I guess this time we have to make sure the nominations don't go past midnight this time.

Partial Fantasy Tribal Council 2009

Chairman: preferably someone who was not on a tribal council dubbed Bear... and some of the people on the Walker council.
Vice Chairman: see Chairman
Treasurer: see Vice Chairman
Secretary: see Treasurer
Member: Eddie Kapayou Jr.
Member: Jon Papakee
Member: Adrian Pushentonequa

Tribal Council Members Who Are Out Fall 09'

1. Frank Blackcloud
2. Deron Ward
3. Wayne Pushetonequa
4. Keith Davenport

Dear Current Tribal Council,

May you never get on the Tribal Council again. Ever.

Sincerely,
Me

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Frankly, I'm not surprised.

Someone peeped and claimed that Ryan Roberts didn't act alone. Ryan Roberts was sentenced to 1o years in prison for stealing $480,000 from the Meskwaki Casino. The question is: Who is Ryan covering for?

Any lawyer interested in taking on a pro bono case?

Contact me. I've really had enough of our tribe's (bad word).

I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this but it's really time to make things right

Meskwaki women's children should be enrolled too. Why not? There's a lack of equality going on here. Change? Yes, please.

Gotta get that money from those stupid indians. teehee

It has been confirmed that the Meskwaki tribal council's current lawyer did represent the Lower Sioux Tribe when their $7,500 percap was cut down to $3,500.

What recession? I want to work at the tribal center when I'm grow up.

Truth or rumor? Which three individuals have given themselves a raise.? These three are now reportedly receiving a $2,000 weekly paycheck. I'll give you a hint and their initials. They currently work at the tribal center. Their initials. L.L., R.W. and L.S. I suppose they better get stack as much money while they can.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Don't you want to be able to walk amongst your people?

when you're no longer on the tribal council. A question I will always ask myself when I'm on the tribal council.

I'm conflicted

To disenroll or not to disenroll. The tribe could do without troublemakers, but the settlement is the home to Meskwaki tribal members. I'm leaning towards the latter. I just wish people would behave.

Meskwaki Elder Food Pantry

Are you 55 and older? Are you short on food? If so, please come to the Senior Center to obtain a supply of food items. Elderly Food Pantry is open on Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The tribal council has done this to our elders. Did you know that with a different tribal council this all wouldn’t be happening.

High School Expansion- FF & E Bids

Jerry Stephens and Jill Herink presented the bids for FF & E for the High School expansion project. Jerry Stephens went through each of the eight bid packages with the council. All bid package purchases will be by purchase order. There will be more bid packages forthcoming to include; software, science equipment, library, copiers, kitchen and the shops. Discussion on BIPS and School Specialties quotes for furniture. Discussion on sending out the bid process for other suppliers or to get even lower prices from those that have bid already. Larry Lasley and Lucas Smith both referred to the Property and Procurement Policy. Lucas Smith stated that copies of the policy have been provided to Jerry Stephens. Wayne Pushetonequa requested a room by room list equipment needed for the Tribal Council to look over.
Motion made by Frank Black Cloud to approve the following FF & E high school bid packages; #2AV Equipment, #3 Server and Network, #4 Computers, and #7 B&G/Cust/ Trans/Maint. Which includes the walk off mats, for a total of $575,895.18. Second by Keith Davenport. Vote:5 yes, 0 no. Motion carried.

It’s a shame. The students that attend the high school should be getting the equivalent of a private school education. Unfortunately, they are getting just the opposite. A poor standard of education in a fancy new building.

It also happened to the Lower Sioux Tribe in Morton, MN

I guess their percap payments were reduced from twice monthly payments totaling $7,000 to just one payment of $3,500. The tribal members didn't stand for that and they got rid of the tribal council so fast. The tribal members also got rid of the lawyers who were representing the tribe, er tribal council. I guess that's the only way we're going to get our percap back on the settlement. Who's up for it?
The rumor is the lawyer who was representing the Lower Sioux tribe was run out of the reservation and banned indefinitely. Rumor is (gasp) that lawyer is now representing the Meskwaki tribe.

Monday, April 6, 2009

A little rumor floating around...

Two tribal council members are being excluded from meetings. Who are they? Why are the meetings so hush hush?

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Things new tribal council must do in Fall of 09'

1. Get new legal representation. Bye lawyers, you caused enough trouble and took enough of our money.
2. Raise percap back to $2,000. I'm also in favor of back pay from 6/08. For the hard times that we've been put through and the fact that we have been lied to.
3. Give percap back to the people whose percap was witheld from them since 04' plus back pay.
4. Fire some people who have been there too long. Investigate them.
5. Conduct a forensic audit going back to 96'.
6. Scrap plans for bank. The majority of the tribe says NO!
7. Cease all unecessary projects.
8. Let the people own their houses.
9. Build houses for women.
10. Tribe's constitution needs to be revised.
11. Tribal court... yay or nay?
12. More of the casino's profits need to go to the tribal members. Let them add more money to the savings account. Just in case.
13. Get more funding from the state. It's a way of making the government honor the treaties.
14. I'm worried about the children's trust funds. Investigate?
15. Need to hire more natives from our tribe.
16. Pow-wow needs to go a budget.
17. Free turkeys for every household on Thanksgiving or was it Christmas?

Why does the tribal police get new vehicles while the tribal members' get repossessed?
Should those on the tribal council receive a salary? It's lot of responsibility and it will give them less reason to embezzle.

Tribal Council is incapable of any wrong...

The IGRA priorities the funding of tribal governmental programs & services, and the promotion of economic development over per capita distributions. It is the hope of tribal leaders that members of the Tribe will inform themselves of these federal requirements in order to effectively resolve these internal matters.

Why hasn't a revised RAP been submitted for review and approval?

Allegedly, the last revenue allocation plan the tribe filed was in 2004. That's when tribal members were receiving $1,800, but they haven't filed new revenue allocation plans for the payment reductions of $900 and $500. That's also the year, 2004, when the the acting tribal council started to withold the percap payment of some tribal members.

290.20 When will the ABO disapprove a tribal revenue allocation plan?

The ABO will not approve any tribal allocation plan for distribution of net gaming revenues from a tribal gaming activity if:

(a) The tribal revenue allocation plan in inadequate, particularly with respect to the requirements in 290. 12 and IGRA, and if you fail to bring it into compliance;

(b) The tribal revenue allocation plan is not adopted in accordance with applicable tribal law;

(c) The tribal revenue allocation plan does not include a reasonable justification for limiting per capita payments to certain groups or members; or

(d) The tribal revenue allocation plan violates the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1698, any other provision of Federal Law , or the United States ' trust obligations.

290.24 Do revisions/amendments to a tribal revenue allocation plan require approval?

Yes, revisions/amendments to a tribal revenue allocation plan must be submitted to ABO for approval to ensure that they comply with 290.12 and IGRA.

290.10 Is an Indian Tribe in violation of IGRA it it makes per capita payments to its members from net gaming revenues without an approved tribal RAP?

Yes, you are in violation of IGRA if you make per capita payments to your tribal members from net gaming revenue without an approved tribal revenue allocation plan. If, you refuse to comply DOJ or NIGC may enforce the per capita requirements of IGRA.

290.9 How may an Indian tribe use net gaming if it does not have an approved tribal revenue allocation plan?

Without an approved tribal revenue allocation plan , you may use net gaming revenues to fund tribal government operations of programs; to provide for the general welfare of your tribe and its members; to promote tribal economic development; to donate to charitable organizations; or to help fund operations of local government agencies.

290.8 Do Indian Tribes have to make per capita payments from net gaming revenues to tribal members?

No. You do not have to make per capita payments.

Tribal Revenue Allocation Plans

http://www.nigc.gov/Portals/0/NIGC%20Uploads/lawsregulations/DOI%20Gaming%20Regulations/DOI%20part%20290.pdf

Hmm this guy has a point

Times-Republican
Central Iowa's Daily Newspaper

Your View
> Opinion > Your View
Why are rights being undermined?Gordon Miles-Davenport, Mililani, Hawaii
POSTED: March 26, 2009
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Email: "Why are rights being undermined?"

I am writing to voice concern over the recent happenings at the Meskwaki Settlement. As most may know, the tribal members met Feb. 27 and successfully passed a referendum. At a meeting Mar. 12 the tribal council overturned this referendum using a clause from the tribal constitution that doesn't apply to usage.
Regardless of the question posed by the referendum, this decision should alarm and certainly provide pause for thought to tribal members. Essentially and in reality, this action by the council attempts to negate any and all citizens' right for redress. In other words, "we know what is best." Referendum/recall is injected into many state constitutions and the charters of numerous municipalities. It is placed there to allow common citizens the ultimate say/voice in a direct legislative election process. For any government to reject any constitutionally allowed referendum shows arrogance and disregard to their constituency, not to mention the law.
The real questions are: Why would any constitution hold a clause such as referendum/recall if the elected officials can arbitrarily overturn the same? Answer: not possible. Unless stated otherwise, a referendum is binding. Simple.
Who thought up this crazy idea of using another clause from the same constitution to undermine the citizen's rights? Answer: I know that not all councilmen were part of this action. Ultimately, this action lies in the hands of a few. I suggest that tribal members seek to find out who the responsible party is and fire him. Do not allow "outsiders" or politically "unelectable" individuals to run roughshod over your rights. Do not risk that which is more important than money, your right to voice a concern, to elect, to accept or reject any action taken by your leaders.
As I said earlier, no matter the question on the referendum, this is about your rights. Do what you must to retain them, or they will be gone.

Threatened much?

Title 10. Enrollment.
Article VI
Disenrollement

Chapter 1. In General
Sec. 10-6101. Grounds for Disenrollment

Any of the following may constitute grounds for disenrollment:

(a) A person found guilty by a court of law:
(1) Murder
(2) Rape
(3) Incest
(4) More than one conviction for drug trafficking, manufacturing, or distribution.
(5) Treason against the Tribe or the United States

(b) A person was enrolled through error or fraud.

(c) A tribal member has resided away from the Meskwaki Settlement for a period of ten (10) years, and has not within that time signified to the tribal council his desire to continue Tribal Membership.

(d) A tribal member who is disenrolled for grounds stated in subsection (a) cannot be reenrolled unless exonerated by a court of the crime for which he or she was previously convicted.

Sec. 10-6102 Exclusive Procedure

(a) This Article shall be the exclusive means for Enrollment Committee and Tribal Council consideration of disenrollment matters.

(b) No action to disenroll a member shall be taken unless authorized by the Tribal Council.

I'm confused

June 08' Percap was cut down to $900 because the tribe was broke. $20,000 set aside for tribe's pow-wow.
October 08" Percap was cut down to $500 because the tribe was still broke. Tribe's Executive Director now makes more than $100,000 after a raise.
Feb. 09' Tribal council admits that the tribe has money. Explains that buying a $13 million bank would be profitable? I don't care for these games or liars.
This tribal council is treating its people as bad or even worse than the white people did our ancestors. At least they received blankets when they were cold(they were infected with small pox). But hey, that's better than the response the tribal council told its people during the especially cold winter of 08'. "Get a job." I think some members went to a church to ask for donations to pay their heating bill. Some just layered clothing and braved the cold of their homes.
This tribal council is as popular as Bush was in his second term in office.
Enough is enough

A bit skeptical

The Meskwaki tribal council held an informational meeting to discuss bringing in a tribal bank which they believed would be a great way to branch out and make money. They didn't want the tribe to be so reliant on the casino. Members expressed concern because banks aren't faring so well in this economy. Members weren't very surprised when surprise! The tribal council had already bought the bank $13 million and paid the bank manager $5 million to start on "projects". Cutting back on unneccessary expenses-percap payments has obviously helped the tribe's finances.

It's the last resort to go to court to block the bank. The only way to be heard by this tribal council is to take them to court. People have been voicing their opposition to the tribal council's actions and decisions. All efforts were to no avail. It's funny and sad that the people on the tribal council think they automatically have a higher intelligence than the tribal members. The bank isn't even on the settlement, it's like 22 minutes away. Not very convenient for the tribal members especially those that can't get around. I'm sort of worried too. Tribal bank and no paper trail . . . I'm not saying I don't trust natives, I just don't trust some of them. The children's trust funds are also losing money with all the bank hopping the tribe has been doing.

Isn't it illegal to skim the interest on children's trust funds as one previous tribal council was known to do. To fund their cause of________. $$$

A lot of tribal members have been forced to go on food stamps, energy assistance, and there's also mention of bringing back commods. Cars have been repossessed, bad credit runs rampant and some people have even filed for bankruptcy.

I miss the good ole days. When percap was at $3,000 an amount that was not too much or too little. The political drama was nonexistant and embezzling was kept at bay. Life was good. Dare I say carefree? Everyone was taken care of and bills were paid. People pursued an education, held down jobs or even both. I guess this situation has forced members to become more appreciative of the percap and even more selective in who they choose to vote for in the elections.

Fall 09' terms are up for four tribal council members.
Meskwaki members go to court to block bank deal
Tama, Iowa (AP) 3-09

Some members of the Meskwaki Tribe are going to court to block the tribe from buying a Marshalltown bank.

Six tribal members filed a request for an injunction in Marshall County District Court to stop the deal with family-run Pinnacle Bank. They want to give more time to a pair of petitions circulating through the tribe calling for a public referendum on whether to buy the bank.

Attorney Darrell Meyer filed the motion, asking the court to delay the bank purchase until a referendum can be held.

Tribal leaders planned to start a new bank about two years ago but turned to Pinnacle Bank when it became available.

William and Marilyn Beohm purchased the bank in 1970 and remain the majority shareholders.

Referendum ignored

Eventhough the results of the referendum clearly shows that people want their full percap back. A tribal council member was telling people that the tribal council isn't going to acknowledge the referendum and the reduced percap payments are going to remain the same. The Meskwaki tribal members are very upset and disgusted with the tribal council.

Meskwaki rejects payment reductions

Meskwaki members rejects payment reductions
Tama, IA (AP) 3-09

Meskwaki members have rejected a tribal action that reduced their montly payment from tribal casino profits

The tribal council, which was already in place, was rejected Feb. 27 in a vote by the full settlement.

Last year, the council reduced the monthly payment from revenues from the Meskwaki Bingo-Casino-Hotel from $1,800 to $500 for adults, and from $500 to $125 for children.

Tribal elders said when they lowered the payments that increased gambling competition around the state and a nationwide economic downturn required the action.

Worst Tribal Council Ever

Enrolled Meskwaki tribal members living outside the state of Iowa are not eligible to vote in matters regarding the Meskwaki tribe. This includes elections, referendums, etc. The majority of the tribe's members live out of state. So, it's more like 300 concerned members who live on and around the settlement that are weary of the bs that the tribal council is putting them through. We have a lawyer representing the tribe that has a bad reputation in Indian Country, Steve Olson. Our tribe has a contract with his law firm and our tribe is giving him $750,000 a year for three years.

The tribal council completely disregards the tribal members' concerns, questions, and they don't inform the people of what they're doing until it has already been done. For example they bought a known flailing bank for $13 million! Just nine months after they told the tribal members that the tribe was broke and they were cutting the percap. They recently rejected a valid petition to recall two tribal members. One whose name can be found on Iowa's sex offender list and the other tribal council member who is currently facing charges of domestic abuse. After the percap was cut in June 2008, the tribal council also upped the prize money in our pow-wows. It makes sense since the chairman and other tribal council member are known to hit the pow-wow trail hard. Amid times of financial crisis this is a bit odd and makes the actions of the tribal council sketchy and low.

The tribal elders even went to the tribal council and pleaded for the tribal council to give the elders an increase in percap due to the fact that they in poor health, can't get jobs, can't pay their bills. They were denied any help. So, tribal members have to look outside of the tribe for help. The tribal council is acting like the tribe's casino profits belongs to them. When the money is supposed to go back to tribe and tribal members. A tribal council is supposed to take care of the people and act in the best interest of the tribe. They aren't doing anything for the people. Building a lot of fancy, expensive buildings isn't going to help the people at all. The tribal council is intent on building a legacy(buildings) at the expense of the people.

I honestly don't know what's wrong with the tribal council. If, they are ill advised or just no good. Apparently, there's going to be petitions to recall the whole tribal council. Good riddance!

I heard that the Lower Sioux Tribe of Morton,MN went through a similiar situation. Is there anyone from the Lower Sioux Indian Tribe who can give us some info on what more our tribe can do to resolve this problem?