Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Smoke signals. (Grand Ronde, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2003)
4 JULY 1, 2003 Smoke Signals - - Election Day Saturday, September 6, 2003 Editor's Note: Candidate's statements were edited only for style (example: capitalizing "T" in Tribal). Statements were not edited for content, spelling or punctuation. Wesley West self. Dear Tribal members, My name is Wesley West. I am a candi date for Tribal Council. I am asking for your support and your vote in the upcom ing election. Council members are elected representatives of all Tribal members and should be elected not only on the content of their character, but on their ability to represent you as an individual. If elected, I believe I can bring these skills to the council table. Let me tell you about my- After serving in the U.S. Army, as a Sergeant First Class for over twenty years, I know what it means to fight for the people. It was there that I also learned the meaning of such words as "honor," "integrity," "pride," "cooperation," and "contribution." In my mind, these words represent important rules of conduct. If elected, these are the words that would govern my actions as your representative in council. During my military career, I have had the satisfaction of teaching GED preparation classes on the Sioux Reservation. I also taught under the Junior Partnership Training Act at a community college in Columbia, Georgia. It was through this experience that I first realized that the education we provide our children determines, not only their future, but the future of our whole community. I was the first to suggest and support a mentorship program during a candi date forum in 2000. This has been done, however it clearly needs to be Revised,Reconstructed,and Broadened for maximum efficiency. I applaud the priority education has been given by our present coun cil in the past and the work our Tribal Education program has been doing. I will support continued efforts in this and many other pro grams within Tribal operations. At the same time, there are areas in the daily operations of Tribal Council which need changing. First of all, the Tribe needs a good system of free communication. Tribal Council has a duty to: 1) in form the people, 2) listen to the people, and 3) act according to the interest of the majority membership. Currently, there is limited op portunity for communication of any kind and what opportunity is available, is severe restricted. The monthly General Council and weekly Tribal Council meet ings are brief and give very little opportunity for Tribal members to be heard and participate in their own Tribe's governing process. When a problem, concern, or question is brought forward it is often not properly addressed or seemingly ignored by Council. Council's lack of interest in including Tribal membership in the discussion process is especially apparent when important issues have already been voted on ,days or weeks in advance of public meeting. Secondly, both the Council Forum and the Smoke Signals pro vide only selected information. Articles or letters written are re stricted (censored) in both subject and content. I believe poor communication can encourages a Tribal dictator ship. It can hinder our ability as Tribal members to hold individual council members accountable for the decisions they make. It can conceal incompetence, hide corruption, and build mistrust for Tribal government. Other Policies such as the 1999 enrollment amend ment, should be revised to determine if there is an unfairness issue present that should be addressed and corrected. As a Tribal Council member and your representative, I would work toward a system of communication which encourages the free ex change of ideas and information. Further, I would work to rein state the membership's right to assemble on Tribal property and support the right to freedom of speech without fear of retaliation. I would do this, because I firmly believe Tribal member input and involvement is essential to good government. Thank you for this opportunity. I will look forward to listening and addressing your concerns and views on different issues in the months to come. You may contact me at Tel 1-503-843-2382 or Email me at deeweshotmail.com or mail me at 937 SE Sheridan Rd Sheridan, Oregon 97378. Wesley (Buddy) West Joyce Kirk GRAND RONDE TRIBAL MEMBERS: My name is Joyce Kirk; I am the daugh ter of Fremond & La Verne Bean, Grand daughter of Margaret Menard, Great -Great Granddaughter of Joseph Sangretta. I grew up in Grand Ronde and Siletz. This is my home. No matter where I go, I always come back. Now I am home for good. In the years that took me away from Grand Ronde I have spent most of my life living, working for and with Native Americans. I have done quite a bit of traveling, learn ing much about the lives, needs and values of Indian people. In 1983 I served on the original Health Board and was responsible for compiling the first Health Needs Assessment for the Tribe. I com pleted my college education in 1986, and went to work at Chemawa Indian School in the Intensive Residential Guidance Program for chemical dependent andor abusive students. In 1988 1 married Joe Kirk and moved to Chiloquin, OR. I worked for the Chiloquin Medi cal Clinic for 2 years. In 1991 an opportunity came along for me to work for Indian Health Service as an Executive Secretary, six month later the Klamath Tribes took control of health services. I continued to work for the Klamath Tribes for 10 years. This was an excellent learning opportunity for me and I have to say I greatly appreciate the Klamath people for allowing me to have this great experience. I traveled throughout Indian Country at tending workshops, training's, and Board meetings. I have studied Grants & Contracts, In-direct Cost Rates, A-87 Regulations, Account ing Principles, Procurement and Travel regulations, Business Man agement, Policies & Procedures for Indian Organizations, Federal regulations, yearly and quarterly meetings with other Tribes na tion wide. These all have a tremendous impact on Tribes. I can't stress the importance of having a presence at these meetings with State and Federal Governments. We have to be there to have a voice in decisions being made for Indian Tribes all over the nation. Although Spirit Mountain Casino is the 1 tourist attraction in the State of OR, It is also important that we have other diversified enterprises that will create jobs for our individual Tribal members and economic growth for the Tribe. We have grown so large it ap pears we have forgotten or ignore the very reason we were restored as a Tribe, there are times when Tribal members need an extra hand, not all are asking for a hand-out but a hand-up and we need to be there for them. We as Tribal people need to help each other to become the best we can be. We hear talk about Community, yet the Community center sets empty most evenings and weekends. We talk about Indian culture and values, but do not walk our talk: Re spect, honesty, integrity and family. These are things that will keep us strong as Indian people working together. I would like to offer these things to you from me. I do not have all of the answers, but I am here to listen to every issue. I will bring these issues to council work meetings, negotiate on your behalf and give you the results of our discussions. I believe that we need to be more informed on deci sions being made for all of us, this issue will be addressed. I do believe I have knowledge and a diverse background to bring to the table with me and I hope you will support me in the upcoming elec tion. I can be reached at 503-879-1117 or annietom54aol.com
