Spilysy Tymoo Tribal Council Election Statements Page 12 J. r Seekseequa District Candidates 7 Brenda Scott (pictured) Candidate did not submit a statement for publica tion. Joe Moses Candidate did not file photo or statement for pub lication. Victor Moses My name is Victor Moses; I've accepted the nomina tion for the Tribal Council from the Seekseequa Dis trict. I think people know where I stand on the situa tion that this Reservation is in, from my letters. I've served three years in the Marine Corps, I've worked on Commercial and residential construction off the Reservation, on the Warm Springs Police Depart ment, WSFPI, Warm Springs Housing Department, Kahneeta and at Indian Head Gaming surveillance, cur rently with the LH ACommission. Like I've told people, "I've been around, seen the deterioration of The Council, our court system, and every thing about where we all grew up. By a few so called individuals who think they are 'all powerful', whose first priority is themselves and their white broth ers and sisters. I'm not a politician, without a conscience, so I can't make any promises. All I'd be able to do is give it the best shot I can. A o I U - 'j I : 11 V ;, ! V ! L-L i , I -J Martha (Henry) Winishut Hello, my name is Martha (Henry) Winishut. I've been nominated to run for Seekseequa District Coun cil. First, I thank God above for this honor. I also thank Myra JohnSOIl both Alexandria Henry and Vivian Wewa for this nomi nation. I believe it is time for a change. It is time for unity. We are three confederated tribes living together on one reservation. We need to look to God for our direction. It is up to us to show our children we can and do get along. It is up to us to stop the violence, the disrespect our children have for each other, their parents, and el ders. Our children, our future depends on us to educate them. They need to know about their heritage. Our reservation is a beautiful place. The resources here on our reservation belong to them and their children. We need to show them how to protect it. We have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. We are a sovereign nation. Many of our children don't know what that means. It is up to us to educate our children. Many of our children grow up and want to leave because they don't think they have anything here or anybody here who cares. We need to stop all the fighting! We as one have a responsibility to our children to show them this. All the "gang" activity, where do they see it? Where does it come from? They are watching us, they are listening to what we say. I have seen and heard many different things. Our children know this. I, Myra S. Johnson, have declared myself as a write in candidate from the Seekscekqua District. It is through the encouragement of district people and of elders that I am compelled to take this action. I am honored that I have had support and encouragement from these people, who feel that I am able and ready to do the job, of holding this esteemed position. I am a 44 enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, with my mother being from the North end and my father being from the South end of the reservation. The Johnson family historically has been a part of the Tribal Council beginning with the first Tribal Council. I am fully aware of all the concerns and issues at hand with our tribes. I would do my best to remain aware of these concerns and take into serious consider ation, what the people are saying about their issues and concerns. We, as a confederation of three tribes, need and must provide a legacy for our generations to come. And this would be possible through the Tribal Council's ability to work together and resolve issues cooperatively and effectively. Sovereignty belongs to all of us and not just a select few. How we recognize and uphold this issue belongs to each of us as Indigenous people of this land, and we are at liberty to practice this in ways that we feel appropriate. My words of encouragement to the people: Please take a stand and speak up! There is this thing called "silent approval" that has become a quiet enemy to you and the community. Leaders and planners assume that if no one objects, that you approve of what is being suggested or planned for. I do understand that there are many who feel that speaking up has not worked. However, in your heart you have done what you feel has been your part in speaking out, and maybe some of the words will be carried in another person that could make a difference. I encourage all eligible voters to come out and vote, and for the Seekseekqua District, write in Myra S. Johnson as your selection for the 22nd Tribal Council. . '"V K , J i- K r V N I r- 1 Carolyn E. Wewa Tribal Members: I am encouraging all tribal members to cast your voting ballot on April 9, 2001, the day elected for Tribal Council elections. I am a Write-In Candidate for the Seekseequa District. I would like to thank all the people in Warm Springs who have found the time to share with me your concerns and words of support. Whether or not I am elected, your words have truly touched me and have given me strength to continue on, regardless of the election outcome. It is good to hear that many of you share the same high level of concerns, direction, conduct and expectations of our leadership and the fu ture of our Tribes'. As usual, many things occur during this time of waiting between nominations and Election Day which require prayer and forgiveness every day. Nega tive remarks and attitudes seem to wind its spirits around people, during times of important decision-making. I am thankful for my church family, friends, spiritual brothers and sisters, and fellow candidates, who keep their hearts focused on the best interests of all people." I am thankful to the Creator for blessing me with good, positive support, and for carrying me through this time of shifting leadership. I am not a seasoned Council person. I have not sat as a Tribal Council member before, so cannot make prom ises that I may not be able to keep. What I can say is that working for the WS Confederated Tribes for about 25 years has taught me a lot. I would bring my experi ence and familiarity with the tribal organization to the table. These teachings have come from many good people, many elders who have shared their stories about past leadership, and many young people who share their hopes for the future of our Tribes'. I know that overall qualities I have would be a con tribution to our leadership. I can talk about economic development, budgets, revenues, utilities, health, police, education, the court system, etc., but feel it would be done out of turn. These issues will be placed on the table for the new Council to prioritize, and hopefully, get direction you, the People, as should happen. The next term of the new Council will be a difficult time - hard decision-making will be required. As we continue into this era of change, the people you choose to set direction and carry your words to the Council table will be of utmost importance. One person cannot change everything, but I believe I can contribute to a team effort in a positive manner, if elected. As I bring my words to a close with you, I only ask that each voter truly seek out in your hearts the candi date of choice, who will contribute in a good way, the strengthening of our total Confederation. The people of Warm Springs have a right to expect a high level of representation at all times. Regardless of whom you cast your vote for, please go and Vote - your involvement does count. Good luck to everyone!