BTBC election is June 24, candidates share views
By John McGill
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 11:26 AM MDT
As in the past, the Glacier Reporter is featuring profiles of the candidates running for Blackfeet Tribal Business Council in the general election, set for Tuesday, June 24.
All the candidates were invited to submit their responses to whether or not they felt the Blackfeet Tribe is moving in the right direction with regard to 1) negotiations for a Water Compact, 2) law and order, 3) economic development, 4) the environment and 5) accountability to the membership.
The topic areas were chosen from the amount of attention devoted to them in the pages of the Glacier Reporter over the last two years.
While not all the candidates responded, voters are encouraged to utilize the answers given here, along with their advertisements and public speeches, to
The following is the answers submitted by some of the candidates:
Titus Upham
Negotiations for a Water Compact
The expedited (fast pace) process that followed the water compact negotiations left people behind with little or no understanding on what is the purpose of a water compact, what is and what is not included in the water compact and why. When the tribal council cannot pass the water compact with 100 percent certainty, this should be a good indicator we need to back up a few steps and include the tribal membership in the full negotiation process. When the chairman would not sign the water compact and the vice-chairman signed the water compact, this is another indicator that the full membership needs to be involved in the process. This is a good time to incorporate the four Ws: Who needs to be involved? What are we trying to attain? Why are we doing this? And when do we need to get it done? These are the basic questions most people have.
Law and Order
Law and order has always been a challenge for tribes throughout Indian Country, the Blackfeet being no different. There are pros and cons with the tribe assuming the law enforcement. The pros being that the law enforcement would be accountable to the Blackfeet Tribe and not the area office in Billings. The cons being Council interference with the police officers and there being a lack of benefits and overtime monies for the officers. We can overcome this by: 1) going after the monies that are out there for law enforcement, and 2) having balanced power between the tribe and the law and order commission
Economic Development
As a tribe we are not heading in the right direction for economic development. We are just trying to maintain what we have. To see a grocery store or a motel which will create jobs become a reality on the reservation, it takes seed money to get a loan. It takes money to make money. We don't have money because we are paying $4.5 million a year on a bad debt. We also need a strong court system so we can attract outside businesses that will bring employment to our reservation. As leaders, we need to come up with a plan on how to secure the monies that will allow us to get the financing, which will then enable us to develop the business that will bring in employment. We must have a separation of powers between the court system and the tribal council. This will enable the court system to set an atmosphere of justice, which would then attract outside businesses.
Environment
I don't want to try and re-invent the wheel. We already have an environmental program in place. However, I do have a concern. As Native Americans, we are the landlords of this country and we should take a little pride in what we have. We by far have the most beautiful reservation in America. My hat goes off to Robin Bird and the boys and girls that had a vision to clean up our town. Now that's taking pride in what we have. The tribe also owns a number of condemned buildings that cost us money daily to keep insured. Some of these buildings are full a asbestos and lead paint. These eyesores should be torn down so we could make room for new ideas.
Accountability to the membership
The general meeting was designed to be the people's day and for the council to be accountable to the people. We need to get back to that. The council should give a monthly report of their travel/meetings to the membership at the general meetings. I also believe each Council member should have a cap on their individual travel budget per fiscal year. I served on the Council from 2000 to 2002, and my travel for two years did not exceed $11,000. I have known individual council members to spend as much as $80,000 in two years on travel with no accountability to the membership. That equals $40,000 a year, which could have been a good paying job to a family of six on our reservation. This is outrageous! We must have accountability.
Henry Butterfly
Hello, my name is Henry Butterfly and this is my response to "meet the candidates" questions.
Negotiations for a Water Compact
The water compact was written to benefit the state of Montana. It clearly states the Blackfeet can have all of their 1855 priority water rights after the state uses their water rights under Montana law. The compact doesn't say how much water is in our water right and how much is in the state's water right. The state could claim it takes from May 1 to Oct. 31 to use their water. The 50,000 acre feet we are getting out of the St. Mary watershed doesn't give a diversion point. The state could say our 50,000 acre feet are in Tiber Dam or any other place they want it to come from.
Once this compact is passed, it is written in stone and the word "after" could mean anything the state wants it to mean. The compact was already done when the water right meetings were held. The tribe's water right lawyer doesn't want the people to have a second opinion by any other water right lawyers, and this is what the people need most of all.
The late Pat Calf Looking Jr. told me when he was the water resources director that he hired a water rights law firm for a second opinion and got fired by the chairman for doing this. Don Wilson was hired in his place.
The people need to know all of their options. Then this compact can be rewritten by the people after meetings are held. Compact or no compact, the Blackfeet need to be in control and compensated for every drop of water leaving our reservation.
Law and Order
We need our own Blackfeet law and order. It really can't work unless we have separation of powers with the chief of police and the court administrator voted in at every election. Without separation of powers, the Council is nine chiefs of police and run the court. The current BIA Police is short of officers, which means citizen protection is not met. A simple police report can take up to six months because it has to go to Washington, D.C.
Economic Development
I believe our natural resources will be a major part of economic development on our Reservation. We need investors to jump start us with employment. The two wars we are in that are costing billions of dollars could provide us with hundreds or thousands of jobs with determined leaders and some investor backing.
Environment
This Blackfeet Reservation, our home, is the best environment in the world. Sure, it looks bad, and it would look worse if all the tribal members didn't have a job. Income builds pride, self-esteem, love, holds families together and the list has no end. With good management we could all be part of rebuilding our homeland. Encourage stock producers to water away from our precious water and a new garbage system. Our wind energy could make us rich; also can spread trash all over. Revenue from our natural resources could fund a civil works program to do all kinds of things, like cleaning up dumpsites. Homeowners are expected to keep up their lawns. Two things hinder them, the price of water and the sod put down on pit run instead of top soil. A little brainstorming could make our homeland look good.
Accountability to the membership
I've said this over and over, recall by the people and only the people can make council accountability a reality. Recall and limiting council to two terms will rebuild our tribal government to be for the people and by the people.
Reis Fisher
I will begin by thanking the Glacier Reporter for giving the candidates the opportunity to express their opinion on some very important issues.
Negotiations for a Water Compact
Yes, we are heading in the right direction. Water rights are the most important issue of this century. The Winters Doctrine established the Tribes' right to the water as being prior to any other right and in an amount necessary to fulfill the purpose for which the reservation was created. The McCarran Amendment of 1952 returned substantial authority over water back to the states. Courts have ruled that to claim a water right we need to say how much (quantify) and what for. If we go to court, we may only end up with the "minimum amount necessary to fulfill the purpose for which the reservation was established," which is what federal courts have ruled in other cases involving the quantification of water rights. I have done a lot of research and reading on Indian water rights and I believe we are moving in the right direction by negotiating instead of litigating.
Law and Order
As I talked to people around the reservation, almost all of them mentioned law and order as a problem and several of the people gave me examples of the lack of law and order and the slow response by the BIA Police. We simply do not have enough police to adequately cover the reservation and the BIA does not have the money to hire more officers.
If the tribe decides to take over law and order under a 638 contract or compact, they would probably not receive any additional funds over what the BIA allocates for the Blackfeet Reservation. The federal government places a low priority on law and order on Indian Reservations; a strong lobbying effort is needed. We could go after other sources of funding for the police. We have several highly trained Blackfeet Police Officers who are out of work. We have the trained manpower; we need the money to establish our own police force.
Although the tribe has made some progress in developing their own police force, I do not believe it is being pursued aggressively enough to have an impact. One option is to request help from the county sheriff in certain designated areas and under controlled conditions. I know some people do not want the sheriff to have any jurisdiction on the reservation; however, I feel we need all the help we can get. We are not moving in the right direction fast enough; we need to think outside the box.
Economic Development
We are not moving in the right direction, nor are we moving in the wrong direction; we are not moving at all. I know there are some projects in the works now, which will bring temporary jobs to the people and I think that is good for the people. They need the work and the income. We need to support and encourage those projects.
However, I do not consider that economic development. We need a sustainable economy. The Blackfeet Tribe has the resources to develop a sound economic base; we have the natural resources including human resources (manpower), we have the industrial site along the railroad tracks, which is an ideal location. Several of the buildings there sit vacant and are deteriorating.
We have recreation and tourism, timber, oil and gas fields, minerals, land, water and we have the wind. We need to develop a comprehensive economic development plan which includes the entire reservation and all the communities and takes into consideration the uniqueness of each community and location and the resources available in that community. Outlying communities such as Heart Butte, Babb and Seville are usually left out; everything is centered around Browning because that is where the population is; however, the people in Heart Butte, Babb and Seville need to work also. All locations should be included in any economic endeavor.
Environment
A part of the nation building concept is to have a safe and clean neighborhood. I believe we all have to do our part and take responsibility to clean up our communities. The bins need to be picked up and dumped more frequently; however, I know and understand the problems facing the solid waste program. Again it comes to money or a shortage thereof. With the rising fuel prices, the solid waste program is going to be struggling to maintain the same level of services. We need to do some strategic planning on the environment. If we ever develop our natural gas field along the Rocky Mountain Front, we need to in a manner that protects our environment, watersheds and historical and sacred locations.
Accountability to the membership
All elected officials are accountable to their constituents regardless of the office to which they were elected and that includes Tribal Councils. The people want to know what is going on, how much money is coming in and how is it being spent. By and large most of the Tribal Councils have failed to keep the people informed.
When I was working at the hospital, I had regular meetings with the department supervisors and gave them all the information I had, including financial reports. We also had general staff meetings on a regular basis. I think we should have community meetings to keep the people informed and also to solicit their opinions on important issues. We need to complete the audits and have them published or distributed to the community. Although there may be some legal issues in the audit, which cannot be shared, the basic information can and should be distributed.
Peter "Rusty" Tatsey
At 57 years old, I am a lifetime resident of Big Badger. I grew up in a ranching household, with traditions and education, along with common sense life skills. Life has taught me many things, remaining to be humble as an individual person. I have also lived off the reservation, attending boarding schools and working to receive my Bachelors in education.
My parents are the (late) Peter Tatsey Sr. and June Bullshoe Tatsey.
All my grandparents guided me in life, from ranching sports, horse racing, rodeo, traditional games, health, education, etc.
I have a reached a point in my life where I am ready to serve the Blackfeet People. I remain an individual who will represent you and listen to your concerns so that we can work for the strength of our nation.
Our tribal government requires the support from the people; we need to work together to rebuild our nation in order to do what is best for everyone. Making right or wrong decisions and heading in any direction requires teamwork, unity, delegating authority to those who are knowledgeable and responsible for the job that they are assigned and incorporating empowerment and autonomy to complete are foundations for success.
My responses to the questions provided by the Glacier Reporter follow.
Negotiations for a
Water Compact
As a people the Creator protected us and the earth's resources and now we must follow the teachings that were provided to us.
I believe the negotiations have begun, whether we as Blackfeet people wanted them or not. We cannot get out of them unless we feel we are strong enough to face the court taking control of the decisions. That's a point for our legal person or team to give advice. I do feel there is more research and knowledge to be shared through our people and history, which could support the lawyers' work.
The Badger-Two Medicine area, they say it may be given back as part of this negotiation. Why should we get back something that is already ours? This research and documentation has to be thorough, including plants, animals, rocks, herbs, etc. It could be costly in the eyes of the dollar, but to prove ownership and usage for the Blackfeet people, without it being used as a tool (or bribe) to get our water, it would be worth it.
I have a lifetime of usage and knowledge of this area, firsthand and from the generations before me. I would like to honor those who have taught me about the area and continue the teachings for the generations to come.
In the end the people have the final vote.
Law and Order
I understand the Tribe has received a grant from the Office of Public Safety to add police officers that would work with the BIA law enforcement, to strengthen security and protection for the people. This is an area that will always need attention and it affects all levels of society. We will need to continue to seek resources in funding, knowledge (training and education), for the Blackfeet people and resources.
While protecting the people and resources, the youth are in a situation where they are being transported off the reservation. This is an issue as there are cultural and lifestyle differences. Along with the cost and expense for families to recover their children, from major to minor offenses, from holding places over 100 miles away.
Should we have a separation of powers, let the people decide as all people should be responsible for their actions and behaviors. Sometime ago, the traditional teachings governed our actions and behaviors, as it still does for those who have continued the teachings.
Economic Development
Is our strategic plan out of date? It may be time to develop a new strategic plan. We have been seeing windmill research and work for over a decade of time. Let's make some secure commitments one way or the other.
I understand we are being audience to possible defense contracts to increase the labor force. As representatives of the people, this could develop into employment opportunities, given proper attention and patience.
Environment
The people need a new landfill; this would help keep our reservation clean or the ability to keep it clean, at a lower cost, then continuing the transfer station at a higher level.
With the population of the reservation, it is a necessity to have a landfill. Transporting waste is becoming expensive.
Accountability to the membership
We have a plan of operations, constitution, charter and bylaws. In less than 30 years it will be a 100 years old. Take a look at your life; listen to the stories of your parents and their parents. Life has changed; laws have changed; our neighbors have changed a few times over.
Yes, we need to update so that we can protect our people and our nation. Civil Rights are a protected right. We need to recognize people's rights, employee's rights. Federal and state governments are compelled by law to recognize civil rights. We must insure the same protection for our people.
The policies of our tribe are outdated. In the past decade we were able to update the fish and game policy from the early 1950s. We need to look at all the policies and update them.
To update policies is only half the job. They need to be followed and recognized by all with zero manipulation. This would allow appreciation and accountability, encouraging respect for oneself, members and others.
These updated policies would strengthen the code of conduct for all Blackfeet People, leaders, employees and people of all walks of life, when addressed within the boundaries of the Blackfeet Reservation.
Edwin "Sooney"Little Plume
I am running for Blackfeet Tribal Business Council Position #9, Old Agency District. I sincerely want to thank you again for your support in the primary election and ask for your continued support in the general election. Working for the past two years as your tribal representative has given me the insight of what a tough job being on the council can be. I will continue to try hard "iikakimaatsin" and not give up trying for my people.
My response to the questions asked of all the candidates are as follows:
Negotiations for a Water Compact
In January, when the Council voted to move forward in partnership with the state of Montana on the water agreement, I voted "no" because you, the people of the Blackfeet Nation, did not have an opportunity to make your voice known through a referendum vote of the Blackfeet Tribal Membership. I will continue to stand by the voice of the people on this issue. As your representative, your voice can be heard through me.
Law and Order
Our law and order system is in need of support, we as the Amskapii Pikanii people, need to take back control of our communities' safety. A beginning step would consist of a separation of powers between the tribal council and law and order. Based on the current state of a lack of law and order on the reservation, our people are not safe. As your representative, I will support and make the effort needed in the restoration of the law and order duties from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Economic Development
In the past two years as your representative, I had the pleasure to attend the Nation Building Economic Development meetings. It brought a realization of the work that is needed to bring forth a sustainable economic development within the Blackfeet Nation. It brought to light some areas that would pave the way, including the promotion of higher education. Providing more educational resources will enable the people to overcome poverty. Improvement in providing this can begin with our local schools and Blackfeet Community College, as well as providing an opportunity for the people to attend other colleges and universities.
Another area is the development of small business on the reservation. The council needs to promote and support our people in the development of small businesses on the reservation. Small businesses are the economic engine for economic growth and progress within our communities.
Development of our water resources and wind energy needs to become a reality that can benefit our people on a daily basis and not in theory. Our location is a prime factor that should be utilized to our benefit.
Last and most important is the utilization of the taxation system, the need to develop our own taxation system that would capture the full benefit of this resource and utilize the funds to develop our economy for the betterment of the Blackfeet Nation.
Environment
Our most important economic resource at the present time lies within our environment. Developing our water resources, insuring forestry restoration and meeting our agricultural needs are daily issues that impact our livelihood. These important issues need to be addressed to best benefit the people.
Accountability to the membership
I believe that without accountability to the membership there can be no fair system of government. In our present form of government there is no system of accountability. Our present tribal council leaders want to change that system to make them more accountable to the membership. As your representative from the Old Agency District - Position #9, I will join in partnership with other members of our tribal council and push for constitutional amendments that will allow for a separation of powers to occur and reform our outdated government.
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