The Chief was our Traditional leader before and after recognition.. Hopefully the process of finding his successor will be a smooth one.
The passing of Tribal Chief Vernon ” Bunny” Lopez brought hundreds of Tribal members to the Old Indian Meeting House to tribute the Centurian. Lopes was the last chief chosen to be the traditional leader prior to recognition and remained it the chair for another 16 years. At the Council meeting the primary discussion concerned ” Raising the Chief” to replace Lopez. The question of who would lead the selection process bubbled up again several months ago when Paula Peters announced that the Clan Mothers would hold a gathering on May 6 for Tribal members to talk with those interested in assuming the role.
Councilman Domingo Texiera questioned how the Tribe should proceed in the Chief selection.
Roxanne asked what everyone wants to know…Since when are the Clan Mothers in charge?
Councilman David Weeden defended the Clan Mothers leading the process saying they were “welcoming” to the Elders and others who wanted to participate. But Councilwoman Roxane Mills Brown addressed the real issue saying, ” No one gave the Clan Mothers the authority to call the meeting. Also, there are questions about the role of the Clan Mothers in the Tribe. Clan mothers are not in the Constitution.”
Former Councilman Aaron Tobey who is chairman of the Elders said, ” The Elders should be able to provide information on the process.” He added that the Tribal Constitution does say that the Chief shall be selected by the general body according to Tribal custom and tradition. According to Tobey the Constitution also says that everything in that process is confirmed by a resolution by the Council.
Of course, Da Magpie said, “The process should not be political.” Well, let’s just violate the Constitution then. Brilliant.
So, the Council decided to let Tribal members hash it out at the General Body Meeting this Sunday.
More on the rest of the meeting tomorrow.
