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March 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
March 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, March 14, 2009
UHN Voc Rehab Morgan City Office Morgan City, LA 70380
10:00 a.m.
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Call to Order
Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
Prayer
Michael Dardar led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Thomas Dardar led the group in the pledge.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Lora Ann Chaisson, Gwen Billiot, Thomas Dardar, Jr., and Michael Dardar.
Members absent: Janie Luster, John Silver, Laura Billiot, Todd Galle, and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar to approve the February minutes, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
A Finance Committee meeting was held March 12th. Mr. John Silver, Treasurer, was not present at the Tribal Council meeting, but the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting were provided to the Tribal Council. There were a few corrections on the minutes, so it was recommended that the minutes go to the Finance committee for approval, before they are sent out. A resolution for the Tribal Council’s review was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets about the Scholarship and Building Fund. A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar to accept this resolution, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries. The Finance Committee reviewed Income/Expenditures in relation to the 2009 Budget for all accounts and adopted the February 2009 Financial Reports for all accounts at the Finance Committee meeting. A motion was made by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson to accept all the financial reports for all the accounts, seconded by Mr. Michael Dardar, motion carries.
Committee Reports
Ms. Lanor Curole reported on the Vocational Rehabilitation program. The VocRehab program works to provide employment for tribal citizens with disabilities. On September 19th, the VocRehab program will host a Disability Awareness Powwow that will provide disability information, at the KC Home. A Powwow meeting was held February 18th to finalize the plans for this event. The next Powwow meeting will be held on March 16th in Houma. On February 18th, the VocRehab program held a Mardi Gras Family Fun Evening at the KC Home on Shrimpers Row. On March 17th, there will be a St. Patrick’s Day outreach in Marrero. The VocRehab program is also working with Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson for the Easter Egg Hunt held in the Montegut area on April 4th. The VocRehab program is working to have an outreach event in the Lafitte area as well. On March 20th, the program had an Employer Open House scheduled, but it is being rescheduled to a later date.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux gave the Election committee report. A special election will be held June 13th for the vacant districts 1, 8, and 9. The qualifying period for this election will be March 1st-March 31st. Election packets may be obtained at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center.
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. The Tribe has selected KUHN as the call letters. The Chauvin construction permit is still pending. The Radio Committee has met with one engineer and plans to meet with another for a second opinion on March 17th. The Radio Committee is researching Wi-Fi streaming before the towers are established. The Tribe will apply for an ANA grant that has a deadline of March 25th. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux will be attending the NFCB, National Federation of Community Broadcasters, 34th Annual Community Radio Conference on April 1st -April 4th in Portland, Oregon. Ms. Lanor Curole provided an estimate from the first engineer of equipment needed.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux gave the Indian Education report. Ms. Brenda asked if anyone had any contacts to the school systems in the St. Mary and Plaquemines areas to receive the information needed to write the Indian Education grant. It is too late to apply for the next school year, but the Tribe can start working on it now for the next year.
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson gave the Inter-Tribal Council report. Ms. Lora Ann reported that the ITC Elder’s Fest is scheduled for March 19th at the Coushatta reservation. Ninety-three of the elders in attendance are from Terrebonne and about sixty are from Lafourche. Ms. Lora Ann reported that the Project Venture program is hosting a camp in Grand Isle March 13th-15th. The ITC National Conference will be in May in Sacramento, CA.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the youth activities of the United Houma Nation. Ms. Dana Solet is compiling a list of people to be interviewed that were treated by Traiteurs.
Mr. Thomas Dardar gave the Emergency Preparedness Committee report. The next Emergency Preparedness meeting will be March 26th at the VocRehab office in Houma at 5:30 PM. The committee is working with Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager, to develop an Emergency Preparedness Handbook. The committee is also working on developing an evacuation system for United Houma Nation tribal citizens during emergencies. The use of buses to evacuate UHN citizens was discussed. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that the Tribe wants to meet with all the OEP offices and parish leaders for all the Tribal communities.
Ms. Jamie Billiot was not present at the meeting, but provided the Dulac Community Center report to Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux. Ms. Brenda shared the report and stressed that a janitorial position is open at the DCC. The position is part-time with 25 hours per week at $7.55 per hour.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. A few Tribal citizens will be conducting food demonstrations as well as traditional basket-weaving demonstrations. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will take place on April 24th-26th and April 30th- May 3rd. If you are interested in volunteering for the NOJHF, please contact Ms. Lanor Curole.
A Grant Committee meeting was held on March 13th. The Relief Office has received funds to provide $1,000 grants to help with the repair or purchase of a new sewer treatment that has been damaged or lost due to the hurricanes. At the meeting, the committee reviewed the applications received. Six tribal citizens were approved for the sewer treatment grant. Anyone wanting a grant application can call Ms. Samantha Shaffstall at the Relief Office in Raceland, 985-537-8867. The committee also reviewed all the grant funds received from foundations.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux was invited to serve on the Second Harvest Board. The first meeting was held on March 4th. Second Harvesters is interested is reaching out to Tribal communities.
Tulane University will be hosting a field trip April 1st-4th. Tulane has requested that the Tribe provide them with a traditional meal on one of the days they will be visiting. Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux asked for recommendations from the Tribal Council for a restaurant that they could visit.
A letter and proposal from Jamie Folse was provided in the Tribal Council’s packet. Ms. Jamie Folse requested an interview with a Tribal Council representative. Mr. Michael Dardar suggested Ms. Folse contact Bruce Duthu. Ms. Lora Ann stated she has the contact information for Bruce Duthu at the Houma office.
Mr. Kevin Fitzwilliam, of DeLaSalle High School, has requested a speaker for his environmental class. Contact information for Mr. Fitzwilliam was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets. Ms. Jamie Billiot has also requested sometime to speak for a volunteer group on March 27th. Anyone interested was informed to contact Ms. Billiot. At Armstrong Park, there will be a multicultural day on April 4th. The program director has requested a demonstration with or to provide activities for the youth. UHN youth was invited to attend as well.
Ms. Gwen Billiot reported on the soccer day camp held in Dulac. Oglethorpe University of Atlanta conducted the camp and 60-70 children were in attendance. A great time was had by all with everyone looking forward to a return visit.
On March 26th Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Mr. John Silver will be arrested to raise funds for the MDA, Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Mr. Michael Dardar reported on the United Houma Nation men’s group retreat scheduled for March 28th at Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux’s home in Raceland. Flyers were available at the meeting with information about the retreat.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Paddle Bayou Lafourche 2009 following the UHN men’s group retreat on March 28th at 5:00 PM. Evening entertainment includes: traditional dinner and Inter-Tribal dancing and drumming. Houma artists have been invited to demonstrate and sell Houma Indian Art.
On March 24th, Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Ms. Charlene Soares will be attending the Wage and Hour Seminar in Houma.
On March 26th Mr. Michel Claudet will be hosting a meeting with Ms. Lanor Curole, Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, and Mr. John Silver at the Parish President’s Office to discuss the upcoming UHN Voc Rehab Powwow and the stimulus plan, directing the funds where they are needed.
District Reports:
Lora Ann Chaisson – District 2: Ms. Lora Ann reported that she has been working on the Elderly Festival. Ms. Lora Ann reported that she would be teaching basket-weaving classes for people interested in her community.
Gwen Billiot – District 5: Ms. Gwen Billiot reported that she was working on the soccer camp and now she is helping Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson with the Montegut Community Easter Event.
Thomas Dardar – District 6: Mr. Thomas Dardar reported that he has been in contact with EPA. They plan to have a meeting May 5th-8th at the Houma Main Branch Library.
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael Dardar reported that the joint-community meeting between Districts 10 and 11 has been rescheduled. Mr. Michael Dardar reported he would be attending a conference in Alaska on climate change and how it affects indigenous nations. Mr. Michael Dardar provided scholarship information from Bacone College for non-federally recognized tribes.
Old Business
I. Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
- At the Old Store, 1,017 households were served which represents 3,341 tribal citizens. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, case manager for the Relief office, is available to assist all tribal citizens in need. Anyone in need of her services should contact the Relief office at (985) 537-8867. Currently, she is working with 101 cases of which 51 are currently active. Forty-six cases are in need of follow-up. Five tribal citizens have been recommended for the Life Home program and three have been approved. Five tribal citizens have been recommended for the LFRC Roof program and four were approved. Nine tribal citizens are in the process to be recommended for the lift or ramp BARR program. Four tribal citizens need attorney advisory for FEMA appeals and problems. Thirteen tribal citizens are in the process to be recommended for the LFRC Roof program. Eight tribal citizens are in the process of being recommended to TRAC for mobile home repair. Seven tribal citizens are uncategorized for unmet needs. Six tribal citizens were approved for the sewer treatment grant. Currently, they are approximately three new cases per week.
- Part of the technical assistance grant from How Safe, How Soon? involves conducting interviews to be used in UHN multi-media coverage. Anyone interested in being interviewed on March 17h, 19th, 20th, or 22nd should contact Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux.
- Lowe’s has reached out and agreed to repair the Montegut Tribal Center. Follow-up is needed. The Montegut Center is the only building the Tribe owns and if repaired, would be a great asset to the Tribe for community activities and to house volunteer groups.
- Jewish Funds for Justice has been sending youth groups into the communities for volunteer projects. Ms. Brenda has met with the groups providing presentations on Houma history and current events.
- Reporter Dave McNamara is producing a story on coastal erosion that will air sometime this month. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Mr. Curtis Hendon were interviewed for the piece which will contain footage of Isle de Jean Charles.
- Representative from Entergy Foundation toured tribal communities on March 2nd in order to learn more about the UHN and the challenges we face. They brought goods to the Old Store Relief Center and shared their upcoming grant cycles so the Tribe could apply for funding.
II. Federal Recognition
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux has been in contact with Dr. Jack Campasi who is assisting with the tribe’s federal recognition efforts. Dr. Campasi has asked for the following to be updated: marriage, birth, and death certificates need to be sent to the Golden Meadow office. Data bases 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.
III. Membership Reinstatement
- No one was present to be reinstated.
IV. Public Comment
- Mr. John Elliot stated he would like more information on Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson’s basket-weaving classes because he is interested in learning.
- Mr. Albert Solet inquired about the Indian Education grants and services. Ms Brenda explained that Title VII, Indian Education provides services to children in grades K-12th. For college students, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs offers the American Indian license plate scholarship. ITC also offers scholarships from funds they have received from the federally recognized tribes. The Tribal Council and Staff also have developed a UHN scholarship fund to award to UHN students. Mrs. Brenda recently learned of a Dillard University scholarship for American Indian students.Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that Inter-Tribal Council could assist qualified individuals who are attending Vocational training. Ms. Lanor Curole stated that the Voc Rehab program could assist qualified individuals with school tuition.
- Mr. Paul Solet inquired about the tribe’s enrollment process. Currently, he is not enrolled and wants his children and grandchildren to be enrolled. Children five and under can still receive their enrollment number. Enrollment applications for tribal citizens after five years of age are put into the after-deadline file and do not receive a roll number. The Enrollment Committee is currently processing enrollment applications of elders who do not have an enrollment number. The Enrollment Committee needs to meet to review the applications received and to send out the follow-up letters to the applicants about their enrollment status. Mr. Thomas Dardar stated he shared in Mr. Solet’s frustration with the present enrollment process. Ms Lanor Curole stated she would check with the Enrollment Committee on the follow up letters.
New Business:
I. KUHN ANA Grant Proposal Approval – Lanor Curole
· Provided in the Tribal Council’s packets was a draft of the ANA Grant Proposal. The radio station will provide many opportunities for the tribe to reach tribal citizens throughout emergencies, to conduct language classes, or to broadcast the Tribal Council meetings. The focus of this grant is to hire one staff, potentially two, after the equipment costs are determined. During the first year, the focus will be on training, setting up a studio, compiling a volunteer crew, developing a fundraising campaign, and provide streaming off the Internet. The second year will focus on retrieving the tower, more fundraising, and trying a weekly broadcast. By year three, the goal is to broadcast daily. Job descriptions will be advertised for the positions that will be available. A motion was made by Mr. Michael Dardar to accept the resolution to approve the “KUHN & Tribal Communications Project” for submission to the Administrations for Native Americans resolution, seconded by Mr. Thomas Dardar, motion carries.
II. Tribal Health Care Initiatives – Lanor
· Ms. Lanor Curole and Mr. Seth Siegel met with Office of Public Health on February 19th to discuss potential funding and collaborations. A work group needs to be formed to work with OEP. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Mr. Seth Siegel, Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, and Ms. Gwen Billiot were nominated for this work group. Mr. Jason Pitre, who was not present, was nominated and will be asked to serve with this work group. A motion was made by Mr. Michael Dardar to accept the nominations, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries.
III. Upcoming Events
· Mr. Thomas Dardar stated that there would be a Powwow in Chicago, IL on October 2nd-4th. He brought to the Council’s attention his concern with the name of the Powwow, The Golden Harvest Powwow of the United Houma Nation. A motion was made by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson to ask them to change the name to The Golden Harvest Powwow celebrating the United Houma Nation, seconded by Mr. Michael Dardar, motion carries.
· Mr. Thomas Dardar stated that LIHA would be hosting another Powwow.
IV. Public Comment
- Mr. Thomas Dardar stated that Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux was in the Tri-Parish times speaking about KUHN.
- Ms. Lanor Curole stated that the VocRehab office is in the process of organizing a Tribal softball tournament in the South Lafourche area for the ages of 16 and older.
- Ms. Lora Ann requested the statistics from the Old Store Relief Center broken down by communities for next Tribal Council meeting. Ms Brenda explained that the information was not entered into the computer database. Amy, relief store employee is currently entering the information and will have it complete before the next tribal council meeting.
- Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson announced that Terrebonne and Lafourche parish has the lowest unemployment rates in the nation.
- Ms. Lanor Curole stated she has voter registration applications for anyone interested in registering to vote.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 11th in Marrero, LA at the Marrero VocRehab office. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson to adjourn the meeting, with a unanimous seconded, motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
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