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August 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
August 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, August 8th, 2009
Cottage at Rivertown
Kenner, LA 70062
10:00 a.m.
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Call to Order
Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 10:05 a.m.
Prayer
Mr. Albert Solet led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Charlene Soares led the group in the pledge.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Albert Solet, Lora Ann Chaisson, Janie Luster, Gwen Billiot, Thomas Dardar, Jr., April Guidry, Steve Williams, Laura Billiot, and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Members absent: John Silver and Michael Dardar.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux introduced Ms. Tracy Bruno, employee at Rivertown. Ms. Bruno provided flyers to upcoming events and asked if anyone would like to be on her e-mail distribution list. Ms. Bruno is interested in gathering information about United Houma Nation and including it in a museum.
Deviate from Agenda
Ms. Laura Billiot motioned to deviate from the agenda to New Business Part A. Petition to Tribal Council because she had another commitment and would have to leave early, seconded by Mr. Albert Solet, motion carries. Ms. Cacinda Voisin presented the Tribal Council with a petition stating:
“We, the undersigned voters of the United Houma Nation, draw the attention of the United Houma Nation Tribal Council to the following:
THAT the citizens of the United Houma Nation, being a sovereign native people, propose to amend the Constitution of the United Houma Nation dated May 12, 2001 [Article VI Section 1(e)]…The Principal Chief shall be limited to two consecutive terms of office.
THEREFORE, your petitioners request that the Tribal Council adopt this resolution and authorize an election called to repeal the term limits for the Office of Principal Chief of the United Houma Nation by December 31, 2009.”
Ms. Laura Billiot motioned to accept the petition along with the terms of holding an election called to repeal the term limits for the Office of Principal Chief of the United Houma Nation by December 31, 2009, seconded by Ms. April Guidry, motion allowed for discussion.
Ms. Laura Billiot stated that constituents in her community presented a similar petition to her two years ago with the same request.
Ms. Janie Luster asked if a petition to the move the Golden Meadow Tribal Center to Houma is needed. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that this discussion is about having an election to amend the constitution and moving the Tribal Center is an administrative decision.
Ms. Cacinda Voisin stated the present petition has been circulating since August 1st, 2009 (one week) and has garnered numerous signatures in this short time.
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that she does not believe in term limits and agrees with having it repealed, but it was adopted in the constitution.
Ms. Hope Larios stated that the petition gives the option for the people to decide if they want the change. Ms. Hope said she sees the community’s involvement as a good trend.
Ms. Cody Danos, former Tribal Council member, stated tough decisions had to be made when drafting the new constitution.
Ms. Pat Arnould stated that what is good for the Tribe now is amending the constitution and offered to get petition signatures in the Baton Rouge area if needed.
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. stated that term limits were in the old constitution and were carried over into the new constitution. He asked that a lot of consideration be taken when changing the constitution.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux explained that the petition is calling for an election to amend the constitution to repeal term limits for the office of Principal Chief. If the amendment is passed, the current and future Principal Chiefs will not be withheld from running because of term limits.
Ms. Pat Arnould requested that other changes or concerns to the constitution be addressed to be included on this ballot.
After a lengthy discussion, the vote was called. Mr. Steve Williams, Mr. Albert Solet, Ms. April Guidry, and Ms. Laura Billiot voted for, Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr., Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, Ms. Gwen Billiot and Ms. Janie Luster voted against. In event of a tie, Principal Chief breaks the tie. Motion carries.
Mr. Thomas Dardar motioned to resume to the agenda, seconded by Ms. Janie Luster, motion carries.
Introduction of Special Guests
Representatives of the Nation of Georgia attended the Tribal Council meeting to learn more about the Tribe. All visitors were introduced. The Nation of Georgia has worked with many organizations in the United States. In part of Nation of Georgia’s visit was to gather information about the United Houma Nation’s hurricane preparedness and emergency response. Ms. Pat Arnould offered to give the contact information of the Homeland Security Director to the Nation of Georgia.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to approve the July minutes, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to approve June and July financial reports for the VocRehab program seconded by Mr. Albert Solet; motion carries with one abstention by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson. Ms. April Guidry motioned to approve June and July financial reports for the Golden Meadow and HRO offices seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, 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. On August 4th, VocRehab hosted a one-day disability conference at the Quality Inn in Houma. 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. The program is also looking to create a wellness program to help citizens set goals and be ready for employment.
The Election Committee has asked for a nomination to replace Ms. Hope Larios on the Election Committee. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to nominate Ms. Louise Billiot and Ms. Jody Naquin, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries. Mr. Pete Billiot and Ms. Hope Larios will run for the vacant District 7 seat on the Tribal Council.
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. The Tribe is also looking at internet streaming with the radio as well. Anyone interested in working with the radio station project is welcome.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on Lafourche Indian Education. The Leadership Camp for grades 6th-12th was held at Bayou Segnette on July 6th-9th and camp for Pre-K-5th grades was held on July 20th-24th at Larose Cut Off Middle School. A Parent Committee meeting will be scheduled soon. Ms. Janie Luster reported on Terrebonne Indian Education. Towards the end of the month, Terrebonne Indian Education will hold a Parent Committee meeting and a Public Hearing at the Houma Municipal Auditorium.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, Mr. John Silver, Ms. Gwen Billiot and the staff of the Golden Meadow Tribal Center met on August 3rd and reviewed after-deadline and resignation applications. Letters will be sent to after-deadline participants to inform them of the information needed for their application to move forward. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson asked that all the wrong addresses be given to the Tribal Council to update their constituents’ information.
Ms. Latecia Sanamo reported on Inter-Tribal Council. Ms. Sanamo reported the summer youth program has just ended. Because of budget cuts, Ms. Sanamo expressed the importance of putting American Indian on the upcoming Census because it affects funding. The in-school program starts soon. ITC continues with the SCSEP program which is for elders 55 and older. The site coordinators are: Ms. Melissa Verdin in Terrebonne and Ms. Loretta Gilbert in Lafourche.
Ms. Dana Solet reported on the youth of the United Houma Nation. The Youth Media Team consists of tribal youth grades 6th-12th. The YMT is interested in interviewing Traiteurs or citizens who have been treated by Traiteurs. Once the radio station is functional, these interviews will 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 e-mail, youth@unitedhoumanation.org, or at the Relief Office, 985-537-8867. Ms. Pat Arnould reported the American Indian license plates are still for sale and profits are going towards a scholarship. The UHN is also offering a scholarship that is voluntarily funded by the UHN Staff and Tribal Council Ms. Arnould also reported on an upcoming retreat for youth.
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. gave the Emergency Preparedness Committee report. 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. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall announced the United Houma Nation’s Hazard Mitigation Planning Grant has been officially approved by FEMA for $50,000. A meeting will be held August 13th at the Relief Office with Shenetia Magee-Henderson, with GOHSEP, to discuss the details of the grant. This grant will enable the United Houma Nation to hire a consultant to write a Hazard Mitigation plan for all six districts. Ms. Pat Arnould spoke with a member of the Apache tribe who is interested in assisting the UHN with the Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to appoint Ms. Samantha Shaffstall to serve on the River and Bayou Parishes Mutual Aid and Assistance Task Force Region 3 Statewide Interoperability Committee, seconded by Ms. Janie Luster, motion carries.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Dulac Community Center. 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. Ms. Gwen Billiot reported that LA Spirit and residents from Illinois attended the vacation Bible school to volunteer. Ms. Cacinda Voisin reported the Bayou Eagles are meeting every other Monday at the community center at 6:00 pm. After the Disability Awareness Powwow, the meetings will chance to once a month. The next meeting will be August 17th.
The United Houma Nation hosted its first Community Development Conference July 12th-14th at the Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. Over fifty tribal citizens were attendance. The conference was focused on having a “United Houma Nation”. A short report of the Community Development Conference findings was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets with a more detailed report to follow. The UHN plans on hosting a follow-up conference to action plan the needs identified at the conference. In an effort to have more participation, participants of the last conference are encouraged to invite two tribal citizens to the follow-up conference. The success of the Community Development Conference has sparked a greater interest from tribal citizens to participate in more tribal activities. The conference was funded by NeighborWorks America and Louisiana Disaster Recovery Fund. Anyone interested in helping plan the next conference should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
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 audience.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux attended the Sadie Nash Leadership Project on July 29th in New York. Ms. Robichaux was invited to speak to a group of young women from the ages of 14-18 years old. Ms. Robichaux is interested in piloting a program similar to Sadie Nash for the young women of the United Houma Nation.
Information about the National Indian Sport Association was provided to the Tribal Council for anyone interested in attending the Native American World Series.
Ms. Ashley Graham, with Share Our Strength, contacted Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux about grant funds available to purchase food for the Old Store Relief Center. Ms. Graham would like to work with the United Houma Nation to apply for this grant.
A film crew is interested in filming a fictional movie on Isle de Jean Charles about the Houma people’s efforts at preserving community from erosion. Casting calls and auditions have been held.
A student from Nicholls State University visited the Relief Office to interview Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Mr. Michael Dardar about the United Houma Nation on July 17th. This story will run in an upcoming NSU newspaper issue.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux serves on the Second Harvest Board. Second Harvest is interested in reaching out to tribal communities to provide assistance. A Board meeting was held August 5th. Representatives of Second Harvest plans to visit tribal communities and Ms. Robichaux will contact the Tribal Council once the visit is finalized.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux will participate on a panel discussion at the Women’s Equality Day Forum on August 26th. The location is still to be announced. Information about the panel was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets. Anyone interested in attending with Ms. Brenda should contact the Raceland Office at 985-537-8867
The United Houma Nation will be applying for a NeighborWorks America Youth Financial Literacy Grant for $2000. This grant will provide financial literacy classes to the United Houma Nation youth. Anyone interested in working with this project should call the Raceland Office at 985-537-8867.
Monique Verdin, from the Grand Bois community, has a photo instillation called “A Decade of Reflection” at the Big Top Gallery in New Orleans from August 1st-31st. A flyer with more information was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets. The closing ceremony for this exhibit will be on August 29th from 6:00-10:00 pm. Anyone interested in attending this exhibit as a group should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
District Reports:
Albert Solet – District 1: Mr. Albert reported that he is planning a mail-out in his community as soon as his constituents’ addresses have been updated.
Lora Ann Chaisson – District 2: Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated the Island Road will be raised, but not until after hurricane season. Ms. Lora Ann has a friend helping her with address updates in her community. After the addresses are updated, Ms. Chaisson plans to have a mail-out in her community.
Janie Luster – District 3: Ms. Janie Luster reported the levee system in her district is in bad shape. Ms. Luster has not planned a community meeting because a location is unavailable because of canals and bridges being out of service. National Geographic Channel will visit August 21st-26th to do a feature about garfish. Ms. Luster also reported that she teaches basket-weaving at the Main Houma Branch Library from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM on Wednesdays.
Gwen Billiot – District 5: Ms. Gwen reported that she is working with Mr. Thomas to set up a joint district meeting to discuss emergency preparedness. Ms. Billiot is still doing outreach and networking in the Terrebonne community through Louisiana Spirit.
Thomas Dardar, Jr. – District 6: Mr. Thomas stated that he is developing a Facebook page for emergency preparedness in his district. Mr. Dardar will have a joint-community meeting with Ms. Gwen Billiot soon.
April Guidry – District 8: Ms. April reported there is a school supply giveaway in her district today. Ms. Guidry hosts Parent Committee meetings on Wednesdays with the parents in her community. Ms. Guidry is plans to start monthly community meetings in her district.
Steve Williams – District 9: Mr. Steve stated that he just received his list of his constituents. Mr. Williams looks forward to contacting his community now that he has received this list.
Old Business
I. Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
· 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. Program Manager for the How Safe How Soon project Seth Siegel’s last day was June 28th because of the project’s grant cycle ending.
· The UHN has received funding from GNOF, Greater New Orleans Foundation. The grant funds are designated to assemble, interpret and disseminate relevant climatic, architectural and logistical information for community outreach. Information from “How Safe/How Soon?” will be used in these brochures. Anyone interested in being interviewed to be included in these brochures should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
- The United Houma Nation still has funds from LA Disaster Recovery available for sewer treatment grants. Anyone interested in applying should call or visit the UHN Hurricane Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
II. Federal Recognition
- Mr. 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 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. 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. Joshua Pitre, a tribal citizen, works for the House Committee on Natural Resources Office of Indian Affairs. Mr. Pitre stated that this Committee has jurisdiction over all the Indian bills. Mr. Pitre also stated the United Houma Nation should build a relationship with Congressman Charlie Melancon seeking his support for the United Houma Nation’s Federal Recognition efforts.
- On August 5th, Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux served on panel discussion with Ms. Beth Galante, Global Green New Orleans Director, called Katrina to Copenhagen. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Mr. Joshua Pitre met with Ms. Beth. Ms. Beth has worked with the UHN previously and once again has offered her assistance with the tribe’s federal recognition and environmental justice efforts.
- After discussion it was decided the Federal Recognition working group will meet the first Thursday of every month at 6:00 PM rotating from the Raceland and Houma office. The first meeting will be at the Houma VocRehab office on September 3rd at 6:00 PM.
III. Membership Reinstatement
- Mr. Gerard Verdin and Mr. Early Verdin were present without necessary paperwork to be reinstated. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to reinstate Mr. Gerard Verdin and Mr. Early Verdin contingent on receiving necessary paperwork, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries. Ms. Barbara Fitch, Ms. Beverly Billiot, Mr. Alvin Billiot, Mr. Edward Fitch, Jr., Ms. Naomi Guidry, and Mr. Sammy Verret, were present with the necessary paperwork to be reinstated. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to reinstate Ms. Barbara Fitch, Ms. Beverly Billiot, Mr. Alvin Billiot, Mr. Edward Fitch, Jr., Ms. Naomi Guidry, and Mr. Sammy Verret, unanimous second, motion carries. Mr. Michael Hendon, a resident of California, sent in paperwork to be reinstated, but it was not notarized. Mr. Michael has asked that Mr. Curtis Hendon serve has his proxy to meet the requirements for reinstatement. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to reinstate Mr. Michael Hendon contingent on receiving notarized paperwork, seconded by Ms. Janie Luster, motion carries. Ms. Ashley Ortega and Ms. Brittany Ortega, residents of New Jersey, also sent in paperwork to be reinstated, but it was not notarized. Ms. Ashley and Ms. Brittany has asked that Mr. Curtis Hendon serve has their proxy to meet the requirements for reinstatement. Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to reinstate Ms. Ashley and Ms. Brittany Ortega contingent on receiving notarized paperwork, seconded by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries.
IV. Public Comment
- Ms. Pat Arnould asked if Nicholls State University had an American Indian student association and it was not to anyone’sknowledge. Ms. Pat Arnould asked about the two tribal citizens that participants of the last conference could invite to the next conference.
- Mr. Curtis Hendon suggested the American Indian plates be advertised in the newspaper.
- Ms. Anna Martin asked about getting a “United Houma Nation Proud Family” sign for her yard.
- Ms. Katrina Billiot reported the Terrebonne Parish Project Venture group is doing well. Two Lafourche Parish students and two Terrebonne Parish students attended a Project Venture trip to New Mexico.
- Ms. Janie Luster asked about the NeighborWorks CLI trip coming up in Milwaukee.
New Business:
I. Upcoming Events
- Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. reported the Illinois Powwow scheduled on the October 2nd-4th has been canceled.
II. Public Comment
- Mr. Pete Billiot stated he spoke to Mr. Bill Hyland about having a meeting place in St. Bernard.
- Ms. Narscine Aldridge stated that her son does not receive all the information Indian Education sends out or he receives it late.
- A member of the Nation of Georgia inquired about the United Houma Nation’s Disaster Preparedness plans.
- Ms. Pat Arnould stated that Mr. Joe Day and a few others recall fond memories of their previous visit and boat tour with Mr. Whitney Dardar. They will be returning to Louisiana and would like to spend time in the tribal communities again.
- Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson requested to have the Tribal Council meeting agendas sent out with the minutes.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 12th in Theriot, LA at the Bayou Dularge Baptist Church. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment:
Mr. Thomas Dardar, Jr. motioned to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Gwen Billiot, motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.
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