September Tribal Council Meeting Minutes

 

 

 

 September 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes

United Houma Nation

Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bayou Dularge Baptist Church
Theriot, LA 70397
10:00 a.m.
 
 
                                                                                                                                                   
Call to Order
        Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m.
                                                                                
Prayer
        Mr. Albert Solet led the group in prayer.
                                                                                                                                 
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. John Silver led the group in the pledge.
                  
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Albert Solet, Lora Ann Chaisson, Janie Luster, John Silver, Gwen Billiot, April Guidry, Laura Billiot, and Michael Dardar
 
Members absent: Thomas Dardar, Jr., Steve Williams, and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
 
Reading and Approval of Minutes
        Mr. Michael Dardar motioned to approve the August minutes, seconded by Ms. April Guidry motion carries.
 
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. John Silver, Treasurer, reported that a Finance Committee meeting was held September 10th, 2009 at the VocRehab office in Houma. Mr. John Silver motioned for the Tribal Council to approve the VocRehab and HRO budgets and table the Tribal account budget, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries.
 
Committee Reports
Ms. Lanor Curole reported on the Vocational Rehabilitation program. The VocRehab program works with disabled tribal citizens to provide employment opportunities. Ms. Curole stated that the VocRehab program has been available for nine years. The VocRehab program will host a Disability Awareness Powwow September 19th at the KC Home in Grand Caillou. The flyers for this event were provided to the audience. T-shirts will be sold as a fund-raiser for the Tribe. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that volunteers are needed for the UHN Food Booth. Ms. Janie Luster inquired about a VocRehab fishing trip. Ms Curole stated that the grant they receive provides staff development funds. The program hosted a staff retreat in Grand Isle to begin preparations for the next grant cycle. Four of the five staff participated.
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Election Committee. Ms. Jody Naquin, who was nominated to serve on the Election Committee last meeting, has accepted. Mr. Pete Billiot and Ms. Hope Larios will run for the vacant District 7 seat on the Tribal Council. The Election Committee is scheduled to meet on September 18th to discuss the special election for District 7 and the constitution amendment election.
 
The United Houma Nation has applied for two FCC licenses for a community-based radio station, one in Chauvin and one in Golden Meadow. The UHN was awarded the Golden Meadow site construction permit and the Chauvin permit is still pending. The Tribe has applied for a grant through ANA to assist with the funding for the radio station. ANA has requested clarification of a few items on the application. The Tribe also has plans for internet streaming as well. Anyone interested in working with the radio station project is welcome.
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on Lafourche Indian Education. A Parent Committee meeting was held September 3rd. There is a job opening for a Cultural Resource Specialist/Tutor in Lafourche Parish. Anyone interested in applying for the position should contact Ms. Robichaux. Ms. Janie Luster stated that someone she knew inquired about the position and were told it was filled. Ms. Robichaux stated that was incorrect. Ms. Robichaux stated that the National Indian Education Association Conference will be in Milwaukee, WI this year. Ms. Cody Danos, Ms. Greta Terrebonne, and Alyssa Franklin, a student representative, will be attending. Mr. Kirby Verret reported on Terrebonne Indian Education. Mr. Verret stated that Terrebonne Indian Education is working hard to make sure all the kids are registered in the Indian Ed. Program. Mr. Verret stressed that parental involvement is important. Mr. Verret also stated that the Terrebonne Indian Education hosts a senior honoring event every year.
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Enrollment Committee. Letters have been sent to after-deadline participants to inform them of the information needed for their application to move forward.
 
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson reported on Inter-Tribal Council. Ms. Chaisson reported that the in-school program should be beginning soon. Ms. Chaisson also reported on the classroom training program. This program will pay students $2-3 per hour for attending vocational training for a minimum of 9 hours. ITC also has a work experience adult program, OJT program, and SCSEP program.
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on youth activities of the United Houma Nation. The Tribe has received another grant from Global Fund for Children. Ms. Robichaux is planning another Powwow camp with youth for the Coushatta Powwow in Kinder, LA on October 2nd-4th. The youth will participate in interviewing food vendors, crafters, dancers, and drummers at the Powwow. Anyone interested in attending should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
 
Ms. Samantha Shaffstall reported on the Emergency Preparedness Committee. The Hurricane Relief Office and Vocational Rehab programs purchased four radios, two each office, which will be used during an emergency. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall was nominated to serve on the Interoperability Board for the parish and the region. Ms. Shaffstall stated that anyone having problems when needed to evacuate can contact the Council on Aging for assistance. Evacuees will be sent straight to Shreveport from Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish. Flyers about Council on Aging were available for more information. The next Emergency Preparedness Meeting is being planned but no date has been set. 
 
Ms. Jamie Billiot reported on the Dulac Community Center. Ms. Mary Billiot provided handouts of the upcoming events at the DCC. Ms. Jamie Billiot reported the DCC is now offering a GED program prep course. Ms. Billiot stated that anyone who was interested in being a GED Instructor should contact the Dulac Community Center. Ms. Billiot also stated the DCC would like to coordinate with the Dularge area and help as much as they can. Ms. Billiot stated the DCC is planning a Halloween Party. The Bayou Eagles will be selling drinks at the Disability Awareness Powwow as a fundraiser. Ms. Jamie Billiot also mentioned an upcoming project to teach Houma youth traditional dance, history, and dress to produce a performance to be held at the Le Petit Theater. 
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Grant Committee. The Grant Committee met on September11th. More applicants were approved for the sewer treatment grant. Anyone having sewer/septic treatment problems due to hurricane damage should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
 
The United Houma Nation will be applying for a NeighborWorks America a $2,000 Youth Financial Literacy Grant. This grant will provide financial literacy classes to the United Houma Nation youth 16-18 years old. Anyone interested in working with this project should call the Relief Office at 985-537-8867. NeighborWorks is also hosting a convening September 16th-17th in Biloxi, MS that Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Ms. Hope Larios will be attending.
 
Monique Verdin, from the Grand Bois community, had a photo instillation called “A Decade of Reflection” at the Big Top Gallery in New Orleans from August 1st-31st. Ms. Brenda Dardar Robichaux, Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, Ms. Louise Billiot and Ms. Rose Behan attended the closing ceremony on August 29th.
 
On July 12th-14th the UHN hosted the first Community Development Conference at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. A follow-up conference is in development. Everyone who attended the first conference is invited to attend again and invite two additional tribal citizens. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux has been working with David, the NeighborWorks Facilitator, to plan the next conference. Ms. Robichaux asked that the Tribal Council start thinking of citizens in their community to invite to attend.  
 
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Ms. Samantha Shaffstall attended. The Silver Lining: Breakfast Forum with HUD in New Orleans on August 27th. Secretary Donovan outlined the Scope of the Obama Administration’s Commitment to Louisiana.
 
The US Census is hosting a US Census Tribal Partnership Conference on September 23rd-24th at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. Mr. Albert Solet, Ms. Hope Larios, Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, and Ms. Lanor Curole will be attending. The Conference will stress the importance of filling out the Census 2010 correctly.
 
District Reports:
Albert Solet – District 1: Mr. Albert reported that since his ad was put in the paper, the tribal citizens in his community have been very responsive. Mr. Solet is hoping to have a good turnout for the “How Safe/How Soon?” community meeting scheduled for on October 20th.  
 
Lora Ann Chaisson – District 2: Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that the Montegut building caught on fire and needs to be repaired. Ms. Chaisson reported a fiction movie will be filmed on Isle de Jean Charles. Some people casted in the movie will be locals from the Island and casting will begin in November. After the meeting, Ms. Chaisson will be meeting with Nicholls State University, Louisiana State University and others regarding the erosion on the Island. Ms. Chaisson plans to have a luncheon for the constituents in her area. This meeting will help promote the October 27th meeting in the Montegut Gym. Ms. Chaisson, Ms. Janie Luster, and Ms. Louise Billiot participated in a state-wide basket show in Kenner.
 
Janie Luster – District 3: Ms. Janie Luster reported she was invited to attend a trip with the band Treater. Ms. Luster stated that this trip was enjoyable and represented Louisiana well with the food and parades. Ms. Luster reported that National Geographic visited and filmed Mr. Ricky Verret fishing. They also photographed and filmed the uses of garfish i.e.: making jewelry and cooking with it. This documentary will come out around February or March.
 
John Silver – District 4: Mr. John Silver is looking to attain money to start a Charter School/French Emergent Program in his district. Mr. Silver reported that he is still selling United Houma Nation lapel pins as a fundraiser for the Tribe. Mr. Silver also stated that the UHN missed the deadline to host bingo as a fundraiser.
 
Gwen Billiot – District 5: Ms. Gwen apologized that she has not been able to schedule a joint-community meeting with Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr., of District 6. Ms. Gwen Billiot reported that she is still working with Louisiana Spirit, which does outreach and counseling involving hurricane recovery. Ms. Billiot stated that she has been busy with her new granddaughter.
 
April Guidry – District 8: Ms. April reported there are still school supplies available from the school supply giveaway. Ms. Guidry said she is preparing for the campout October 16th-18th in Bayou Segnette.
 
Laura Billiot – District 10: Ms. Laura Billiot stated that she has been busy getting children ready for the upcoming Disability Awareness Powwow. Ms. Laura would like to schedule another joint-community meeting with Mr. Michael Dardar, of District 11, before the end of the year. Ms. Billiot stated she is trying to start another youth group and get the youth more involved. 
 
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael Dardar stated that he has been working with Lafourche Parish Indian Education to develop monthly activities for the youth. Mr. Dardar will be attending a roundtable discussion in New Orleans to speak about the tribe next month. He will also be working with Centenary College of Louisiana in Shreveport in November.
 
 
Old Business
             I.      Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
·         Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager, reported for the United Houma Nation Relief Office. Citizens are still calling needing assistance. Since last count, Ms. Shaffstall has a total 110 cases and is developing a database to keep all the cases on record and organized. Ms. Shaffstall reported that she is working with other organizations to help find assistance for tribal citizens. Anyone needing assistance for unmet needs should contact Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager at the UHN Relief Office, 985-537-8867.
·         Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported that she continues to participate in weekly conference calls with the “How Safe/How Soon?” project. In addition to the Tribal Council meetings, the Tribe will be hosting weekly meetings in the different communities seeking input from tribal citizens as we plan for the future of our tribal communities. Flyers were available with the dates and locations of each meeting. These meetings are a part of the Blue Moon project started about a year ago. Through GNOF, Greater New Orleans Foundation, brochures of the United Houma Nation have are being developed and information from “How Safe/How Soon?” has been included in these brochures. Anyone interested in being interviewed to be included in these brochures should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
·         Mr. Johnny Wray, of Church World Service, visited the United Houma Nation Relief Center to conduct an evaluation on their services for hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
·         GNOF, Greater New Orleans Foundation, will be visiting the Disability Awareness Powwow to photograph for their annual report and share some of the ways they have assisted the Tribe.
 
          II.      Federal Recognition
  • Dr. Jack Campisi recommended to the United Houma Nation to file for another extension, because of the ongoing disaster relief efforts. Dr. Campisi has asked for the following to be updated: marriage, birth, and death certificates need to be sent to the United Houma Nation Tribal Center. Databases of volunteers, hurricane relief grants, collaboration with organizations, grants received from foundations, services provided at the old Store Relief Center and donations received are being compiled. Media coverage and pictures of tribal activities are also needed. These databases have been sent to Dr. Campisi to be reviewed. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported that folders on all tribal citizens at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center should be up-to-date with the information that has been provided.
  • Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Mr. Joshua Pitre met with Ms. Beth Galante, of Global Green, Ms. Beth has worked with the UHN previously and once again has offered her assistance with the tribe’s federal recognition effort.
 
       III.      Membership Reinstatement
  • Mr. Ronald Paul Dardar, Sr., and Bailey Austin Dardar were present to be reinstated with incomplete paperwork. Mr. Ronald Paul Dardar, Jr., Ms. Betty Williams, Mr. Robert Williams, Ms. Santrina Lyn Verdin, Ms. Roxanna Billiot Dardar, Mr. Dovic Billiot, Jr. were present with necessary paperwork to be reinstated. Ms. Gail Naquin Perna, Patrick Leslie Perna, Denali Giovanni Perna, Leilani Rose Perna, and LaDainian Perna were present to without necessary paperwork to be reinstated. A unanimous motion to reinstate Mr. Ronald Paul Dardar, Jr., Ms. Betty Williams, Mr. Robert Williams, Ms. Santrina Lyn Verdin, Ms. Roxanna Billiot Dardar, and Mr. Dovic Billiot, Jr., with a unanimous second, motion carries. A unanimous motion to reinstate Gail Naquin Perna, Patrick Leslie Perna, Denali Giovanni Perna, Leilani Rose Perna, LaDainian Perna, Mr. Ronald Paul Dardar, Sr., and Bailey Austin Dardar contingent on receipt of necessary paperwork, with a unanimous second, motion carries.
 
       IV.      Public Comment
  • Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that powwows are not an original tradition of the Tribe, but an adopted one. Ms. Lora Ann stated that the Houma tradition is doing stomp dancing. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson asked that all committee/work group meetings notifications be sent to the Tribal Council so they are aware of the meetings. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated she established the United Houma Nation staff and Tribal Council community calendar with a list of scheduled meetings with details. It is the responsibility of the council and staff to check the calendar. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that she has had lots of technical problems with her email.
  • Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson asked if the UHN has ever contacted Bruce Duthu about the Tribe’s Federal Recognition efforts. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that because of his other obligations, he is not in the position to take over the Tribe’s federal recognition efforts.
  • Mr. Molinare stressed his concern for the Terrebonne Parish levees not protecting the communities.
  • A member of the audience inquired about vouchers after the hurricane from the United Houma Nation. The Tribe did not give out any vouchers, but offered $1,000 grants for home, vessel, and septic repair.
  • Mr. Kirby Verret commented on the amending of the constitution and stated that he feels it should remain the same.
  • Ms. Cacinda Voisin stated that she went door to door to get signatures for the petition and explained in detail what they were signing.
  • Ms. Samantha Shaffstall commented that Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux had no input towards the petition and did not promote herself or encourage anyone to sign it.
  • Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux commented on the petition passed at the previous Tribal Council meeting that asks for an election to be held to change term limits for the office of Principal Chief. Election will be held in June.
  • Ms. Janie Luster commented that she does not agree with Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Principal Chief, breaking the tie on the vote of having the election to eliminate term limits.
  • Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson commented that the constitution says Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux can break a tie only if a 72 hour prior notice is given.
  • It was stated by others present that the 72 hour notice is for fiduciary matters only. Because Ms. Brenda Dardar Robichaux is not paid or compensated, the 72 hour notice does not apply. Discussion was held in the interpretation of the Constitution.
  • Ms. Janie Luster inquired about the number of registered voters, which is about 1700.Ms. Luster feels the Tribal Council has failed their people by not having a newsletter and trying harder to get more people informed. Ms. Janie Luster also stated that if a tribal citizen is 18 and older with a roll number, they should be able to vote without registering.
  • Mr. Michael Dardar stated that even with the United States you have to register to vote.
  • Ms. Laura Billiot stated that she does not think she has failed her district as a Tribal Council representative because she keeps the citizens of her district informed. It is the responsibility of each council representative to do the same.
  • Ms. Janie Luster inquired about the voter registration equipment being kept at a family home.
  • Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that to her knowledge that information is not accurate and facts should be shared if such a statement will be made.
  • Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated the newsletter has not been sent out because of the lack of accurate mailing addresses due to the impacts of hurricanes, the lack of volunteers to assist and a lack of submission of articles from the Tribal Council. Michael Dardar is the only council representative to have submitted articles for the newsletter. Ms. Brenda stated that the Tribe is now allocating $1,000 to hire someone to write the quarterly newsletter.
 
New Business:
             I.      Ravi Sangisetty
  • Mr. Ravi Sangisetty, resident of Houma, LA, was present at the Tribal Council meeting. Mr. Ravi is running for Congress as a U.S. Representative and stayed after the meeting to talk to anyone who has questions or concerns.
 
          II.      Hazard Mitigation
  • The United Houma Nation has received a $50,000 Hazard Mitigation grant. The Tribe is looking for citizens to serve on the Hazard Mitigation Committee. The committee will help to identify all hazards in each community. The Tribe will hire a consultant that will write a Hazard Mitigation plan for the Tribe. Once the plan is written, it will have to be approved by Louisiana Recovery Authority and if approved, the Tribe will be able to apply for federal funds. Anyone interested in serving on this committee should contact the Relief Office at, 985-537-8867. Training for hazard mitigation will take place every Friday and interested parties are invited to attend. 
 
       III.      Upcoming Events
  • Mr. John Silver stated that Ms. Louise Billiot will be celebrating her 20th anniversary of working with the UHN.
 
       IV.      Public Comment
  • Ms. Janie Luster asked that the most updated Tribal Council meeting agenda be sent out to the Tribal Council before the meeting.
  • Mr. Michael Dardar introduced Mr. Mark, of Christensen Fund. Mr. Mark stated the foundation documents the land loss and climate change of different communities. The foundation is trying to document fourteen communities that are in 14 different biomes.
  • Mr. John Silver apologized for missing the August Tribal Council meeting. Mr. Silver also disagrees with how the voting for the election took place. Mr. Silver would like to go on record stating that he does not think the vote was legitimate according to the Constitution. Once again, it was stated that the constitution states for fiduciary matters. Discussion was held in the interpretation of the Constitution.
  • Ms. Helen Gindrat asked that all Tribal Council representatives ask their constituents to send address updates. Ms. Helen stated that since the addresses aren’t updated, the mail-out is wasting time and money.
  • Mr. Michael Dardar stated the “personal interest” needed to be clearly defined.
  • The decision was made to continue the discussion at the next meeting
 
 
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
            The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 10th in Raceland, LA at the United Houma Nation Relief Center. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
                                                                   
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m.