Tribal governance involves structured decision-making processes where council members discuss and vote on resolutions affecting community resources, employee benefits, and cultural preservation. Effective tribal governance requires balancing administrative procedures with community needs, ensuring transparency in financial matters, and maintaining cultural identity through events like the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn. Council meetings address practical concerns such as payroll management, grant administration, and community event planning while also serving as platforms for cultural education and intergenerational knowledge transfer.
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🌹 LIVE: Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council | May 14th, 2026Added:
Sol here eagle bearshielding cowboy right wooden junhorn bear royal yellow hop >> Robertingly Oh, >> Charles Jr.
>> here.
>> William J. Marshall >> here.
>> Wayne Frederick.
>> Emily Boyra.
>> Huh.
>> Alvin Bear Hill senior >> here.
>> Jerry Wright plank.
>> Wilcox >> here.
>> Mila Kilen sight.
>> Hi.
>> Michael Bolt senior >> here.
>> William Kendall >> here. And Blackford III. Hello.
>> Maria Little Thunder here.
13th president 13th present. We do have a quorum. I'll call the meeting to order at 10:12.
Can you say your crown?
Fore!
Foreign! Foreign!
for Fore!
Foreign! Foreign!
Foreign speech. Foreign speech. Foreign speech.
I am I am I am I all sh I Oh yeah.
>> Okay. We have requests to be excused today. We have Michelle, Marian, Wayne, and Cowboy Emily. Good morning. I'm requesting to leave early about 3:30 or 4. Thank you.
>> Stand 4:00.
Anybody else?
You going to enter a motion for the excuses? Motion by Toast. Second by Bill. Question by Laya. All in favor?
13 opposed.
>> No.
>> Not voting.
>> Zero.
>> Council, we did pretty good yesterday going from the bottom up of our uh agenda. Do you want to continue with that today? I know Treasurer Boyd requested about an hour for his report, but he's uh still working on it. So, Cammy, >> good morning. I just have a tech one that was funded out to me after my report that I need to get done accepting the EEOC funds.
>> We'll call uh Madam Secretary said that the seniors are leaving Rose Elementary right now for their walk through. So they're pulling up now the buses out.
>> Can we hear Mr. Hart sometime today?
Yesterday he set about a half an acre with us and we didn't get to it.
>> We will.
>> Oh, they're here.
>> Good morning.
We leave off on the on going up on >> judiciary committee.
>> Judiciary committee. Okay.
>> Okay. That's just what I want to find out too.
>> Thank you. Also, I passed out a um needs to be needs to be looked at at least or something, but it's the election board resolution for their contract with AES.
>> I I already passed it off.
We could bring that up under budget finance for the election board. Um just their their budget for the >> Did you get one?
>> Yeah. Yeah. Did you give Mike?
>> Yeah. When >> Madam Chair, we we reviewed that someone at our last fin.
>> It's quite an increase.
>> Yeah.
From last year. Okay.
I think it's very rude for the console.
We have guests appearing to be heard on the console floor and yet we continue to ignore them and continue on with our daily basis of our resolutions and stuff. Now, if we're concerned about resolutions, we ought to start having regularly attended uh council meetings, regularly attended committee meetings, so then we don't have to be hurrying around trying to get these resolutions passed. Get your jobs done. Now, when we have guests around this table here, we need to listen to them.
They got concerns or there's a presentation or something that needs to be done, that's why they're here. And I think it's very rude for this body to let them sit here and listen to us argue all day without even acknowledging them.
So I think in a future when we start bringing in guests, we need to pay attention to them first before we conduct our business.
>> Think they're pulling up before we start to business. Are they outside? Yeah, they're already walking into the annex.
>> There's two buses.
>> Good morning, Pedoyate and and everyone here. Um um Rosewood Elementary. Did we ever get anything figured out about that? Because that would office space.
There's a lot for us here. We're looking for office space, but if we could secure Rosewood Elementary, we could put all our land offices in there.
Can can you guys set up a meeting? Does it need to be in a motion? Because maybe >> I think it needs to be in a motion to resend that prior motion giving it to the version and then make a motion to give it to the land offices.
>> Is that what is that what we'll need to re redirect that? Yeah.
>> Have a meeting.
>> We'll need a motion to resend that prior motion giving it to the language immersion and then I'll make the motion to give it to the land office.
>> I'll I'll make you that motion. Wait.
>> Well, I just want to have a conversation about that cuz there's an update from the ed committee on >> Oh, is that We'll wait till we get to education then.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah, we'll wait.
>> You have a lot in your com. I do, but I'm waiting for a letter from Blake.
>> I just signed that letter.
>> Signed it.
>> Give it to Eric.
>> He's going to send it out. So that's okay.
Were we testimony?
>> Yeah, I was asked I don't know if you guys uh uh made a reference to it uh uh next week, the elder date and then the memorial day.
But uh D was asking that uh uh there'd be early pay on that that week uh anybody uh ask for for travel employees for early pay would that be feasible treasure if I made a motion for that or for Memorial Day or how's that look >> that we could It's not I mean it's not the best thing to do if that's what you guys want to happen a lot of problems.
>> Emily, did you have your hand up?
>> Yeah. So now I would like to make that motion memorial date. What's the >> uh I don't know the >> day Memorial Day.
>> Early for Memorial Day.
>> Yeah. Day and Memorial Day.
>> If they want to some they don't really want it. I don't think they do they have a choice trigger.
>> That's not That's not right. It's not fair.
There's a lot of payrolls back there.
>> I know, but not all tribal employees want it.
>> That's why it's it causes problem.
That's why I said if you guys want, we can do it. Otherwise, I don't like to do these or causes too many problems.
Half of them want them, half of them don't. So I pitch y'all either way. So I just would not do it.
>> Sorry.
>> I need a second before discussion.
Second.
>> Before I do that, I wanted to >> I need a second before we discuss.
>> I need a second byla.
>> Okay. Discussion.
>> What is it?
>> Um thank you um madam president. I just wanted to say maybe um with that case maybe the directors or the bosses can ask who who does want it or however so that way um it it really I know it causes problems but maybe >> we can't just let the ones who won it take it. It has to be >> all the ones who who won it >> Ben and Emily.
Okay. 26 to 11.
>> Uh wait, there's our um accounting system or software.
um or >> is there a way for the ones that want early can just get a >> and then not the discussion after?
>> Yes, let's table.
>> We'll table discussion after Yeah. 114.
Go down here. Over here.
How long are we going to Woo!
I was so excited.
Don't keep moving.
>> Okay.
Oh my god.
Good morning all you seniors, class of 2026.
It's an honor to have all of you walk through today and inspire all of our young ones moving up to graduate and move on. How many are in your class?
>> 111.
>> 111. Wow. Is that the biggest class Tounty's had?
>> Yeah.
>> I graduate from Todd County also. I just want to wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors and everything that you do.
I would like each and every one of you to come up and introduce yourselves and let you let us know what your future plans are.
>> Morning seniors, um senior adviserss. I just want to say I'm very proud of all of you. Um, graduating high school is a big step. Throughout high school, you learn who you are becoming. You know, you went through a lot of challenges and everything. Um, this is only the beginning, but the world is yours.
Congratulations.
Congratulations on your big step that you've uh taken today or you're going to take this weekend and you're finally going to go on to school someday. You're going to >> go to work, find a career and go to work. So if you do that, remember there's a grandpa tax of 10%. All right.
So no, I'm really proud of you.
And uh the last class that was here, I encouraged them, you know, um further education, whatever you can do, a trade school or go to work or whatever, always try to to to learn how our tribal government works and operates.
You're going to be our future leaders here, and it's very important that you understand how things work here. And I encourage you to go out in the world and learn and whatever whatever you want to do. Eventually, you're going to come back here.
Like I said, I I I was fortunate enough to be able to travel all over all parts of the world and stuff, but I've never found any place better than what we have here.
As much as people talk bad about it and hate it or ashamed of it or whatever, there's no place better than this.
So you young people need to learn how to make it better for everybody effective for next generation.
I mean this the step you're doing now is a big step towards that. Keep it up.
>> I'm so proud of you. Thank you.
Now I want to say that uh to the class that a big remember who you are. Um this year we remember the battle of Little Bigghorn 150 years. Remember in your blood in your blood who you are as a tribe there or you look at the as when you look at the the Catholic or the Christians they say I pray for my enemies but remember we we don't pray for our enemies.
We don't pray for our enemies. We like to fight.
>> We're fighters.
We look at the crazy horse.
Crazy horse said, "Okay, I love to fight.
That's what makes me happy."
Hey, praise has said this.
So as Lakota, we never pray for enemies.
Never.
If somebody wants our help, if they're going to fight, say, "Come get me. If they're going to fight, come get me."
Cuz as Lakota, >> that's what we are. We're fighters. We don't pray for our enemies. We fight. We always resist.
We're always going to do that.
So in in the name of Crazy Horse and the message he had for you, his song I am glory. Thank you.
Holy bucket. This is a huge class and and it's amazing to see this many graduating.
And uh always remember where you come from and always be proud of where you come from.
And for the choices you make in life from here on out, dream big and make sure the choices you make are good choices so you have a good happy life.
And I want to acknowledge and thank your parents, your guardians, your grandparents also cuz they made today possible for you to be standing here too.
So dream big everyone. Shoot for the stars, the moon, and have a good healthy life. Remember, your wellness always comes first.
So, thank you and we're very proud of you.
Uh, good morning everyone. I'm pretty sure you guys are all tired, you know, having to wake up real early just to come to all the schools. You know, they make us do that every year for all the seniors. Um, but one thing that's really unique is, um, I see a lot of my SYC kids in the crowd, too. and my little brother here too. He's the baby brother of um all the boys in my family. And um so I'm really proud of him. I'm really proud of each and every one of you for making it this far. You know, if this is where if this is the furthest you want to go, that's okay cuz it's the furthest I ever gone. And um my plan A didn't work out. I went to school, went to college cuz this were what people told me to do. And I don't know what your guys' plan is is. I don't know if you want to go to school cuz you want to go to school or if you want to go to school cuz someone's telling you to go to school. Whatever your plan is though, do it 100%. Whether you want to stay home and get a job, do it 100%. Whether you go out and represent your family and where you come from, do it 100%. But no matter what, regardless of what you hear, if plan A doesn't work out, plan there will always be a plan B here. Cuz I don't know what my plan A was a long time ago. was probably become a lawyer, maybe. Um, plan B was probably become a firefighter. Plan C was probably work at the dollar store. You know, I'm I'm on my plan K right now, and that's tribal council. Who would have thought? I never would have thought when I was 10 years ago. So, whatever you guys do, you know, you have a family that supports you. You have people that care about you deeply.
And just know that whatever it is that you want to do, just do it your whole heart cuz no one else is going to do it for you. So, you know, I'll head to Thank you guys for coming in. You guys all look beautiful. All the new haircuts, all the new shoes, new dresses. Gee, you guys look awesome.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. I just want to say congratulations to everybody here.
Uh, again, too, you know, we're we're very proud of you guys and very, I guess, uh, in you guys inspire us. that many people graduating, that many kids graduate here in Todd County. I do encourage you to continue on with whatever you're going to do. I mean, we have a lot of uh homeless people right now in St. Francis admission area. I do not want to see that more going each year. So, I encourage you guys to get your education, get some kind of knowledge, go to work somewhere. And again, too, tribal council is one of the places that I guess as tribal members, you guys would have a goal to, I guess, achieve, whether it's sitting up there as a chairman or sitting down here at council. So I do encourage you guys to to seek those out but at the same time educate yourself. I just went uh to a graduation last uh week. Uh my daughter graduated from high school has university. So those are opportunities out there that you guys can also reach for also. But I want to say congratulations to each and every one of you. Also to my god daughter Lily over there. Hope she's hope she's looking.
But I want to say thank you for coming and showing off that you guys are achieving something here. So coming to all these schools, it's a it's a great honor for all our um uh what is it elementary and all these places that you guys are seeing. It's an honor especially see this many people here in this council chambers also. It's great.
So again congratulations and continue doing the good work that you guys are doing. So thank you >> Sam and then >> okay >> then Bob and Cherry >> I want to say congratulations to to you also along with my colleagues I graduated from your school many years back and uh just do what I want to echo the words of my colleagues always remember where he came I'm um I'm from the Spring Creek um area down there and um if you ever want to say dinosaurs, come on.
But um I just want to say I'm really proud of each and every one of you. Um what you're doing today is representing our future and this is powerful, very powerful. you bringing your energy here to us today. Um, and I want you to to look at the colors you're wearing.
The blue that is the makia, the the the clouds, the the sky. The yellow that is the sun.
Those colors you wear mean something.
They represent something in your in your native way.
And that's what it's going to be like for you. a beautiful day, sunshiny day in the rest of your life. You're going to have some hardships, but you know what? You're going to get through it.
They're called growing pains. We all have them. I'm 55. I still have growing pains, you know. So, don't don't ever give up. Look, and you know, find a peer. And I always say this to my own kids.
Don't ever say, "I can't.
I can't." That's not in the LA. That's not in the Lakot way.
We always do things together. And as we do things together, this is what we achieve. Look at all of you. You're side by side and you're all happy for each other. And I want to remind you that, you know, these these other underassmen, you know, they're watching you. You probably pulled somebody through to graduate. So remember that. always look around you, smile, you know, encourage someone. But, you know, today is a beautiful day and I want to remind you, you celebrate. Celebrate in a positive way. Take care of each other. Stay happy. Stay gold. You know, you all look so beautiful. You know, you're just amazing. And to know that this many of our graduates are opening these doors, you know, when you go out there, I wish you the best. And that's coming from all of us as a tribal nation to support all of you. So, I'm very proud of you. Thank you so much.
shoes.
Uh uh as of I'm 73 years old and half of these kids are probably my grandkids. I don't know.
But I'm not going to tell you guys what to do. That's your choice.
>> You guys got the keys to the door to opportunity.
>> Makes me proud.
>> Thank you.
>> I'm so happy all of you are here today.
Thank you for joining us and letting us see your faces. Um, I'm proud of each and every one of you and I'm happy to see a lot of my nephews and nieces in the crowd today. Um, this is only the beginning of your career and I just want to take some time to reflect on our ancestors. Think about our ancestors and the way our people used to be. Right now, our tribe needs a lot of healing.
We have a lot of healing to do. We're not always good relatives. We're walking in this world between this IRA government that was forced upon us and our traditional ways. But when you look to our ancestors, they have answers for everything. They were a societal people that lived in close proximity to each other. Because of that, we had strict laws. And one of the things that I really want to express is back in the day, everyone had a job. No matter what it was, everyone had a job and everyone had a place in society. If it was making quill work, if it was cutting wood, people didn't depend on just the leaders. The chiefs didn't go out and get all the wood and say, "Hey people, the wood is here. Come get it."
We got to get away from that mentality.
Don't think of what your tribe can do for you. Think of what you can do to help your tribe. And I don't say that from a hypocritical stance. That's how I lived my life. I've lived my life in service to this to this reservation. And I would love to see each and every one of you, 111 people doing one thing positive for this place. How amazing and how much change that would make for us here. Whatever your path is that you decide, um, do it and be proud of it. And if something doesn't work out, that's okay.
This system, this educational system, it's not the best for our people. It's not the way our people learn. A lot of our people learn hands-on. A lot of our people learn differently. There's no shame in that. Our people were very intelligent. We had scientists and astrologs. We have our own ways. So don't forget that. And don't forget where you came from. this whatever career path you take, we're going to be proud of you. The thing that you all as young people need to know that we're all rooting for you. Nobody is sitting here wanting you to fail.
>> Nobody wants you to fail. We want you to succeed. We want to see you do good things. We want to see you do better than us.
>> So continue your path, whatever that may be, and continue to make us proud. There was a meme on Facebook and it really upset me. It said, "We didn't cry at your graduation for you to work at the tribal building." And I was offended. I work here.
All the people who work for these tribal programs. They service our people and a lot of them have given their life, dedicated their life and died working for this tribe. So, I'm proud of all of our people regardless.
And I'm proud of you. I'm proud of our young people. Be role models and help our nation. Do something to help our people, even if it isn't here on the reservation.
Thank you for being here today.
Hello all. Good morning.
My colleagues have made some very good speeches which pretty much passed me up and and what I wanted to say which is which is good. I just want to say that I encourage you all here today to go forward you know make your own pathway and um accomplish your goals and live your dreams. Uh travel the world if you want to because personally I kind of wanted to do that when I was growing up.
You know I didn't get the opportunity so I created it for my kids. um join the military if you want to, you know, do do what you want to do because in the end it's ultimately your guys's own decision. Um if you guys decide to go to school, there's some fields here that you know our tribe can greatly benefit from that will help service our people.
You know, we have one engineer that works for our tribe. That's a good accomplishment. And we need nurses, we need doctors, we need attorneys, we need we need all these these um these positions, you know, which you guys have the opportunity to obtain now at your age. And you know, there's um opportunities such as scholarships and things like that if you go through, you know, our education program, reach out there, Google, you know, there's AI, there's different things out there that all of you guys can do. But after you graduate, it's your choice. And I really hope that you guys make good choices.
And like Sher said, you know, if you make the mistake, don't give up. Get back up and just keep going forward cuz it's never the end of the world. You know, you just it's your choices that you make. But I want to say congratulations.
Very proud of you guys. There's a lot of students here and it just amazes me.
111. Wow. Congratulations.
Good morning. Um, so I'm Dr. Thurma. I'm the assistant director for the tribes education department. Um, first and foremost, congratulations.
Thank you for coming and you guys look so beautiful. I just have to say coming through my lifetime of education and these different milestones I never got to represent Sangu country in the year in in what you're wearing when you're getting that paper that says you met this milestone. So for me to see this and to be a part of helping my daughter be able to represent who we are like first I want you to hold that close and be very proud as you are walking through and representing who we are through the bead work through the artwork that's representation of our people the people who help put those together for you cuz there's a lot of places around the country where students and other tribes don't get to do this and I want you to know that the department along with the other eight tribes in the state worked hard with other departments, the state of education, the state's department of education and BIE to ensure that you have the right to do this without question. And so I am so proud to see see you standing here. I'm happy to see so many of our children filling this particular space.
So there was a lot said about moving forward. There's a lot of wisdom in this room, the leaders that that occupied this room. So I hope you will take what they've said, think about it, use it in any way that fits you. Um, this is the first milestone.
This is not the last. This is not the only milestone.
Continue to move on. continue to move forward. There will be multiple milestones and they will come in different ways. Some of you will go on to formal education. Some of some of you will go into work. Some of you some of you will do other things. Those are all paths and those are the paths you get to choose.
There's a lot of people the school for one help set the foundation.
You get the choice.
Use that choice. Think about what you want to do. Ultimately, this space is waiting for you.
We are working hard to ensure that we create space for our young people at the table so that when you're ready to come back, there is a place for you. There's been a few generations where we've had to work to make that happen.
We're ready for you. We don't want it to be anymore. You hear you hear us say go go go go do something come back and help your people. We're ready for you. We are currently working to make sure those things are happening. So when you come back we're ready for you. There is a place for you here at home. There's a place for you here in the community to help serve the people to help the economy to raise your family.
If you go on to formal education, I just want you to know there will be a lot of mistakes there. Those are the learning spaces.
You have to make those mistakes. You don't make them and quit.
You make them, learn from them, and continue to move forward.
That's what it's about. Cuz we are not perfect in any way. And if you make that first mistake and give up, then you haven't learned the lesson.
Nothing gets done perfect the first time.
So go on. I stand up here as Dr. Claremont because many years ago, my grandparents and my parents said, "Go, you have to go to school." was a different world I think a few generations back because like you've heard before the current systems they're not they're not made for us.
We work really hard to make sure that the spaces you sit in in those classrooms acknowledge you and recognize you as you are.
We worked really hard to make that happen.
They said go you have to learn those ways in order to understand because our tribal government is a representation.
It it follows the same format as the US government.
So you have to know that you have to be able to go and know how to come back and be in this space and you can. You are our most precious resource.
Most precious resource. And you are our future leaders. You are our future families, our future community members, raising families, our future workforce, our future economy.
It's very important that you go do the thing you want to do. Come back. And I want to echo, we deal with homelessness in our community with our youth.
There are programs, there are services.
Please don't give up.
Please don't give up. This space is a place you can come and ask for help. You have 20 represent representatives that sit around this space. You have an education department you can reach out to.
>> You are you guys are on the road. The fact that you're standing in here ready to go on says that you are already successful.
Now all you have to do is build on it.
So I I I tried to be an example by having the doctor because at one time in order to be native and access space to make decisions, you almost had to have certain degrees behind your name. That's not always the case anymore.
So whatever you choose to do, do it with pride and humility and a strong look up to >> Thank you.
Thank you class of 2026.
Um I just want to congratulate all of you. We are all very proud of you as we have all spoken about and I just want to reiterate that too. Don't ever be afraid to ask for help as you move forward. We are all here for you. Congratulations and have a safe and happy graduation.
>> Want to go around and shake hands with the counselors?
>> Just start where you are.
We should start.
>> 99% of life is just showing up. Nice.
This one.
Congratulations.
>> Congratulations.
How old are you?
That's >> congratulations.
She's probably really happy.
Congratulations.
You better give me it this far.
Oh my god.
>> My iPad.
Congratulations.
>> Congratulations.
you know, congratulations.
Congratulations.
Proud of you, Lauren. Thank you.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Three words.
Good luck.
68 out of Falcon kids.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
Congratulations.
How are you?
They just had to stand still.
>> Good picture.
>> Congratulations.
Rose.
mostelebr.
Oh, Rodriguez.
I'm getting used to They all just want to look at themselves for a horizon.
Okay, council. We'll go ahead and just uh continue with the discussion on the early pay motion. I have Tammy, Ben, and Emily.
>> Council, I just met with council wants to do that, then we'll just run the whole payroll early. Those that want early pay are going to have to let payroll know. So the right dates we put on the checks and the direct deposit. Those that don't want early pay, the checks are going to have the regular pay check date on there and direct deposit on the regular pay. But we're going to run everything at once, but you have to notify payroll if you can mon.
>> So be a paper check if they don't.
>> Um I I I think we can do both if you notify payroll.
>> Okay. Did we need the motion then?
>> Yeah, I need the motion.
>> Okay, Tammy.
>> Oh, no. I was just halfway.
>> I think I guess my take on it. I know we go through this every every year um about early pay and a lot of these holidays and stuff. So, I know Fourth of July is going to be coming up. I know um you know uh Rose Fair. So, is there some kind of a system that we can actually look at to see where this is going to be? because I know with payroll it's really tough because some people get already paid and it's going to be another 3 weeks before they get paid again. So that's our biggest thing and then also the ones who get already paid have bills that are supposed to be paid on on that date when I know there's some concerns that you know again our our travel members are employees are having some difficulties with. So we as a body need to determine how we going to do this if we're going to do a go through with it or not. You know, I'm I'm happy that uh you know, we were able to do this for these u employees who want it because again, holidays are one in a lifetime type deal. You know, you always say yolo, you only live once. So again, most of these um holidays, we won't get them all the time, especially with our elders and our younger generation. So just just a thought, you know, so if we can get help, then not make anything worse.
That's is my take on it. So um every year we go through it. I just want to make sure we get some some kind of system set up so we can get it straight up. But that's just my thoughts on it.
My concern I would be in support of it just because again it's a holiday.
>> Thank you Emily.
>> Thank you. I'm trying to remember what it was. I I think my question was just do we already have a process in place where if an employee wanted to access their pay early that they would request either early pay or partial pay or whatever? I thought that was already in place to do a pay advance. So I'm just curious in emergencies though. Okay.
Yeah. have the emergencies, sir, for the early pay requests.
>> Okay, thank you.
>> Um, Laya, thank you. I just wanted to say, um, we don't really need to be nitpicking at anything because these are like administrative wise, they can make those decisions up up there. But um in support of today what what we're going through gas prices everything you know um it's outrageous and you know you look at just how how bad it's getting and um I think that um if something is put together or however admin deals with it and stuff then that we can look at it at personnel as well and just kind of create something for for this to be taken care of. But um it we we need to give our employees options. You know, I I don't I don't feel like, you know, we should dictate to people how they spend their money or what they want to do with it, but we we can as a body do something positive and, you know, set up options for people. So, I know it's tough on payroll. It's tough on the guys back there, but we can work something out together to help everybody.
>> Sherry and Mike.
Um, oh, that's that's >> um >> I I'll support this. I just want to say that um as native people, we um have a we don't have the greatest relationship with money. And I think that, you know, we have options in in order to help make that better cuz we're going to do early pay and then those people are going to be in the same boat in a few weeks because they're going to have a long wait in between pay and we have Tatona funds that offers financial literacy and budgeting classes and I would like to see admin leave allowed for that. Um, I'll get the schedule and dates and at our next meeting bring something forth to make a motion to request that because um, budgeting is important. You know, when I did my budget this year, I had to think about who's all grant those.
There's like five kids that came through here that I that I had to budget for for this month. And um other things, you know, and learning how to do that and being okay with saying, "I'm not good with money, but I'm willing to learn how to be." And emergencies come up. And I know money is a sensitive issue, but we have to get away from this. Our people budgeted.
Our ancestors budgeted. I gave a big old speech to these kids today about looking to our ancestors. They didn't wait till November to get wood. They hunted. They dried beef or buffalo. They they made papa. They did all these things to budget for the winter. And our people need to start doing that, too. So, when I get that schedule, I'll make that motion. And I think that there shouldn't be no shame in it. There's nothing to be embarrassed of. Money was pushed on us and it's still new to us as a people.
So, I think it's something educational that we could work work with. But I will support this today.
>> I have my Tammy.
>> Give me the one that don't work.
Well, you know, I sort of toughest thing to get speech making is, you know, great and all that stuff, you know, but um and it's easy for us to sit here and talk about it cuz we don't have to do the work, you know. Um I don't think things are as technology makes payroll a lot more complicated these days. I'm thinking, you know, these were the good old days. I mean the old days where everything was pencil and paper and whatnot it would be a lot simpler but it isn't like that anymore you know and I think that's what that's where Mr. boy is coming from. So let's let's keep that in mind. You know, our our employees are uh our people in fine arts are tribal employees also, you know.
Let's get on with it.
Okay. Just really quick, I just wanted to ask um personnel when you guys um look at this this process or whatever, can you consider weekly pay for those that want it? SWBA offers that as soon as you get hired, you get an option for weekly pay, bi-weekly pay, etc., etc. Um, I know our our system back there is set up for that. And another thing that I think um personnel should consider is making our personnel actions um electronic as well cuz they sit for a very long time. They get lost and those are just things that need to be done.
But um Roy had a motion on the floor. It was tabled. If he wants to make it again, we can second.
>> No, we just stopped the second.
>> We just stopped it. Okay. So, I'll question that.
>> Okay. Question by Tammy.
>> All in favor?
>> For those who want it, right?
>> Yep.
>> Who seconded that? Um, second.
10.
>> One, two, two.
>> Over here.
>> Three.
Not booty.
>> One, two, and jury too. Motion carried.
1314 because 10.
>> Yes. say um we just wrote it on uh early pay.
Now uh the way I look at it is that we should have some and those that are financially comfortable are the ones that kind of turn a sad eye towards that. And we always got to remember we got to represent everybody. And there are some people out there that are in need of money.
And we just think about the ones that are financially comfortable when we make these decisions. But we also got to think those ones that are struggling.
Give them a choice whether they want it or not. That's not hard to do.
And now we got the seven 12 virtues up there. Now, we just don't have that here. I always say that.
I know it's going to create a chaos in the back, but you know what? We get paid for that though.
We get paid to handle that stuff.
To my people that are trying to get this early pay, That early pay could help you, but it could always hurt you, too. So, you got to start spending wisely.
Now, whatever your needs are for your attempt to get that early pay, spend it wisely to make it last till the next payday.
But if you spend it now and it disappears, you got three whole long weeks to wait for your next payday job.
That's my encouragement to the people that are going to get the early pay.
Spend it wisely.
to ask Wayne uh the question, but uh weekly pay that has that ever been brought up? Is that possible? I mean, I know a casino does it, you know, where you know, they get week every paid every week, you know. So, is that is that a possibility? I mean, you know, the tribe able to go in that direction or is it too be too complicated? Cuz I know the casino does it all the time. It's been doing it since they opened up. So, every week they get paid every Friday. So, weekly paid probably one of the things I think we can probably look into if it's possible. I know there's restrictions regarding, you know, the federal funding and things that effect, but just a possibility if we, you know, we looked into that, maybe do a survey for all the programs out there to find out if early pay would be or weekly pay would be beneficial uh benefiting them so that way they get paid no matter what every week. Now, I just just my thoughts on it because again, you know, solutions and maybe trying to help out um the finance department, things that affect I guess, but uh I just wanted to cuz I know the casino has done it in all these years and it's benefiting them. you don't see them early.
>> It might it might work for some general funded programs, but I know like for fally funded programs, we do the draw downs of pay before payday >> and so I don't know if that would be I don't know if they would be able to draw down that money weekly. So, but that would be a treasure boy question that so I I just thought, you know, maybe we can put a survey out there to the to the programs to find out, see if that's a possibility. Um, and then maybe look at guidelines. So I think just a plan again like I said do said before too we do this every year you know and I think that might be something that we can look into every year cuz again we do have uh again fourth of July coming back coming up you know all these things that are coming up so um just to find some way that we can kind of come to an agreement of how we can get around it. So just a thought on that one. Thank you >> Mike and Emily.
>> I'll second the motion.
>> Um you know SWA does early pay. We have some tribal programs that are doing not early pay um weekly pay. We have some tribal programs that are doing weekly pay. You know, the the system was created for that those options because S SWA has the same system as we do. So, the possibility is there. But, um I'll make the motion to submit out a survey to our tribal employees.
>> We're going to have finance or >> our tribal Yeah. to have finance submit a survey to our tribal employees regarding, you know, the to offer the option of um weekly pay if they're, you know, however they want to do their survey and to have the results back to us by the next council meeting this month, the 27th.
Well, if they get their survey together and we have early pay, maybe they could I don't know. Will they will will they get the time frame or do you want to do it by the >> Well, they can email it to the directors and the directors can um give it to their employees and then turn it in and they should have some result.
>> What was the date? 27th.
>> Yeah.
Can I read this back to you, >> Tammy?
Okay. Motion by Tammy to submit a survey to have the finance >> finance department submit a survey to tribal employees regarding the offer option of weekly pay with the result back to council by May 27.
>> Second Emily. Second by Mike.
>> Emily >> Emily Emily had a comment >> discussion Mike.
>> So when the results come back and it's um 6040 how we going to or if it's if it's 55 55 45 how are we going to go?
>> I think it should be referred back to budget and finance.
>> Judging from what I see the mentality we use here is well we'll do it for some and we won't do it for the others.
That's what 55 45 needs or you know I mean this is this >> um >> is it an option you know order >> the other thing we should do is we should hear from the people that have to do the work the people that have to uh deal with u uh uh money management the draw downs and all that stuff you know uh >> you know Wayne sits up there and he tries to accommodate us you know but uh >> I got you it's It may not be as easy and just because housing does it. They have their own independent. They have a separate system up there. So certain they can do it. They could pay every day if they wanted to, you know, but they they have draw down issues also, you know, and you got to have money in the bank in order to cash flow this thing, you know.
>> It's just a survey. I didn't say that we were going to force it or make it happen, but it's just a survey. If everybody if every I still got the floor. So, but if everybody, you know, votes 100% then then it's simple. But it's not going to come back that way.
Some are going to want and some aren't.
So, right now, let's decide how are we going to uh how are we going to uh uh judge uh which way we're going to go. If it's 6040, we we're going to go with the 60 then and everybody's going to take it. That's what I'm getting.
>> Some are going to want it, some ain't going to want it.
Emily, >> um I would be interested to hear from the treasur now that he's back about what that would look like. Um, and the reason why I'm saying that is because like Tatty said, there are other entities that do offer that and they used it more of like a recruitment and retention tactic because especially in law enforcement and things like that, it's really helpful as a recruitment tool to offer that when we're talking about here where we know I mean we were talking about budgeting earlier and I totally get that like we do not have the best relationship with money but we also don't have a lot of money and it's kind of problematic to ask somebody to budget when you're when you never have enough.
You know what I mean? And so you're never going to budget your way out of poverty. So, I just want to say like when we're talking about these things, the flip side of that conversation is fair wages and improving our uh increasing our base pay and things like that. So, I just wanted to say that there's more to this conversation, but in specific to this weekly pay, I think the intention was just to see what our tribal employees would like and then the discussion would come about, well, how does that work and how would that even be possible or feasible or anything like that? But since we've already brought it up, I'm wondering if it would be an immediate draw down issue or or you know money flow issue if we were to offer either all or partial option like you know what I mean kind of how we just said with early pay if it was an option or a weekly pay. Thank you.
>> It's not going to be a difficult thing to go on a weekly payroll as long as everybody does it.
What gets complicated confusion confusing is if you got half them weekly half bi-weekly then it gets then it's hard to manage the money because we have so many different friend agencies and in payroll we have to draw the money down. We we uh get our time cards in. We know what what our payroll obligations in. Then we have to request the money and transfer that money from that account into our payroll account.
And that all takes time and it takes coordination.
So we can do weekly or bi-weekly as long as it's all at once. As long as it's not half and half or whatever, that would be very difficult to do.
>> Well, thank you again. Uh this is one of the reasons why we're trying to do the survey so we can find out whether it's feasible or not. And at the same time too, you know, it eliminate a lot of the early pay, a lot of the uh, you know, things that are we're having problems with right now. So, I mean, if it's if it's doable, meaning that if our finance department can do it, then that's why the survey would survey would go out.
But I don't I don't expect our tribal programs, our tribe employees to say, "Oh, I want it. No, I don't want it."
You know, there's got to be that fine line to say, "If you want it, we're all going to do it. If not, then no." Now, I do see Mike's problem saying if there's 6040, you know, or something like 60% they they want it 40% don't want to do it, then that's just what we're looking at. But we make the decisions to determine how that pay is going to go.
But I we want to leave it up to the programs to determine what they could do. And again, I don't see any way no other problems with uh these programs or these entities that are doing it a weekly paid because again, it's every Friday. Now, if it's harsh on the on the financial department, then I guess that's what we're going to have to probably look at to see what we can do to try to better it. I know Mike kind of took down the uh um the uh I guess the uh uh the uh fast procedure way right now of having technology be fair to us.
It's helping us right now. We do have to be careful what what's going to help help us is with AI and stuff like that.
But I do think that it's beneficial because again if we went back to the regular paperwork, it'd be hard. Be price is hard. You'd sit there for a whole week to try to get caught up on stuff. So anyway, those are just my thoughts on it. If it's possible, we should look into it. But I'm glad we're able to do the and then yeah I would have I would have made a motion but I just so to do that survey we're given the opportunity for our members to actually have the voice you be able to to speak on behalf of it. So those are just my thoughts on it and I would definitely support this survey the survey of what we're not going to get 100% survey at the end of the month here. So that's why I was going to say maybe 50% because it's going to kind of be hard to get the directors out there.
Some are going to be on leave some going to be on you know they're not going to be there in their profession. So it's going to be kind of tough. So I would say maybe 50% of the employees would just the survey went out to everybody at least they can they can send it back to say what they want how they want it. So that's just my thoughts on it and again um we're trying to find some kind of solution to it. So but thank you >> question for the question >> question by Sherry. All in favor? Come here.
>> Whoa.
>> Pause.
>> What?
>> What?
>> What?
two motion carried me.
>> Yep.
>> And then >> just one question, right? If you would want the option of having weekly pay >> or or it could be or just ask them do you prefer weekly pay or bi-weekly pay like just something like that.
>> Simple simple nothing >> just the option to have any you can have bi-weekly and you can have weekly.
Yeah.
>> Can we um council, could we uh do the treasures report? He has a lot.
Nobody don't have any objections.
>> Are you ready?
>> Yeah. Um, just I'll hang up this uh it's just a real simple um two page uh financial report on the fair. Um I I'll bring Brenda in here a little bit to answer any any the detailed questions you have.
Um, I want to I want to bring up an issue on our tribal electrification grant.
Um, our our uh lobbyists and our attorney are telling us to go ahead and just start spending the fund.
Um, did did you get copy this year from >> I think he emailed him this morning.
>> Anyway, I'll I'll have copies made out to you guys. Um, >> so the phone that the funds that you just mentioned that um we got saying we should spend them or draw them or whatever. Do we have access to them?
>> Yeah, they're in our account.
>> So they're in their account. We just didn't want to send them because of everything that was going on with the new administration.
>> We got an email from the contracting officer saying that.
to push to pause spending of that because IG was doing some kind of review was sent out an email about a year ago.
>> But we still have access to the funds that's still on our end.
>> Bank. Yeah.
>> Thank you.
>> Yeah. So, I'm I'm sorry I didn't quite get the >> I'm going to have to what you said.
>> We have the money here. Uh, and we awarded $12 million the electrification grant.
>> Sure.
>> And then >> we had that problem.
>> Right. Right after the new administration took over, we received an email saying that all of the uh um energy programs are on pause, >> right?
>> So that was the first pause.
So we had to go through Doge and all that stuff to get the money released. We we answered all our questions and then we got another email after that from the contracting officer saying those months are still on pause sending further ov >> but we've never received anything in writing other than that email.
So what what are what OJ and Shannon did and Blake they they sent letters to the assistant secretary um several letters asking them why these funds are being frozen no response. And then about 2 months ago, um, Colt sent a letter to the assistant secretary saying that if we don't have a response from me within 30 days, we're going to consider that no response and we're going to spend money.
>> We're going to consider that. You got to raise your hand.
>> He has the floor.
>> I got the floor.
>> So, we're going to consider that then just to go ahead and proceed then, >> right? Yeah.
>> Okay.
>> So, that that's that's what they're recommending we do. So, no response from the secretary or whatever, you know, recommended we take that as a a yes. Go ahead.
>> Proceed.
>> So, um that that's one of the things I'm I'm going to request of you, but I'll make copies of it for you guys right now.
>> I have a quick question if you're um do we want this as a motion or should we draft have Eric drafted to resolution form >> or motion? I think it should be >> Oh. I'll have Eric draft a resolution.
Okay.
>> Okay. I think it should be a resolution >> just because it's kind of long and lengthy and then and then the amount too.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. I'll have that. I'll bring it back later.
Council, I have a a couple other things here.
Um first of all, there there's a contract here for their attorney.
They they currently don't have an attorney, I guess. Remember this. This is from the equal office from Shirley and she asked me to to present it and uh it's self-explanatory here.
I did. should bring it Maybe for example, you want spiritual order.
>> How to order cherry?
>> You have had it for about five years now. The spider falling apart.
>> Does anybody want to bring this on as emergency?
>> I have a question.
You know that this happened way too much with some of this stuff because I have nothing again.
I'll agree to this, but why do we always bring resolutions forth after the fact?
So, he's been being paid since um January 1st of 2026 until September 30th.
It should have already been on the floor. Is it because social services didn't have uh quorum? Because the motion from social services was dated April 27th.
I don't know.
And you know, we have business to tend to and we haven't been getting plumbed.
That's not right either with these committees. That's why a lot of the stuff comes right to the floor and we don't even have time to discuss it.
And and a good example of it was the solid waste yesterday. That res that resolution that and these binders and was approved of since January and we just got to it.
So whose role and responsibility is it to bring forth those? Is it our secretary or does she only do our minutes?
Somebody needs to be in charge of it cuz we should have been informed of this resolution. All the you know the the solid waste one that should have been on the floor a long time ago with the several other ones. So we need to make a decision to whose role and responsibility it is to keep these motions updated in these resolutions brought forth >> because the committee chairs and I know council if you recall back in February I think we had one day for resolutions and we didn't do any.
>> So maybe we should make an uh set aside a day just for resolutions only.
You need to really do what Bob said.
Council um Councilman Ravenly who said that earlier and then maybe uh our secretary can make sure that these are follow just followed up on and touch base with the ladies in the office and say, "Hey, let's get this one on the floor." You know, just as a a friendly reminder.
>> That's what this list is for. Every every month when I bring it, that's what this list is for.
Oh, we but the resolutions are done past some of them. So, we need to set a special date for our resolution because with BIA, we gave money back cuz we didn't pass resolutions here. We gave carryover money back because we never passed those resolutions on this floor.
>> Thank you.
>> And again, council, I really feel awkward about doing this. I mean, I I don't like to present his resolutions because I don't know anything about bothering you, but they just drop them off in my office and say, "Can you do this? That's what I'm doing."
>> Yeah, I I understand that, Wayne.
>> I I have something to do because you guys did transportation yesterday and this morning there were more dropped off from the from the transportation department. I got you >> after Cowboy gave his report. So, >> I have Mike and then Sherry.
Uh just for clarification on this particular issue. Um so Wayne, we haven't paid any funds to the law firm for these services at W.
>> We can without contract.
>> I understand it. But so we haven't paid anything >> to my knowledge. No, >> but um he's probably done work. So there's probably an accounts payable there, right?
>> I'm assuming. Is that a is that going to be an audit problem?
>> I know if we paid the cash, it'd be disallowed cost, but if it's a if it's an accounts payable thing, are we going to have an audit issue there?
>> It >> I don't know. It's an instant question.
>> It would probably get mentioned in the audit.
It wouldn't be a >> It's not going to be a serious blow or anything.
>> Seriously blow >> opposed if we actually have written checks and pay. Yeah. Fine. Sure.
>> Thank you. Um I guess it's really um important for us to communicate with our directors that they need to reach out to the specific community chairs. And if all of you recall, uh ordinance 8604 specifically states how resolutions are brought to the floor. And really the treasurer, the president, the vice president or secretary are not supposed to bring anything to the floor.
It's supposed to come from a committee.
Um the committees that I try my best to keep in good contact with the directors, visit with them, see if there's anything they need, especially if we haven't had a meeting. And um I guess maybe we should um policy have yet have some policy draft a memo informing our directors of that so then they're aware of the avenues that they need to take but also um a small training here for us for our community or our committee chairs so that our committee chairs know their responsibility cuz it's tough being a committee chair. you don't just show up to the meeting and run it, but you have a lot of followup to do and there's a lot of work behind a committee chair.
So, um that's my suggestion is that we do that and um um after we do uh do you have any other resolutions that you want to bring up? I I'm just going to present them. I'm going to send them back. You guys have set up a day for resolutions. I'm telling >> are they time >> or they can go under the committee.
They're supposed to.
>> Yeah. The the only only two I like to present was one from Ken Leoo and it was a resolution that kind of gives the administration the authorization to accept these end of the year funds because like what happened last year and this is a lot of it got sent back because council didn't pass resolution resolution pass.
>> Is that in our book binders with economic development?
>> I doubt it. You just gave it to me.
>> Oh, we don't have the number. We just give it to the lady.
>> So, >> um I think because of the fact that we've had so many council meetings, um I think that the council should just have the committee chairs bring them on so that way we don't hold up business.
However, we do need to know going forward. We need to let our directors know and our committee chairs know to really collaborate a little bit better.
Yep. Uh, councilwoman, right? Maybe if we come up with even though there's that stating what they need to do, we need to do a policy too cuz this has been brought on the floor before. Wayne, you know, it's it's not your fault and they just bring it to you cuz you're our treasure and thank you cuz you are here.
You know, you are a money man and you take good care of the tribe. So, thank you. Um, and you are you are here. So, thank you. But yeah, that we can bring them up with the when we get to them on the agenda.
>> Mike, one other this resolution authorizes engagement retroactive in January 1st. I mean, that was like 4 months ago. I mean, is this uh requ this uh request for payment been languishing in the building since then or did it just come from the program? When did it come from your program?
>> What the questions you need to ask the director? And again, that's why I don't >> I mean, when did you first see it, Wayne?
>> Yesterday.
>> Well, obviously then it just it just And you got you uh you didn't get it. You got it from the secretary's office.
>> The director.
>> Okay. Well, we see >> what about that problem?
>> So, it looks like social services met on April.
>> This program has been utilizing these legal services January 1st and they just now within last week showed up with the resolution authorizing engagement.
Let's not forget about that. That's a problem, isn't it?
Timeliness.
So, it was it was referred up from committee social services committee on April 27th. So I don't know if that committee hasn't met since January or prior to that but that's that's where that >> well yeah talking about obviously they start using this attorney services on January 1st otherwise they wouldn't want retroactive authorization right it's true ah um what can happen from heated discussion regarding the petition resolutions and I mentioned it before but it fell to Jeff ears seems like it's not even a concern but uh what I'm curious about is these committees meeting I heard the health board met hasn't met for two months and this is a problem social service bringing in a document in April when it was supposed to be in in January. It was given to the tribal treasur.
So there's a miscommunication between the program directors, the committee and the council.
And I kept telling you guys this is the reason why there's a lot of petition resolutions is because the committees are not meeting.
and then it jumps right up to the administration office because of that.
So, uh, ladies, madame chair, I want to make a motion and I'm going to request a roll call vote.
I'm making a motion for the secretary's office to release a data on how many council meetings are meeting and how many committee meetings are meeting, how many postponements and cancellations there are. What's the time frame?
>> What's that >> time frame?
>> As soon as possible.
>> I mean, do you want to go back to October 1st or a year or >> go back a whole year?
>> Last fiscal year in this >> Yep. And and and I think it's lack of uh transparency, lack of accountability that you guys ran for elections on.
You guys ran on that and we're not showing that to the people.
So rather than playing the blame game here, we need to start identifying the real blame and take care of that.
>> Yeah.
>> Oh, last year and this year, Bob.
>> Yeah.
>> FY25 and 26.
>> No, there a second. Emily, >> I also have a question. Emily, Laya, thank you. I'm wondering, Mr. traveling leaf, if you would be willing to amend it to include not only the attendance for the meetings that were had, but also the request to be excused on the days for the meetings that had to be cancelled due to the quorum cuz I think if we do only the meetings that were here, there's going to be a lot of them that aren't even on that list and so it might not be the full uh what you're looking for, I guess.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I'm I'm I'm willing to amend that to include all the council people and the committee members and reports of their attendance because I think that there's a lot of council people that aren't attending meetings and they're not even off the committee because they miss three meetings. That's in the constitution.
Constitution requires you to attend three meeting. If you miss three meetings, you're out.
But then when it come to travel, they're sure everybody's standing in line.
That's not right.
I'm I'm also looking at the prospects of those that are not running for reelection or their their terms are ended. I'm considering putting a moratorum on our travel >> because they're not doing the tribe any good. You're going to be voted out or you're not going to run for election or whatever. So why should we waste money on you? You're not bringing anything back for the good for the tribe.
So I think that that's a good idea to have the members's voting our attendance record. Also, >> um I was just going to um add to that because you know our people are really frustrated because things aren't getting done and it's not the fault of the daily people, but there's a lack of um communication and a lack of things. So when it gets here, you know, we got so much that we got to look forward and push forward to, but we can't get that stuff done because we're doing, you know, other things.
But, you know, same thing with travel. I have a concern about that. And I don't know if I would have to make a motion or we would add this to that, Ash.
I'd like our travel posted.
I'd like the the people to see, you know, they have a right to see where we're at, what we're doing. If we can't make a meeting, then they'll know why.
Then they'll understand. And then cuz people drive and they come here and they wait and then there's no quorum.
That's embarrassing.
And it's really sad when people can't get their business done. And that's a hardship for them when gas prices are like five bucks a gallon.
So, you know, if I have to make a separate motion, then >> stand up with me because the secretary's office don't have access to that information. This is tasking the secretary's office with >> Okay.
>> I have Sherry.
>> Thank you. Um, this is one of the things that we're supposed to be doing, policing ourselves. So, good job on that, council. However, I do want to say that sometimes systems are broken and um things become difficult and it'll appear like it's not um well, for example, we and I'm not trying to blame anybody, but if we have a chair and a vice that's out, then our committee, our whole committee can show up, but we can't meet. We could have a quorum, but we can't meet because the vice chair just happened to be out. That's happened throughout my two terms on council >> for meetings.
>> Yeah. For committee meetings. So with that, we should amend some of these um committee structures to maybe include two vice chairs or to include some language in there that puts another officer on that can step up and chair those meetings when the in the absence of the vice and the uh chair for the committees. So that's one thing that I want to say. Um the other thing is um we do need to make an amendment that raises the required number of committees that people sit on because some of you only sit on two and that's not fair to me who sits on five and then one of those require me to sit on another board. Uh we have um another council uh we have a colleague here that sits on eight and I used to sit on eight when you newly got elected I stepped down. So it may look like oh you're not doing nothing you're missing this and that meeting but you may be attending eight committee meetings or five committee meetings and other additional boards that you have to sit on. So sometimes the whole picture, we always talk about transparency, but that's really hard to do because the whole picture is never really painted until we bring it out. And I really want to say that we need to raise that number because it's not fair for a lot of us, and I say us cuz me, I sit on more than two committees to carry a lot of these committees.
>> Any more discussion?
Uh thank you madam chair. I'm just kind of curious um these have they gone through our proper steps of uh Eric looking at them things. Do we have anything like that?
>> If not then I mean I always request like a checklist of what we can see so that way if it's gone through the proper channels. Now again we do have to come up with a process and a policy of what we need to do to these resolutions. But yeah, as far as like going back to um committees and being able to, you know, establish these committees and there's been a lot of issues who with this uh petition resolution that were coming around and where they say there it's got to be timesensitive, but it it isn't. It really isn't. So, I'm I'm always kind of stumped about how we're able to get these through um with resolutions without it being uh I guess timesensitive or because we've had some programs to pass these potential resolutions just to get a pay raise, you know, to get a pay raise to get, you know, get their own salary uh better up.
We don't know that. I mean, I just got on budget and finance and that comes through all the time. And I'm like, "Wow, that's that's kind of, you know, okay, it should we should probably maybe look at it, maybe try to piece it up somehow, some way, but it's already been through." A lot of these things that have gone through already, I do believe that we need to make sure that we get get it straightened out before it gets worse, which it is right now. Cuz I think we've had this conversation last year since I've been on council. And I guess for me I just get kind of upset about how you know we want to make sure that we are here for meetings and stuff and we we get chewed out for not being at the meetings and stuff but again you know if we are here and at 3:00 4:00 today or we're going to have quum to continue on I'm willing to stay here all day you know 4 5 6:00 7:00 at night just to get rid of just to get business done but when you when we leave and and there's important things there's health issues there's personnel problems but I mean for us as council that's one thing that we get elected for so I It's um you know it's election season. I get very upset that uh you we get oppressed. We don't we can't say nothing. We can't do anything because we're not you know we we are in the wrong. We're a bad person for being in the wrong. But we're not perfect. That's my biggest things. We're not perfect. So I just want to make sure that you know as we move forward we better just just try by being outspoken and supporting and doing what we can to try to please ourselves and abide by that. So uh with these resolutions I just want to make sure we get that uh taken care of I guess of what we can do.
So I that's just my take on it. So, thank you.
>> Yeah, we're in discussion.
>> Yeah. Um, I just want to say that maybe we should just set a time aside, uh, divert from the agenda and we should talk through a lot of these problems, a lot of these barriers and issues and things that need to be changed because that governmental affairs committee, there's a lot of people on there that >> are good drafters. Yeah. No. And not to Yeah. Not today. like maybe in June or something we could set that aside, but there's a lot of little issues I feel like we need to talk through and um if we know what those are, we can change them cuz I'm going to start working on the committee one at governmental affairs immediately. Thank you.
Um totes and then Mike that that's why we need to have our planning meetings to discuss these things because we talk about them. The chair has been doing a lot of um policies and different things also when we have our discussions. But we do really need to sit at the table and maybe we should work from 9 to 4 in these chambers so we're all sitting around the table and we're we're talking about things for for at least a week so we can hash this some of this stuff off just so we're all on the same page. So we can get through our agenda without cuz we don't ever get to see each other cuz some of our committees don't meet until we get around this table and it's not fair that we you know right then and there we discuss some of the stuff. So planning meetings would really be helpful. We should never have an empty day on our calendars.
Committees are for any more discussion.
Mike, I'm sorry. Consider that we may have too many committees. Why don't we consolidate some of these activities?
Just a suggestion.
>> Have less committee meetings. Is there a question?
Question by Chris. All in favor?
>> Oh, I'm sorry.
>> Sorry. Sorry.
>> Okay. Ready?
>> Yes.
>> Eagle Bear.
>> Yeah.
Wood Royal Yellow Hug.
Robert Ringling.
>> Yes.
>> Ray Jr.
>> Yeah.
>> William Bill Marshall.
>> Yes.
>> Emily Boyd Bandra.
>> Alvin Barhill Senior.
>> Gary Wright plank.
>> Yes.
>> Emilyn Wilcox.
>> What was the motion for? to have the secretary's office get data attendance for council meetings and committee meetings and how many council meetings and committee meetings were cancelled for FY25 and FY26 and to include all requests to be excused.
>> Yes.
Racite. Huh.
>> Michael R. Bolt.
>> William Kindle.
>> Yes.
>> Black.
>> Yes.
>> Mary Little Thunder.
>> Yes.
>> 15.
>> Yes.
>> Favor. Oppos.
>> Zero.
>> One. Vote. One.
Wait, >> this is >> We don't count non votes on those.
>> Yeah, we don't count non votes. This is a roll count or yes or no.
>> So 15 in favor. Is that >> motion? Motion carried. Can we get back and then Tammy >> something that the people need to keep in mind and the person that made the motion was that a lot of these meetings weren't cancelled by the committees for lack of quorum or anything like that. A lot of the um meetings were cancelled by our um president.
>> Oh, this past couple months >> and then before that too. So that's something >> committee >> committees were cancelled. We get those emails, we get those texts, you know.
>> So >> um Laya and then Emily.
>> Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, I'd like to make a motion that um all our travel for each council rep is um brought to us and posted. I don't know if we did it before. We always say it, but I don't know where we posted it. But u maybe newspaper, I don't know. But um trying to think of brought to council.
>> Yeah, brought to council and then we can decide there. But um because that also um interferes and we got to get that communication going. So then we're not here and then people know where we're at and everything. Um so I'd like to make a motion for that and I'd like a roll call vote, please. Motion by Laya that the travel travel for all council reps be brought to council for review even.
>> Oh, and the admin as well.
>> Um, can we have that brought to us by >> when are we bringing your support?
>> On the 27th.
>> Okay. So, can we have it by then? So, we'll get both of them blamed. Is there a second?
I'll second it. But I also want to ask Laya if you can include in there um travel that other council reps and administration have attended um paid for by our >> charters. Yeah, sure. I add that cuz we have a council budget and we're not supposed to be traveling out of charters. We're supposed to be traveling out of our council budget.
>> Um, are you questioning that or discussion?
>> Yeah, discussion. I got a quick question or a quick question I get. But >> I know in those travel reports too, uh, there's supposed Well, not travel, but there should be a report attached to it too. Can we ask that? I know several council reps have done reports on their travel. So, to please us up, I think that's what finance is asking for too sometimes is a report. So if we can add that into if any of them turned in a report or you know did a report on their travel because that's what we're that's the whole goal is to find out what they're doing at these >> we got to start showing all that that you know council maybe there's some that didn't do reports yet um with said reports attached or if they were given >> there a question for the motion >> I have a question >> okay go ahead uh I have uh >> I just want to say let election season again. Um, it's really frustrating that there's all these election tactics and stuff. Um, and we're always attacking ourselves and doing all this stuff and it's just frustrating to me. Um, after this motion passes, I think we need to get back to business. This TP stuff, I want to get it done. And, um, I, uh, don't think that we should be fighting on air. There's enough people that say bad stuff about all of us in this room. We need to be uniting and we need to be supporting each other and if we have a problem with something that we're doing, we need to start going into executive session and addressing it like adults because I'm sick and tired of these games and I'm sick and tired of us not moving on with the things that we need to get done. We have directors going into survival mode to get their stuff done. going to Wayne, going to the president, going to the vice president to get things done because we sit here and we talk things to death. And I'm guilty of it. Throw a topic out there. I'm going to give you my opinion. But we do need to keep on track. And we do need to stop worrying about all these things. And if there's a problem with it, when the budget comes up, cut the budget for travel. When council budget comes up, there's your answer right there.
Is there a question? The motion roll call vote.
>> Yeah.
>> Wooden Jr.
Royal.
Robert Razingly.
>> Oh, yes.
>> Charles Jr.
Yes.
>> William Bill Marshall.
>> Yes.
>> Emily Boyd. Belandra.
>> Huh.
>> Alvin Barhill Senior.
>> Yes.
>> Sher Wright Plank.
>> Yes.
>> Wilcox.
>> Yes.
>> Fil.
>> Michael R.
William Kindle.
>> Yes.
>> Blackberry. Third.
Not here. Oh, Marian Little Thunder.
>> Yes.
>> 13. Yes.
>> 13 in favor. Motion carried. Okay.
Council, do you want to address this resolution? Right.
>> Madam Chair, I have one more thing. It's quick. The reason why that um you know I was leaking back is >> the way that um you know I I wish we had some form of I don't know we have a lot of technology and I wish we had some form of not everybody has Facebook or social media and that's the issue a lot of our people are still on the radio they still you know they still that's how they get information or the moxen telegram but you know um We used to have uh um um meetings, you know, special meetings to continue to um discuss things like this because that's why this council meeting it it they they get stressed because there's so much information, so much new stuff that comes and hits us, these resolutions, everything. It's just stacked.
>> And that's why, you know, and I'm not doing this because I >> want to sit here. I'm doing this because people want to know >> and we have to find a way to get that information to our people and you know even myself you know um I was sitting there one day and I thought gee I wish we had one of those big um signs what are they called now that SGU has because when you go by a mission then you it tells you well there's this meeting going on and you know stuff like that but Um, >> you know, it it's just a form of communication.
>> But that's that's just the purpose of this. So, you know, we are stressed.
But, you know, it's just the way things are right now. But if we did have, you know, set special meetings maybe throughout the meet the month, then yeah, we can discuss things that need to be discussed. So with that, that's that's why I'm doing this. Thank you.
>> No motion for emergency legislation >> for your for your resolution. Wayne, >> thank you.
>> Motion by to for emergency legislation.
Is there a second?
>> Mike questiona.
All in favor?
the contract.
>> Yeah. And you vote.
>> No.
>> Oppos.
>> What?
>> Not voting.
>> What's our number?
>> 12. One and two.
>> What?
>> Oh, sorry.
>> You lost me.
>> Okay. The um resolution number will be um 2026 109.
Is >> there a motion to approve 2026 109 was the last one minute numbers on the resolution.
Motion by Is there a second?
>> Second by Bill. Read it into the record.
>> I can read here. I'll start with the fourth whereas Wilson Tribal Social Services Committee recommends that the tribe authorize and approve a business meeting with Kirk Auburn Bright of Abrite offices LLC box 67 Nebraska 69201 for the period beginning January 1st 26 2000 30 26 at the hourly rate of $250 per hour for the um for the provision of all activities and providing legal services to the Rosewood City tribe child and welfare services Indian Child Welfare Act program and a total amount not to $250,000 for travel expenses and $1 per mile maximum or maximum of $500.
Therefore be resolved that the ROSU tribe council adopts legal services with current law offices LLC PO Box 7 Valentine Nebraska 69201 provide legal services and and advice to the local sue tribe child and family welfare services and other legal matters are defined.
It also resolved that the retainer contracts held with the period of January 1st 26 until September 30th 26 at hourly rate of $50 $250 per hour for the for the provision of all activities and providing legal services to the client in an amount not to exceed $50,000 and travel expenses of $1 per mile maximum.
We have finally resolved that the president of the local city tries authorized investment to sign legal citizens agreement with Kurt Augbrite of Augenbrite and law offices.
>> Discussion Emily got a quick question. I think I got myself confused on this one. So this one, we don't need to amend that January date to be like the date of approval or the date of signature or anything because I thought we it could come up at an audit later if we were retroactively needed any invoices.
>> I don't know. I I'm I'm sure it's going to work. So >> I mean I'm not a lawyer at all, but I was just wondering like if it's an audit finding then there has to be some kind of issue with it. And so I was just wondering if we would need to say like upon approval or the signatory date that that becomes effective and then then they can send their bills in or or whatever.
>> There's no way to cut it up at this point.
>> We usually handle stuff like that too.
Justification letters.
>> Okay. I just wanted to make sure cuz on a previous thing that we were advising lawyer not to retroactively do things like that. I just wanted to make sure >> and uh by the way our auditor is here.
>> Right. Question.
>> Okay. So um in regards to what um what Councilwoman Emily has said, when does it become an unallowable cost then? And then who's responsible for that unallowable cost?
>> In cases like that, it's not going to be unallowable.
um if the auditors review it and find and do a finding just find us for not following our procedures when it becomes allowable is if if it's for if you spend money for an activity that's not allowed or someone in bed or whatever those kind of things but for just not following our our procedures not being following our own and and That's what it would say in the audit.
>> Any more questions?
Call for the question.
>> Okay. Question.
>> Question by Mike. All in favor.
Wow.
>> What?
>> Not voting.
two motion carried.
Council, >> I just have a couple other things, but I want want to introduce you with flee auto confirm. He is here and as a part of of their services to the tribe. He has to do like an entrance report to you and an exit report. Um, his team has been down here already twice, but this is his first trip. This is kind of his introduction to you to kind of explain what what you're doing if you guys have any questions or anything particular at this time. I'll throw it over to Clinton. Clayton Mike.
>> Yeah. I wish you would have let us know he one of the auditors were here. We just confessed to committing a sintor.
>> We need to be out there for this. I don't think so.
>> I don't think I should be off there.
This is just like a general introduction of stuff. If you want to get into more specifics, then we'll go off the air.
But right now, this is just just general.
>> Yeah. I just wanted 5 10 minutes just to introduce myself and speak and the progress.
So, my name is Clayton Johnson. I'm a director with good fleet great falls, Montana. Um this like Wayne said, this is our second audit field work here for the uh September 30th, 2025 audit. So what just to sort of level set and get everyone on the same page, our audit that we're doing right now really focuses on the federal dollars that are spent. So part of this part of part of the uniform guidance which kind of governs federal expenditures for for grantees like yourselves or grantee is these are the rules and regulations that each grant has to comply with. Um and you have nine months to report on that grant activity. So your your thing is what what it's known as is due June 30th of 202.6 or last uh September. Um so that's really our focus and part of that is obviously compliance that we look at for for the programs that we audit. Um and those programs are what's known as major programs. We look at those every year depending on certain factors. So quantitative approach is a large part of it but also risk comes into what programs get audited every year. So like this year you have broading seven major programs approximating.
So you've got about 83 million of expenditures this year and 40% of that or about $33 million were audited this year. Whereas last year we had about five major programs audited. Um so that's that's a really big focus of of the audit this year, the single audit.
The other portion of it is really the financial statement side of things. So how those dollars get reported in your internal records and then at the end of the day it gets reported on the financial statement that that we audit and app on. So we're we're appinging on um those those major federal programs and we also applying on um the financial statements themselves. Are you are you presenting these are your underlying records correctly done or presented? So that's really what we're what our focus is on the the tribe as a whole. Also um we also combine everything um into a report that gets gets issued as well. So that would include all your business type activities, um a casino, that kind of stuff where um even though there might be other auditors, we group all that together and we see an overall picture of of the tribe for that particular. So um but this is really focused on those those governmental expenditures or federal expenditures and um so yeah, and we're we're hoping to issue this um on time by June 30th.
Um, I would be happy to come back out or zoom in to explain the results of those audits because they can get kind of complex because we we issue, like I said, an opinion on the financial statements. We also look at internal controls over financial reporting where if we had a finding where it get reported, we look at internal controls over compliance for those federal programs. And then we also issue an opinion on each of those major federal programs they used by their department.
So, um, just just a Quick primer there just to give you guys an idea of what what we're doing and and give you an opportunity if there's any questions today or I think my email's gone around so particular questions or concerns definitely happy to >> yeah uh programs that do the hoarding or how they how they run into any of that where programs you look at the Mhm.
And then what happens to programs that make you doing side views or side >> so contracts?
>> So if we find any of that, we definitely report that as a non-compliance issue or internal control issue in your audit report itself.
>> Um but again, not all not all programs are subject to audit every year. I guess there's subject argument that don't get audited every year just based on dollar amounts and annuals. So it it's not like and that's another point I should make where we're we can't test 100% of transactions, right? There's just too many. So we give a reasonable assurance that your financials aren't misstated or there's not material non-compliance, but there still is a risk unfortunately just because we can't look at 100% of everything. So, >> Mike, I have a question. I don't know if this is an appropriate time to ask it, but I think it might be, but we may want to be off the air.
>> Jeff, just off the air for what though?
go back on air because I didn't want people to start rumors about us.
>> Exactly.
>> Do you have anything else? Um I um I have this resolution from Ken here that that makes it possible for the administration to accept end of the year grants without a resolution.
Yeah.
It's up to you.
What that says is that any money um requiring a resolution accept that the administration accept the fund.
>> Oh, that's a good ide this resolution would pass that out. council. Um I request I'll hand out to my can handle it, but Francis school is in the process of redoing their track and stuff and they're $50,000 short from completing the the bleachers. So, they're asking the tribal council if there's any way that they can help him to put that $50,000.
Maybe you guys >> I also have Ben yesterday a motion that you made for the um elder days to be h elder games that be held at the new track. I was told by Danny that the um when they were working with the BIE did condemn them bleachers as a safe.
>> Wow. Really? Yeah, that's why they're not used, >> right? Um, so can they still use the rack here? Well, I mean, not not the bleachers, but Well, I didn't I didn't even talk to the uh the coordinator for it, too, though, but I know the place at the old track field if we can get I guess re reiterate that motion or maybe make a motion now to try to get some features over there at the old track for for spectators. Um, but at the same time too, you know, I did ask for the other programs to go there to try to help him out. I guess maybe level it out or something sort. But if we go in that direction because yeah, I didn't know what the conditions were over in that area. They are condemned and have to try to but that's that's what I was wondering too.
>> Yeah, cuz she's she did say that um that the track is also unsafe and I told her that you guys have made that motion to have different programs over there and make it usable. Yeah. But she she had the um she was worried about the bleachers the use of the bleachers because they they've been condemned by VIE as unsafe.
We have a motion for emergency >> by to second question.
All in favor >> zero.
>> Motion to approve 20.6 110.
>> Motion by Tammy. Is there a second?
read it in.
>> Whereas the Rosewood suit tribe tribal council recognizes that various tribal programs departments including both public 9368 contracting programs and non638 entities have pro programmatic unmet needs that require supplemental funding. And whereas many of these funding opportunities are time-sensitive and the requirement for individual legislation action for every request can prevent the timely submission of proposals due to the urgency of BIA deadlines.
And whereas the food tribal council finds it in the best interest of the tribe to establish a standing authorization to ensure tribal operations are not hindered by administrative delays and that all available funding sources are secured for the benefit of the gold people.
Now therefore, it be resolved that the Rosewood Sue Tribal Council provides a standing authorization for all Rosewood Suit tribal programs and departments to submit proposals for one-time funding to the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address planned or unplanned programmatic unmet needs for the current and future fiscal year. and give it further resolve that the local food trial council hereby authorize the Bure of Indian Affairs to con contract with or provide funding to the local food tribe and respective programs and departments for the implementation of the PFSA.
Be it further resolved that the district travel council hereby also the rise of the formal acceptance of awarded funds continuing upon award and availability in alignment with the proposed local work and budget committed for each individual.
We have finally resolved that the president of the logos tribe or their authorized delegates is here authorized and directed to sign any and all contracts amendments and documents required to submit proposals to and accept and accept funds from the bureau authorization.
Again council this is just to accept the funds. They still have to come back here to be budgeted >> before they can spend. Yeah.
So, um, >> any more discussion?
>> All for the question.
>> Oh, yes.
>> All in favor?
>> Uh, Mike question.
Chris 16 >> 16 >> post >> zero >> not voting >> zero >> thank you councel Mike I don't think it's >> it was last Friday last Friday >> last Friday when next week the end of the month or right before the last meeting of the month. So I'll I'll have C Franc go over there and then council for for the stream cleaning we we have $100,000 in our budget for it now but we need another 49,000. So I I'll I'll go to budget finance and with that request on the 26th.
>> So uh All right. So you you you're comfortable in your being able to find funds for this? Is that what you're saying? Well, there's a couple sources like Sherry mentioned. One of them that's that's our our dividends we're getting. We got about $300,000 in those dividends right now. That's a source.
>> Don't start chipping away.
>> Discussing that budget finance.
I still I guess I still have more.
Sorry, I didn't.
So now another thing is what's the latest word on uh the federal uh budget the uh is coming in and the future of leak for example >> Mike I don't know I mean >> has there been any positive developments there that we're aware of with all the lobbying efforts that we're paying for in Washington what are we what are we what are we are we getting anything for it in terms of you know >> Sure. I mean there's there's still a lot of debate going on but I my personal feeling is is I don't think they're going to pass a budget. I I think I think they're probably going to do another >> and if they do that that that's good for us, >> right?
>> Because any any appropriations they pass has to meet the big beautiful bill. And in that bill that they're talking about being eliminated, you know, changing of the eligibility for SNAP and all that stuff is in that bill. So if it's funded according to that, it's not going to be good for us. But again, Mike, that's I haven't heard anything concrete.
>> We haven't had any senators, prominent senators or congress people telling us, you know, >> outside that don't worry about it, that sort of thing. They all they all say that that we're going to watch out for us. But uh we'll see.
>> Yeah. Now another another concern is um the big beautiful bill has proposed to eliminate funding for tribal colleges.
>> Yep. you know, and now whether or not that responsibility is going to be shifted over to BIA, I you know, I don't know, but you know, if we can find out, you know, whether or not, you know, just what's we might be facing is >> and and again, I I can't tell you. I mean, I haven't heard anything. Maybe the >> We got these lobbying firms out there.
Are they are they looking at this stuff?
Yeah, they are.
Yeah, the college has their own. St. Francis has has one. We have a couple. I mean, they're all they're all out there, but I just don't think there's a lot of action happening right now.
>> It's changing all the time. And I and you know, Tbeck is restructuring, too, and that's one of our major funding sources, and that's what going to be happening next week. We're looking at restructuring for that.
Uh, Mr. K. Uh Wayne, those uh lobbyists we got up there, do they are they in contact with us often or do we have to reach out to them or how does that work?
>> Use email updates.
>> Yeah, they they send the reports on email and monthly reports. But if you want something specific, you just call them up. Call Ross or call OJ or Jen.
They'll they'll take your call.
How many Sherry and totes?
>> Are we Are we done? So I can do this real quick.
>> Yeah, I'm done.
>> The treasures.
>> We'll come back to it.
>> Sure.
>> Um goes up.
>> I know. So I have a couple of things.
Um, do you think you could give us a um run us a report, a financial report kind of where we're at in the tribe and um um give us an idea of what our revenue sources are and an update on all of that because you said something. You said we have $100,000 for the cleanup and we need what' you say 48.
>> Yeah. It's a It's a resolution you guys passed um obligates $149,000 from the tribe, $149 from GLE, and 100 from SWA.
>> Okay.
>> Regular appropriations process, we budgeted 100,000 for for cleanup. So, we got to find another 49,000.
>> Okay. So, see council, these are reasons why I like I talked yesterday about the beautifification program that would cost us less than that. that would give us rollocks in our communities all year long. So these are the types of planning and things that we need to be thinking about because I went to budget and finance and told no, we don't have the money for this. We do have the money for it. So next year we should obligate those funds instead of from for the spring cleanup or change the way we're going to do the spring cleanup if we're going to have those other two entities chip in and then turn around and use this to um help our program so we can have rolloffs year round. And there was some valid concerns at budget and finance with outside uh non-tribal members dumping there and how we're going to regulate them. I think those are things we could have a discussion about and talk about. Um the other thing is um that I'm interested in hearing that you could if you could include in your report is kelp. You could give us an update on kelp. Um there's been some rumors and uh I'd just like to know what's going on there.
>> Sure.
Are we talking financial or other or what? What?
>> Yeah, financial.
>> Yeah, I see.
>> Some discrepancies.
>> Um I don't think there any discrepancies. there was uh some activity by a former employee, but that's I'm sure you all know where that's at now. As far as the discrepancies, I don't think so. I'll I'll have give you a report.
>> That's what I meant when I said discrepancies.
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. But yeah, if you could give us a report, I know back when um Treasury was in, we raised those rates, those T rates. I'd like to see kind of what the comparison is there and um see what we could do.
>> We lowered the rates back down to I think they were at 15 down to 7 and a half. I think last year we made about 600,000 interest off that and this year we're we're on pace to to do the same thing because if you remember last year I think we took like a little over 500,000 of that and gave it to the office last year.
Yeah, we're on pace to do the same thing.
>> Okay. Um, no, that's really good to know because one thing that I've noticed about the council is we hear about the this money in increments and we're never seeing a big picture and we're not planning anything.
>> So, I just want to prepare us for next year's budget so we could be ready for that >> with all the cuts >> in those budgets that that they send out in your email every month that gives you a a picture of where each program is at.
Look at year. It'll show you whether they're on track. Look at the where they're at from here or if they're behind or ahead. It'll tell you that out. I think I've seen it.
>> Okay.
>> I'll make sure you get it.
>> I'll double check. Yeah. I just hope it is pretty thick. So, >> okay.
Um, you have your hand up. I know we um in June we should have a planning we should have a meeting scheduled so we can address that right away and we can um with solid waste and everything because we need to get those rolloffs into the communities ASAP and what um Councilwoman Wright was talking about earlier about those blue bins. We need to take that over so that way this can happen. So we should all be at the table and discussing this. There needs to be a meeting next month and there needs to be a meeting also so we can sit down and just discuss what is potentially going to happen next year with this budget.
You know we are hoping that we will benefit us if we have a continued resolution. But what if that doesn't happen? Are we ready for that? You know so it's always good to plan ahead of time. We always wait till crisis mode in it. That's all we function on. Social service mode in there and then crisis mode out here. But we need to have two meetings next month. One to address to have solid waste there. Um this body and um we you know we all need to sit around this have a a council meeting pertaining to that. We need to have a council meeting specifically on the budgets and where we're going to be at >> just to inform just to inform all of us so we're all on same page. Plus, um, with the emails being sent, some read, some don't, you know, so it'll be good to just have this discussion.
>> I'm I'm ready whenever you're ready.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> I'm anxious for that. They have >> Can we do it after I come back next week?
>> Yes. Yeah.
information on what our financial budget will be. It's a good idea.
>> Yeah.
>> And again, thank you, council. Um, for where we're >> Do you want to address the fair budget?
>> I'll have come in.
>> I think we had one informal um fair board meeting and I was talking to Madam Secretary. We asked the coordinators to do a budget and turn one. I don't think they've turned one in yet. So, so that we can get our bids out right away. And the last week we didn't meet any other reports from the fair.
>> I'll scan all >> this expense report.
>> Um, as you can see, last year we budgeted 58,000 and we spent 624,000.
Our coordinators do have some really good ideas. We just need them in our budget and we got them. What about the uh credible contract?
>> Madam Secretary, did they um we also have the pageant pageant ones from last year too? Do we have all all of them that part of my >> Okay. as part of the not mine but the special events >> with my Brenda has a breakdown too for each category for >> Can I do this um resolution real quick?
>> Yes. And the motion for emergency.
>> Which one is that? There's one with >> this um motion for emergency legislation.
>> Tammy, do you have an extra copy?
>> Yeah, >> I handled them out earlier. I don't know. Chris, did you not get one? I don't think >> Madam Secretary did get one.
>> I got one, but I don't know why. It was to everybody that was here before you got here.
>> Oh, there it is. Never mind. Yeah, that's what you see. Okay. Okay. Do I have one? Second by totes. Call for the question.
All in favor.
Why not?
>> We're voting on emergency legislation.
>> I know. I didn't hear no counting or nothing. That's not >> passing it out.
>> Jeez, we just have you.
>> You should already have one.
>> Okay.
She might bring it in here. We want to watch you.
>> Just kidding.
I got to sign >> here. Take this banana bridge.
Okay, all in favor 13 opposing >> two.
>> Motion carried. Motion to approve 2026-11 with the fourth.
>> Wait by Tammy.
>> Yep. By Tammy.
>> I need a second by Emily. Go ahead and read it in.
>> Okay. Fourth. Whereas Roseb Tribe has enacted RS2 resolution 86132. Enacted ordinance 8603. Roseb Tribe tribal employment contracting rights office ordinance. And whereas the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission EOCC Chicago District Office 230 South Divid Street 1866 Chicago, Illinois 6064 has awarded the Roseb Tribe Grant Country 33,000 for the period of performance from October 1 25 until October 30th 26 for the admin administration of a contract for the continued development and enhancement of employment opportunities for Native Americans, Alaskan Native, and to eliminate unlawful employment discrimination occurring. an autom reservation tribal lounge by supporting the work of tribal employment rights office tarot and whereas the RSC and chipper office shall comply with grant terms commissions and reporting requirements including all contract clauses in the administration and accounting of the contract funds awarded and whereas the rose tribe techro commission recommends the approval of the award of the grant funds for the ELC contract and therefore be it resolved that the rose tribal council adopts and approves the recommendation of RSC federal commission approves the award of the grant funds for the EOC contract in the announce of 33,000 for the period of performance from October 1 25 until October 30th 26 and be further resolved that the tribal council rose the tribe delegates authority to the tribal president or his authorized delegate to execute award agreement on behalf of the tribe and please order session Emily question on the um supplemental document there for the quarter reports. It says 11525, 6:30 25, 6:30 25, and 111325.
I'm assuming that was previous years.
And then in the budget, it also says it was for October 1 of last year to October one of this year.
>> So, we're Yeah. So, I'm just curious like how do we do reports retroactively cuz it looks like at least I'm confused on the date so I'm not sure but it looks like if we're going by those quarters we might be missing already into the third quarter. So, I'm just making sure like are we still going to be able to let you guys I mean we might still have activity to be able to kind of bend our road. I don't know if those are typos or what.
Maybe we can call James down here because those should have possibly have been different. But we did do the um the resolution 2604 for him to um apply for these grants.
>> Yeah. I I was just wondering like is it cuz we haven't met cuz October seems like what 7 months ago. So I was just wondering like have you guys not been able to spend that or have they not been able to spend it?
>> They haven't gotten it yet. Oh, okay.
>> So, do we need to amend that or ask for >> ask for clarification >> for clarification those dates? I just don't want to lock us into a 5 month grant cycle when you know what I mean cuz it seems anyway I was just on the date.
>> Okay. comes down to table.
>> Okay, we'll come back to this.
Council Rinda is here. She's the uh guru for the fair.
Haven't any questions about it? She just handed out just an overall snapshot of expenses, but she asked all the detail there. Any questions? Lawyers open.
I before we start, I just want to make one comment.
I'm I'm glad you started a little earlier this year, but last year, if you remember, there wasn't anything done. I think it was the the first first uh week in August.
>> Yeah. We're speaking August. They um we got a meos to the finance office that put on the fair. Nobody else wants to do it. So So in less than two weeks, the staff back there did what they could in two weeks. So that's why there was was all rushing and a lot of confusion.
I'm glad you started a meeting this year. You have any questions?
And then Ben, >> yep. Uh thank you. Uh thank you for bringing that information. I know we went it last year also uh previously cuz I'm always looking at what what we went through, what we're going to go through and what we projected in the future here. So but being this is our celebration of this year 150th now. Um, I'm kind of curious, um, and I know it's all up to the the committee members and things to that effect of what they're going to be doing or what we're going to be planning because like I asked my colleague, uh, Jar here is that, you know, when we do a celebration for something, you know, this is what we bring in everything that we have and those fairs always been here, you know, the rodeo, the the softball, the uh, carnival, you know, pal stuff. Well, what are we going to do more? And then, of course, it's going to cost more money. So, what can we do as far as like um you know, again, celebrating our 150th now? And of course, this always happens every year, but like I've always said, if we were able to build up to this, I think this is the the ultimate celebration is what I'd say. They're preparing us for in June. Same thing with St. Francis um Indian day up there, the 25th of June. You know, what what do we have planned and what can we do?
that's going to cost money, but if we can finally start getting those coordinations together and stuff. But yeah, I'm glad that we're starting early because this needs to be addressed right away with a lot of things that are happening with rodeo with the with all the stuff that's happening. So, those are just my thoughts on this and I guess for my colleagues also to look at that that we're going to probably have to put in more funding. I don't know where we're going to find that, but that's where I'm thinking we need to um start realizing. I know in the past the St. Francis um Indian day they had their celebration and they always I guess made in the past there was a horses that came up in the morning a morning sunrise type of a thing. So but I don't know those are things that can be brought up I guess are suggestions. So with the finances again from what happened in the past what's going to happen now this year and what's what we're projecting for next year she also it's always going to happen but that's just my thoughts. I just want to make sure that we we have that open I guess for what we can do.
All right. Thank you. for for the fair this year uh you all appointed some some uh heads to the like the different committees. I think we've had two meetings with them now. the opportunity we had. We asked them to prepare a budget for us and any new activities whatever do budget for them and then we're going to meet sometime next week whenever that the chair gets back where we'll we'll have a fair meeting and um whenever that gets set we'll we'll let everybody know. But that's that's when we're we'll start finalizing what our what activities we're going to have so we can attach a budget.
Keep showing me that picture. Um, one thing I want to ask, uh, you know, when it comes to this fair, um, cuz a couple of the coordinators, uh, reached out to me, too, cuz they're curious. But one thing that I want to know, too, is, um, so we put these coordinators in place so that they can make the fair happen and they can work on it, you know, but at the end of the day, they were curious. Um, do will coun does council have a power to overrule any decision they want to do for the fair? Like say I had a few coordinators that had that curious question cuz they're working on things and they don't want um they're curious about the political interference effects.
The fair board handles the elected the budgets and so forth.
What will happen is at this next meeting, we hope that these coordinators bring their budget so that we have our overall view of what it's going to cost, what activities we're going to have. But the final decision lies with you guys.
>> The final decision lies here. I mean, and so some big decisions has to be have to be made soon. One is like with the rodeo, it's always a big issue. Do we have an INF one? Do we have a open rodeo? SRDA >> or the horse races >> and then the horse to horse races cuz there used to only be one group out there. Now there's several. They're all submitting bids. So those kind of decisions you guys will have to make.
>> The the board will bring do all the detail stuff and bring it back to you for for your guys' final.
>> All right.
>> So it determines on their budgets when they turn those in.
>> Yeah.
>> And then we do the overall for the budget and that's what we're doing.
Yeah, >> the cuts. Um, you me >> that we selected recently.
Mr. Winar, he I have a meeting two days ago and he actually uh how much money was available for the WPI.
So obviously he doesn't he's not aware that he's supposed to submit a budget to somebody.
>> Mike was the coordinator last year.
>> Okay.
>> You guys you guys appointed a new coordinator this year.
>> Okay.
>> There's a different coordinator this year.
>> Yeah. All right.
>> Um when we have your meeting, can you let us know so for those councils that are available to attend, we can attend so we're all on the same page. Awesome.
And as soon as we get a schedule, I'll get out to you.
>> The minutes go out too. We usually get minutes out to the reps. Ben, >> um, >> can we I don't know. I They may have a different deal. Uh, Mike's community with that. Uh, can we include them? I think cuz this is the big celebration here for this year. Uh, we don't want to leave anybody out. So, I'm hoping that we can get the Indian day committee from St. Francis actually attend the meetings also to see what they can do to see what we can help them with I guess either financially or maybe to help them out with some programs or something to help their I seen their power grounds which are pretty bad. So I want to make sure that we get that taken care of before they we do the celebration. And again it's coming off right now cuz we're having meetings for the 150th right now.
So we want to make sure that you know we celebrate our victory. That's our biggest ultimate goal right now. Um and of course money has to be spent no matter what. So we're going to have to try to do what we can to to um make that happen. So, that's just my thought. If they can attend that, that'd be great.
They're fair games.
>> Brenda, >> um I would just like to give you guys just a very short report here. What I did is I give you guys the cover page of what was actually spent and and you guys understand it a little better. Onsite, what that means is that means that money, we don't handle payouts or anything in cash. It's charity. So onsite is you guys see our finance trainers up there. That's what they pay out up there. That's what that on-site line item intact is what we do and it's almost mostly all done prior to the fair contracts um payments to vendors etc. That's what's done through intact and I said it's done before the fair normally all of them. So you have those subtotals there for all the wipi rodeo special events other what other is is the board itself the fair board itself has their own budget and we call it other and then that saddle block that's something that doesn't go under the rodeo it's kind of uh isolated by itself then we have the trash and security normally every year the trash is done by solid >> so you see the sub totals for those and then there was some additional expenses and out of those outside intact those are taken out of checkbook 12 and 12-1 and that's that's for us back there but there was some additional expenses that were done out of checkbook three which is the general account and you see those there rodeo had 20,000 plus of them um there was 50 plus out of Fair Boys Budget and Saddle Brock and those total 76,000.
And if you guys would like, and I didn't make copies, but any of you would like what the additional expenses were, I have them all broke out, what what the additional expenses were.
>> So like I know there was concern, for example, for one of them about a construction ramp at the rodeo grounds that for the handicap. So we had one constructed with the handicap. So that's there. Another one was the Indian relay races. Those were approved till last minute. So that's was also came out of the general power. Then there was the beds that had to go around the Indian relay races, supplies, etc. They also put up additional lights right over there by the um turnoff going to the hospital. We have six additional lights put up there for for security and safety. We also had additional lights put up in front of the W office through that area.
Then they also had signs put up.
Um I can't remember what kind of signs you guys wanted.
>> I mean it's remember the arrow signs to direct the traffic.
But if you guys actually want the breakdown of additional expenses, I'll be happy to provide that to you.
>> But we also had those lights too that were the dark areas.
>> That's why it's all here.
>> And then if you also there's a question if you guys have a question. If you look at the bottom of that report, it says what our revenue was and then it shows 796106.
That's what we put back there. And then also we used um revenue from the fair management budget that's at 76,000. You got your total revenue of 347,000 plus and then it shows an expense of 164,000.
Well, I need to explain that because that's Carnival or what they do is beginning of August, they come down and they give us strips of the DS to sell for.
So, we accept the cash here, then they make daily deposits, but that's what the deposits total was 190,600.
We sold 9,530 advanced strips prior to the carnival starting.
Then there's some calculations of that I do regarding sales tax etc. And then in the contract it says we get 25% of the figure is that cuz they I also put it together at that sales and also the box sales. So the box sales, which means what they sell up there on the fairgrounds, were over 26,000.
So we got 25% of the sales, which totaled out to be that came to the tribe was 51,641.
So that's actually our revenue from the carnival.
And then whatever was left over according to the contract and all the calculations what went to max carnival was 164,583 though I had to back it back out. So that's why and I also have the breakdown for that here if anybody wants to look at that also. Okay. I have Mike totes Ben and Tammy.
>> Yeah. Just a just a question Brenda. Um up there on the top under in italics of actual expenses you say you use the term onsite intact.
What's what's intact?
>> Intact is uh basically intact is what is run through the intact system back but I I had to do all the intact. What I do, it's like, let's say we're going to hire um the person that does the stock contractor.
So, I have to do a contract up for them, get it all the necessary documents. Then in that line item under rodeo, there's a line item for the stock contractor. I have to pay it out of that line item.
So, all this stuff is done through intact where it means it's done prior to >> system or system. Yes, that's what we not financial system intact.
>> And then and then onite >> they also use intact up there but they do their own calculations. Yeah. And basically that's activity that happens up there and activity that happens >> and basically what they do up there they do all the payouts like for the rodeo the dancers for the watching etc. So Mike, I hear every committee then what kind of payouts they're going to have out there whether it's the dancers the bow the the writers the rodeo or like the you know the tepee building contest whatever we order all that cash so we have it in the safe up there and so when the actual contestants are identified who gets paid they'll kick out a check up there from INTAC that person gets gets that check and he goes over to the next building and cashes it.
So that's what's referred to as on site.
Everything's run through intact, but >> some it's done here and some it's done up there.
>> So like with the Indian relays, they had to purchase equipment for around the track when prior over the equipment that Rosebud Sue Tribe purchases. Where does that go to? Where's the inventory for everything that's been purchased or do we have to re repurchase it all over again this year?
>> I'm not sure what kind of equipment, but I know that fence you put up, somebody stole it.
>> PBC fence gone. Okay. And then are we in a contract still with the carnival contract that had to start getting but I believe that they're going to take care of that.
But just just to let you guys know, you know, just like Wayne said, you know, I wasn't pulled into this until the 11th of August. I think I gave you 10 days >> to get everything done. So, I was working like a mad woman back there. I was working 12 hour days trying to get all this paperwork and everything done >> because of the late go.
>> Um, I have Ben, Tammy.
>> Oh, thank you. Um, >> I as a sticker for me, I just, you know, want to say, do we have anything that we are generating revenue? Well, generator revenue back for like apparel, you know, shirts or hats or anything like that, too. Do we have anything like that that we're trying to get back for that?
Again, this is 150th again. And like I said, we want to make sure that we stream it from the top of our lungs here.
>> That'd be a fair point.
>> All I do is take care of the financial >> the budget part of it would be a line item for that maybe.
>> I don't know. That's up to them. I all I do is is like right now just to let you guys know, you guys do not have a fair manager again.
>> Yeah. So even though they have the coordinators here who are going to do put in budgets and it's going to come to this body for approval but once all that gets done you know first of all these coordinators I don't believe any of them are employees so they don't know intact first of all and then the other thing is normally it's the fair manager that coordinates the financials so they're the ones working closely with them back there to get everything processed and It's the coordinator's jobs to coordinate all the activities to say this is what I need you know bring back requests whatever so again you guys need to select a fair manager because you selected the coordinators but you have nobody for the financials that oversees all of it that's the budget mod if they if the one of the committees said that oh I don't want the money there I want to move down here and it goes to the fair board but again you have no who's going to draw uh is confident.
>> So it's a good I mean it's good that the coordinator you guys need to get a fair amount of >> you think it would be good for these coordinators come in to get training on that impact in order for them to understand it or they start getting anything or >> you need a fair manager to do >> because the the fair manager is going to end up having to do stuff like this and >> and buy like all this stuff here.
So they may they may have their own system also too for that or do you want them to follow that type system?
>> They have to follow >> but that's see that's where we have to get this training in place. So we get somebody off off somebody else that's not going to know anything. Then we come in here and say okay well this is what you got to do and they bring up their own system and it's like you have to follow this. So training would be beneficial for them if they >> you guys were on the right trail to to employ a fair manager. cuz that way you haven't whether they're full-time or seasonal.
And we do have a budget back there that was approved for the fair management for this year. There's already a budget back there in place.
>> Okay. Thank you.
>> And that's separate from the fair budget.
Do we um we advertised for a fair manager, didn't we?
>> We didn't get any like three >> or should we bring them all in?
>> Yeah.
>> Okay. Can we look at have um HR bring those over today? Um the other thing I want to ask about um because this was asked last year and it was brought up whenever um the carnival was going on.
Um carnival tickets how many does the um do they provide specifically to our administration and to council or whoever to pass out?
>> Yeah. If you if you look at the uh >> No, I'm not talking about the ones that we sell, but the ones that >> Yeah, I think that's too um when there's a contract that specifies everything and then the the um Carnival also gives what they call comp tickets. Okay. And those comp tickets are divied out to the administration and to any activities that have the children involved.
example like the green I know they gave it to basketball to the kids that give them all balls and uh the teenage balls anything that turns out they also get too like and then you go >> okay I I would like to entertain a motion that um this year's comp tickets be specifically divied out amongst our programs that will be dealing with the youth Well, that's you can address that.
>> Yeah, I'm making council.
>> Programs and activities. activities that specifically what they use.
>> Question.
>> Okay.
that this year's uh complimentary carnival tickets be evenly distributed to the programs and activities that deal specifically with the >> Yes. Okay.
Seconded by Sherry.
Question by Emily. All in favor >> 16 >> post >> zero >> not voting >> zero >> motion carries.
>> I just have a question. How are you going to uh determine that for the parade?
I know that for the parade they give them more because they're the real kids.
>> They usually buy their own bill, don't they? Not a lot of times they don't.
>> Okay. Um we'll leave that up to the discretion of the airport.
>> Yeah.
But specifically for the use. Yeah.
>> Madam Chair, don't leave the floor. I was going to bring up the fair manager.
>> Okay. I'm testing her right now. She's going to bring them over. I got a hold of her.
We have her enough for herself. Did you see me? Sorry.
>> Oh, sorry. Mine was about the fair manager positions also cuz I thought we got a couple. That one's good. The other question that I had is because we're kind of late sometimes. Um I'm assuming that we don't get a lot of time for planning and negotiating and things like that. So if we did have a permanent person for the fair manager whether like you said seasonal or year round would that be more adequate for you to like cuz like uh renegotiating a contract right those are multi-year that we get locked into and I think if we had a little bit more time or somebody that had the years of experience before that it might help us either lock us into a better contract or expand who we're able to get services from. So, I I understand this year we probably had to do what we had to do, but I just also wanted to point out that if we had somebody permanently or at least seasonally permanently, we would be able to negotiate and have a better negotiation process than when it's rushed with minimal time.
>> We had that one time. Ask how it worked out.
>> We had that one.
>> Oh. Oh, a fair manager. If >> does anybody have any experience on how it went when we had a permanent fair manager as an employee? Would you be able to provide anything?
>> Thank you. Anything further from for one last thing. I I agree with you totally on that because that what happens is again you know what for whatever reasons we always start late but if they started in October you know there's a lot of services that the tribe pays out to vendors and because sometimes it's so late kind of have to take what we get and they kind of raise the price on us cuz they know that that's all we can get right now. So you're right. You know, we started out early and we could put out bids for services, get the lowest bid, etc. So, you know, that that's really advantageous to have somebody in there to be able to do all that stuff.
>> And we save the tribe money and the mom.
>> Yeah. Mike.
>> Yeah. We had a full-time manager set up one time uh in I don't know how many years it operation Wayne you recall and how did that work out >> we dropped it for some reason or other >> issue or was it individual or Yeah, it's it's a personal I mean HR should be >> I think the individual took a different job.
>> You took a different job and never hired me again since then.
>> Okay. So there wasn't total satisfaction with the individual that performed the >> job at that particular time.
>> Can Sherry answer Sher has a comment?
>> I'll answer you. So no, we had a fair manager. She did a really good job and it was really helpful. That's why I was going to bring it up. So I'm glad that Brenda did. um she got a different job and left. And then um when we readvertised, the council argued over if it should be a part-time or a full-time >> seasonal and if it should be seasonal, but the ordinance states a full-time manager. And um we could never come to an agreement and it's one of those things that just fell to the wayside and we were going to d we delegated it to Brenda at the last minute because we were in panic mode. So, it's poor planning on our part and the former fair manager did a good job and helped all our coordinators through all of that.
And one of the key things is Ben mentioned like, well, can they get training? Training would be good, but they won't have intact access. And that's like a $5,000 cost to have intact access.
So, um this is really important position. It needs to be put in place.
And I think um today we should make a motion to start um um advertising for next year's positions and get them selected prior to the election.
So that way 2027 um is ready to go.
That's my recommendation today.
>> Any more questions regarding the fair?
Oh, terms.
>> Um, Wayne, how are we looking for funds this year for the I'm pretty sure any more?
>> We're probably going to have to find a little more. Um, I think last year we had a carryover of like 100 maybe 150 160,000 190,000 >> 194. This year our carryover is only like 90,000 >> 93,000. So, we're like $100,000 short, but the the the two accounts that we get the money from are the two tax accounts.
>> Yeah.
>> And that money there is about the same as we got last year.
>> Yeah.
>> So, um we're probably it depends on what kind of a budget these guys approve of, but we have to come back to you guys and ask for at least another 100,000.
Have we budgeted anything for like 150 bill >> for the one?
>> Yeah, the one in Montana.
>> No. Um I I've asked that group for a budget and I haven't >> Yeah. when whenever they whenever they uh submit a budget I've got couple suggestions that I consider >> no actually um I just want to ask a question from what he said has there been has there already been expend expenditures made towards the um the 150 FDS up there in Montana.
>> Other than travel, I'm not aware of.
>> Okay.
>> Oh, excuse me. I think there was um when they hosted that that uh meeting out here, I think we spent like $1,500 for >> $1,500 for that.
>> Okay.
>> Um Brenda.
>> Yeah.
>> Thanks, Brenda. Thank you.
>> How will it take? 15 minutes.
We have I know it's 15 minutes.
>> I got to go make some phone calls. Get a break.
Yeah. EC resolution. Do you have a copy, James?
>> I do. Good afternoon, Peter. Thank you for your time. Um, this resolution is our EOC money. Techro has three accounts. This one here is basically our heavy equipment flagging training and CDL training. Anyway, um the way they reflect reflect the reportings, it goes by 3 months. Every 3 months, um how they reflect that is compliance plans. Um within a compliance plan, there's workforce that training in there that's uh reported every 3 months in an EO EO EOC report. Um the 32,000 most of them get them at the beginning of the year. I get ours at the end of the year. Basically, I like do it that way so that way I have those safeguards in place. Other techs kind of got themselves in trouble receiving them at the beginning. So, I kind of rather get it at then so that way if there's anything it can be resolved before we get further payments or anything like that.
>> I think the question Emily, go ahead.
Thank you. Thank you for coming. Yeah.
Um, the first question I had was when you look at the resolution, it says 33,000 and then when you look at the supplements, it says 32,000. So, I didn't know which one was which or where that 1,000 difference.
>> I should be 33,000.
>> So, it should be 32. Okay. Thank you.
So, secretary, can we make sure amend amendment on the resolution? Yeah, he said it should be 32,000, not 32,000.
And then my next question from earlier was on the supplemental list here on your quarterly report on the report date for first quarter it says 115 which was a long time ago then it says 6:30 then it says 6:30 again. So I'm wondering if those were typos or what happened to that second report and why it has the same date as the third report.
>> Um it's probably typo.
>> Okay. And would these be amended to 2026?
>> Yes. Yeah.
>> Okay. Okay. And then the third question that came up was because we are in the third quarter already, what happens to those first two quarters since this should have started it looks like maybe in October, but it didn't come through until now. So would we need to like get modification or extension or >> it's already it's already I do the reporting all the time. Anyway, this right here is the final payment. Like I said, it's beginning at the end of the year. We don't get that money. The reporting for this year is been reported right now.
except for the last three months. So basically what we're doing is preparing for the last three months of our reporting for this money to be accepted in anyway.
>> But you did the workshops and all that stuff already, right?
>> Well, yes. That's if you remember last year when I got hired in kind of late in the term and I had to do like do heavy equipment trainings 111.
>> Why you kind of ask why are you running so late? Heavy equipment trainings.
Well, I was running late in September because council hired late in a time where these heavy equipment trainings had to be done. So, we were running late like November, almost December trying to get this in there. Um, >> so we did the work. We just didn't have the money for it.
>> No, the work like I said, we don't receive the the money at the beginning.
Everything that goes through, you get it at the end of >> the reimbursement. So, you have to do the work first and then get reimbured.
Yes.
>> Okay. So will you amend the the the dates on here to be reflective of that?
>> Yeah.
>> Yes.
>> Thank you.
>> You got to amend the dates to >> amend the dates and the dollar amount.
>> Okay.
>> Dollar amount to 32,000 instead of 33,000 and then the dates um to >> October or what is it? November 1st 25 to 26.
>> Yeah. October 25 to >> the dates that I was confused on are the reporting date. See how it says 11525 then 6:3025 then 6:3025 then 11325.
>> Yeah.
>> So I was just wondering why we had two separate ones for 6:30 25.
>> Oh okay. It's right there.
>> And it's on both sheets like that. So >> that's the typo typo. Okay.
>> So tell me what was that date? October 23rd September >> I don't know the date the dates that I'm talking about that need I don't know what the date should be this order >> so should the second one be two and three or >> it's January for my March >> April every month be January 25 >> July and then August >> April May June then June 30th and then 9:30. 9:30 would be the last one.
>> Okay. Clarification. So, the order 2 should be June 30th and order 3 should be >> what date?
>> 9:30.
>> 9:30. Yeah.
>> 6:30.
>> Yeah.
>> Well, I know 6:30 is good.
>> I mean, for the order 2 is 6:30.
>> It's every 3 months. So, if the first one is January, then it would be April.
So, then it would be 4:30, 4:30, >> then June 30th, and then July 30th.
Yeah, it would be March 30th. However, you're doing the dates. That's why I said I don't know what these are. These are these would have already had been determined to be their quarterly date.
So, whatever.
>> Okay. Okay.
>> So, it'll be Octo or January 15th, 2025, April 30th, 2025, July 30th, 2025, and October 13th, 2025.
>> There you go.
>> Yeah. Does that need to be reflective on the resolution at all.
>> No. Okay, >> Ben.
>> Well, thanks for coming on, James. Uh, with the EO with this one here. Do we have a rep then to represent any other complaints? You're you're a certified.
Okay. Just making sure.
>> Certified EOS area.
>> Yeah. Okay. That's >> that deals with all the other stuff besides his trainings. deals with uh the sub entities, non- entities, discriminator plaint.
>> Definitely. Yeah. So, just make the make the public aware that that's that's what we have here because a lot of people don't know. And of course, the funding that comes in helps with the training also. Anyways, though, but you know, just for the uh concerns of uh EEO um complaints, I guess that's what we do.
But I know when I worked here, Gary was the the representative for that too. So, I mean, he had quite a bit of complaints tonight. I see him in. So, just making sure. Okay. We do have a representative >> where many happy.
>> Okay. All right. Thank you. That's all I >> Any further questions?
All for the question. Chris, all in favor?
>> As amended.
>> As amended.
>> As amended.
>> 13 opposing zero.
Um, >> what was that number? 2611.
Okay. Something um that we need to keep in mind with um EEOC is that um they can address issues outside of our um our tribe because of the sovereign immunity thing um discrimination and stuff like that. But like if you worked for a contractor or let's say buoys for instance or or possibly an alltop and there was a um a a discrimination complaint then they can come here and file it IHS but then they have their own bill too. So >> thank you council.
>> Thank you guys appreciate it.
So this was the emergency legislation.
>> Thank you.
>> And then these three left.
Huh?
>> Okay.
Then this is a question ready to proceed with >> Ryan.
I'll wait till good afternoon. My name is Sandy with Risky Benefits.
Get everything in front of them. I risky benefits has been your benefit consultant for I think about 9 years now and it is our job to make sure that we go out every year and look at your benefits and make sure that we get the most competitive pricing. So we are here today to walk through your life insurance renewal uh with Met Life.
And so that is the material that we'll be handing out that I will walk through here shortly.
Appreciate everyone that's Just a little bit of back history on where we started. Uh about four years ago, uh Rosebuds tribe made the decision to increase the employer paid life insurance from 50 to 75,000. So today you currently cover 75,000 on each employee. And then additionally an age reduction provision was modified um so that way those that were 65 would not see that reduction um in their benefit.
So that was moved from 65 to 75 to accommodate the number of tribal members over the age of 65 that were still working um to get to where we are today with the renewal. The loss ratio for 2021 2023 um the the plan the life insurance plan experienced a 520% loss ratio. That that was very significant. Um and that means Met Life, which is your insurance carrier, paid out over five times more than it received in premiums during that time frame. Um it led to an significant increase at that time, but they gave you a rate guarantee of 2 years. And then for 2024 through 2025, the loss ratio was better. It was 238%.
Um, again, that is high. Uh, you usually want a loss ratio around 80. An insurance carrier wants to see a loss ratio around 80%. Um, so you can see that that would demonstrate the reason for the increase. There was a 30% increase for your employer paid life insurance with Met Life. So, as your consultant, what we did is we went out to the market and we actually looked at 18 different carriers. Okay. Um, so before I get to that more detail on that, um, so your current rate for your accidental death and life insurance is.236 per,000 of coverage. So for $75,000 of coverage on an employee, that amounts to $17.70.
The new rate um that Metife has presented at renewal um with a 2-year rate guarantee. So, it's guaranteed for 2 years is 30 cents per thousand. That does include your accidental death and dismemberment. Um as a reminder, what that is is if the death is an accident, then it pays an additional 75 on top of the current 75 to that beneficiary.
Um if you have a dismemberment, that means there is a cash value. you can submit a claim and the amount of that claim is dependent upon that dismemberment. So with that 30% increase, thank you. Um that increases the cost per employee from 1770 to $22.50.
We went out again, like I said, to the market to review 18 different carriers to look for something more favorable.
All carriers declined to provide a quote due to the previous losses except for two carriers. One was higher than your current renewal and the other one um it was a little bit less but not significant and it would require moving all of the other lines of coverage that you have with Metife and those lines of coverage um would not be lower would actually be a little bit higher to the employees therefore increasing their out-of- pocket costs on the voluntary benefits. So not a significant reason to move to um the principal carrier. We presented this information to budget and finance on I believe it was April 28th.
We do recommend uh renewing with MET life. That is your best option uh uh at for this year's renewal on the life insurance. So on the resolution that you have in front of you, there is um um uh the the third to the third from the last paragraph where it talks about um the RST budget finance passed a motion to refer the RST tribal council to life insurance renewal summary. Uh it says August 1st. Um your renewal is actually July 1st. So that will need to be amended because that's when the plan renews.
Any questions?
>> Any questions?
>> Mike and Tammy.
>> Uh, just comment. Um, two comments. Um, one, the rate is going up typically because of our loss ratio things. And am I correct in u in saying that u when we increased the uh the insurance coverage from 50,000 to 70,000 a few years ago that kind of contributes to that loss ratio thing doesn't it?
So the increase the company's paying out >> uh the >> $25,000 more per per death.
>> It increases the premium.
>> So just so we know that, you know, the the higher coverage we want for our employees, it's going to cost us more.
And if uh if we have an unusual uh uh death rate, I guess I put it that way, but you know, then uh that's going to affect our rates, you know. I mean, that's the way insurance works. you know, you had car insurance, you have a couple accidents, your rates go up, you know, generally. So, >> be correct.
>> What's that, Mike? What's that total of that 30 or 30 cent increase the overall total for that >> going from $17 a month to $20 a month?
Is that >> So, the answer to that >> uh $2250 for >> Yep. What's What's that overall going to cost us for the tri?
>> Oh, I I don't know.
2250 is the new >> I believe so.
>> Yes.
>> From 17 to 2250.
>> Yes.
>> Tanya, do you have an employee for employees?
>> I don't.
>> I don't recall when we discussed the increase the dollar amount.
>> I mean, because we're obviously going to have to pay some more in, right, for that increase. I have Tammy and then Royal.
Oh, no.
Okay. All right. Awesome.
Um, I guess something that I kind of wanted to inquire about was our our employees that are going into retirement age. I know we're looking for benefits for them. Um, is there any way possible we could see how much it would cost the tribe to continue the life insurance and maybe burial and what else?
>> Yeah, for our to like maintain that for our employees who are going to be retiring.
>> Yes, we have actually been um working on um some of that with carriers. Um, one of it is the health. How do you uh there is a Medicare retirement program um that that the um uh RST could look into. I've got quotes on that. Um there is a uh another style of life insurance program that does not um have a that would have a longer duration um uh when they left um versus or they the the RST would have to cover the porting cost when they retired. There are options out there and we have been in communication trying to come up with solutions that make sense.
>> Okay. Um, and I don't know if the employees know this, but when they do retire, let's say even if it's for u medical purposes, um, like with my mother, she had to fill out extra forms and then she got to um, pay her own premium and stuff and that to keep that going. So instead of, you know, whenever you quit working for the tribe, pretty much the tribal parts cut off. We know that, but she got to keep doing that. So when she passed away, her life insurance was still in place.
>> Okay. Um so that is available and it's just a matter of coming up with what program and what carrier works best and then getting that uh approved. So you're talking about so when they retire here, they still have those benefits. They could take it with them only um instead of them taking over the cost that RST pays for that. Is that what you're asking? eventually, but right now if the employees or the retired employee is absorbing that cost, >> correct? So, and that would be something that, you know, everyone would have to agree upon as well once we've got the budget put together. So, but that is something that we are aware of and that we're working on. So, and we appreciate any input that you guys have on that as well. So, >> I have Royal and then Emily.
>> Yeah. So, you're uh risky what's the uh benefit scheme? Uh so you're you're a uh consulting company or or what is the status? I'm I'm thinking why not uh asking 18 companies competitive insurance people out there and then you're I'm understanding that your your recommendations met life or and then uh on on that part um when I look at insurance I look at uh people people get insurance And and if you look at insurance the whole level um like uh uh how are are you are you consulted by the tribe to look for the best rates or are you an insurance company or how does that work?
>> Very valid question. So we are an independent insurance agency. So we represent you the client. We do not represent any of the insurance companies. So, our job is to rep represent you and bring you the best rates and plan designs um that you that works best for you and what you guys want. So, that's why we're able to go out to any team. We go out to everyone that's available in South Dakota um because we're an independent insurance agent. Um and then to consult with you on here's the options. Um this is, you know, this is what you have for for availability and prices and then leave that final decision with our recommendation up to you. So I do not represent a single insurance company um as an incentive to sell that company. So Metife just have is your current insurance carrier. They had the best rate several years ago and um even with their renewal which was significant due to your um rate uh claim uh your law your claim loss they are still the best recommended but we did go out to make sure that they would be competitive. So this area is just in you just work in the medical insurance or do you work in all of your insurance fields?
>> So uh good question. Uh so we represent um uh group benefits which includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability products, work site products.
Um Erica is our Medicare advocate. She's been up here during open enrollment for Medicare individual products. Um and then we have partners when it comes to work comp that we partner with. We don't have that in house.
>> So like uh I look at uh the tribe. Do you know all their insurance policies or just the medical part?
>> Uh so we handle for Rosebuds through tribe my my um uh risky benefits handles their current mech plan uh the dental, the vision, the life and the work site products. So um I represent and handle all of those different policies and can explain them to the employees and answer their questions.
>> Yeah. cuz I know the tribe has like for their type of vehicles vehicle insurance and then I don't know if the tribe has a property insurance cuz uh I don't know the inventory property and supply but they got property insurance both like things get stolen or things like this I know they'll first then they'll uh replace whatever stolen I don't know people process when it comes to vehicle, property, all these other insuranceances or you just working all your money.
>> Um, so your workman's comp and your property cure and your liability. Um, we partner, we have a referral program with that. We do not currently handle that for you at this point in time. But that is something we're looking at to see if we can save you some money on through our referral partner, but we don't do that in house. Otherwise in house we've got the medical dental vision life and we handle that through risky benefits.
So good questions. Thank you.
>> Yeah.
>> Um Emily, thank you. Hello. Good to see you. Thank you for coming.
>> Yep. Um let's see. I have a couple questions. The first one is could you explain a little bit more why there was such a high loss ratio during that time period, the first and second? And I'm noticing there's some overlap with like pandemic and co times. So, I'm wondering if that was a national event or if that was more of a localized event. That's my first question.
>> You know, that is a great question. Um, I did not bring your specific uh claims experience of how many uh claims that there were to um to to validate the 520% increase that MetLife said that they had. But that is something that I can provide to to council.
>> Okay. because I definitely would want to look at those fees especially if they're proposing such a large um interest or large percentage of an increase on that.
Um my second question is or could you answer was that increasing nationally?
So during you know obviously during COVID because there was an increase in deaths there was uh there was a significant increase across the board of life insurance policies because of the high claim. So, we did see that. Um, >> do you know on average what that percentage increase was nationally?
>> I do not, but I'd be happy to get that for you, too.
>> We could have that before we lock ourselves in. Thank you. Um, my next question is um, how often can we expect this index look? I think this is the first time I've been in here, but I've only been here. This is my third year of my term.
So, I'm wondering like it's an amazing thing, but I would have hoped that this type of thing would happen every year to ensure. And last year, we did have a potential competition. somebody was willing to come in and possibly help provide the same services. And so I'm wondering if that was kind of what prompted this or do we do this every year or what's what was the previous time that we kind of did this in depth now to ensure we're getting the best prices?
>> Uh so we do this every year. Our my firm makes it a habit to make sure that we do this every year. We feel that's in the best interest of all of our clients. I just >> I said it several years ago, so I just wanted to make sure.
>> Oh yeah. And then the the rate guarantees last two years. So with that rate guarantee uh which which will help define um clarify your question. We don't have to look every year. We look at every uh every year the rate guarantee expires. So sorry that's for better clarification.
>> Thank you.
>> Okay. My next question here is um most where are we at with total health insurance?
>> With I'm sorry with what >> complete health insurance.
>> Complete health insurance. Um, so we are waiting for um um I guess a budget that would be uh available so that way we can figure out what would be the best um plan implementation. I know we've quoted that a couple times here over the several years. Um and at this point in time I was told there wasn't budget for it yet and so we have not pursued that further for implementation. um but can produce quotes um when that that comes to uh when requested.
>> Thank you. And are those quotes based on our total number that we service right now or is that a potential sign up for new or what what number I guess are we using for those cuz I think we already have a a nice uh sum of people getting health insurance through some of our chartered entities. So I don't know if we could, you know, include all of them or how we are when we're getting that type of quote. Uh, so the health insurance that that some of those entities um they're not through um risky benefits.
>> Oh, I understand. But I'm just wondering what what number are you using to quote us on? Is it only a certain number that you're thinking going to sign up or is it the total number that the tribe's currently providing our, you know, vision and dental to or >> Sure. So insurance carriers look at two things. They're going to look at um those that are eligible for benefits and those that would potentially actually enroll because they do have some stipulations on the premiums presented um based on those that do enroll.
>> Okay. So our our quote wasn't based on our total number of employees signed up right now.
>> We get a quote that would be more reflective had if we signed up the whole employees.
>> So the difference like if it was employer paid for every employee. So yeah. So that quote we can get available and then if if it's volunteering if that changes the insurance carrier has the right to adjust the premiums.
>> Thank you for that. I might have one more time.
>> Um Ben's going to be glaring at me in a second.
>> Um one minute.
>> So I'm wondering what the normal process should be of when and maybe it's not a you question, it might be us question.
Um, >> it seems like every time we do these renewals, it's like at the end of our term or at the end of the the uh contract cycle and so we feel like you either have to do this or you're going to lose services. So, is there any way we could build in these types of conversations months in advance? So, it kind of gives us an idea of do we want to keep with this? Do we want to lock ourselves in? Do we want to, you know, shop around? Those types of things just so we don't feel kind of rushed or forced into these types of things.
>> Good question. So insurance carriers uh send out renewals during a certain time frame and sometimes you can get them sooner and sometimes you can't. Medical by law they have to submit 45 days prior. Um and sometimes you can get some 60 days prior. Uh so um >> that's really our only window kind of >> it's really hard. Yeah. So, but as soon as we get it, we really what we usually try and do is we try and shop it out prior to the renewal. So, that way we have numbers. So, when the renewal comes in, then we can make that transaction faster than here's a renewal. Oh, it was high this year. Now, let's go then and try and sign that. So, >> I think it's two years.
>> Prior times in the past like budget and finance would RFP it out.
>> The last couple times I haven't seen that happen. probably should be, but we um you know, like Pam was saying, maybe RFP it like that that will lock it in for like a time period like a 3-year period or >> Yeah. So, even if we could work that into our process like in 2028 or whenever that is that we could start looking at that, you know, thank you guys. Thank you.
>> Any further questions?
>> Emergency legislation just when will we have that stuff back?
>> So, you're specifically wanting the national average and then the number of claims. Is that what you're wanting? So, um there was >> and everything Emily asked for and have asked >> for the health insurance >> for retire retirement.
>> Um so that information I can that's separate than this renewal but um I can probably get something within well let me start. So the national average for the information specific to the life insurance I can get that um probably by tomorrow. Um there was a document submitted to budget and finance a little bit more specific about claims paid out and incurred claims and the loss ratio based on um the lives. So that this is something that I did present in your packet. Um it's based on um so it has probably the information that you need but it doesn't say the number of lives. It's just got the loss ratio and >> so yeah I believe within the last two years we had a total of 13 um claims paid out. So that's where within the two years that's why it went up so high 13 employees and the >> um Emily I don't know if you can tell us this but were any of those deaths COVID related >> in the last two years?
>> Oh no I'm talking about the period of time that we've had this big loss. Yes, because I just feel like it's a little bit problematic that if it's a was a national pandemic and rates of death increased across nationally across the world that we are being held to that and I just want to make sure that everyone nationally was being held to that same standard of increase for having to go through what we all did. So thank you.
Okay, so what question didn't I answer yet? So um so the national average so bear with me one second um during CO and then Tanya you said 13.
>> Okay clarifications was that 13 during that same time period of 2020 to 2024.
>> Yes. Uh >> so so we're getting a 30 we're getting a 30% increase due to 13 deaths in a two-year span.
>> No, they're also accommodating for the 540% increase prior to that. So >> and and how many created the 520 during the pandemic and and were any of those COVID related deaths? I would like to know that also. Thank you.
Oh yeah, my request. She's got it, I believe. Um, you have my request, too, right?
Right.
So for um then moving forward, you wanted to know about the retirement plan and um for the retirees and then taking the life insurance and stuff with them, etc. And the house question does that too.
>> Yeah.
Uh, glad to be recognized by the chair.
>> Oh, sorry.
>> Sorry, I'm sorry.
Standing in front of you.
>> Am I okay?
>> Yes.
>> Um, this loss ratio number. Okay. Now I'm assuming that is relative only to your insurance company's uh experience with the roach tribe.
>> Correct. So >> correct.
>> Yes.
>> Okay. So now when um what's the process for when a claim is made? Uh do does it originate from this building?
Uh or is it originated uh from the employee directly to the in the client? I mean yeah the employee I guess in this case directly to to you guys or the insurance company. How does that work? Do we have records here?
>> Like if you know a tribal employees uh has a death in our family. Do they come into the title building and report that to somebody and then and then it gets you know the claim is um paid to the insurance company. What's the process?
>> I'm going to have to um >> so basically anytime an employee or their dependent do have a loss we send the paperwork from the business office which is Sherry.
>> Okay. So you would have you should have the numbers then.
>> Um Sherry's actually bringing that spreadsheet to Sh. kind of go that would go that would go to answering Emily's question.
>> Yeah, Cherry will be bringing it in.
This was for them.
>> She's asking whether or not whether or not we're being influenced our rates being influenced by national death averages, but you're saying you're you're claiming it's based only on our experience here and we have the numbers. You should have them.
>> So, >> and that's fine, but I also wanted to see what this >> is comparing because this was a national crisis and a But it would be interesting to know how I'm sorry.
>> Why do we have so many tribal uh deaths?
>> Well, if it was a pandemic or not, >> it's going to be twofold clarification just like your property casualty. Um you can keep you keep that that might answer your question. That's because um it's going to be twofold. So for example, for property casualty, the hurricanes and everything have affected the industry.
So they have to recoup that. So they have to raise the rates across the board nationally and then then it's based on each individual group and the claims within the group. So nationally the >> what happens nationally has an influence on what we pay.
>> It does but because they're >> Yes. Let's get back in order now. You know, it's it's hard to it's hard to tell those Robert to overdo this kind of >> Mike had the floor.
>> Any more questions for Sonia?
>> Any more? Are you done?
>> No, I'm done. Yeah, he's done.
>> Okay.
>> Question.
>> Wait, we didn't even uh entertain a motion for emergency.
>> I'm sorry. I thought we were in discussion.
>> I just sign a couple of things. My Joking ahead.
>> Mike, is there a resolution or something to >> Yes, they were passed up?
>> I have emergency legislation.
>> Motion for emergency legislation by Mike. Is there a second by Charles?
Question.
Tammy. All in favor?
>> 13.
Z voting zero.
>> Okay. Motion to approve 2026-112 by Mike.
Is there a second?
Go ahead and read it in. Starting with the fifth lass rosewood soup tribal council passing resolution soup tribe resolution number 202196 to approve the proposal between the road for pursuit tribe and risky benefit um South Minnesota Avenue sallall South Dakota uh also to risky benefit to act as a broker to obtain insurance coverage for basic life, voluntary life, critical illness, hospital identification and accident and accident accident benefits.
Whereas benefits has proposed a renewal of their basic life insurance group and AD and D accidental death and disme dismemberment for a period of coverage from July 1 uh 2026 to July 1, 2028 with an increase of 30 uh cent per hundred per covered employee to a monthly premium of $2250. 50 cents per month.
So whereas on April 28, 2026, the RST budget finance committee passed the motion to refer the R to the tribal council the life insurance renewal funded um August 1, 2026.
Therefore, it be it resolved that the Rosewood Sue tribe adopts the re the recommendation of the budget and finance committee to approve the life insurance renewal coverage provided by Met Life.
Therefore, be a result.
>> Discussion.
All for the question. Tammy. All in favor?
13 >> opposed >> zero >> not voting.
>> I motion carry >> I oppos I did not vote favor for the record.
>> So 1210 >> 1210 you think I'm sorry.
Thank you so if there's no objection young lady back here. She's been waiting for two days.
>> Are you going to get the floor for her?
>> Yeah. Wait, wait till we get done here.
>> Okay.
Thank you for coming. Thanks.
Thank you for coming.
>> Thank you for coming.
>> September by Friday.
Council to has requested to get the floor for tribal member. Any objections?
>> Thank you, councel.
Uh first before I begin, I want to thank you for the administration for the Roseu Tribe executive order for my husband Ted Hibler 51 years in Indian education. He was honored through the tribe one month as Ken Hibler day uh which also transitioned out transferred out to the valley of Phoenix, Arizona where he is on.
I just wanted to uh coming in with a proposal. Uh for those who don't know me, my name my maiden name is Bernett Heb Hibler. I served on council 2003 to 2005.
I served at Cinte University for 15 years from the student level to the administrative level with 12 years supervisory. Uh I left here in 2006 to finish two bachelor degrees at Black Hill State University and then I went on to Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona. where I finished two master's degrees to comprise of a whole uh thing of a degree from Synesk University, Rockfield State University, human services and sociology and Northern Arizona University focusing first on uh higher education uh with a community college and tribal college emphasis and a masters in English with a focus on professional technical writing which leads me into grant writing and that's why I am here today. I have my own nonprofit. It is called Inhis Spirit Incorporated. It is a 501c3 Native. We do have a website. It is inhispirit incin.vision.
On there you will find uh a a vision that was terried for 40 years as well as consultancy in the area of writing for professional technical writing and grant writing. And that's why I'm here today.
I'm not trying to step on any shoes. I'm not trying to take over a role from anybody in regards to grant writing or anything. But I do understand the state of our tribal nation. I understand the the state that our children are in, that our parents are in, and what our our grandparents are going through. I've been home for almost a month. I've come back several times on several visits, taking that time, every bit of my capacity to spend with elders and visiting with them on what's going on here, what's needed, visiting with teenagers and little ones to see where they're at, what their hopes and aspirations are. I'm in Luchi now. I have two granddaughters. One is uh just finished up a welding certification at Cintech University and the other one is a barrel racer. Hey, I finally got a barrel racer.
But anyway, I'm coming forward, ladies and gentlemen, to um with respect and utmost honor and total humility and that leaving here was a very huge sacrifice to uh put aside everything that I worked hard for in in becoming and becoming a little grain of sand out there in a valley of Phoenix, Arizona, uh where there's no family or anything. And um I always tell people now that you have no choice when you come up to me. You can't tell me you can't make it. Because when I left here, I had a stroke. I was working at Cente. I had a stroke and ended up in Phoenix for heart healthc care. And I finished my first master's degree homeless by the canal in Phoenix, Arizona. So there's nobody can tell me that they can't do it. And I was uh a way older student. So, by all means, I'm here today with humility and understanding.
This has been a dream of mine. Finally going to present it to you and and looking at creating a circle of writers.
I am tenered. I am seasoned. Um I'm ready for this. Um and it's up to you on how you want to get this done, but um we have the SRD office over there and they're doing all they can already.
However, I'm coming in as a teacher. I have two years in the classroom teaching English uh with uh global classrooms from with people from all over the world. I did rather well. I have a study that is being looked at to be published in the journal of higher education regarding that. It is originally called class uh tiwah because I was in the southwest we called it class clans and um 95 95 percentile for retention and 95 percentile plus for my students passing with an a because I stay with them day in and day out. So I proven my courts to come forward and the ones who I want to teach are those who if you can write a paragraph, if you can write a a short story on one page, I can teach you to write a grant. And the other part to my c my to what I can do on professional and technical writing is your content for your websites. My website that I had prepared, I built that website on my own. I did the content, the graphics, all of it, putting it the whole thing together. And so I'm here. Um, the people I want to teach are the ones that are already in the classrooms. I mean, in your offices here, I've already got a secretary and the administrative said she would love to learn how to do grant writing. And so for me, I always believe there's one or two writers in every office, in every department. and let's give them two, three hours a week and let's teach them how to write a. And if they believe in their vision for their office that much, their director is going to work with them to let's get a grant written for our office on our own instead of relying on two, three people in one office to carry this out.
And my deal is is the more people we can get in grant writing, the more we're going to strengthen our offices.
>> And so, um, I'm going to leave that in your hands. Um, I want to thank all of you. And along with all of that, I also built a grant automation system. So, when I'm working on a grant, wherever I'm at in the world, if I need to get a hold of you and I need a document, you can upload that document onto my portal wherever you're at. And then any time of the day or night, you can sign on to my portal to see exactly where I'm at in my writing for your grant.
And along with my other service is also creating research instruments which are the surveys and the assessments for grants and getting those done. I do real well with that. So I um want to thank totes for getting the floor for me. Do any of you have any questions? Can you see this working?
Because this is about building the system. It's not building an individual.
It's building for the people. So, um, even high school writers, I would love to work with our local high school students that know how to that know love to write, not know how to write, but love to write.
>> Emily has a question.
>> Thank you. Thank you so much for coming.
Sorry, I'll stand up. Um, I just had a quick question. Early on, when I first got on council, I kind of was wondering how we could also improve it. It seems like we have a very big need because of diversifying our funds and all of that for more grant writing, but we like you mentioned kind of that capacity with our current >> um so this would then allow that grant writing ability to expand with our existing force rather than having to create budgets or bring somebody that bring that in.
>> And I just want to say I think it's a really good idea. Earlier on when we talked about this, we even talked about maybe again finding funds to bring people in because sometimes our programs are really unique in the needs like we have our courts and our law enforcement and things that are kind of in in a bubble as far as the expertise that you need for grant writing and reporting.
You have health care, you have, you know, uh, environment and things like that. Law, you know, there's all these different types of, you know, little sections that we have here. So, I feel that if we did it right and got each one of those a supporting person or maybe like you you're mentioning their their current roles, I feel it would be easier and more attainable faster than us having to, you know, reorganize or all of these new positions. So, I just want to thank you for offering this and I just want to let council that I can really see this being viable if we sit down and take the time and figure out how to do it. Any more questions rather?
>> Oh, royal. And then then >> I'm not writing in Lakota.
No.
During my first term, I I went to a uh indigenous people around the world. It was with uh Brian Gillan and uh Travis Jackson and one of the things they talked about was uh data collection and they they said that it was supposed to be constant looking that way could make it more >> more stronger when uh any kind of funding or things like this. Um, and I look at the the tribe. I know SGU had that uh what is that? border regions or something on the board that they look at people that want to collect data and uh when I look at uh uh grants and applying for grants. I know. Um I look at the uh tribal enrollment and then I look at the uh when they had the ARPA funds and then they gave all the tribal members um that money for uh ARPA and we look at tribal enrollment. Then we look at uh uh ARPA checks that were given to adults and children and they so all that data and uh so you're you're familiar with that uh uh data collection in other countries that uh indigenous people around the world how they go about uh uh presenting bills or legislation to uh their governments and recognize other robots to make >> indigenous re indigenous researcher indigenous technical writer technical technical writing is a new thing. It came in as a result of the 2010 Obama language act. And with that uh comes in the federal government uh shines a bright a little bit a light a little bit brighter on the communities, the programs, the nonprofits, the tribes that actually have a technical writer, somebody that is schooled in that area.
And when you're talking about research completely and thoroughly understand the need for that data, however, needing that data to come from our voice, from our own numbers, and coming from within.
So being able to sit down and looking at all of your all your ARPA stuff and I'm going to be clear and very honest when ARPA first came out I sent a request to actually be able to come home and and do the data for that and and it was never responded to. I sent two requests as a matter of fact because the whole thing is we have numbers here but when you look at the numbers nationally 70 over 7 it's at 71% now actually that are living off reservation and you got 30% living on reservation.
And so when you take a look at that now it gives you a whole different perspective on what to do. What can we do? What will work? won't work won't work. Do we have a portal for all of us living off reservation to come on to for the tribe besides looking at the Facebook page and all the negativity negative stuff going on because for me when I come home I'm seeing the positive stuff and I understand that the data and the numbers we need that data and numbers to show this is where we're at and and and let's work together on something because everybody's going through something. Everybody is going through some >> things. There you go.
>> Hello again. Thank you for coming. Thank you for presenting. Thank you for being uh you know inspiration to a lot of our younger generation to try to do what we can to help our our next generation to inspire, encourage them to better our tribe, better our community, better our our tribal members. So I know for me I believe this will probably be beneficial. I mean it we want it to work because again we want our our kids and our people to try to strive and and build on their own. So again you're a you're I guess a product of that right now from coming from you know homeless to actually coming here now >> to help this. I mean it's going to take a lot you know I mean it's almost like starting from the ground up. You're almost starting from the ground up cuz >> I mean you take you take the uh what you built from right now where you at right now where you're at right now and what we want to project to. It's going to take that foundation and that foundation is going to be pretty much where programs are built. Uh funding comes in to help it. So my theory is that you know again when we start a lot of these programs on reservation areas you know is it going to be more attractive to the younger generation or not? How are we going to get them in here? How are we going to be able to get this done? I work with youth. That's a big thing too is you know technology is one of the biggest things. So these are just things that I do believe I support no matter what because again we do need things out there for our younger generations. We look at St. Francis right now, nothing goes on up there. Nothing. That's why our kids are so confused of what they're doing right now. Um, and in any other places in two strike in my community, same thing there too. Nothing's going on there. There's no no activities for adults, no activities for youth. They go out there and play in the streets with basketballs and stuff, you know. So, it's really challenging, you know, for those types of things. But, you know, if we have this opportunity, you know, and we can get the families on board, I do believe it'll work. We'll be able to get to that point. But these are things again that foundation where you have to start building it takes a while for that to come up. So these are just things I I think you know I always support no matter what because when we tear stuff down like that then it doesn't become a reality.
>> The the foundation's already here.
>> Yeah. But that's what I'm saying. We don't if we don't support it you know how many else are going to be supportive of this?
>> How many Heathers are going to come home?
>> And that's another thing too. See that's what we got to say too. It's it's a cycle that's going to keep going on I think. But we need to be able to build this right now here on the Roseber reservation here to be able to continue this >> here. Let's get started.
>> Yeah. And again, this is where we got to get to. I mean, I I don't know and I said I'm supportive of it. If we have all this stuff, we got other things that are coming up also too. So, we want to make sure that we able to uh I guess provide for our younger generation to do this. So, I do I do hope that you know the younger generation are watching that you know you are here. They can come see you. They can talk to you. They have this I don't know if you have a website where he is. You have a card that we can put out there.
>> I have the website.
>> Okay. We can put it on on our on our YouTube channel right there. you know, so we can put it out there.
>> Yeah, there you go. It's on here. It's on here. So, again, if people are watching, you know, not only here, but other places. So, I mean, you got a better opportunity here to be able to get out. So, anyway, I I'm I'm excited.
I I congratulate you for getting where you're at. And again, we want to support people who we can to help out.
>> Homeless.
That's fine. That's back home.
>> Homeless home. Thank you.
>> Any more questions, Laya?
Um, I just wanted um to say that, you know, this is really a a powerful testimony to one of our own tribal members. And I mean, I've known Heather. We grew up together. We're related. You know, there's just so much that she has done in her life, you know, and she's back. And look at all that amazing education she has. um and to come here to us and offer this and bring it here back to our people. You know, we need to scoop this up one way or the other because we all know how um how our programs are with rats and you know with the um 2027 coming and cuts, you know, we're going to have to rely on those things. And um this is really exciting for me because it gives me hope. It gives me hope and it gives me um something to to look forward to because we need to train our own and we have her offering standing right here, you know, today offering. I want to help, you know, she needs to come back in and help us. There's room for her here. Plenty of room. And I like for us to see um you know how we can bring her aboard, how we're going to um work with her to create something and take her up on us. Um we we can't let her leave. We have to keep her and let her have us get started. There's a lot of young people here too that still take classes. They're still, you know, they everybody wants to learn. Once we get that going, you know, um it's going to start the fire, you know.
>> Yeah. And um so I don't I don't know how um we could talk about um the doors open now and what options we could put out there or how we're going to um start this today and bring her on some way somehow.
>> Can we refer her to economic development committee?
>> Oh yeah, we could do that. the one of the next economic development committee um cherry sits on that committee and we can start >> propose something and refer it to council.
>> Yeah.
>> And then they'll just bring it to >> Thank you.
>> Yeah. Um she >> at the next economic development committee meeting.
Oh, okay. That'll be good.
>> Next week, Tuesday at 1, right?
>> Thanks.
Then he got my best.
Thank you. Thank you.
Yes.
>> Thank you.
Um Sherry Wayne has the resolution for the TV real quick.
>> Okay. And then we have S swa came down draft a resolution on that tribal education program talk about this morning and attached is our attorney general's opinion and then both money almost identical also but what this resolution does is what authorizes me to start spending that that tribal education money because we have never received anything from writers from the government motion for emergency motion for emergency legis by totes question Emily all in favor 11 >> oppos 2026 1113 motion to approve. Is there a second?
Emily go read it in for the record.
Second whereas as of today's date I has not provided a formal written directive to the tribe to stop work in coordinates with the contract or any other applicable federal state federal statute or regulation. And therefore, be it resolved that the Rose tribe finds that there is no formal written directive from the Office of Inspector General Preventing the Tribe to explain available to contact. And it further resolve that until the tribe receives formal written notice from the office of inspector general to halt the expenditure of the contract fund, the tribe shall proceed with the performance of the contract scope of work and the expenditures to administer funds for the contract deliverables with the tribal electrification program for clean energy household certification that will benefit tribal communities. And be it further resolved that the tribal council of the Rosebu tribe authorizes and directs the tribal president over authorized delegate to execute the grant administration documents on behalf of the president. Any discussion?
Good question. Is it all right that I seconded that because it involves direct action with the treasurer?
Sure. Okay. Just no appearance of conflict. Hold on. Thank you. Any further discussion?
All for the question.
>> Question.
>> All in favor?
>> Yes.
post >> zero.
>> Not voting.
>> Zero.
>> Um, council, yesterday we asked SWAT Kim to come back today by motion. There was a motion made for the return to bring the applications down.
Any further discussion since it's regarding applicants in a position? We'll go out there question. Sorry, I My name is Christopher and um for the last for the last 10 months uh a group of us uh the quality uh I think program sic cultural lean and myself have been um have been planning this uh this idea and so let's take you back to the history of it first uh about a year ago 11 months ago uh let's go back further actually start from the very beginning this year is very unique to the United States of America. This year, the United States of America is celebrating its 250 years of gaining its independence as a nation.
In the first 90 years of this nation's gaining its independence, they they had a civil war. They broke apart, the north and the south. And so then the south, you know, they tried to have war with the United States government and they lost. they got beat and they rejoined the um nation again. 10 years after that they had another battle and a lot of generals that grew up in the civil war era were generals for the um battle for the victory of grass cuz we won. Um and then that battle was unique because that was 10 years later and that was 100 years of the United States gaining its independence.
And it's 250 years of existence only one nation in the entire world had defeated them in their own war and that was us.
us and our allies, the la the great nation, northern northern uh we came together. You know, historically our people, they would always battle each other uh for uh occupation of land, occupation of uh the the the rights to the water or the rights to the food that was in that area. You know, they always regardless of how it happened, they always took care of the land.
So when 150 years ago when the battle commenced um a lot of things that went into it um you know the Boseman trail was a big piece of all of this happening inside of it was 10 days leading into the battle there was this uh battle called Rose Creek the Rose Creek battle and Rose Creek is very essential to this because that is the main reason why we're called Rose today.
Um 10 days later the battle of Gigraphs happened.
And so at the time a great warrior a great leader by the name of Tishika had you know he was just a guy he was just like each and every one of us. He wasn't a spiritual leader. He wasn't a medicine man. He was just a part of his reservation or sorry I assimilated. He's a part of his people. He was a part of his clan. He was a part of his band and um but he was very passionate about his freedom. He was very passionate about the way of life that we had. And because of how passionate he was and how courageous he was, he knew that something was coming for him. He knew that something was coming that was bigger than each and every one of us, bigger than each and every one of our um bands, our language, our way of life.
this was bigger than everything that we have come that we have accomplished leading into uh 1876.
He knew that this battle would be the one that would either, you know, sol solidify us or wipe us off the face of the earth because it was about fighting for our freedom. You know, there's a new way of life coming and no matter what we could do, you couldn't go around it. You couldn't run from it. We had to go straight through it and embrace it. And we did that.
He brought together um nations on nations for a vision much bigger than himself, for a common enemy much bigger than each and every one of us.
And um you know they came together for that. They didn't come together to fight. They came to um there's a lot of stories that are told about the 150th and it's hard to really talk about it because none of us were there. Now the stories that are told are from the history books, the pastor's last stand, you know. Um, what's unique about this is about a year ago, my grandfather came back and he's been going to this trip every year and we were sitting outside his house uh smoking a cigarette and we're talking about it and he was really upset because friends were doing their own thing. Families, groups were doing their own thing up there. No one really came together anymore. And you know, we always talked about that. Why is that?
Why is that? And we, you know, um, all of us, ever since I got into this position, every time I've seen all the nations come together, they always talk about unity. We in this room always talk about unity. You know, the circle, the the roses, you know, we always talk about this idea of coming together because, you know, we all come from the same area. We all have the same issues and we're all we all look the same. You know, we all know how each other's look, how each of us look, but out there, we all look Indian. Regardless if you're regardless if you're Cheyenne or Aaho Navajo, um Kikapoo, uh Msquagi to them, you will always be an Indian.
And so one thing that I've noticed is we always talk about unity, but no one ever wants to make it happen because we know how it is. It gets hard once you start really looking at it.
And so um eventually after talking with my grandfather and then with my spiritual um mentor too, he they both kind of helped me understand that the only way something's going to happen is if you do it is if you just get up and start doing it. And people probably won't want to hop on at first, but once you get going, it's going to start on working because the idea, the movement is much bigger than each and every one of us. So what I have in front of you is kind of what we um made up when it comes to presenting to our communities. We're doing outreach now. Um so how all this happened was after that meet after June July of last year we started on it started reaching out to all the chairmans of all the tribes. We started with the east side of the reservations in South Dakota first just to start from that and then we got some you know attractions. We told them who win and then um we try to have a lot of planning meetings here at least every other week. Um, and they started back in August.
They, uh, they didn't get much traction at first, which is fine. Um, because, uh, getting out out to the public was very hard. Communications uh, communication skills, you know, the same things today. But one thing happened towards the end of last year, beginning of this year. Um, it was our last meeting at the beginning of December, end of December for Rosewood's chapter and there was only a handful of us. And so we kind of got discouraged, but instead of giving up on it, we just took a step back, we re-evaluated it and looked at it from a different perspective. And so we came at it from that new perspective. And that new perspective really helped get this off the ground. Um we went to the uh we came to the tribe to the uh president, vice president asking for support and getting um the directors involved, getting the tribe involved. How can we do that without, you know, overstepping boundaries or anything? And so we we figured it out. We hosted meetings out to the casino. And this is where I come in now. So what we have there here in front of us is a who, what, where, when, and why.
Um, so the idea behind this is, you know, who who are they? Who are they today?
And who we're celebrating is the majority of the indigenous uh people, the descendants um of Turtle Island. You can see a lot of uh of misspelling in this. This was done very fast about a week. We have a new one out, but this is what I had on me. So, I give I'm giving it to you guys. So, let me see Missping.
I apologize. But, you know, who are they today? They're descendants of all the people that participated in that battle.
And that goes beyond the Oetti Shaki now today. That goes even beyond the United States. It's probably the relatives of ours that live across the street. Don't even know it. Um, but they can trace the roots back to that battle, back to our ancestors. Um, this is this is for you.
as well as anyone curious, you know, that never been there. Um, so who now what is it? What makes the 150th uh anniversary of this victory so important?
Um, that's a unique that's a unique because we have a bunch of reasons for uniting. Last year once the administration took office, they asked us, "What is your answer? What is give us an answer? Give us a plan. How are you going to come up with all these things that the government is throwing at us?" and all everyone had their ideas. Only thing I could think of was if history repeats itself cuz that's what it looks like. It looks like history is repeating itself. And if history is going to repeat itself, then you know, let it. Our people were put in a position that we're put in today. And it was and we rose above it. We rose and came out of it victors. But the thing that we didn't do was we didn't stay together after that. We came home. We separated ourselves, put ourselves on the reservations. At the time, you know, our leaders were looking ahead for this moment right now because they knew that they had to submit and live on a reservation that eventually one of us would rise up again. And that's where we are today. Um, I don't say, I'm all of us. It's a it's a collective effort. And so that's the what what makes this important with the political atmosphere that we're in now with the distance of how far our tribes are and with the understanding that the next seven generations haven't even experienced what it looks like to have relative what it looks like to have relationships outside of your own reservation. You know we think that our Indian country is just our reservation alone.
Um so who what where you know the battle of uh it's going to take place at the um there's a national park over there and that is where you know all the um burial grounds are and everything. The national park services are going to host an event on that day but um that's to welcome the congressman to honor the senators. Uh they're going to put on a good show and has nothing to do with us. And so we're doing our own event a mile south of the um national park. And this land that we were um allowed to dwell on, allowed to camp on is unique to our people because it's the same land that our ancestors uh camped on days leading into the battle.
The night before leading into the battle, we will be where our ancestors were right before the battle of Gish Grass, right before the victory. You may stamp or crazy horse.
Think of that. That's huge in itself.
When when is it? So, we have three days that we're going to be up there. The day itself is the 25th, but from all the planning that we've done with the uh chaki tribes that were available at the moment. We've come up with the dates.
The travel day will be the 22nd. We'll get everyone up there. So, 23rd, 4th, and 5th, we'll we'll be there. And then the 26th for Rosewood is a travel day to come home. Um all the other tribes are going to be within those same boundaries.
And the 24th, 5th, and 6th are going to be main days for a lot of events for not just our tribe, but for other tribes. I know we're going home on the 26th, but uh a lot of them will be there till the 27th. The trouble days 27th, so we'll all be there in that same time.
And then my favorite part, the why now.
You know, the why is the whole point of all of this. Um, so in life, one thing that you do is you experience love when you're born. You have it. You're full of it. You go around and people are happy to see you cuz you were born out of love. Everyone in this room, everyone in the world was made out of love. Our ancestors understood that we were love. And so after the battle, battle was very significant because it was the only one that the United States government lost.
But because of that was a catalyst for where we are today, boarding school era, the historical trauma, the stereotypes, um that love was taken away in that generation that went to the boarding school. And we've been looking for a belly ever since. We've been looking for that ever since.
And so with this idea of um bringing back that love is wake up the spirit and what that looks like is it's going to be different for everyone. Waking up to spirit though for a lot child at the ages of 10 11 that needs to be common common formality for our people. Our ancestors grew up at a very young age.
Today takes twice that number now. Um for me I was 25.
Um so how that works is it's unique. That's the spiritual aspect of who we are as a people. Uh waking up your spirit uh it makes you realize that you know we have this thing called mak oas all my relations all my relatives. And once you wake up your spirit you'll understand that mik oasi is not just a word. It's a way of life. You truly are connected to everything and everyone around you and not around you. You are connected to those trees, that wind that you feel, the birds that come down, the clouds that you see. It's all one. And we're all a part of it. And it's all a part of us. And once you make up your script, you just have a sudden drive to want to do something better for your people because now you know what the promised land looks like. Now you know what true love feels like. And you want to bring your family there. You want to bring your relatives so that when the next generation wakes up and sees it, they see us. They see us coming together.
they'll see us um building the circle and in return it'll entice them to want to be on that same level as um this idea of waking up the spirit. And so that's why this movement is so important because yes, it's for the 150th.
But this movement of waking up to spirit is um the 150th is just going to be a catalyst because our goal is to not only you know try are hopping on board. Um and as as it is, it's they're going to keep calling out uh until the day of even after we get done people are going to ask what's next. And so we've been looking at this. We have an opportunity to create something beautiful for the next seven generations. And if this is done um plans are going as they are, this has potential to reach the next seven generations. Kids that we don't even know them. The kids that came in here for the graduation could be their kids be their kids. You know, this movement um once you take away the physical features, once you take away the characters that are involved right now and you look at the vision, look at what it means, you it'll make you want to be a part of it. And so that's how Rosa um we took the lead. Well, I shouldn't say that. We're helping with the um a lot of the um planning now because of how far ahead Rosa is in our planning. Um we have six committees. Our our security and safety committee. Um that's that's the oper that's in charge of that committee of is Captain Ethan Led. And because of his planning and how well-rounded he is on, I guess how oriented he is on the planning of this, the the whole group, the all nations group opted to make our Roosevelt security staff the main security of the entire event. And that's from a young man that made this possible because he believed in what the vision gave him. He believed in what it could do for our next generations and he wanted to be a part of that. And now he's the lead in all of it. for our food. We have a food committee. We're making 2,000 meals. Um we hope to get those numbers, but we're making 2,000 meals because we're taking the model of what they're using at the fair. The fair always has uh food um the the the cook standard that they give out for free.
And they always make 2,000 u meals every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they're not only feeding our reservation people, they're feeding everyone that comes. And so that we took that milk and that's what we have for the 25th, fourth, and fifth. 2,000 ms. We have a couple of buffaloos that were donated. That's going to be our main source of uh protein is buffalo meat. Um we have a lot of other foods donated, a lot of waters. We're still accepting donations. Um both workers and food. And then we have a wellness committee. Our wellness committee um takes care of the physical and the mental side of who we are. And it's very um health oriented.
Um they have a lot to do and um it's unique. Uh they they've been working hand in hand with the cultural committee as well as uh the other um like yesterday when um the president came down we were going over the cultural committee stuff too so that we have a rough idea on how we're going to do it.
And so now we got that figured out things are going to start rolling even more uh smoothly. you know, um we have a few gaps in our events, but that's for the other reservation or the other tribes and the events that they want to do too, so that we're not overlapping, so we make time for all of it. And it's really meshing well. Uh third committee is our um it's kind of an extension of our wellness. It's our uh CHR. We our CHR point of contact has gone above and beyond and um they all have um we have uh three Boston doctors that are going to be there physically and in person with us as well as our CHR so that if any health problems or anything arises you know we'll have on we'll have staff on standby for them and then our uh transportation you know the whole the whole thing will revolve around transportation and right now um we have roughly 750 uh well I never know going to go lower but um we have 750 vacant seats and I say lower because we haven't even outage now and we got to incorporate those numbers but as of this moment 750 vacant seats not including the two charter buses SG donated for the event as well and so that's the whole thing you know actually just for a quick in the room how many of you have been to the battlefield ever just in general All right.
All right. So, that's that's the unique thing. Um, that's a lot of our reservation. A lot of my friends, a lot of our relatives have never been there either. And so, that was the whole point of all of this. If you, the tribe, if you could >> provide transportation, if we can provide food, all you have to do is bring your own bedding, your own pillow, would you come? And so then we use that model to base all of this on. So now we've been doing outreach. Uh we we've done Ano, Blackpack, of course, everyone at the company. And then our team, the last committee is the executive committee and they kind of been handling the logistics of it and whatnot. And um we broke that up between um all of us.
Half of us are going to the committees and the other half are reaching out to programs uh for donations or any kind of support. And when I say donations, I don't mean monetary donations. Um, I'm talking about providing physical bodies to be at this event. Even if even if you go at and just bring your logo because every one of our programs went and brought a logo, think of how beautiful that would look. We don't even do that here. So, how beautiful would it look if all the tribes would see that and then it would entice them to do the same thing. It would entice younger kids to be like, "Oh man, I like this idea of unity." And that's the whole point of this generation is the next generation because without the kids, this whole thing doesn't mean make any sense. It doesn't mean anything. And so the kids are the most crucial part to all of this. And my that's where my SRC um kids come in. Uh they've been kind of they've been making um this holy man. It's just bunch of kids. And so um that's that's the whole point behind the bar is to wake up the spirit so that even if we are struggling struggling our best teachers are that those kids coming up to show us better and if they see us you know it's going to be torn but if they can see us standing in unity hand in hand saying the prayer of they can see us showing up for this idea of waking up the spirit it's going to entice the next generation I want to do that because what got me going to wake up my spirit is I was raised by my grandpa Russell regardless of how you feel about him to me that's my crazy horse and I wanted to be just like that.
I wanted to have the drive that he had just to be a good relative to his people. I wanted to be like that because that's what his spirit gave me that comfort. That's what crazy horse gives a lot of our people. You talk about crazy horse to a group of Native Americans.
You truly talk about to shoot public hope. It's going to wake something up inside of you. Each and every one of you has that fire. It's just you've been allowed other people to take away the flame. Remember that you are you are a descendant of an ancestor that fought in this um battle. and through all of the hardships that people have, you are here today to be a part of this movement because the next seven generations that's our answer to everything going on. And so with that um on this fire in the back, the front is just a glob. The second page kind of talks about what we have. Um my handwriting is horrible, but we are having a meeting tomorrow to kind of uh come up with a tenative agenda, rough draft. So far the tribe has not really done much for providing um services other than helping us with the meetings when it comes to providing food. So paying for the food pretty much uh as well as the travel that um has gone on for the planning for the 150th.
I have gone to every single event since the beginning of October.
And um with that too, because of our event um the one last week and with everything going on uh we were invited to Canada to um reach out to our Canadian relatives, White Cat Saskatchewan and um they wanted to hear what I just presented to you up there from from us from myself and my children. And so with that, um, because I do sit on council, I I keep it open to each and every one of you that want to participate in this event because we need more people to, um, show up regardless that you believe in it or not, it's in you. You're a part of it. The fact that you're alive, you're going to be a part of it. And so I would really recommend that you guys go. And regardless if you approve it or not, I'm still going to go because it's an honor that our Canadian relatives wanted us.
supposed to be there. Um, so with that, I sent you guys all an email with the uh based on those.
Um, that's beyond the point. But for now, we'll talk about these last two pages. These last two pages are code of conducts, photo release, general release, waiver of liability, and the head of your household signing. So, example, the last page is the family attending. So, say we're one big family and Sher's in charge of us. We'll write all our names down, but Sherry will put emergency contact information. She'll be the one that writes her name there with her phone number and how she relates to all of us, the two part. And so that's how you would get signed up. And we're collecting these on a weekly basis. Um, every community um we have a QR code online which is a Facebook page that's the 150th ROA logo. that's going to change soon because the other tribes that we're all messing together and we don't want one name to be ahead of anything. And so, um, we're still seeking out the names of everything, but as of right now, it's called the All Nations. Um, our youth involvement and movement is called the All Nations Youth. Um, real simple. But >> I mean, we're kids who don't really know too much about big words. Um, other than that, >> where's the meeting tomorrow?
>> Uh, the meeting tomorrow is going to be at BP um 1:00. I have a Zoom. I'll send it uh I'll CC it to every council member and administrator. Um, if you're going to come in person, I've invited a lot of people and so that's all I'm thinking about. Um, but yeah, you're all invited to come. You're all invited to listen what we have. give us opinions, um, solutions, uh, recommendations, volunteers. Uh, we're still accepting food volunteers. We're still accepting ideas for our activities we can do. Um, so our point of contact for all of it.
Um, I apologize. I don't have numbers. I just have names.
>> Sure. For our security is like I said, captain one feather of uh ACF. for our uh wellness uh team committee is our uh the start team SP now we lead the charge during also particultural uh actually uh SG's >> LA studies SG's LA studies is taking a big upkeep in our cultural side of it as Oh, we made relationships over there.
So, that's really working. Um, transportation, we have Ron Charles kind of hitting that too. Um the cultural comm or cultural the uh the food committee is done by uh two individuals but the main one is Marcita Eagle Bear and then executive you can either reach out to uh Russell Eagle Bear myself or uh Lewis uh good and um that's that's pretty much that's pretty much what I'm here to present is this whole 150th than what we've done so far.
They are going to finalize a lot of things tomorrow at the meeting such as you know how we're going to camp. We have a team going after right now. Uh both Persola members are going after right now and they're going to um start marking things out. So when we do our Zoom we can, you know, work on that as well as like I said creating an attentive agenda that incorporates all the projects that are going to be there. And so, um, we have a few schools on board. We have about six to eight buses, not counting the two parters yet. Um, other than that, we got the >> Sherry, this is really good. Thank you. Thank you. I know we had a long conversation outside about this and your efforts and prior to when this was an idea and you had we had a conversation about this.
So, I'm really glad to see that. Um, I just want to encourage you that any um budget or anything like that that you see or you're anticipating that you get that to the council as soon as possible so we can deliberate over that. But I just want to encourage you and if this is um whatever conspires from this something that can be reflected upon during our fair too would be awesome.
>> Yes. Um I'm happy that so that is essentially one of the goals of what's next. Um because we're going to build something beautiful and the the victory of beach grass will always be a main event our people can come together for.
But we used to follow the buffalo and unfortunately we can no longer do that.
So what we came up with was to follow our people and no better way than to start with the Rosewood Fair because the Rosewood Fair is a direct um catalyst of what happened 150 years ago. That's the reason why we celebrate our Rosewood Fair. This fair here in Rosewood belongs to them up there just as much as it belongs to us here. And so that is the um idea to follow the people. I'm really happy you said that because that is collectively our goal is to every year be tribes every year like say they come this year and then we don't see them for three more years but then they'll come again following our people every tread that comes up and that's how we unite and that's how the next generations will see it hopefully keep it going but that's the goal that is the goal >> thank you and then one thing that I know you and I talked I'm not sure if you mentioned it to the council or not but you did mention the fact that you were going to reach out to some of the Dakota tribes, but we hadn't yet cuz you wanted to make sure we were organized first.
Have you gotten any further on that?
>> Yeah, I got named Lord Google. Um I I believe we have someone from Creek. I have to uh have to hear back from them, but they are going to be in the zoom for tomorrow's meeting too and they are going to be incorporated in the planning of it. Um system reach out. We're going to partake in our security side and then incorporate what they have done into our vacant spots as well. Um but all nine tribes standing rock too was the last one to hop on to the endeavors. Um but all nine tribes in Southakota are um part of the Tong >> any of our um wealthier tribes. Um we have we have I understand I I do know that a lot of um we have reached out to them and there is interest but um there hasn't really been too much conversation about it other than the idea of um you guys getting everything but before we get to the support and I think just for clarification because we will probably do something but it's just going to for gas. Um, but that's only if all of you can't find it within the tribe itself starts like reaching out to program or donations, reach out to local vendors.
So before uh I know we're crunch time, but hopefully we don't have to spend a dime other than what we >> Awesome. That's really good. Good job on this on coordinating this and getting this moving for us. It's it's really important to acknowledge that. heading.
Now, I just want to mention one more thing. I know everybody's hard on us about travel all the time, but um on one of the trips that I went on, we met with Standing Buffalo and um there is so much opportunity when all these tribes come together for business or whatever purpose. And um there was oh I hate to say this on air not because of our tribal members but because of the the feds but I'm just going to say it anyway. Um, with all the tariffs and all the things going on in the world, we have so much opportunity when we start having conversations with our relatives across the borders as far as business ventures because we could have our own international trade zones and um, working with some of these um, other tribes in Canada um, or those who have ports. I mean, this is an opportunity to bring people together to be able to start talking about stuff like that and not just celebrating our victory. And um finally, I think we should have a contest to see who could tell the best crow joke. Just kidding.
>> Yeah, that's that's essentially the goal is to foster the relationships between our nations. Good >> cuz we are one great nation. At the end of the day, Rosewood is just a band.
Okalawa is just a band. Shan River is just a band of the much bigger T21 people. That's where we come from. But the T21 nation is also not a nation itself. It's also just a band of the much greater Cha. And it's the Sha that's going to make the greatest change. So I know that the movement is going to go far beyond the 150th. And that is essentially the goal because like I said when they gave us that I'm not talking about it because we have people in government listening. But um >> yeah, >> regardless of what's going to happen, our ancestors did it and we're alive and here today to make it happen. And the whole idea is once you wake up your spirit, you'll want to partake in stuff like that because it's the right thing to do. That's how all the programs got on board so far was they tal we talked about the why. And once you understand the why, you'll just start volunteering yourself, start donating things because the why is much bigger than anyone in this room. The why is much bigger than council. It's much bigger than elections. It's much bigger than anyone.
It's important to us kids that we don't know of yet. And so with that, um, thank you for this opportunity to present. I recommend that each and every one of you reach out to whoever you know for this idea. We are going to send out. We are still uh starting. I know we're very late, but we are still seeking out spiritual leaders. It's very hard because we don't know every spiritual leader and at the same time we don't want to insult someone because we forgot them. So, uh we will get a formal form out and doing an invitation, but those of you that do know, you know, get the word out to them as well as those of you that have access or know people that have access to resources, um you know this bill now. And if you can talk from the understanding of waking up our spirit, you can make this happen, too. I mean, you all made it here. People believe in you for a reason. So, use whatever that is to push forward.
>> Okay. Have to spin and royal.
>> You know, thanks for bringing this on the the floor, Chris. And for those that are listening that have been going in the past years, you know, we want to honor them too for for going and representing us and still honoring the victory that we have been celebrating.
But I was going to saying with shar I know it's going to take a budget Chris.
So after tomorrow you guys figure that out what it is cuz it's going to take gas for the vehicles to go up there and different things. So make sure that the the budget gets gets to us so that way we can go over it. And then um can you get after tomorrow, can you get us a list of the executive board, what programs are involved and um and what they're donating in the budget because so that way we can have a plan for back here. So say like if so many um like if solid waste is going or whatever programs are going, we're covered back here still.
>> Yeah.
>> With the ones that are going. And then the budget's the biggest thing right now, too.
>> Okay. Yeah. No, we can go we'll get those to you. We'll push something finance and then on the accounts at the end of the month.
>> Okay.
Uh Ben.
>> Okay. Yeah. Thanks uh thanks again for doing a lot of this stuff. This is great. It's great opportunity.
Looking forward to seeing what's going to what this comes up because again, this is what we're all part of. Uh, one of the things I really am really, I guess, passionate about is, you know, the same thing as what Crazy Horse had at that time. It's pretty much what we would be as leaders to say what we believe in our tribe ourselves, too. So, to me, I always think, you know, we need to make sure that we get um, don't forget about our tribe, you know, don't forget about us here and we are representing up here, which I'm glad that you're doing a lot of that stuff, which is good. I I'm kind of uh concerned, you know, I always I'm advocating I think throughout the day here I advocated for uh the 25th and up in uh St. Francis, you know, the the Indian day up there 25th also on Rose.
So I do really like to see them also being coming to the table too for this planning stage. Um, and again, I do feel that we need to make sure that we do need to at least uh figure out how we can do this because again, I like I told the treasur, it's going to be a lot more funding than anything else. We have to get more money out there. We got to find out where we can get this money. So, but again, as with June and day, St. Francis and also Roseare the planning of that too. I don't know if that was supposed to happen. We're supposed to have the coordinator's application that they were supposed to be here. Now, >> tomorrow they're having a meeting so we can attend to that.
>> Yeah. Okay. So that those are just my concerns I guess with with a lot of this. But I do support this because again it's uh given our people the opportunity to go up there and actually see where the battle site's at to actually camp out to actually do a lot of stuff which is great and I I really encourage a lot of people to do it. I I was thinking about it a few times there, you know, even riding a horse or something like that to go up there. But we'll just see how that pans out as as we move forward. But I'm glad you're doing this and you know, again, give us a budget so we can uh move forward what we can do to help you guys out. Yeah, I'm happy you said that and I'm happy you said that to people. Um, for the families that are doing events, um, I want to apologize to you too if you feel like we're doing this without you.
Actually, you're the whole reason why we're doing this because the tribe has shown up has never shown up for you individuals that have gone up there time and time again. And so, yes, um, this whole event is for the families that kept us alive and we really love that interaction with each and every one of them. And as for the St. Francis uh the Indian day on the 25th. Um Miss White hat was a big part or how we kind of got off the ground. Her and her daughter really really gave some good insight on you know how to organize uh insurance and um they make things too power up here and that's where it comes in. I I forgot I didn't talk about it. it is going going to be our official media source up at the um event itself but we're also going to have a team here too um because just like at the new year on CNN are the news on New York here Chicago over here and then yeah that's what we want to do the events in Montana doing the events at St. so that our people know like it's what they're doing, it's what we're doing.
>> Definitely.
>> Um, so I want to give a shout out to Chris White and Alexi for really being a big help and wax. Um, thank you guys very much.
I have uh Royal Laya then again.
>> Yeah. Um we were invited uh unfortunately because next week's very big too for he's going to go to rapid city for that and so then they decided uh I was just going to go for the youth but then they realized that I'm still on council so I can represent the tri but I also I don't you know I I'm very big on this idea what I'm learning about this whole movement is learning how to trust.
You have to trust someone else. You have to trust one another. And so you guys are all elected just like me in this room. And so if you wish to partake in this, you know, yeah, I gave you the budget.
>> We're going to get it done and then we'll move into budget finance on the 26th and then we'll present it to council on the 27th.
>> And then uh they were asking about families that own horses. um family.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, apparently we're still working out like a fly on this team too because like so like us we're in charge of creating the food now. Um Northern Shar um that's how we're hoping this work works tomorrow is in the main. They're going to give us like a third blueprint and then they're just going to shove it out.
Um it's going to be the same essential.
So like a like a sign up a waiver and then how many horses we have they have to get the test and yeah and I believe that our country um but yeah the whole if they have their own trailers and everything we can assist with gas if they um just have horses we have trailers on standby. Our big thingy is we need vehicles for those trailers. I I did a uh annual for THQ and I met this lady um and she m uh tribal stories. She m that was a good time. Every family has their own uh children from past generations generations. Um it says that uh immediately I'll be there but uh also I was contacted by Shy River uh and Ivan looking horse.
They they were saying that they're going to do three tribes.
They're going to do a walk dance each other way.
I guess you can plan on doing any kind of activities like that or >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Um as far as our coordination is stepping up to give us a lot of opportunity. Um they're going to help us provide uh little so that we can you know build our own unique piece and so that we can um you know take our people through unique piece. Uh we have an opportunity to um do all kinds of all sorts of dances and um we have a great ceremony that we need to accomplish before we even set up camp.
That was one of the main objectives from one of the spiritual leaders that advised us is um we have to follow the four four uh principles right when we get there so that we can establish our camp in a good way before we do anything. So we're taking those precautions. They'll be a part of the agenda whenever I bring it back on the suggest.
>> Yeah. Then uh they were planning to go when they contacted me. They said they're going to city vision the hills tower. They were plann to do all these summer ceremonies and all these things.
It'll be good to record people want to stuff like that. maybe try and have some disc or or I I even uh invited that lady who does the mapping for tribes report member. She p she uh created that mapping uh for tribes to record their history if they wanted to and uh maybe just kind of forget it for us. Yeah.
>> Interviews want to be interviewed things like this.
I just want to share you somehow come after you or your families.
But I think we're years of being I'm I'm really happy you said that because I mean um as we're doing this I'm kind of just winging it. So you guys are bringing up things that you guys mentioned. Um we have it and they are going to provide that but actually um they're they're willing to provide it even now leading into it and then while we're up there recording the stories it is recording a lot of footage for this event just in case you want to make a documentary or something like that for the next kids that want to do this too.
Um but he said something very important and um the United States our history you know we talked about we talk about civil war everything one big thing about us and any ethnic group in the United States everything we know about them comes from a white man everything you know about the Native American comes from a white man our structure comes from a white man um African-Americans all the um stereotypes and all the derogatory words comes from a white man every group that isn't of light complexion um is talked about in a uh in a uh in an ugly way. You know, we're drunks, we're not educated, all this from that. This event is unique because we have the opportunity to share our story with the world to tell them who exactly we are at this event. Not just as Rosebud, but as indigenous people.
We're doctors, we're leaders, we're entrepreneurs, you know, we're uh we're we're fathers, we're u musicians, we're firefighters, we're whatever you can think of. We have this opportunity to share that story. Thank you for reminding me of that.
>> I have Laya and L to um thank you. It's really important that um you know we probably continue hearing these stories, hearing this event, how how it's you know become to what it is now. Um it's it's getting people's attention and I think that um there are a lot of people who do want to go and so we're getting now and it's really good.
Um I was going to tell council when um the pipeline issue came and everyone was panicking those had prayers out there and just from that there was many medicine men who came and put their pipeline just it did happen and to this day it's still going good. But those are um hours you know of the people that when you come together and when that happened um that was like what 2015 there was you know no money or anything and council at that time didn't have much to give but um they were getting ready and they were going to head up to Standing Rock and they were starting their camp around that time. So, what council gave to your grandpa and you know the the group that was playing, they gave um I think it was $3,000 and a pickup trailer full of wood.
That's all they left her and then look at it turned into that great big. So, >> yeah. And that they just left with that they took off. So, you know, those those are really um humble stories to tell because it and then everybody coming together. So the intent of what's coming and what's happening and a lot of our kids don't even know what what that's about. We're losing historians and dads, you know, we're really really a good historian and you know we we have our historians here. So I hope that you know you guys will be filming it too.
>> Okay, that's really good. That's really really good because you know and one thing that always has bothered me and has always kind of we have readers of history reported here's the the churches the the we have people come here they reported everything and our elders but we can't use that information so it's good you just leave it yourself you know so this really. But yeah, when you get to that point, um we can um >> again >> um let's carry this on through road fair and educate our people here. Let's not forget about our people here. And um uh when you came to Anlope community, we made the decision to have our theme the same so we can educate the people and lead it right into roadb also. And um so make sure that we continue to collaborate with everyone when we come back and make road huge for our people and educate them too.
>> Yeah. And that's um I'm sorry.
>> No. And and do that. And then before we go off the air, this hasn't been said on the floor yet, but uh want to give a big thank you to Indian Collective and all the people who stood strong up there and stopped the drilling, you know, and represented all the OCI Shakoi and cuz we had people up there, too. So, you know, thank you um for all that you do and for um standing strong for for all of us and for everybody going and supporting. But um let's carry on into road.
>> Yeah. Um thank you for that and yes uh thank you to the youth council as well for being uh kind of the youth that were involved in all that too. Shout out to you guys. Um you work kind of with them sometimes. Anyways, um that is this.
Yes. Yes. That is the goal. That's the whole reason why we wanted to make this happen was because of the 150th.
But you know, a lot of our people don't even know why we sell. I know I've been for a very long time. Once you understand the history, that's kind of the key part making it up is to start stacking the wood together and you learn more history and the fire gets ignited and all you want to do is how do we keep the vision alive? And so that's the goal >> because like three years ago we were at a meeting uh planning stuff with childc care and and one thing that Dwayne Holloworn Bear said to everybody there was people don't realize that when we celebrate with Bear the spirits all come back too for the victory you know so getting those stories out there to the people so they better understand the whole meaning of it and it's okay to do um all our events that we have but We can add to them. We can add to them which is going to make it better and stronger too for the people here.
>> Yes, it is. Thank you.
>> Any more questions for Chris?
>> Thank you, Chris.
>> And our warm broke.
>> Yep. I'll give it my name is Philip Little. I'm from Harmony community and uh I'm part of this uh um this celebration. Uh I'm on cultural committee. on the executive committee, but I couldn't go to your meeting up up north. I trouble. So, but anyways, uh uh the reason I I wanted to stand up was ask a question on um reconciliation as far way back as you know, Kuster had his crow scouts and all that stuff. Was there any kind of participation in the crew people there when you had the meeting?
>> Um yeah, actually there was. Um I believe uh one of the Germans came over so that they could um advise us of some opportunities that we have the the crow just like the rest of us the whole movement you know I understand the history of banter but a lot of people in the crow want to start amending the relationship between how theirs viewed versus how we're viewed and how we view each other because at the end of the day we all look the same to the government a lot of people are anyways they um they provided their uh spare grounds for us to dwell on too. Uh even providing us uh the opportunity to host our towels if we plan to have one there as well. Um getting our security guy connected with the uh the hospital as well as the um emergency services uh in the local area.
Um they provided a lot of opportunity for us. So yeah, there is a communication >> and earlier you mentioned uh people that were going up there earlier in the years that one of them was Tina Clman and Steve Leer charge.
>> They had their groups that were going up there, you know, celebrating this >> and I was part of it too.
>> I want to thank you guys.
I want to thank the youth council especially you know doing stuff like this like bringing our children back from Carlile and you know that kind of set me up to participate more and stuff like this and teach our younger people you know I realize now that I'm in a grandpa role also so I got takos that I want to you know participate and stuff I want to thank you Chris for being on council but at the same time doing things All right, no problem. I appreciate it. Thank you, sir. U for any public members that have yet to um get these out by your community, um we will have them in the cultural leaison's office and the president's office. Um they'll always be there and we'll always pick them up on um at the end of every Friday and so we can start lowering how many available seats we have. But please, those of you that are listening, you know, this is a great opportunity.
If you want to travel with the tribe, this is your opportunity to experience what our ancestors did 150 years ago.
Um, it's free of charge. All you have to do is sign up wherever you are.
>> She leaves them little signup sheets at the um grocery stores. Not everybody can get around, you know. So maybe if they're checking out, they can grab one and fill it out and drop it off. Just a suggestive.
>> Yeah. Like like >> Yep. Yeah.
>> Exactly.
>> Thank you.
>> Have a good evening everyone.
>> Thanks, Chris.
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