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July 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
July 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Lighthouse Fellowship Church
Buras, LA 70041
10:00 a.m.
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Call to Order
Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
Prayer
Mr. Michael Dardar led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. led the group in the pledge.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Albert Solet, John Silver, Gwen Billiot, Thomas Dardar, Jr., April Guidry, and Michael Dardar.
Members absent: Lora Ann Chaisson, Janie Luster, Steve Williams, Laura Billiot, Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms
Reading and Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. to approve the May minutes, seconded by Ms. April Guidry, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
A motion was made by Mr. John Silver to table the May and June reports until the August meeting, seconded by Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr., 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. The VocRehab program will be hosting a Disability Awareness Powwow September 19th at the KC Home in Grand Caillou. The flyers for this event were provided in the Tribal Council packets and to the audience. The next Powwow committee meeting will be held July 16th at 9:30 at the VocRehab office. The VocRehab program is entering its final quarter of the fiscal year. At this point, VocRehab is at 78% of reaching their goal of people having employment plans. The program is estimating six closures and that is 40% of their goal. Eighteen of their active clients are attending school or in training, which is 31%. Twenty-one of the clients are transitioning students who are mostly16-23 years old getting out of high school which is 36% of the caseload. In addition to the Powwow, a one-day disability conference is being organized for August 4th at the Quality Inn in Houma. The program is looking for an incentive for citizens to attend this conference and has asked for suggestions. The program is arranging peer training for technical assistance with Dick Corbert who is based out of Washington state and he will visit a second time for an evaluation. The program is also inviting staff from three Tribal programs to interact with the VocRehab staff. VocRehab program is also looking to create a wellness program to help citizens set goals and be ready for employment. The program is going to work with a provider to help with this wellness program. Another community needs assessment will be sent out soon.
The Election Committee Public Notice was provided in all packets. The Election Committee called for a Special Election to fill the vacancy for District 7. Qualifying packets can be picked up at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center, 20986 Hwy. 1 Golden Meadow, LA 70357. All qualifying packets are physically due at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center by Friday, July 24th, 2009 at 4:00 PM, Central Time. If more than one candidate qualifies for the seat, elections will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2009.
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 minor changes and clarification for a few things on the application. A tribal citizen with radio broadcasting experience is interested in becoming program manager for KUHN. 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. The Leadership Camp for grades 6th-12th was held at Bayou Segnette on July 6th-9th. The next camp will be held on July 20th-24th for grades Pre-K-5th at Larose Cut Off Middle School.
A report from the Enrollment Committee was provided in all packets. The Enrollment Committee met to review new applications in accordance with the Constitution and discuss Enrollment Ordinance Section 5 (j) and Section 8 (a) (3). Nine new applicants have been approved for enrollment and two new applicants were approved pending copies of birth certificates. The Tribal Council decided to meet after July 13th to discuss the issue with the Enrollment Ordinance Sections. The Enrollment Committee asked if they can start processing and issuing roll numbers to the applicants that meet all the requirements (about 100). A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar to allow the Enrollment Committee to issue roll numbers to citizens who meet all the requirements, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries. A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Silver to allow the Enrollment Committee to issue roll numbers to only the 100 applicants that are ready to be processed, not all the applicants, seconded by Mr. Thomas Dardar, motion carries. After discussions, all motions were withdrawn. All motions were tabled pending more information. The enrollment committee will provide the exact number of eligible applicants as well as their age and the length of time their file has been pending.
The Tribal Council requested that the Enrollment Committee gather more information to present to the Tribal Council before next Tribal Council meeting. The next Enrollment Committee meeting is scheduled for October 9th, 2009.
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 hosted a leadership camp May 15th-17th for youth 6th-12th grade in Marksville, LA at the Tunica-Biloxi Powwow. Thirty students and fourteen adults attended. Bayou Eagles, the dance group from Terrebonne Parish, have been meeting to work on regalia. On July 10th, the group participated in the Kateri Mass. The United Houma Nation was able to assist the Bayou Eagles with funds to purchase fabric for regalia. The Youth Media Team is still conducting interviews throughout tribal communities. Once the radio station is functional, these interviews will be broadcast. 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@unitedhoumanation.org, or at the Relief Office, 985-537-8867.
On May 16th, the Tunica-Biloxi Council hosted a ceremony honoring Earl Barbery. The event took place at the Tunica-Biloxi Cultural Resource Center on the Tunica-Biloxi Reservation. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Ms. Laura Billiot attended.
Mr. Thomas Dardar gave the Emergency Preparedness Committee report. 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. Members of the Emergency Preparedness Committee have attended various meetings to attain certifications for Emergency Preparedness. A plan is set for evacuation and the Emergency Preparedness Handbook is still being developed. The Tribe has purchased four radios that will be used during an emergency. The Tribe will have its own channel to communicate through these radios. The Committee has also been working with other Tribes to set up MOUs in the event that the Tribe needs to evacuate. Re-entry badges can only be acquired by emergency responders, infrastructure businesses, and utility and hospital workers.
Mr. John Silver reported on the Dulac Community Center. Mr. Silver stated the DCC is still working to help citizens rebuild and recover. Ms. Mary Billiot, a former employee of the UHN Relief Office, is now the acting director at the Dulac Community Center while Jamie Billiot is on maternity leave.
The United Houma Nation still has funds available for sewer treatment grants and fisherman grants. Anyone interested in applying should call or visit the UHN Hurricane Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
National American Indian Housing Council hosted a conference on May 12th-14th in New Orleans. Ms Brenda assisted NAIHC with the planning, Mr. Mark Ford was the Keynote Speaker for the banquet, Mr. Kirby Verret gave one of the invocations, and Ms. Janie Luster displayed some of her art.
The United Houma Nation has received a grant from the Greater New Orleans Foundation designated to assemble, interpret and disseminate relevant climatic, architectural and logistical information for community outreach.
Calvin College visited the Tribal Communities on May 31st-June 3rd to volunteer and learn more about the United Houma Nation.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux serves on the Second Harvest Board. Second Harvest is interested in working with tribal communities to provide assistance. On June 2nd, the Second Harvest Board hosted an Orientation where they package food for donations. Ms. Brenda is interested in inviting youth to volunteer with Second Harvest.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux along with staff and community representatives from the “How Safe, How Soon?” Project attended the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) 33rd Annual National Conference on June 8th-10th in Orlando, FL. She was able to share the plight of the United Houma Nation with local, state and national representatives.
Over the last few weeks, several visitors have come to the United Houma Nation interested in learning and sharing our story. (Look at the audition paper for the proper name) visited on June 17th and is interested in making a fictional movie of Isle de Jean Charles. A reporter from the Washington Post conducted interviews with tribal fishermen on June 22nd and June 23rd. On June 24th, two visitors from Ecuador met with Ms. Brenda for an international exchange.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux serves on the Gulf Coast Fund Advisory Board. Ms. Brenda reported that the Dulac community center has applied for a grant through GCF. The Gulf Coast Advisory Board is looking for new member nominations for this board. Anyone interested in serving on this board should contact Ms. Brenda to submit his/her name for the board.
The United Houma Nation will be hosting a Community Development Conference July 12th-14th at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. Sixty-seventy tribal citizens have signed up to attend. This conference is funded by NeighborWorks America and Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund.
Alaska Federation of Natives, National Congress of American Indians, and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement has launched a writing competition called “Thoughts on Recession, Recovery & Opportunity”. The deadline to enter this competition is September 15th, 2009. An email about the competition was available to the Tribal Council and audience.
District Reports:
Albert Solet – District 1: Mr. Albert reported that a community meeting was held June 20th in his district. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall attended this meeting to speak about emergency preparedness.
John Silver – District 4: Mr. John apologized for not being able to host a Finance Committee meeting to discuss fundraiser ideas since the last Tribal Council meeting. Mr. John reported that he had a district meeting in February, and he plans to have another one to discuss emergency preparedness soon. Mr. John reported that United Houma Nation lapel pins are still being sold for $8 to support the building and scholarship fund.
Gwen Billiot – District 5: Ms. Gwen reported that she is still doing outreach and networking in the Terrebonne community through Louisiana Spirit and the Dulac Community Center. Ms. Gwen is also in the process of scheduling a community meeting. Ms. Gwen is working with Mr. Thomas to set up a joint district meeting to discuss emergency preparedness.
Thomas Dardar, Jr. – District 6: Mr. Thomas stated that he is planning a joint community meeting with Ms. Gwen Billiot. He has been working with Ms. Samantha Shaffstall to go to different tribal communities to speak about emergency preparedness.
April Guidry – District 8: Ms. April reported that there will be a district community meeting on July 15th in Marrero at 11:00 AM. Ms. April also helped out with the children’s camp June 8th-12th.
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael stated that a joint community meeting with Ms. Laura’s district was held June 12th. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall and Mr. Thomas Dardar attended to discuss emergency preparedness. Mr. Michael and Ms. Laura will try to have community meetings every other month and rotate the locations.
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. 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. Mr. Seth Siegel’s, Program Manager, last day was June 28th.
· Ms. Charlene Soares attended the LDRF, Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund convening on May 29th. LDRF has supported the Tribe since Katrina and Rita and continues to provide funding through grants. At the convening, discussions took place on the progress of the Tribe with the funds received.
II. Federal Recognition
- Recently, the Tribe has sent Mr. Jack Campisi packets of information regarding the Tribe’s federal recognition. 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 folders on all tribal citizens at the Golden Meadow Tribal Center should be up-to-date with the information that has been provided.
- Mr. Michael Dardar reported on the Houma-French Language effort. A well respected linguist, Nick Faraclas, came from Puerto Rico to help with analyzing the Houma language last year. Mr. Faraclas visited again June 6th-22nd. Mr. Nick reviewed all the digitized oral history tapes.
III. Membership Reinstatement
- Mr. Nolan Brunet was present with necessary paperwork to be reinstated. A motion was made by Mr. Michael Dardar to reinstate Mr. Brunet, seconded by Mr. Thomas Dardar, motion carries.
- It was suggested that a committee be formed to go through all the reinstatement applications and resignation letters for review. This issue will be discussed at a later time.
IV. Public Comment
- No public comment.
New Business:
I. Shawna Rubion, Medicaid Office
· Ms. Shawna Rubion, representative from Medicaid, was present to speak about the programs Medicaid offers. Ms. Rubion provided LaChip bags with information and promotion items. The Medicaid office wants to have a back to school supply give-away at the VocRehab office in Marrero for the United Houma Nation children.
II. Public Comment
- Ms. Lanor Curole stated that she was developing a tribal email distribution list, but because of the recent computer problems, has lost the names. Lanor requested names and email addresses to be included in her new data base.
- Ms. Lanor Curole, Ms. Louise Billiot, and Mr. John Silver met with representatives from University of Arizona. They are interested in conducting interviews with tribal citizens who work in the oil industry to include in their research projects.
- Mr. Thomas reported that on August 20th there will be a meeting at the Terrebonne Parish Public Library, second floor, at 8:30AM for special community-based agencies.
- Ms. Gwen Billiot reported that the Lion’s Club will be hosting a fundraiser for childrenwith disabilities on August 7th from 7:00-11:00 at the Evergreen Cajun Center.
- Mr. John Silver reported that a school district in West Louisiana turned down monies to conduct a school leadership program. Mr. Silver will help with composing a proposal to gain the monies that are available.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, August 8th in Kenner, LA at the Cottage at Rivertown. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 12:16 p.m.
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