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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Of course thats what it means. It means that without any saying so, because the referendum was a constitutional action. That the Tribal Council dared to "unconstitutionally" negate that same referendum is beyond me. I have no idea of why the body of tribal members is so 'laid back' on this issue. Were this a white community, people would be kicking someone's ass.
ReplyDeleteI asked both council members and the executive director to clarify how and what clause ( i found/know the clause and it doesn't apply) allowed for this move by them. So far, I have recieved no answer. I suspect i never will. You know why? it's cause what they did was illegal and warrants an investigation into WHO exactly made that decision. If it was the director, he should be immediately removed. If it was the tribal attorney, he should be fired and fined/sued for damages. This is no small matter. The peoples' recourse and RiGHT to speak out for change was taken away. Folks better wake up.
Great Points, Makani. Thank you for trying to get some answers. You would think this would create more dialogue among tribal members.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion is that the tribal council played the odds. They probably figured the odds would be in there favor. Who would actually oppose them? Majority of the tribal members don’t desire to be singled out and scorned.
You say if this were a white community someone would be getting their ass kicked. There are people that resort to violence, but I guess they don’t object to the actions being taken. I object, but violence isn’t the answer. It’s okay to disagree, everyone should be able to express their point of views and arguments for or against any actions that effect tribal members.
Very true rabbit.
ReplyDeleteI thought the actions taken by the current council was just not merely playing the odds but a direct challenge to all Tribal members. To see actually who stood up to oppose them to see if they still had the numbers for the upcoming election. You have to keep in mind they have stolen money; I mean come on shit just don't disappear in an environment as heavily controlled and watched over as a casino. The very fact that they lied to us and to show colorful pictures with no number value to keep peoples minds perplexed should speak volumes.
I believe Makani is fully aware of this and feels if this were any other region there should be civil unrest. Which would be the case in any entity that is an establish government.
The power of money can sway certain people decisions. And I believe this has occurred on the Settlement why else wasn't there an out cry of betrayed Meskwaki tribal members.
The other reason I believe their wasn't and outburst are
Under Educated Individuals who are unaware of the situation and their rights as enrolled members.
The Lack of communication with fellow tribal members and the conditioning of people not to speak out.
Fear and Uncertainty
If you truly feel there was illegal activities going on, then why don't you file some legal challenges to your claims? Every time something occurs that someone else doesn't like, then it was 'illegally' done. I'm surprised that that people can still be found to agree to be on the council. For as long as I can remember, there has been unrest with a council that goes against what some big mouth on the settlement wants. If part of the problem is that so many of our people are under educated - who's fault is that? I supposse it's the council's fault for that as well. If you truly believe that there are things that the council are doing, then go to a council meeting and present your findings. If you get no where, then move up the chain of command. There are things you can do besides sit back, point fingers, and complain. I have attended council meeting after council meeting. Where are all the people? These people were elected by the people and then as soon as they get put into office, everyone turns away.
ReplyDeleteAngry, you must live in a real nice world. One where no wrong can occur. Justifying your stance on the belief that going to meetings (which IS commendable) does not erase the FACT that unlawful irregularities have been performed by some in power. Don't get angry at the rest of us because we find these activities deplorable. I find it a good point that you want to support the council.However, doing so even while they blunder along at the expense of tribal members is not really the way we would like to go right now...if ever. Do you think it right for non-members to know more of our business than we members do? Trying to expose the crafty lawyers that are trying to run things (for their own pockets) is by no means an offense to the tribe. Speaking of "pointing fingers", i see thru your posts that you are very adept at doing exactly that. you have no proof or evidence that what we may portend is either true or false. Just some angry, rambling diatribe as to why everyone except you should keep quiet. Please go read up and return with a better understanding of what is REALLY going on here. It'll allow to make better sense and add some credibilty to your words.
ReplyDelete