Buy American....!
Stop buying imports, for crying out loud, and put Americans back to work.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Consolidated Bahweting Ojibwa and Mackinac Tribe #64 Will Not Support the Current Mackinac Group Compact.
Press Release 2/25/2011Cites Fraudulent Claims By Other Groups and Unequal Representation of All Mackinac Group Members.
Early this morning Consolidated Bahweting Ojibwa of Mackinac Tribes announces it does not currently support the Mackinac Group Compact citing the following reasons:
1. The lead attorney does not currently represent all parties. He only represents one: Barry Adam’s group est 2008 . Barry’s group has fraudulently claimed to be 64 (see document).
2. We are being pressured to sign a document as quickly as possible without obtaining the advice of our attorney.
3. Yesterday Consolidated Bahweting Ojibwa and Mackinac Tribe #64 announced we were consulting an attorney to go over the compact, the next day we were removed as one of the compact signers.
4. Barry Adam's attorney has apparently self-appointed a representative to go to Washington without consulting all groups which essentially violates the compact where all parties make decisions by consensus.
5. Other groups are not allowed to participate, and some of the groups that are, claim to be representatives of groups they are not.
Link attached to complete story.
OH THE DRAMA!
A late night conversation with Catherine Hollowell yielded some peculiar observations. An earlier discussion with a Sault Tribe member spurred a string of comments on Facebook in response to a remark made by Aaron Payment.Several points in the string were related to constitutional violations as well as a private message to me that Hollowell had made a motion to ignore the last referendum calling for an election. Someone asked the Tribe’s attorney if that action was a removable offense and he replied that it was, and as a result, Hollowell rescinded her motion. Hollowell responded by writing that “someone told you wrong” and asked that I call her, which I did.
After a very lengthy conversation it came down to the fact that once she knew it was a violation of the Constitution, she rescinded her motion. So it was true with one omission; that because it was a Constitution violation she rescinded her motion. Okay, but that sounds very similar to what I wrote in the first place but perhaps the Sault Tribe member who was there saw it differently than Hollowell’s actual intentions.
Hollowell also said that the two motions in question were the motions to pay off the imprisoned former police chief, Fred Paquin, for his sick time and to appeal the 7+2 case, that it was a waste of money since it was already a done deal and that there was not enough time to discuss it with the members. She did state that Bernard voted against the last one. I questioned why was he allowed to vote and why would it even count but the conversation was redirected to misinformation caused by the internet writings of tribal members....who me?
Cue the drama. Hollowell scolded me numerous times for the content on this blog, even suggesting that I hold some responsibility for the 30 plus death threats she has received. Huh? She suggested that I was trying to incite a violent revolt by reminding readers of what has occurred in the Middle East lately. Since I didn’t recall writing anything of the sort, I referred to this site for a quick check and found nothing where I had made such a suggestion. She then recanted by saying it wasn’t me but someone who posted a comment. Unlike the Sault Tribe paper, I allow freedom of speech provided they are legitimate concerns. Take a clue from what members are saying. If some are suggesting that we have to overturn our government than it’s time to wake up directors and stop blaming the members for our opinions.
Our discussion continued regarding the lack of communication between the actions of the board and the members of the tribe as well as our happy little tribal newspaper that only presents the sunny side of the tribe rather than the reality. Between trying to get a word in, I attempted to suggest that directors should utilize the internet more frequently so that their constituents would not feel left out but Cathy thought that would lead to a lot more miscommunication. That logic eludes me since the internet is the most common means of communication today.
Hollowell also backed Debra Pine in her response to Charles Forgraves eluding to the opinion that ‘why should Pine respond to him when he has been so insulting to her since the beginning of the election.’ I see it differently. If you own a business and a customer complains about the service, do you tell them to shove their opinion or do you enter into a discussion in an attempt to come to a favorable conclusion?
If not for those who hold the elected to higher standards, there would be no point in holding an election and we could just shut up and settle for a dictatorship. All I can say is, we don’t want the drama. What we want is for the directors and chairman of the Sault Tribe to listen to what the members have to say and take the time to explain the actions of the board or expect to be disrespected.
UPDATE: I was just informed that it was Director Malloy who questioned the unconstitutionality of ignoring the recent referendums as well as why it was even up for discussion. Thank you, Director Malloy, for standing up for the rights of Sault Tribe members. As soon as this semester is over, I plan on attending the meetings to support you and I encourage others to join me.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
CHI NODIN
Strong, powerful winds of change are predicted for the Sault Tribe.
Most of us can say, without a doubt, which political party defines our beliefs in the U.S. Government, even if those beliefs change as our needs change.
Some of us adhere to a certain religion while others do not, and some play it safe...just in case.
There are advocates for clean energy with theories based on climate change while others scoff at the whole idea of global warming as well as the need to develop renewable energy forms.
Some prefer not to take a stand on anything unless the winds of change blow their way, but, eventually something occurs to give us cause to rise up and claim our place on certain issues.
For many years, we have defined our position in the tribe by our short history...Bouschor or Payment. They are just two people, with varying histories and stories of their own. As humans, they are constantly subject to change and the powers that cause them to move one way or the other. Their followers are then left not knowing which way to turn because of too much secrecy or an excess of personal opinions and vendettas attached to their agendas.
What is lacking is a purely stated mission and a platform that clearly states goals and ideals. Such objectives would give us something to move towards and to grow on. Policies of government are needed that focus decision-making on the needs of the people and the strength of the tribe first, but require representatives of the government to be accountable and subject to transparency at all levels.
Most of all, we need a sense that what we belong to is one that represents the ideals we would want passed on to our children. Does anyone really want the example of secrecy and corruption, that has become synonymous with the name of the Sault Tribe, to be passed down to become the future of our tribe? Do we really want this to be a continuous part of our history?
This isn't about whether we support Bouschor or Payment. It's about the long process of restructuring our government from one that continues to fail into one that we have a handle on and a part in. Big Winds of change...CHI NODIN.
Most of us can say, without a doubt, which political party defines our beliefs in the U.S. Government, even if those beliefs change as our needs change.
Some of us adhere to a certain religion while others do not, and some play it safe...just in case.
There are advocates for clean energy with theories based on climate change while others scoff at the whole idea of global warming as well as the need to develop renewable energy forms.
Some prefer not to take a stand on anything unless the winds of change blow their way, but, eventually something occurs to give us cause to rise up and claim our place on certain issues.
For many years, we have defined our position in the tribe by our short history...Bouschor or Payment. They are just two people, with varying histories and stories of their own. As humans, they are constantly subject to change and the powers that cause them to move one way or the other. Their followers are then left not knowing which way to turn because of too much secrecy or an excess of personal opinions and vendettas attached to their agendas.
What is lacking is a purely stated mission and a platform that clearly states goals and ideals. Such objectives would give us something to move towards and to grow on. Policies of government are needed that focus decision-making on the needs of the people and the strength of the tribe first, but require representatives of the government to be accountable and subject to transparency at all levels.
Most of all, we need a sense that what we belong to is one that represents the ideals we would want passed on to our children. Does anyone really want the example of secrecy and corruption, that has become synonymous with the name of the Sault Tribe, to be passed down to become the future of our tribe? Do we really want this to be a continuous part of our history?
This isn't about whether we support Bouschor or Payment. It's about the long process of restructuring our government from one that continues to fail into one that we have a handle on and a part in. Big Winds of change...CHI NODIN.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Election Committee---Right Arm of Bouschor's Dominance
Bouschor's failures are too great to have been embraced by the voters, again.
A majority of the Sault Tribe citizenry voted to "not allow Bouschor to run for office". But somehow he managed to bluff the membership, with help from his appointed appellate buddies, and was determined to be illegible to run.
Mysteriously, he received six more votes than his strong opponent.
Conspiracy theorists suggest that Aaron Payment's election was allowed only because a scape goat was needed for the Bouschor disaster--Greek Town. Bouschor's influence on the Board would render Chairman Payment's administration ineffective for the entire term. Although Payment maintained his popularity, he was defeated by a nobody out of nowhere. Payment was fighting for a new constitution and employee rights. The election was his. But, election after election, Bouschor was able to keep his small majority influence throughout.
The Election Committee has played a pivotal part in keeping Bouschor in tribal politics. Their failures to secure the ballots, properly register voters, allow a security breech on the counting floor and their failure to distribute ballots to all registered voters is more than a coincidence in Bouschor's success.
Many of the sitting Board members have relatives that have been sitting on the committee during the questionable election results.
---- Do you think that the Board of Directors could find thirteen people out of the thousands of registered voters that aren't related ?
--- Is it time to change the way in which the committee is formed ?
If the Board was interested in forming some trust with the membership, they would consider such action.
The Election Committee isn't trusted!
Perhaps a citizen from each unit, not related to anyone on the Board, could be found.
rj
A majority of the Sault Tribe citizenry voted to "not allow Bouschor to run for office". But somehow he managed to bluff the membership, with help from his appointed appellate buddies, and was determined to be illegible to run.
Mysteriously, he received six more votes than his strong opponent.
Conspiracy theorists suggest that Aaron Payment's election was allowed only because a scape goat was needed for the Bouschor disaster--Greek Town. Bouschor's influence on the Board would render Chairman Payment's administration ineffective for the entire term. Although Payment maintained his popularity, he was defeated by a nobody out of nowhere. Payment was fighting for a new constitution and employee rights. The election was his. But, election after election, Bouschor was able to keep his small majority influence throughout.
The Election Committee has played a pivotal part in keeping Bouschor in tribal politics. Their failures to secure the ballots, properly register voters, allow a security breech on the counting floor and their failure to distribute ballots to all registered voters is more than a coincidence in Bouschor's success.
Many of the sitting Board members have relatives that have been sitting on the committee during the questionable election results.
---- Do you think that the Board of Directors could find thirteen people out of the thousands of registered voters that aren't related ?
--- Is it time to change the way in which the committee is formed ?
If the Board was interested in forming some trust with the membership, they would consider such action.
The Election Committee isn't trusted!
Perhaps a citizen from each unit, not related to anyone on the Board, could be found.
rj
Monday, February 14, 2011
Classifiied , Top Secret Meeting Underway
Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Even while the referendum was underway to reject the new Romulus casino, Chairman McCoy, Boushor and company were hatching a secret deal to include the Sault Tribe's former partner in Greektown, Detroit's Greek millionaire, Mr. Ted Gatzoros.
Thumbing their noses contemptuously at tribal voters, these corrupted leaders went ahead and incorporated Michigan Gaming, Ltd., to get around the referendum's projected outcome. Today they are holding a secret meeting with Gatzarows and Florida millionaire, Mr. Donald Sawark, at a classified, top secret location.
With the help of director's Pine and Causley, Chairman McCoy and Boushor will repackage the same deal...with the same terms and the same investing partners that were recently reject by the membership...and attempt to shove it through again.
Stay tuned...
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Thumbing their noses contemptuously at tribal voters, these corrupted leaders went ahead and incorporated Michigan Gaming, Ltd., to get around the referendum's projected outcome. Today they are holding a secret meeting with Gatzarows and Florida millionaire, Mr. Donald Sawark, at a classified, top secret location.
With the help of director's Pine and Causley, Chairman McCoy and Boushor will repackage the same deal...with the same terms and the same investing partners that were recently reject by the membership...and attempt to shove it through again.
Stay tuned...
Thank you, Charles Forgrave
Friday, February 11, 2011
MACKINAC TRIBE #64
The Mackinac Tribe #64 (formerly Consolidated Bahweting Ojibwa and Mackinac Tribe) filed for Federal Recognition in 1979. Some members of our council have been working towards federal recognition for over 35 years.
I have personally been a council member for 64 since 2000. I also worked with my father since I was a child on fighting for our peoples rights. Know the difference between people who have been working towards federal recognition and protection of Mackinac Bands members, and people who just started. 64 started before Indian casinos existed. 64 has always been about the people.
Nathan Wright
I have personally been a council member for 64 since 2000. I also worked with my father since I was a child on fighting for our peoples rights. Know the difference between people who have been working towards federal recognition and protection of Mackinac Bands members, and people who just started. 64 started before Indian casinos existed. 64 has always been about the people.
Nathan Wright
Sunday, February 6, 2011
I Love My Tribe. I Do. I Swear I Do
By Charles ForgraveAfter reading the unit reports, you have to want to reach out, pinch the cute little dimpled cheeks of those representatives, snuggle them in, and reassure them that everything is going to be all right. They all seem to be trying so hard.
Four of the eleven that bothered with writing a report thought mentioning the Internet was worthwhile. Three of those four had nothing good to say about it, saying it provided only misinformation; but to chairperson McCoy’s credit, he did say it provided both accurate and inaccurate information, which is true of both it and the tribal newsletter.
What is most disturbing about the tribal newsletter is what it does not report. Of the eleven representatives reporting on January’s activities, only one thought the tribe’s problems was with the way it handles its business. That was director Malloy. You have to wonder after reading a unit report like Pine’s or Causley’s or Hallowell’s, or McCoy’s, what these representatives are thinking when blaming the tribe’s problems on individuals rather than on how it handles its business.
For example, the referendum held in the spring of 2010 needs implementing to separate the Chair and the CEO duties. Hey, the referendum passed. There is no higher law than it. The board does not have a choice as to whether to implement the results; it has a sworn constitutional duty to implement them.
Another example, is the vote on January 11 to settle the Boushour lawsuit, it was not legal. It did not meet the constitutional requirements of a vote to overturn a previous resolution. The board voted in 2004 to exhaust every possible legal remedy to recover all the money paid out to the Boushour key employees. That meant it had to appeal the case if it lost. Boushour and the seven key employees appealed their case several times, but the board failed to appeal its even once. A legal vote to overturn a previous resolution is seven directors of the thirteen…not six of them. The board voted six to four with two abstentions…clearly, not what parliamentarians refer to as the positive majority needed in this situation.
The point of these two examples is this: here we have two clear-cut cases of the board violating the constitution and getting away with it because they know they can… Who ever heard of a legislative body ruling on the constitutionality of its own legislation? The tribal judges will not rule on it because the board hires them. They are afraid for their jobs. The tribe needs independent elected judges and the board’s resolutions need to be ruled on by them.
Therefore, what is it with Pine, Causley, Hallowell, and McCoy…what is it with them? Do they think the Internet has to go away or everybody has to be supportive and cheer the board on for it to govern with success? After reading their unit reports, you get that impression. What these four directors need to do is wake up. Alternatively, if they are awake, they need to own up to it and do their work as if they are. Because the tribe needs to change how it does its business. Until they wake up and make the changes needed, and handle the membership’s business legally, members themselves are not going to have confidence in them or in their government. The stumbling and bumbling of the board will go on forever, as well as its internal struggles, which so completely exhaust many of its members.
The board did a better job this time of addressing tribal issues. Internet reporting deserves a great deal of the credit for it. This board often falls in line with Abramson, Boushour and Eitrem, who feel no obligation to answer to the membership…or to improve on the way in which the tribe does their business.
It is as if because the system is working for them, they could not care less.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
COMMENTS...A GOOD READ
Tribal members are finding their voices and using them. It doesn't matter if you are anonymous or not....you are saying what needs to be said and there is no retribution, no retaliation and no harassment as a result of having your say on this blog.
The only comments I hesitate to publish are accusations directed at individual tribal members who are not elected or in a key position. If you are an employee and have a complaint about unfair treatment, feel free to voice it here. I only ask that you keep it factual.
In the near future, I will add some topics to the under-used 'Lynne Weaver's Findtalk' and try to make it more user friendly. If you have a specific topic you would like to discuss, please email me at weave977@yahoo.com.
Now let's see if we can't make a difference in the way the Sault Tribe functions and remember that the power lies with us through our right to the referendum petition. We can make the necessary changes, with or without the help of our elected 'representatives'.
Thank you for your participation.
Lynne Weaver
The only comments I hesitate to publish are accusations directed at individual tribal members who are not elected or in a key position. If you are an employee and have a complaint about unfair treatment, feel free to voice it here. I only ask that you keep it factual.
In the near future, I will add some topics to the under-used 'Lynne Weaver's Findtalk' and try to make it more user friendly. If you have a specific topic you would like to discuss, please email me at weave977@yahoo.com.
Now let's see if we can't make a difference in the way the Sault Tribe functions and remember that the power lies with us through our right to the referendum petition. We can make the necessary changes, with or without the help of our elected 'representatives'.
Thank you for your participation.
Lynne Weaver
THE TRIBAL PAPER CAME...
By Gary Bernard
Well, another tribal paper came to me today. It was filled with the same “junk” as always. There is a sad note for me. More tribal members have walked on without so much as a nod of recognition for their life as a tribal member.
There is no land's claims money. The tribe used it all and pays the elder's 12% on what the land's claims money used to be. Someday it hopes to replenish the fund but until then the elder's are expected to be happy with the 12% paid to them out of the yearly tribal budget.
Land claims money was used for the benefit of the tribe. The problem is, that all are passing on without getting even a small portion of it. It was said that the money would solve the financial woes in perpetuity. That is a joke that no one can laugh at. I watched my father go through this when he was my age(56), and he could not understand why the tribal administration was holding on to that money for dear life. Could it have been that they saw the mismanagement of the tribes future finance through theft and embezzlement and decided to hedge their options?
Of all the space given to the BOD and TC in the tribal rag, it would seem that someone would have mentioned a serious effort to free up those financial resources for the individual membership. I have asked many in the past about this issue and my concerns fell on deaf ears. Boushor, Lumsden and the others built a fortune for themselves while claiming we could not disburse the money on a personal basis because we as members would waste it on frivolous spending. Little did we know.
I would like to know when the board members are going to address this issue before it is all gone. I think it is only just to see how much has been spent, how much has been borrowed against it. There needs to be drastic changes within the tribal leadership, and sooner the better. They have all proven useless at everything from lying, thievery and dishonesty. It seems Indians can complain about the whites for hundreds of years in regard to manifest destiny, but let them hold the reigns and it is acceptable to rape and pillage their own tribal members. Bouchor sets the example that the others follow. Nuff said! Please forward. Thanks.
Well, another tribal paper came to me today. It was filled with the same “junk” as always. There is a sad note for me. More tribal members have walked on without so much as a nod of recognition for their life as a tribal member.
There is no land's claims money. The tribe used it all and pays the elder's 12% on what the land's claims money used to be. Someday it hopes to replenish the fund but until then the elder's are expected to be happy with the 12% paid to them out of the yearly tribal budget.
Land claims money was used for the benefit of the tribe. The problem is, that all are passing on without getting even a small portion of it. It was said that the money would solve the financial woes in perpetuity. That is a joke that no one can laugh at. I watched my father go through this when he was my age(56), and he could not understand why the tribal administration was holding on to that money for dear life. Could it have been that they saw the mismanagement of the tribes future finance through theft and embezzlement and decided to hedge their options?
Of all the space given to the BOD and TC in the tribal rag, it would seem that someone would have mentioned a serious effort to free up those financial resources for the individual membership. I have asked many in the past about this issue and my concerns fell on deaf ears. Boushor, Lumsden and the others built a fortune for themselves while claiming we could not disburse the money on a personal basis because we as members would waste it on frivolous spending. Little did we know.
I would like to know when the board members are going to address this issue before it is all gone. I think it is only just to see how much has been spent, how much has been borrowed against it. There needs to be drastic changes within the tribal leadership, and sooner the better. They have all proven useless at everything from lying, thievery and dishonesty. It seems Indians can complain about the whites for hundreds of years in regard to manifest destiny, but let them hold the reigns and it is acceptable to rape and pillage their own tribal members. Bouchor sets the example that the others follow. Nuff said! Please forward. Thanks.
Friday, February 4, 2011
PETITIONER #64...STILL LIVING AND BREATHING
Contrary to what some are having published in newspapers in outlying areas of Michigan, the original Mackinac Tribe #64 - Consolidated Bahweting Ojibwa and Mackinac Tribe remains active.
Lots of progress has been made lately towards Petitioner #64's federal recognition.
Enrollment is currently open to Mackinac Band members. If you haven't done so, please join to find out more information on how to enroll in coming weeks. This is an exciting time!
More information about future informational meetings will be forthcoming in the near future.
Lots of progress has been made lately towards Petitioner #64's federal recognition.
Enrollment is currently open to Mackinac Band members. If you haven't done so, please join to find out more information on how to enroll in coming weeks. This is an exciting time!
More information about future informational meetings will be forthcoming in the near future.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
INDIAN ENERGY...HIGHLY QUALIFIED TEAM
Go to the link below and click on the "Our Team" tab.
Indian energy llc.com
The Indian Energy team is comprised of individuals who are highly qualified in everything from the engineering of power plant development and sustainable energy to the planning and constructing of utility infrastructures, substations, transmission lines and communication systems.
Although the involvement of one person (or seven) on the Sault Tribe board saying yes to this investment, the usual secrecy and the 'just spring it on them' attitude was definitely responsible for generating a lot of "NO" votes from tribal members, the individuals at the top of Indian Energy,LLC are more than qualified to be where they are as well as qualified to protect our investment.
The Romulus 'deal' was a horse of a different color.
Casinos will always attract the scum of the earth and the process of sorting through who is legit and who is not is fraught with deception and trickery. The hesitation and distrust by Sault Tribe voters was rooted in the players involved who drove Greektown into bankruptcy and placed the entire tribe in financial jeopardy.
The paradigm shift from non-renewable forms of energy to sustainable and renewable forms is here, like it/believe it or not. Fortunately for the Sault Tribe, Indian Energy built their company with people who know what they are doing. By a stroke of luck and being approached by Indian Energy, LLC., let's hope that the Sault Tribe board actually made the right decision even though the less-trusted were involved.
Indian energy llc.com
The Indian Energy team is comprised of individuals who are highly qualified in everything from the engineering of power plant development and sustainable energy to the planning and constructing of utility infrastructures, substations, transmission lines and communication systems.
Although the involvement of one person (or seven) on the Sault Tribe board saying yes to this investment, the usual secrecy and the 'just spring it on them' attitude was definitely responsible for generating a lot of "NO" votes from tribal members, the individuals at the top of Indian Energy,LLC are more than qualified to be where they are as well as qualified to protect our investment.
The Romulus 'deal' was a horse of a different color.
Casinos will always attract the scum of the earth and the process of sorting through who is legit and who is not is fraught with deception and trickery. The hesitation and distrust by Sault Tribe voters was rooted in the players involved who drove Greektown into bankruptcy and placed the entire tribe in financial jeopardy.The paradigm shift from non-renewable forms of energy to sustainable and renewable forms is here, like it/believe it or not. Fortunately for the Sault Tribe, Indian Energy built their company with people who know what they are doing. By a stroke of luck and being approached by Indian Energy, LLC., let's hope that the Sault Tribe board actually made the right decision even though the less-trusted were involved.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
OXYMORONS!
An except from an article by Michelle Bouschor about the unofficial results of the referendum votes read as follows:
“McCoy urged tribal members to get all of the facts on future proposed referenda. “We know that with both of these petitions, members were given both accurate and inaccurate information,” McCoy said. “It is very important for those members of voting age to know the facts about any petition they sign.”
McCoy said he hopes members understand that referendum elections are expensive and time consuming. The cost to the tribe of holding a referendum election is more than $30,000.
“The tribe is a democracy and our members absolutely must have the power to put the actions of elected leaders to a vote of the membership,” McCoy said. “But the referendum process is expensive to the tribe, so it is not something to take lightly. Holding a referendum is a serious and costly matter.”
This article was published on the Sault Tribe Web Site which is owned along with the tribal newspaper by the entire membership of the Sault Tribe with neither offering a rebuttal privilege to the membership. There is a question and answer section on the web site, but no section for any member to offer their opinion of current affairs which could reach the entire membership and perhaps stimulate questions about the facts behind decisions made by elected Board members such as those that resulted in the subject petitions for referendum.
The entire membership via the tribal newspaper receives only the opinion of unit representatives that in most cases do not necessarily reflect the will of the units they represent. The facts they present, if they choose to present any at all, are not necessarily all the facts. The act of presenting facts while withholding part of the information is deceptive and intentional. It seems that it is quite a common practice by a number of current elected board members. Yet, we are reminded by Mr. McCoy that “It is very important for those members of voting age to know the facts about any petition they sign.”
If there were more transparency and less hidden agendas within the corrupt leadership of this tribe there would not be a need for petitions and referendums. In the case of the current referendum millions of dollars were saved in comparison to the small amount that was spent to hear the will of the people.
Juli
“McCoy urged tribal members to get all of the facts on future proposed referenda. “We know that with both of these petitions, members were given both accurate and inaccurate information,” McCoy said. “It is very important for those members of voting age to know the facts about any petition they sign.”
McCoy said he hopes members understand that referendum elections are expensive and time consuming. The cost to the tribe of holding a referendum election is more than $30,000.
“The tribe is a democracy and our members absolutely must have the power to put the actions of elected leaders to a vote of the membership,” McCoy said. “But the referendum process is expensive to the tribe, so it is not something to take lightly. Holding a referendum is a serious and costly matter.”
This article was published on the Sault Tribe Web Site which is owned along with the tribal newspaper by the entire membership of the Sault Tribe with neither offering a rebuttal privilege to the membership. There is a question and answer section on the web site, but no section for any member to offer their opinion of current affairs which could reach the entire membership and perhaps stimulate questions about the facts behind decisions made by elected Board members such as those that resulted in the subject petitions for referendum.
The entire membership via the tribal newspaper receives only the opinion of unit representatives that in most cases do not necessarily reflect the will of the units they represent. The facts they present, if they choose to present any at all, are not necessarily all the facts. The act of presenting facts while withholding part of the information is deceptive and intentional. It seems that it is quite a common practice by a number of current elected board members. Yet, we are reminded by Mr. McCoy that “It is very important for those members of voting age to know the facts about any petition they sign.”
If there were more transparency and less hidden agendas within the corrupt leadership of this tribe there would not be a need for petitions and referendums. In the case of the current referendum millions of dollars were saved in comparison to the small amount that was spent to hear the will of the people.
Juli
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