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May 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
May 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Council on Aging
Houma, LA 70363
10:00 a.m.
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Call to Order
Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 9:58 a.m.
Prayer
John Silver led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Thomas Dardar, Jr. led the group in the pledge.
Swearing In
Hope Larios, a member of the Election Committee, swore in Steve Williams, of District 9.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Albert Solet, Lora Ann Chaisson, John Silver, Gwen Billiot, Thomas Dardar, Jr., April Guidry, Steve Williams, and Michael Dardar, and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Members absent: Janie Luster and Laura Billiot.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. to approve the April minutes, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
A Finance Committee meeting was held May 7th. The Finance Committee reviewed and adopted the April 2009 Financial Reports for all accounts at the Finance Committee meeting. The committee also discussed the insurance plan that the Tribe will adopt. A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. to accept all the financial reports for all the accounts, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries. The committee discussed how the scholarship funds will be distributed for next school year. The next financial meeting is scheduled for July 9th at the Raceland office at 4:30 PM.
Committee Reports
Ms. Lanor Curole reported on the Vocational Rehabilitation program. The VocRehab program works with disabled tribal citizens to provide employment opportunities. The VocRehab program is now over halfway through its fiscal year. The program needs to have at least sixty-eight people written for employment by December and they currently have fifty-eight. The program currently has twenty-nine new applications on file. The VocRehab program is working to have outreach events scheduled in the Golden Meadow, Lafitte, and St. Bernard. On September 19th, VocRehab will host a Disability Awareness Powwow at the KC Home in Grand Caillou.
Ms. Hope Larios was present to give the Election committee report. The District 7 seat is still vacant. The deadline to qualify for this position is June 19th. If more than one applicant qualifies, a special election will be held on August 23rd.
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. Kurt Cheramie, a tribal citizen with radio broadcasting experience, is interested in helping the Tribe with the radio station. The Tribe is also looking at internet streaming with the radio as well. Anyone interested in serving on the Advisory Board for the Radio Station is welcome.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on Indian Education. Lafourche Parish Indian Education has received the Indian Education grant for the upcoming year and there was an increase. The Leadership Camp for grades 6th-12th will be held at Bayou Segnette on July 6th-9th and the camp for grades Pre-K-5th will be held on July 20th-24th and the Larose Cut Off Middle School. Ms. Brenda reported that Terrebonne Indian Education also received the Indian Education grant for the upcoming year. The Tribe’s Indian Education grant was not submitted this year. A contact person in the Plaquemines and St. Bernard parish is needed to receive information on students in the school system to fill out the application. Ms. Pat Arnould, chairperson for the Louisiana Indian Education Association, reported that the 10th Annual Youth Camp took place in March. There was no participation from Lafourche or Terrebonne Parishes at this camp. Ms. Pat Arnould asked for more participation from tribal citizens with LIEA.
Ms. Pat Arnould and Ms. Corine Paulk were present to give the Enrollment Committee report. Ms. Pat reported that there are forty-three new applicants that have been approved by the Enrollment Committee. Two new applicants have been approved pending receipt of copies of their birth certificates. Two old applicants have been approved but they did not pay application fees. The Enrollment Committee has also sent out letters to three applicants asking to verify Tribal heritage. The Enrollment Committee recommended to the Tribal Council to review Section 5 (j) Enrollment Committee guidelines and change the number of signatures needed for children ten years and younger to support “oral testimony from and documentary evidence” for Significant Community Relationship instead of five years and younger. Another recommendation is to change the wording to five and under instead of under five for the after-deadline applicants. Mr. Michael Dardar asked for the recommendations to be put in writing and be sent to the Tribal Council. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson asked that a letter be sent to the children that have voided parents stating why they were not enrolled. Ms. Pat suggested that it be written as a procedure. Any tribal elder seventy or older should contact the Golden Meadow Tribal Center, 985-475-6640, to receive a tribal roll number if they haven’t received one yet.
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson gave the Inter-Tribal Council report. The ITC is now going through the summer youth applications submitted. Due to decreased funding, not as many spots are available. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that the ITC will be working with the Census 2010 campaign to inform tribal citizens on how to correctly complete their census forms.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the youth activities of the United Houma Nation. Through funds provided by Global Fund for Children, the United Houma Nation will host a leadership camp May 15th-17th for youth 6th-12th grade. The location for the camp is in Marksville, LA and the youth will attend the Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow. Thirty students have submitted applications to attend this camp, with fourteen adults. The Youth Media Team is still conducting interviews throughout tribal communities. Once the radio station is functional, these interviews will be broadcasted. Some of the work has been posted on the United Houma Nation website, www.unitedhoumanation.org. Anyone interested in being interviewed should contact the YMT by email, youth@unitedhoumation.org, or at the Relief Office, 985-537-8867.
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. gave the Emergency Preparedness Committee report. Mr. Dardar had the radios the Tribe purchased, to be used in case of emergencies. The Tribe has met with Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP) and parish leaders for all the tribal communities to gain as much information as possible. A plan is set for evacuation and the Emergency Preparedness Handbook is still being developed. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson spoke with her contact person from the Choctaw Reservation about the MOUs. The Choctaw Council meeting was postponed so the signing of the MOU was postponed. The next Emergency Preparedness meeting will be May 20th at the Houma VocRehab office at 5:30 PM.
Ms. Jamie Billiot reported on the Dulac Community Center. Ms. Billiot stated that the DCC is preparing for three bible schools and a creative arts camp in June. Over 200 community surveys have been completed throughout the Dulac area. The Dulac Community Center is also starting work with the Equity Inclusion campaign. Ms. Billiot encouraged everyone to visit the new DCC library.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival (NOJHF) which took place on April 24th-26th and April 30th- May 3rd. Ms. Brenda recognized and thanked all the volunteers present at the Tribal Council Meeting. Ms. Brenda and Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson participated in food demonstrations and Ms. Janie Luster, Mr. Roy Parfait, and Ms. Lora Ann represented the Tribe as Houma artists. The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival Workshop took place on April 27th at Ellender Memorial High School. Students experienced entertainment from Treater and Robert Mirabal.
Mr. Michael Dardar represented the tribe while attending the Indigenous Peoples’ Global Summit on Climate Change on April 20th-24th. Mr. Michael provided a copy of the Anchorage Declaration in all packets and to the public. This document was produced by the Indigenous people at the conference to be forwarded to the United Nations Congress of Parties. Mr. Michael also provided copies of the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous People.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported that she served on a panel discussion at the Katrina to Copenhagen: Promoting a Fair Climate Agenda conference on April 17th. The information gathered from the discussion will be used in an International Treaty.
National American Indian Housing Council will be hosting a conference on May 12th-14th in New Orleans. The NAIHC is expecting between 600-700 attendees. Mr. Mark Ford will be the Keynote Speaker for the banquet, Mr. Kirby Verret will be giving one of the invocations, and Ms. Janie Luster will have some of her art there. Mr. Phillip Hillaire, with the NAIHC, still needs someone to do an invocation and a drum group. Anyone interested in fulfilling these positions should contact Mr. Hillaire as soon as possible. Notepads from Inter-Tribal Council and ink pens from VocRehab will be including the packets at this conference.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Mr. John Silver, Ms. Ann Yoachim, and Mr. Rob Gorman, met with Mr. Michel Claudet, Terrebonne Parish President on May 4th to discuss the plans of the stimulus money available for Terrebonne Parish. Mr. John Silver will be coordinating another meeting with Terrebonne Housing Council.
At the last Tribal Council meeting, it was stated that Ms. Janie Luster and Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson’s communities would get together to attend the Terrebonne Parish Council Meeting on May 13th to discuss community issues. Ms. Brenda invited all community citizens to attend this meeting for support.
On May 16th, Ms. Brenda will attend an Earl J. Barbry, Jr. honor event conducted by the Tunica-Biloxi Council. This event will take place at the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural Resource Center in Marksville, LA.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on 2010 US Census. An email from Mr. Stanley Lewis was provided in all packets. He emailed seeking 1-2 tribal citizens to hire as Tribal Partnership Assistants to help promote the 2010 Census within Tribal communities. This position will pay $12-$19/per hour and it will last for one year. Anyone interested should contact a Tribal Council Representative or the Tribal Offices. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson reported that the Houma office will be setting up a testing center for other 2010 US Census positions.
District Reports:
Albert Solet – District 1: Mr. Albert reported that he has met with some of the tribal citizens in his community. Mr. Albert stated once he gets a list of the citizens in his community, he can contact them to plan a community meeting.
Lora Ann Chaisson – District 2: Ms. Lora Ann announced that Shawn Parfait, community member from her area, has a grand opening of a recording studio today, May 9th. The studio is located at 1407 W. Tunnel Boulevard. Ms. Lora Ann also stated she will continue to work on updating addresses in her community. Ms. Lora Ann stated that 118 American Indian students graduated in Terrebonne Parish this school year.
John Silver – District 4: Mr. John reported that Ms. Florence Parfait, a tribal citizen from his community, passed away last night. Mr. Silver reported that there was a community meeting in February, and he plans to have another community meeting before the end of the year. Mr. Silver reported that his district will be the hosting district for the VocRehab Disability Awareness Pow Wow in September. Mr. Silver is still selling UHN lapel pins for the scholarship and building fund.
Gwen Billiot – District 5: Ms. Gwen reported that she has been very busy doing outreach and networking in the Terrebonne community through Louisiana Spirit. Ms. Gwen stated she would like to work with Ms. Jamie Billiot, from the Dulac Community Center, with more outreach efforts. Ms. Gwen is also working on scheduling a community meeting.
Thomas Dardar, Jr. – District 6: Mr. Thomas has been working with Mr. Michael Dardar to help revitalize Tribal cultural events. Mr. Thomas will soon be building a Sweat Lodge at his home.
April Guidry – District 8: Ms. April reported that on April 18th, Jefferson Parish held a picnic at Bayou Segnette. Around seventy tribal citizens were in attendance. There will be a children’s camp June 8th-12th. Ms. April provided packets with more information for anyone who was interested in attending.
Steve Williams – District 9: Mr. Steve stated he would like to get more of the youth involved in his community. He hopes to do as much as he can for the tribe as a new Tribal Council representative.
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael stated that he is still working to coordinate a joint community meeting with Ms. Laura, District 10. The UHN Men’s Group is still active and he is planning a few community service projects.
Old Business
I. Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
- Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager of the United Houma Nation Relief Office, provided a report in all Tribal Council packets. The report provided an update on all her cases and meetings she has attended since last Tribal Council meeting. There are four new sewer treatment applications, and a grant committee meeting needs to be scheduled. Anyone needing assistance for any unmet needs should contact Ms. Samantha Shaffstall 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. With a technical assistance grant provided, the “How Safe/How Soon?” project has interviewed Tribal citizens to find out the changes in the communities and what the Tribe sees as future challenges. “How Safe/How Soon?” and the United Houma Nation held a community meeting April 16th in Raceland. “How Safe/How Soon?” is interesting in helping prepare the Montegut and Dulac community centers. Ms. Brenda was invited to attend Environmental Day on May 26th in Baton Rouge. Anyone available is invited to attend this event.
· GNOF, Greater New Orleans Foundation, has funded the Tribe with a $50,000 technical assistance grant. This grant will be used to help with the problems identified in the first technical assistance grant from “How Safe/How Soon?” and to produce brochures for the Tribe. Ms. Brenda, Ms. Lanor Curole, and Mr. Michael will be traveling to New Orleans to see a draft of the brochures. Ms. Brenda will speak at a press conference to be held May 13th for all the GNOF grantees,
- Lowe’s Lumber Co contacted the UHN to offer assistance in repairing the Montegut Tribal Center after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. After reviewing the extent of the damage, Lowe’s suggested that the Tribe apply for a grant through their website. The estimated materials list for the repairs to the Montegut building is $20,000.
- Ms. Brenda will be attending the LDRF, Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund convening on May 29th. LDRF has been funding the Tribe since Katrina and Rita and continues to provide funding through grants. At the convening, discussions will take place on the progress of the Tribe with the funds received.
- Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson asked for a statistics report from the Old Store Relief Center. The information at the Old Store has been kept in a database and is ready to be put into a report.
- Ms. Gwen Billiot inquired about moving the Old Store Relief Center. The process to move the Old Store has not started.
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. 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. A copy of the grants the Tribe has received from foundations is also needed. These databases have been sent to Dr. Campisi to be reviewed. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported that all folders on all tribal citizens at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center should be up-to-date.
- Mr. Michael Dardar reported on the Houma-French Language effort. A well known linguist, Nick Faraclas, came from Puerto Rico to help with analyzing the Houma language last year. Mr. Faraclas would like to visit the Tribe again next month, but the Tribe will need to cover the traveling expenses. The expenses are approximately $1500. A special finance committee will be held to discuss fundraising possibilities. Mr. Michael asked for volunteers, specifically elders, from the different Tribal communities to help Mr. Faraclas. A motion was made by Mr. Michael Dardar to designate approximately $1500 to pay for the traveling expenses, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries. If the amount for the traveling expenses is significantly more, the Finance Committee will make the decision to designate the funds.
III. Membership Reinstatement
- Mr. Derek Naquin was present without necessary paperwork to be reinstated. A motion was made by Mr. Michael Dardar with a unanimous second to reinstate Mr. Naquin contingent on receipt of necessary paperwork, motion carries.
IV. Public Comment
- Mr. Joe Burke, with LA Conference of the UMC Disaster Response, Inc., asked that if anyone needed any hurricane recovery assistance to stop by his office at 307 Howard Avenue, Houma, LA 70363.
- Ms. Lizabeth Billiot Doucet, a volunteer at the Old Store Relief Center, expressed the need for the Old Store to stay open.
- Ms. Corine Paulk asked to be involved with the Houma-French language efforts. Ms. Paulk also stated that a Houma student was accepted into Baylor University. Mr. Michael Dardar stated that a few Houma students received football scholarships to attend Bacone College.
- Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that Cheramie Verret will be graduating soon with a Pharmacist degree.
- Ms. Pat Arnould stated the Council needs to look into after deadline tribal citizens wanting to vote in Tribal elections that are 18 years of age or older.
- Mr. Curtis Hendon asked that the Constitution be amended. He would like the Constitution to say if a Tribal Council Representative is not doing a good job a vote can be taken to terminate their position. It was stated that this is already in the constitution.
New Business:
I. John Boatman, NRCS
Mr. John Boatman, representative from National Resources Conservation Services, was present at the meeting to share some of the programs the NRCS offers. Mr. Boatman provided handouts with program information, office locations, and contact information. Mr. Boatman stated the main goal for Louisiana is to conserve native plant species, rare and native habitats, and improve water quality and fisher resources. The Thibodaux field office, which serves Terrebonne and Lafourche Parish, is located at 143 Laura Drive, Thibodaux, LA. Anyone can contact the office at 985-447-3871. Mr. Boatman was available to answer any questions after the meeting.
II. Chuck Perrodin, State HMGP
Mr. Chuck Perrodin, representative from the State HMGP, Hazardous Mitigation Grant Program, was present at the meeting. Mr. Perrodin spoke about the opportunities available through the State HMGP. Mr. Perrodin explained that the State HMGP offers Mitigation funds as a reimbursement only. For more information call: 1-877-744-7235, email: hazardmitigation@la.gov, or visit: www.doa.louisiana.gov/cdbg/dr/hmgp/hmgp.htm. Mr. Perrodin was available to answer any questions after the meeting.
III. Nicole Buranzon, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Group
Ms. Nicole Buranzon, representative from the Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Group was also present at the Tribal Council meeting to share information about the Parish Mitigation Program. The Parish Mitigation offers grants, not reimbursements, if you qualify. For more information, the office is located at 4171 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge and the phone number is 225-987-7373. Ms. Buranzon was available to answer any questions after the meeting.
IV. Public Comment
- Mr. Steve Mosgrove, IGA Specialist for Intergovernmental Affairs for FEMA, encouraged the importance of registering for FEMA after a disaster; even if you are not sure you will qualify or receive funds. Mr. Mosgrove was available after the meeting to answer any questions.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th in Buras, LA at the Lighthouse Fellowship Church. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.
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