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October 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
October 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
UHN Relief Center
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Raceland, LA
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. Michael Dardar led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Albert Solet led the group in the pledge.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Albert Solet, Janie Luster, John Silver, April Guidry, Laura Billiot, Michael Dardar and Steve Williams
Members absent: Thomas Dardar, Jr., Gwen Billiot, Lora Ann Chaisson and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
Ms. Janie Luster motioned to table the September minutes, seconded by Michael Dardar, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
Mr. John Silver, Treasurer, reported a Finance Committee meeting was held October 8th, 2009 at the Relief Office in Raceland. Mr. John Silver stated the General Account budget has been amended and a copy will be issued at the next Tribal Council meeting on November 14, 2009. Mr. John Silver motioned to approve all three accounts and accept the proposed budget, seconded by Mr. Michael Dardar motion carries. Mr. John Silver also reported that a separate bank account will be opened for the ANA Grant. The tribe is also looking to streamline all the finances and possibly making one financial department. Mr. John Silver also stated that rather than having another costly audit, as the one performed in 2005, the Council should look at possibly doing an in house report.
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 ended its fiscal year on September 30th, 2009, which concludes their fourth year. Ms. Lanor Curole stated the annual report is due by November 15th, 2009. Ms. Lanor Curole stated that a copy of this report will be issued at the next Tribal Council meeting on November 14th, 2009. A staff meeting is scheduled on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 for the planning of the upcoming year. Ms. Lanor Curole reported on the One Day Disability Awareness Powwow. Ms. Curole stated the powwow was a great success. Ms. Curole also reported that another powwow would be scheduled for next year. Ms. Curole also reported possibly having two disability awareness conferences and wellness programs.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux also reported on the success of the powwow. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that a great number of grandparents, parents and adults worked on youth traditional clothing. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the attendance of our elder tribal citizens which made for an even greater day.
Mr. Michael Dardar reported on the Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee will meet immediately following the Council meeting to discuss the job openings for the Radio station, a contract worker for the UHN newsletter and a consultant for Hazard Mitigation.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported the Election Committee met on September 18th, 2009. The Election Committee called for an Election for District 7 to be held on October 24th, 2009. Mr. Pete Billiot and Ms. Hope Larios will run for the vacant seat on the Tribal Council. The Election Committee also called for an election to amend the constitution regarding term limits for Principal Chief, this election will be held on December 5th, 2009. Letters regarding this election will be to be sent out to tribal citizens. Poll workers will be needed for this 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 applied for a grant ANA grant. With the approval of this grant, the Personnel Committee will be advertising for two positions; a station manager and an administrative assistant to operate KUHN radio. A KUHN Board has been established and people were encouraged to attend the meetings when scheduled.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on Lafourche Parish Indian Education. Lafourche Parish School Board has a job opening for a Cultural Resource Specialist/Tutor. Anyone interested in applying for the position should contact Ms. Robichaux. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux is offering to assist anyone applying for this position. Indian Ed. Interviews will be conducted on October 26, 2009. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported that Ms. Cody Danos, Ms. Greta Terrebonne, and Alyssa Franklin, a student, will be attending the Indian Education Conference in Milwaukee, WI on October 22th-25th. Ms. Janie Luster reported on Terrebonne Indian Education. Ms. Luster stated the Terrebonne Indian Education held a public hearing to elect new officers to the committee. Ms. Luster also stated starting in November cultural presentations will be conducted in schools.
Ms. Jamie Billiot reported on the Dulac Community Center. Ms. Jamie Billiot reported the DCC is looking for a GED Instructor/Tutor to teach a GED prep course. This position will pay approximately $15.00 per hour. Anyone interested should contact the Dulac Community Center at 985-563-7483. Ms. Billiot is also looking for a young male to work a few days a week to help the kids with recreation. Ms. Billiot also stated the volunteers have returned but their schedules are booked from October to February for home repairs. Ms. Billiot does encourage anyone needing repairs to please continue to call the DCC. Ms. Billiot reported she was able to purchase appliances for ten families affected by the hurricane and is hoping to receive funding for more.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the Grant Committee. The Grant Committee met and still has grant money for sewer/septic treatments. Anyone having sewer/septic treatment problems due to hurricane damage should contact the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on youth activities of the United Houma Nation. The tribe has received a grant from Global Fund for Children to develop leaders within our youth. Ms. Robichaux reported that approximately 60 tribal citizens attended the Coushatta Powwow in Kinder, LA from October 2nd-4th 2009. The tribal citizens met tribes from all over the United States and were able to see beautiful regalia, learn dance styles, competition and watch young dancers. Ms. Robichaux states we continue to move forward with our youth passing on our tradition. Any youth interested in getting involved should contact their Tribal Council representative.
The United Houma Nation received a NeighborWorks America $2,000 Youth Financial Literacy Grant. This grant will provide youth financial literacy classes. The activities shared at these classes will help our youth learn more about being debt free and learn more about personal finances. Anyone interested in working with this project should call the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported the Enrollment Committee should meet this week. After-deadline letters for missing information have been sent out and should be returned in a timely manner. Mr. John Silver will be sending out a letter regarding questionable/falsified signatures on tribal citizens who supposedly switched to the splinter group.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported she along with Mr. Albert Solet, Ms. Hope Larios, Ms. Shirley Feet, Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson and Mr. Kevin Billiot attended the US Census Tribal Partnership Conference at Paragon Casino and Resort in Marksville, LA. This conference took place on September 23rd-24th and discussed the importance of filling out the 2010 Census correctly and how this affects our funding and the way we are counted.
District Reports:
Albert Solet – District 1: Mr. Albert reported that he is meeting with tribal citizens weekly and is hoping to have more community involvement.
Janie Luster – District 3: Ms. Janie Luster reported she had two community meetings and visited two homes to discuss tribal government. Ms. Luster reported on not having a place to hold community meetings. Ms. Janie Luster will schedule a meeting in November at the Old Indian School location and may possibly use tents. Ms. Luster stated she contacted Mr. Clayton Voisin and asked for a shelter to be named after our great leaders. Ms. Luster also stated that Dularge continues to flood.
John Silver – District 4: Mr. John Silver is still selling United Houma Nation lapel pins for $8.00 to benefit the scholarship and building fund. Mr. John Silver reported he has been going out in the community to raise awareness for the Future of United Houma Nation Community meetings. Mr. Silver thinks it is important for the meetings to have a high attendance rate so more opinions will be heard.
April Guidry – District 8: Ms. April reported she held the first Future Community meeting that went fairly well. Ms. April reports her concerns about not having a community center in her area. Ms. April stated a campout will be held at Bayou Segnette from October 16th-18th. Ms. April will also host a one-day camp in December in her district.
Steve Williams District 9: Mr. Steve reported he is still trying to contact tribal citizens.
Laura Billiot – District 10: Ms. Laura Billiot stated an Indian Parent Committee meeting was held at the Tribal Office in Golden Meadow. Ms. Laura Billiot also reported she and some tribal youth attended the Powwow in Kinder. Ms. Laura stated the youth want to continue to meet to learn regalia, beadwork and dancing, so Ms. Laura hopes to get them together again soon while they are still energized. Ms. Laura Billiot reported that her Future Community meeting will be held October 13th, 2009.
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael Dardar stated he and Ms. Laura Billiot will be sharing the meeting on October 13th, 2009. Mr. Michael Dardar has been trying to get the word out in the community on how importance it is we hear from tribal citizens about what is needed and/or wanted for the tribe. Mr. Michael Dardar attended an American Society of Etho-History Convention in New Orleans to participate in a panel discussion. Mr. Michael Dardar stated after the discussion the tribe was given a public apology by the leaders of the Society for posting a derogatory article about the tribe in 2007 by Dave Davis.
Old Business
Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
I. Hazard Mitigation
- The United Houma Nation has been approved to receive a $50,000 Hazard Mitigation grant. The Tribe now needs to form a Hazard Mitigation committee/board to develop a plan to identify hazards in each community. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux asks that one Tribal Representative and at least one tribal citizen volunteer to be on this board. The tribe will hire a consultant that will write a Hazard Mitigation plan. 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.
Ms. Janie Luster stated that she would ask Mr. Nolan Verret, owner of G & N Construction, a house lifting business, from her district to sit on this board, but she wonders if this might be a conflict of interest. Mr. John Silver states this board would be an Advisory Board and not a decision making board, decisions would be made by the Tribal Council.
· Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager, reported on the United Houma Nation Relief Office. The office continues to receive calls from citizens in need of assistance. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall reported she is working on approximately 110 cases and is currently developing a database to keep better record of these cases. Ms. Shaffstall also reported she is working with other organizations to help find assistance for tribal citizens. Anyone needing assistance for unmet needs should contact Ms. Samantha Shaffstall at the UHN Relief Office, 985-537-8867.
· Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported interviews were done by Ms. Rachel with the “How Safe/How Soon?” project. Ms .Brenda Dardar-Robichaux and Ms. Lanor Curole will be meeting with Ms. Rachel on November 13th, 2009 to discuss the future of this project and when she will be conducting more interviews. Anyone interested in being interviewed should contact Ms. Charlene at the Relief Office at 985-537-8867.
· GNOF, Greater New Orleans Foundation, visited the Disability Awareness Powwow to take photographs of the youth to use in their annual report. Framed copies will be given to the ones photographed.
· Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux also reported on Igniting Change, a book printed by Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation (LDRF) in which the tribe was included.
· Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux spoke with Ms. Diane Miller, from Blue Moon, about collaborating with an organization to help the UHN fisherman. If and when this project begins, the tribe’s fishermen could possibly get resources and higher prices for their catch.
II. Federal Recognition
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported Federal Recognition is 30 years in the process.
· Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux gave Tulane Environmental Law Clinic a packet of information about the tribe’s federal recognition. The Tulane board will review the information and decide if they can assist the tribe with its federal recognition petition.
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported while attending the Census conference, she and Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson spoke with Mr. Earl Barbry, the Chairman of the Tunica-Biloxi tribe. Mr. Barbry is offering assistance with Federal Recognition by having the tribe join him in Washington, D.C. Arlinda Locklear, of the Lumbee tribe, also spoke with Mr. Earl about offering her help as well.
- Ms. Janie Luster commented on adding UHN to the Lumbee tribe petition for Federal Recognition. Mr. Michael Dardar commented it would not benefit the United Houma Nation or the Lumbee tribe.
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux commented on the importance of membership updates to include your maiden names as well as updating any and all changes.
III. Membership Reinstatement
· Ms. Monica Gail Parfait Verdin, Mr. Regis Paul Verdin, Jr., and Mr. Shaun C. Verdin, were present with necessary paperwork to be reinstated. A unanimous motion was made to reinstate Ms. Monica Gail Parfait, Mr. Regis Paul Verdin, Jr. and Mr. Shaun C. Verdin, with a unanimous second, motion carries. Ms. Theresa Verdin Naquin, Mr. Wesley Brunet, and Ms. Nattie Dardar Brunet were present to be reinstated without necessary paperwork. A unanimous motion was made to reinstate Ms. Theresa Verdin Naquin and Mr. Wesley Brunet, and Ms. Nattie Dardar Brunet contingent on receipt of necessary paperwork, with a unanimous second, motion carries.
IV. Public Comment
· Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated that the Tribal Council is the tribe’s voice and it is important for them to reach out to their citizens. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux reported on the How Safe, How Soon Community meetings and their locations.
- Mr. John Silver reported to please join Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson in supporting the Island Road repairs at the Terrebonne Parish Council meeting on October 28th, 2009 at the Government Tower building in Houma.
New Business:
I. Jeff Bailey, Dallas Regional Census Bureau
- Mr. Jeff Bailey with Dallas Regional Census Bureau, which covers Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, reported on the importance of filling out the 2010 Census correctly and how this affects funding for fire departments, community centers, and etc. Mr. Bailey also reported the Census will be hiring soon.
II. Mr. Jeff Kugler, Red Cross – Fire Safety
- Mr. Jeff Kugler with American Red Cross, reported on Fire Safety month. This month the fire departments will be reaching out into the communities regarding fire and flu safety and would like tribal citizens to help him in canvassing the area. Mr. Alan Bergeron, from up north, is part of DAT, Disaster Action Team, in the Thibodaux office with the sheriff and wants to stay connected with the tribe.
III. NCAI Resolution
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux stated the resolution with National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) needs to be renewed. Mr. John Silver motioned to renew the resolution with NCAI, seconded by Janie Luster, Mr. Michael Dardar abstained, and motion carries. The names on the resolution were Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Ms. Janie Luster, and Mr. Albert Solet as the alternate.
IV. Establishing Protocol for Tribal Council Request of Information
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux suggested a protocol be set up by the Tribal Council when requesting tribal information. Mr. John Silver and Mr. Michael Dardar both agreed that research should be done on a request for public information form. Mr. Michael Dardar suggested a Tribal Council request form be sent straight to the Administration Office. Mr. John Silver suggested a reading file/binder be put together for public view at each office. Mr. Michael Dardar suggested the minutes be added to this binder.
V. Upcoming Events
- Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux gave the dates of all the Future of United Houma Nation Community meetings on Tuesdays starting October 13th in Golden Meadow and ending on November 3rd in Dulac.
- A funder’s tour at Ward 7 is scheduled on October 14th. The United Houma Nation will have an information booth and Ms. Janie Luster will be selling some of her art.
- On October 15th-18th, there will be a Neighbor Works CLI Community Leadership Development conference. Ms. Lanor Curole, Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Ms. Cacinda Voisin, Ms. Nora Serigne, Mr. Chris Chaisson, Ms. Cody Danos, and Ms. Monica Redman will be attending. Upon returning, they will apply to receive a $2000 start up grant for developing a community leadership program.
- The old store will be open on Mondays and Fridays starting October 16th.
- Ms. Brenda asked if any Tribal Council representative would be able to attend a meeting with the new Assistant Administrator, Pete Silva, with the EPA Water Policy on October 17th in New Orleans. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ms. Robichaux as soon as possible.
- Ms. Brenda will be joining the Environmental Defense Fund on a bus trip to Fourchon to share the tribe’s story on October 28th-30th.
- Ms. Brenda announced that Elders Fest will be held November 21st in Raceland, Louisiana.
- Ms Brenda announced that the United Houma Nation Annual Awards Banquet is tentatively scheduled for December 18th. Treater will not be available this year to perform. Ms. Cacinda Voisin is chair of the Banquet Committee and will schedule a meeting soon.
- Ms. Brenda reported she is working with David Haiman, the facilitator with Movement Matters, on scheduling a follow up Community Development Conference. The first one in July at the Paragon Casino and Resort was a great success. Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux is asking tribal citizens who attended the first conference to invite two more citizens to attend the upcoming conference. The conference will either take place on November 6th-7th or November 7th-8th.
- Ms. Brenda asked if a Tribal Council representative is available to attend a Fly-In event in Washington, DC on October 26th-27th. This event will be meeting with legislatures on Capitol Hill. Anyone interested in attending should contact Ms. Robichaux as soon as possible.
- Ms. Jamie Billiot announced that on October 24th Project Venture will host a Fall Harvest at the Dulac Community Center. The Project Venture group has asked to bring a non-perishable food item. On October 30th Ms. Jamie Billiot will also host a Halloween party from 5:00-8:00 PM for youth to attend.
- Ms. Jamie also reported on November 7th the Grand Caillou Library will have its Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Mr. John Silver will be cooking and Bayou Eagles will be dancing.
- Ms. Jamie reported she is working a on a grant that would allow Bayou Eagles to travel doing presentations on dance styles and other related stories by the end of next summer.
- Mr. Steve Williams announced that on November 7th there will be an art show at The Big Top Art Gallery from 6:00 PM- 2:00 AM. For more information please visit www.504whatstyle.com. Mr. Steve also mentioned he would eventually like to start his own Swamp Stomp Festival.
- Mr. John Silver would like to set up classes with any tribal citizens interested in studying and getting better educated on the Constitution.
VI. Public Comment
- Ms. Shirley Feet will be doing pre-test for the 2010 Census on October 22nd at the Houma office from 9:00-11:00 AM and 1:00-3:00 PM. The real test will take place on November 4th at the same location.
- Ms. Luster asked for a list of all employees including job descriptions and which organization they are employed by.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting will be Saturday, November 14th at 10:00 a.m. This meeting will be held in the Montegut District, possibly at the Montegut Fire Station.
Adjournment:
The meeting adjourned at 12:10 PM.
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