The Tribal candidate qualifying process was presented to the Tribal Council by the election committee Monday night. It allows candidates to pick up packets beginning December 11 (between 2-4). Packets can be picked up after that date. Contact the committee for the cutoff date.
There are 6 seats up in 2023: Domingo Texiera, Nelson Andrews, Jr., Winnie Graham, Yvonne Frye Avant, Aaron Tobey, and Rita Pocknett. The process has not changed. Affidavits for signatures on qualifying petition forms are required, if the signer gives verbal permission. The meeting attendance waiver will continue because of COVID. Voting is in person, no more drive through. The election is February 12, 2023. Call the election committee with questions.
The Tribal Court is taking its time reviewing Marie’s challenge to her removal as Treasurer by the Tribal Council. Seems pretty cut and dry.
It’s been four months since the Council asked the Tribal Court to confirm their removal of Treasurer Marie Stone. They were also asking whether they should have a special election or replace her with Bobby Foster who came in second. The foot dragging will seemingly answer the questions since we have come full circle and are on the heels of another election. The court is looking for a permanent public defender and asked the Council to memorialize it as a judicial ordinance. The Violence Against Women Act requires it. Currently the court has an interim Public Defender.
The Enrollment Committee has lifted the enrollment moratorium. Tribal members needing assistance should call the Enrollment Committee for guidance.
The oyster relay program is expected to generate $180K a year for the Tribe.
It’s a jump start to independence but the undermining of Tribal fisherman by outsiders continues.
The planting of 750,000 oyster seeds will generate the oysters and a new income stream that the Tribe has tried to crank up for decades. While the town and the Tribe have been working together for successful harvesting, other groups continue to thwart tribal fisherman efforts to gain economic footing in the fishing industry.
We will have more on that effort next time.
