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Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
January 2009 Tribal Council Meeting Minutes
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United Houma Nation Tribal Council Meeting
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Golden Meadow Tribal Center
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
10:00 a.m.
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Call to Order
Principal Chief Brenda Dardar-Robichaux called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m.
Prayer
Michael Dardar led the group in prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Curtis Hendon led the group in the pledge.
Roll Call
Members present: Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, Lora Ann Chaisson, John Silver, Thomas Dardar, Jr., Laura Billiot, Michael Dardar, and Curtis Hendon, Sergeant-at-Arms.
Members absent: Janie Luster, Gwen Billiot, Todd Galle.
Reading and Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Lora Ann Chaisson to approve the November minutes, seconded by Michael Dardar, motion carries.
Treasurer’s Report
A motion was made by John Silver to approve the August, September, October, and November's Financial Reports, seconded by Michael Dardar, motion carries. John Silver, Treasurer, reported that the Finance Committee will meet every Thursday before each meeting and review the Financial Reports in detail and a budget justification will be presented to the Tribal Council at the Tribal Council meetings. The budget justification will give an overall of how much was budgeted for each account, how much was spent, and what is left from each account.
Committee Reports
The Vocational Rehabilitation report was provided by Ms. Lanor Curole. The VocRehab program focuses on providing employment opportunities to tribal citizens with disabilities. A VocRehab annual report was provided for the Tribal Council for review. Due to the hurricanes, the program was delayed in providing services. A total of thirteen cases were expected to be closed successful with only nine actually closed last fiscal year. The program is particularly targeting clients between the ages of 16-25. This year, the program is looking to visit local high schools with tribal citizens to provide outreach and information. The program is hosting an employer open house to develop a relationship with potential employers of the clients served on March 6th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The following outreach activities are planned for the different tribal communities: Montegut- sponsor Easter Egg Hunt-April 4th at 2:00 p.m., Marrero- St. Patrick's Day Celebration Dinner- March 17th at 5:00 p.m., Lafitte- Luncheon -April 8th from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Golden Meadow- to be scheduled with Laura Billiot, Grand
Caillou/Dularge- February, Mardi Gras Family Fun Evening, and St. Bernard- to be scheduled with Hope Larios. The program has been approved to host a 1-Day Disability Conference in Houma on June 4th and a 1-Day Disability Awareness Powwow tentatively scheduled for September. Ms. Lanor offered anyone requesting more information, to visit her after the meeting.
Ms. Nicole Roddy reported on the Radio Station project for the United Houma Nation. The UHN is working on attaining its own radio station called KVHN, Voice of the Houma Nation. The UHN application is still pending for an FCC license. The Advisory Board met November 18th.
Ms. Lanor Curole reported on the Enrollment Committee. The committee has been reviewing tribal enrollment applications of tribal elders seventy and older, so they can receive their tribal enrollment. The United Houma Nation Enrollment applications can be retrieved off the website or from the Tribal Center in Golden Meadow.
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson reported on the Inter-Tribal Council. Ms. Lora Ann stated the classroom training program will start on Monday, January 12th. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson will be meeting the Coushatta tribe to discuss the Elder’s Fest to be held on March 19th. Mrs. Brenda stated the ITC board held a conference call in which the board decided that the ITC staff would receive a 5% pay raise.
The United Houma Nation Annual Banquet took place Sunday, December 14th at the Houma Municipal Auditorium at 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Tribal citizens were honored and recognized for their contributions to the tribe.
Ms. Dana Solet reported on the youth activities of the United Houma Nation. A detailed document was given to the Tribal Council to review all the programs and activities the UHN youth is involved in. Two projects the youth is working on are the New Orleans Kid’s Camera Project and a Traiteurs project. The YMT, Youth Media Team, will be interviewing tribal citizens who were treated by UHN Traiteurs to archive. A future project the YMT will be working on is a project called “Now and Then: A Bayou Review”. This project will consist of attaining pictures of the bayou landscape before the influx of industrial shipyards and other industries and taking pictures of the bayou side now. The pictures will be put together with audio, from the tribal citizens who lived along the bayou side years ago, to bring awareness to others. Anyone with photos, interested in being interviewed about being treated by Traiteurs, or has information to be provided, can contact the Relief Office in Raceland.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux attended the Funder’s Forum Panel Discussion on Strengthening the Ecology and Economy of the Coastal Region on November 10th in Alabama.
Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux attended the Southern Regional Resource Center in New Orleans for a presentation for Heritage month on November 20th for USDA.
An Emergency Preparedness Committee meeting took place on January 9th and the next meeting was tentatively scheduled for January 24th at 11:00 a.m. at the Relief Office. Mr. Thomas Dardar announced that Samantha Shaffstall, an employee of the UHN Relief Office and a tribal citizen, received the Gulf Coast Fellowship for organizing Native Americans around disaster preparedness in coastal Louisiana and for assisting in writing the UHN Emergency Preparedness Handbook. Ms. Jamie Billiot also received the Gulf Coast Fellowship for organizing coastal communities around resiliency, recovery, and coastal preservation using native storytelling in Louisiana. A rough draft of the UHN Emergency Preparedness Handbook was provided in the Tribal Council packets.
Elder’s Fest - The United Houma Nation’s Annual Elder’s Fest was held November 22nd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in Raceland at Ms. Brenda’s home. 130 Elders were in attendance.
Mr. John Silver reported on the Dulac Community Center. The DCC is continuing to provide disaster relief services. The center’s disaster relief fund with the Methodist Church serves only lower Terrebonne parish. The Methodist church is looking to set up an office in Houma, but will serve the Point aux Chene and the Island communities. The center received six feet of water and is still being rebuilt, but funds are limited. The DCC is transitioning from hurricane recovery back to providing the regular services.
Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson and Ms. Janie Luster, along with other tribal citizens, presented and cooked for the U.S. Coast Guard in New Orleans on Friday, November 14th.
LIEA Committee held a meeting on Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Chitimacha Tribal School in Charenton, LA to start planning the 10th Annual Indian Youth Camp on March 13th-15th. Anyone interested in attending this camp can contact any of the Tribal offices.
Mr. Michael Dardar reported on the Personnel Committee. The committee met December 3rd at the Relief Office in Raceland. Ms. Samantha Shaffstall was originally hired for the position of Program Manager. Due to the recent hurricanes Gustav and Ike, her job duties shifted into Case Manager. It was decided that Ms. Samantha Shaffstall will maintain the position of Case Manager, and the responsibilities of the Program Manager position will be distributed among the staff. Ms. Samantha Doucet was hired to the position of Office Clerk working out of the Golden Meadow Tribal Center. It was brought to the attention of the Personnel Committee of a possible conflict in Ms. Samantha Doucet’s employment. As stated in United Houma Nation Employee Handbook, “In instances of limited selection of applicants, supervisory authority over immediate family may from time to time be waived by the Tribal Council.” Mr. Michael Dardar, member of the Personnel Committee, asked the tribal council for this waiver. A motion was made by Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson, seconded by Thomas Dardar and passed to employ Samantha Doucet in accordance with this guideline.
A meeting was held with Mr. Earl Barbry on December 13th at the Raceland Relief Office with Ms. Helen Gindrat, Ms. Laura Billiot, and Ms. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux. Mr. Barbry awarded the United Houma Nation a $5,000 grant and encouraged the UHN to apply for more.
Indian Santa took place Saturday, December 20th and Sunday, December 21st. On December 20th, Indian Santa visited the Golden Meadow community, which had 200+ children in attendance, and the Dulac community, with approximately 215 children in attendance. On December 21st, Montegut had 40+ children and Bayou Dularge had 70+ children in attendance. Indian Santa visited Dulac, Dularge, Golden Meadow and Montegut. The toys were donated from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and various other organizations.
Mrs. Brenda Dardar-Robichaux, along with other tribal citizens, will be attending the Orleans Parish School Board Swearing-In to participate in a multicultural program at Warren Easton High School.
The Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs 2009 Scholarship Application was available in the Tribal Council’s packets to make copies and distribute to tribal citizens graduating high school in their communities. After deadline tribal citizens are eligible with a letter provided from the tribe.
District Reports:
Lora Ann Chaisson – District 2: Ms. Lora Ann stated that the Island road is being repaired in her area. Mr. Albert Naquin is still reporting that everyone on the Island wants to move, but the reports are false. Ms. Lora Ann will be meeting with Mr. Claudet about the possibility of drafting a petition and getting everyone to sign stating they want to stay on the Island. Ms. Lora Ann reported that Indian Santa went well and it was fun for the children. Louisiana Methodist Recovery went door-to-door in the area to conduct a needs assessment on the citizens in the community. Ms. Lora Ann stated she will be having an Easter Egg Hunt April 4th at the Montegut Tribal Center. A community meeting will be scheduled.
John Silver – District 4: Mr. John Silver reported that a joint-community meeting between his district and Ms. Janie Luster’s district, District 3 has been scheduled. As mentioned before, Mr. Silver is working with the VocRehab program to have a Mardi Gras Family Fun Evening in February. Mr. Silver reported that his district is sponsoring the sales of a United Houma Nation lapel pin for $8.00. All proceeds are going towards a scholarship fund and building fund.
Thomas Dardar – District 6: Mr. Thomas Dardar stated that he has been attending meetings as a representative of the tribe. Mr. Dardar is planning a community meeting for the near future.
Laura Billiot – District 10: Ms. Laura Billiot reported that the Golden Meadow office has been busy since the hurricanes. Many tribal citizens are still in need of groceries from the Old Store Relief Center. As stated before, she will be working with Ms. Lanor Curole to set up an outreach event.
Michael Dardar – District 11: Mr. Michael stated he and Ms. Laura Billiot, of District 10, will have alternating joint-community meetings throughout the year. The meeting is scheduled for the last week in January or the first week in February.
Old Business
I. Hurricane Relief
The following updates were provided:
- The Old Store Relief Center is still open and receiving donations and shipments from organizations. Anyone knowing of specific needs that can be provided at the Old Store please contact the Relief Office or a Tribal Council representative.
- A report from Ms. Samantha Shaffstall, Case Manager, was provided in the Tribal Council’s packets to review what she has been working on since the hurricane. Mr. Seth Siegel reported that anyone interested in the roof program should contact Ms. Samantha at the Relief Office in Raceland at 985-537-8867. Mr. Siegel reported that the LA Lift Home program has picked three applicants. Anyone having struggles with FEMA, Road Home, SBA, needing volunteers, or insurance issues should contact Ms. Samantha at the Relief office.
- On January 9th there was a How Safe How Soon meeting. The meeting was a strong beginning point toward the effort of building sustainable communities. The needs are defined in three specific areas: the UHN communities are in low-lying, unsafe areas, the acquisition of tribal land for a community, and that the whole process will be time-consuming. Resources are being developed for UHN citizens to evacuate at the time of a hurricane. Blue Moon is working with Tulane University to develop a long-term plan, and find the resources to implement the plan developed. The plan, once developed, will be sent out to funders.
- The UHN is working with an organization called NeighborWorks America that provides grants and training to the tribe. Susan Naimark and James Ross came down and completed a site visit on November 14th to follow-up on what the tribe is working on. Mrs. Brenda was later invited to the NeighborWorks America Corporate Office in Washington D.C. on January 6th-7th to share the information on how the support of NeighborWorks has had a positive impact on the United Houma Nation.
- On November 15th, a benefit concert for the United Houma Nation took place at Ray’s Boom Boom Room. The concert raised $742.00 for the tribe.
- Jewish Funds for Justice has provided the UHN with a grant of $5,000 to provide services and has continued to send volunteers into the area.
- Lowe’s is interested in repairing the roof, ramp, and windows of the Montegut Tribal Center. A meeting was held January 8th to discuss the details.
- One hundred panels of sheetrock and several cases of ceiling tiles have been donated that will be picked up by Mr. Michael Dardar and Mr. Thomas Dardar next week.
II. Federal Recognition
- The U.S. Department of Interior responded to the letter of explanation the UHN wrote for an extension on the federal recognition petition. The UHN requested the extension on the petition due to the delay Hurricanes Gustav and Ike caused. The letter was provided in the Tribal Council packets.
III. Membership Reinstatement
- Oneal M. Verdin was present with necessary paperwork to be reinstated. A motion was made by John Silver to reinstate Oneal M. Verdin, seconded by Lora Ann Chaisson, motion carries. Brad Fitch, Jacob Fitch, and Ernest Charles Williams were present but without necessary paperwork. A motion was made by Lora Ann Chaisson to reinstate Brad Fitch, Jacob Fitch, and Ernest Charles Williams contingent on the receipt of necessary paperwork, seconded by Michael Dardar, motion carries.
IV. Public Comment
- Mr. Seth Siegel suggested that the Relief Office hire someone to take over the Program Manager position, but Mrs. Brenda stated unfortunately the funds are not available to hire more personnel.
- Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson stated that the Inter-Tribal Council has a job opening for Project Venture Site Coordinator. Project Venture is a youth drug and alcohol prevention program and the job consists of 20-25 hours a week. Anyone interested in the position can call any of the tribal offices for an application.
- Abby Billiot, “Poncho”, inquired about the different tribes in southeast Louisiana and shared his experiences as he visited different reservations.
New Business:
I. Upcoming Events
- Mrs. Brenda was invited to attend the Global Advocates Strategy Convening Conference, at the Loews Hotel in New Orleans on January 11th-13th. Representation from all over the world will be attending this conference.
- Mrs. Brenda will be attending the 11th Annual American Indian Inaugural Ball on January 20th in Washington D.C.
- While in Washington, Mrs. Brenda will attend the Second Annual Realizing the Dream Awards Ceremony on January 18th.
- As a board member of the Gulf Coast Advisory Board, Mrs. Brenda will be attending Gulf Coast Fund Conference at the Airlie Center in Warrenton, VA on January 22nd-24th.
- A Jazz Fest Contract Conference Call will be on February 4th to discuss details of the food booth the United Houma Nation has at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.
- Mr. Thomas Dardar stated that there will be a Powwow in St. Francisville in February. Mr. Dardar will bring flyers to the next Tribal Council meeting.
II. Public Comment
- Ms. Laura Billiot stated that a Constitution meeting needs to be scheduled. Ms. Lora Ann Chaisson will call a meeting before the next Tribal Council meeting.
- Ms. Louise stated the grant committee will hold a meeting January 15th at the Relief Office in Raceland at 3:30 p.m. The topics to be discussed are: availability of grant funds and the need to recruit grant committee members.
- Ms. Lanor Curole stated that at Nicholls State University will be hosting a women’s boot camp on January 24th 8:00 to 12:00 PM on the topic of women and business.
- Mr. Michael Dardar reported that the Cultural Revitalization Committee meeting will be January 29th at 6:00 PM at the Relief Office.
- An alternate suggestion was brought to the council by Mr. John Silver of having the Tribal Council meetings every other month in Terrebonne instead of every meeting in Terrebonne. Mr. John Silver is attempting to secure a building to host all the Terrebonne Parish meetings at the same location. February’s meeting will still be held at the DCC as usual to give enough time to find a location. It was decided that the Tribal Council meeting schedule will remain the same until input from the community is taken through a needs assessment.
Set Date, Place and Time for Next Meeting
The next Tribal Council Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 14th in Dulac, LA at the Dulac Community Center. The meeting will begin at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment:
A motion was made by Mr. Thomas Dardar to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Michael Dardar, motion carries. The meeting adjourned at 11:43 p.m.
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