Letter to the Editor Increase tribal dividends from 20% to 25%

To the Editor:

Cost of Living Expenses are steadily rising throughout the country, including here in our community. Tribal dividends from our CTUIR owned enterprises and businesses were never intended to be the primary or sole source of income for tribal members. However, the dividends definitely help tribal families and individuals meet necessary living expenses.

Although living expenses are always rising, our tribal dividends have remained at the same level of 20% of our overall CTUIR business profits for at least 15 years. When the Board of Trustees first made the decision to begin providing dividends the percentage was 15%. After about ten years at 15%, I brought the issue to our General Council floor for discussion.

Actually, at the time I planned to make a motion to increase the percentage by 10%, which would have raised it to 25%. However, another tribal member made a motion to limit the percentage increase by only 5%, from 15% to 20%, where it remains today.

Not too long ago, the CTUIR added the former Pendleton Country Club, now Birch Creek Golf Course, to our tribally owned businesses. Cayuse Holdings also recently started contributing to our tribal operating budget. Also, we have added Quaking Aspen bowling lanes to Wildhorse Resort. Thus, these additions to our existing tribally owned businesses should enable us to increase the dividend percentage for tribal members from 20% to 25%.

Tribal dividends will be on the May 2023, General Council agenda. General Council meetings are a forum for us General Council members to discuss relevant tribal affairs and issues, and bring forth and share new ideas and initiatives with fellow tribal members. At the meeting, I will give an overview of tribal dividends, and after GC discussion, I will make a motion to increase dividends from 20% to 25% of our overall profits from tribal enterprises and businesses.

This would create a positive ripple effect on our tribal and local economy. Above all, it would definitely assist tribal families and individuals with daily living costs.

Sincerely,

Bob Shippentower