33 minute read
Mdaaswi-shi-niiwin
from GTB NEWS MARCH 2022
by GTB NEWS
Native Food for Life Online
Program for Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes, and Gestational Diabetes 6-week course!
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March 15, 2022 6:00pm
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Join a free, 6-session online plant-based nutrition and cooking course offered by The special diabetes program & Darylin Berryman We’ll meet virtually every at .Tuesday 6:00pm beginning . March 15, 2022 Darylin Berryman, darylin.berryman2@gtbindians.com,231-534-7556
This FREE 6-class series is designed to help anyone who wants to learn about nutrition for diabetes treatment and prevention. Everyone is welcome! Learn about the health benefits of a plant-based diet. View cooking demonstrations and learn new cooking skills. Receive advice and information from health and nutrition experts. Zoom link provided at registration Questions? Contact
Medicare
• 65+ or Disabled with SSA +2yrs • $170.10 Medicare Part B deduction • Find out what programs you qualify for! • Mail/Advertisements? Keep or Toss? • Keep your information safe. • Avoid spam calls! • 65th Birthday approaching call me!
Medicaid
• Income & Family size-based • Single person income $17,000 1964yrs • 0-18yrs parents’ income below $27,000 • Family # increases, Income $ increases. • Medicaid Card:1-888-367-6557 • I can help fax or scan in documents and help you apply over the phone.
Questions or need assistance?
Angelina Raphael Office: 231-534-7731 • Text: 231-866-0326 angelina.raphael@gtbindians.com
LETS HEAL TELEHEALTH BETTER HEALTH
Medical care from the comfort of home with a Smartphone or Computer. Lets Heal is available for GTB Tribal Members & patients of the GTB Health Department
Call Us: 231-534-7478
Condition Services
Allergies, Bladder Infection/UTI, Cough, Cold and Flu Symptoms, Fever, Headaches, Nausea, Rashes, Sinus Issues, Sore Throat, Follow-up appointments. List is not all-inclusive!
Service Accessibility
Completed on your Phone or Tablet, with the Lets Heal app, available for IOS and Android. Download Lets Heal on the App Store and Google Play. Visit your Provider using a computer with a camera. HOW TO SIGNUP?
Have an e-mail address handy (required). *E-mail addresses cannot be shared between individuals.
Call “Lets Heal” Coordinator at 231-534-7478 Your account will be created for you! You will receive an email welcoming you to the service.
24/7 Urgent Care
GTB Tribal Members in the 6-County Service Area have access to 4 covered, 24/7 Urgent Care visits with Lets Heal providers. HOW TO USE THE SERVICE?
Schedule an appointment by calling the Clinic 231-534-7200 Once your appointment is scheduled, you will receive an email with instructions on how to start your visit
Why Choose Our Service?
No need to schedule childcare Less exposure to illness Easy to fit into your schedule No missing visits due to inclement weather For those who live far from the clinic NO COST for service & NO LIMITS on visits with GTB providers
2300 N. Stallman Road Peshawbestown, MI 49682 Enter the visit 10-15 minutes before your scheduled visit
http://gtbindians.org/letsheal.asp
If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest hospital
The GTB Health Department has administered 5,079 doses as of January 24, 2022.
The GTB Health Department has administered 5,127 doses as of
February 10, 2022:
-60% of GTB Tribal members in the 6-county service area age 12 and over have received at least 1 shot;
-82% of GTB Elders in the 6-county service area have received at least 1 shot;
-18% of GTB Tribal members in the 6-county service age 5-11 have received at least 1 shot;
-40% of GTB Tribal members in the 6-county service area that are vaccinated have received a booster shot. • A reminder that GTB is providing free KN95 masks (while supplies last).
o Please call the clinic at (231) 534-7200, or o Nearest CHR: • Saija McClellan, Charlevoix, (231) 534-7062
• Elizabeth Elliott, Benzie (231) 534-7826
• Ranee Compo, Traverse City (231) 534-7772
• Tamra Newton, Peshawbestown (231) 534-7205
o Or, tribal satellite office: • GTB Administration, (231) 534-7000
• Benzie, (231) 534-7820
• Charlevoix, (231) 534-7060
• Traverse City, (231) 534-7760• There are currently 2,882 Omicron cases currently reported
in Michigan.
-All regions in Michigan are experiencing declines in positivity, case, and hospitalization rates.
-Vaccination is still the best tool we have to moderate the impact of COVID-19. Vaccines continue to protect us from severe disease. Booster doses have been further shown to strengthen and broaden protection against Omicron and other variants. Everyone should get vaccinated and get your booster dose, as soon as you are eligible.
In November 2021, unvaccinated adults aged 18 years and older were 11.7 X greater risk for testing positive for COVID-19 and 59.2 X the risk of dying from COVID-19, compared to fully vaccinated adults with booster doses.
-Continue to practice mitigation measures including masking at work/school and indoor public places.
Face masks or respirators (N95/KN95) effectively filter virus-sized particles.
-Stay at home if you have symptoms such as chills, fever, or mild respiratory/flu-like illness and get tested as soon as possible.
• At-home COVID-19 test kit continue to be available at the GTB Health Department no cost. Please call 231-534-7200 to make a request, while supplies last. Alternatively, you can request free tests at the COVIDTests.Org website set-up by the federal government. Private insurers are also required to cover up to eight FDA approved over-the-counter tests per month per covered individual. • Here at the GTB Family Health Clinic we have recently
started offering Evusheld, which is indicated for pre-exposure
prophylaxis against COVID-19. What this means is that Evusheld is given before an individual might be exposed to COVID-19 and is meant to prevent infection and progression to severe illness. Evusheld is a monoclonal antibody treatment indicated for patients who are considered moderately to severely immunocompromised. It is given as two injections and patients are monitored for an hour following treatment. In addition to COVID-19 vaccination, Evusheld is another way that we can protect our community. If you are interested in learning more or have questions about Evusheld please contact the GTB Family Health Clinic at 534-7200.
If you have questions about COVID-19 treatment options available at the GTB Health Department, please contact the clinic at 231-534-7200 and request to speak to a medical provider.
• If you would like to get tested for COVID-19, please call the clinic at (231)-534-7200 to get on the daily testing schedule. Our test times are currently 8:15am, 10am, 1:15pm, and 3pm, Monday- Friday. We ask that all individuals tested appear on the testing schedule.
-Soumit Pendharkar, GTB Health Administrator
Ricky Woods – GTB Tribal Member & Waste/Water Operator Apprentice (Public Workd Dept.)
"The Strongheart is a beautiful gym that provides a variety of ways to stay in shape. The staff and Strongheart community make it easy for me to stick to the gym. Thank you Strongheart for helping me find my passion for running and fitness again!"
Brett Diffin- GTB Great Lakes Fisheries Technician (NRD)
“The Strongheart has been my go to
for several years now, I come in on my lunchbreak every chance I get. Staying active is very important to me as is helps me maintain a healthy body and healthy mind. Physical activity is the closest thing we have to a “magic pill” for our health and wellbeing, which is more important now than it’s ever been. The Strongheart center provides everything needed to meet your goals and I would encourage everyone to take the time to come in and get started.”
Bill Martell- GTB Tribal Member & Behavioral Health Counselor
“I like coming to the Strong Heart Center because it is a beautiful facility, built with a unique Native cultural design. There are many ways to get your work out in there including walking, running, lifting various kinds of weights as well sport activities including basketball, volleyball and pickle ball. It has several different kinds of exercise machines that are regularly updated or switched out. Leanne and her team keep everything cleaned and well maintained. Some of the benefits of regular exercise are that; it improves your mood, helps you sleep better, gives you more energy and it’s a great stress reliever. Come and check it out!”
Anna Heiselman- GTB Tribal Victim Services Coordinator
"Keeping my body and mind healthy is so important to me. I am very thankful for the opportunity to look after my health at Strongheart! There’s a wide selection of equipment and the atmosphere is pleasant and non-judgmental."
Beedoskah Stonefish- GTB Desmond Madera- Spokane Tribe Makwa Madera- Spokane Tribe
"Our family loves going to the Strong Heart Center because it is a clean, safe, convenient place we can workout at. The environment is welcoming, and the staff are friendly and willing to help. Although our favorite workout is pow wow dancing in the dance room, we also enjoy using the cardio machines, weight room, and basketball court. There are a diverse number of activities for our family to do. We are always motivated by seeing other community members working out and would love to share the beautiful space with many more Anishinaabek!"
STRONGHEART HOURS MON – THURS 6AM – 7PM FRIDAY 6AM – 6PM SATURDAY 9AM – 1PM 231-534-7457
STRONGHEART STAFF Ryan Shaw- Gym Attendant Adam Arroyo- Gym Attendant Gavyn Shananaquet- Gym Attendant Leanne (Tana) Alber- Supervisor 231-534-7551
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND
Onaabani-Giizis “March” (Hard Crust on the snow Moon)
GTB BENZIE FITNESS CENTER
New fitness member (tribal and non-tribal) must fill out registration packet and have a one-time, 10minute orientation with Leisa Kennedy 3-7PM, Monday - Thursday and Saturday, from 10 AM - 2 PM or by appointment.
Free for GTB Tribal Members with ID
Non-Tribal Member that are students for a full month is $10.00 Non-Tribal Member that are Elders for full month is $10.00 Non-Tribal Members for a full month is $15.00 One-time use for Non-Tribal and Tribal without Id is $5.00
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5
8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-5pm 10am-2pm
Closed
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-5pm 10am-2pm
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Closed
Time change spring forward 8-12pm 1-7pm
8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm
1-7pm 8-12pm 1-5pm 10am-2pm
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
Closed 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm
Spring begins
27 28 29 30 31
8-12pm 1-5pm 10am-2pm
Closed 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm 8-12pm 1-7pm
534-7820 Front Desk or Fitness Room 534-7831
Elders
1. Kaye Stocker, TID #7008- I am a proud tribal member and TCCH employee of almost 24 years; I would like to give a shout-out to my staff- bar staff and restaurant staff worked tirelessly throughout pandemic. I would also like to give a shout out to Scott Letts and Alicia Emery; also to supervisors Chris, Brittney Scheiding and Bill Latrell; all deserve to be acknowledged for work that they do. I would also like to thank Tribal Council for help and tireless work they have been doing to help through the pandemic. My family appreciates it. I would also like to thank Linda DePetro for her selfless work for employees at TCCH, she deserves to be honored. I would also like to say, we decorated TCCH, if you get a chance to, please go have a look. For Tribal Council- it’s very important to our staff to know they are recognized for the work that they do, I suggest you stop by and let them know. Former Councilor Shomin used to do this, and it meant a lot to employees.
Miigwetch for your comments.
2. Bill Sky Eagle, TID 7003- (statement in chat)- My name is Bill Sky-Eagle, Tribal Member # 7003. I have been a tribal member for 32 years and an elder for 20 years. I appreciate our GTB Tribal Staff and leadership and for this forum. My statement: Other tribes nationwide are currently evaluating their blood quantum requirement. The realization is that, if no change is made, in 25-50 years, or less, there will be no full-blood tribal members. Few of current members will be eligible to become tribal members. Our children, grandchildren, etc. will have no pathway to tribal membership. I am confident that our GTB leadership is already carefully considering this, as well as GTB also looking at the possibility of making a significant change in our blood quantum requirement, with an eye to the future? If no change is made, what will become of GTB when there are no members?
Tribal membership is controlled by Article II of the GTB Constitution. Under the Constitution, a historical summary of GTB’s ancestral relationship with the United States is defined by the “Durant roll,” a 1910 federal census of GTB members prior to GTB’s federal recognition in 1980, Sec. II (a). The second element of membership, Sec II (b), was a summary of litigation between the United States and GTB that was effectively settled in 1985. The third element of GTB’s membership, was a memorialization of the settlement of litigation between United States and GTB. Sec II (c). Incident to these 3 subsections, GTB establish the criteria of one quarter Indian, of which 1/ 8 would be Michigan Ottawa/ Chippewa blood. Any modification of tribal membership would necessitate an amendment of the GTB Constitution supervised an approved by the Secretary of the Interior memorializing the proposed amendments.
3. Tanya Raphael, TID #1491- First I would like to say, thank you Chairman for acknowledging that GTB supports tribal members in their services, but I don’t 100% believe that. I feel some of the management needs to practice what they preach, I don’t think they are 100% there for GTB Members. Management does not support people who just have a High School diploma; they don’t acknowledge years of services being equivalent to a degree. Creates obstacles for employees. I don’t feel as though they always solve problems, not on the same team. My solution would be, get to know the managers, spend some time with them. Moving on, I want to talk about education. We have a program that’s called extracurricular program, which is a grade point average incentive. As long as children have a 2.0 or better, they can use the additional support to pay sports or get into other programming. Not all kids can maintain that GPA, but they do improve. They don’t qualify for that program. I think it should be looked at. Some kids are being penalized and they can’t access that funding that’s available to them to do these extra programs. So therefore, they’re being disqualified- I think it should be a grade improvement (not just limited to 2.0 GPA or better) I have brought this up with the Department Manager and the TMO and did not get a call back.
Moving on, I would like to see management support our staff. Let’s recognize and support them through their job, pandemic, or whatever the situation is. Some staff feel like they are burned out, and don’t have support from management. Tribal Council, show your appreciation and give the time off between Christmas and New Year’s.
Please review the updated application for this program. The form has been revised and the requirement of maintaining a 2.0 GPA has been removed.
A floating holiday was added for use in January-April 2022. A $50 employee appreciation payment was given. Management does support GTB staff and all their efforts, but since COVID, everything has been hectic and not business as usual. Tribal Council and Management appreciates all staff and thanks them for their efforts during this difficult time.
4. Sharon Wasageshik, TID #2110- I would like to say I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas; I am really happy to be here to speak for everyone, to my tribal membership. I would like to say we’re all hurting because of the pandemic. We’re at home, taking care of families, wearing masks, etc. I wanted Tribal Council to know it’s hard for us because we have to be home. We are trying not to spread the virus. I hope we all have a good holiday with our families.
Tanya Raphael is my friend; I am sad she got fired and did not get promoted. Very important leader in our community, speaks up for people and helps everybody. We need to take a step back and re-think before we say something. As always, we’re out here, membership in the 6-county service area, it would be nice if we could talk to you guys sometimes. I know you’re busy with the ongoing pandemic, etc. but it would be nice. Merry Christmas, wear your masks, stay safe through the pandemic. Thank you for the Zoom membership meeting, I appreciate it.
Miigwetch for your comments. You are free to reach out and call any Tribal Council Member at any time.
5. Deborah Running, TID #187- Thank you for having this zoom meeting and giving me the opportunity to attend, I really appreciate it. I want to echo the earlier comment about re-considering the blood quantum level. My sons have been raised as native men, but they don’t have enough blood to qualify. I just want to support the idea of reconsidering that. Thank you all for the hard work you all do; have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Blood quantum is by its nature a contested application question that has been addressed several times and most recently when the Membership Ordinance was amended and enacted. Changing blood quantum requirements would require a Constitutional amendment by referendum or Tribal Member initiative under Article IX and in addition, would require a Secretarial election.
6. Mary Kelley, TID #2395- I just want to say it has been great participating in this meeting. I learned a lot of info. I did notice that John Petoskey and Sean Cahill were not acknowledged. Tribal Membership needs to understand the importance these two give to GTB and it is a privilege working with them. I just wanted to say, when I think about my grandmother (and that generation) and the poverty they came from, and all the meetings they had to attend, all they had to do to make our way of life what it is today. I am so grateful for that and for all the tribal leaders I have had privilege of working with over the years. Membership should also take the time to understand all the work that goes on.
Miigwetch for your comments.
7. Delores Wonegeshik, TID# 334- Elders housing for retirement homes- people can come home to retire. If we can’t do it in each county, can there be a central one? 3-storey building for Elders. Not income based, but not outrageous rent either. If we are not going to put housing in each county for Elders, can we have a central building.
Each year GTB develops an Indian Housing Plan under NAHASDA. This proposal will be considered and possibly incorporated in the Indian Housing Plan.
8. Debra Fox, TID# 358- Miigwetch for having this meeting, even though it is on zoom. I’m grateful GTB held this meeting. Miigwetch for everyone’s hard work.
Miigwetch for your comment/kind words. Find the recorded meeting here: Login to the Tribal Membership Area http://www.gtbindians.org/pages4469097.asp
General
1. Krystina John, TID#5543- I just want to make a comment that I think it would be a good idea to also focus on financial wellness during this pandemic. I have seen GTB members struggling with budgeting and living paycheck-to-paycheck. Maybe we could employ a financial coach that could offer help at each stage of life? Everyone at each stage of life is going through financial issues. For Youth-make it a requirement they have to go through this program to get their trust fund, etc., offer that advice to anyone in between who needs budget advice. This could also be helpful for those transitioning into retirement. Could be at EDC or GTED, we could pay a portion of costs for that individual.
GTB works with financial institutions that have offered to provide financial literacy training. There are no services offered on an integrated stages of life financial management program; however, we will consider this proposal in conjunction with current financial literacy programs offered to tribal members in connection with current housing programs (pathways to home ownership); employee training and management; (5/3 previous program for employees on financial management); children’s trust funds (educational seminars provided prior to distributions) and any other relevant financial training offered previously incident to tribal domestic assistance programs currently offered. Work sessions will be held for follow up with various departments to assess the nature of the need and develop a program in response to the need.
2. TaShena Sams, TID #4248- First of all, my condolences to families who have lost a loved one. In the past, GTB has always reached out, cancelled events out of respect to bereaved families if necessary. I don’t know if that was considered this time or not. There is a tribal member who has a funeral today, and another yesterday. My condolences and apologies that we are continuing this meeting. I have been going through the court process in Tribal court. I just want to mention that, when we have youth that are in care/AFS- make sure we have a native overseeing that case. I was in courtroom w/ non-native judge; I feel our trauma and history played a big effect on my court case and how it was handled. How non-natives have treated us and our youth. To have a non-native judge tell me I am not the parent of the children I have been the sole parent/caregiver to, was hurtful. You need to be aware non-native people are making decisions on native youth. That does not work. We need a native on behalf of our youth to advocate for them. Bring back culture into all our programming, so Youth have a selfidentity. Important for families.Housing has doubled, almost tripled our rent during a pandemic. This could have been waited on.
The GTB Tribal government consists of the separation of powers between Tribal Council and Tribal Court. The Tribal Council is responsible for executive and legislative powers and the Tribal Court is responsible for judicial powers. The Tribal Council enacts the process by enactment of the Children’s Code memorializing standards that orient towards maintaining Indian families. All families are unique. The Tribal Court applies the Children’s Code to a wide variety of unique circumstances which are by their nature private proceedings. The Tribal Council will take your comment and consider it when reviewing the Children’s Code amendments to make the procedure more understandable to our members and to incorporate our Tribal values. We anticipate that you will offer similar comments in any proposed amendments that we offer to the Children’s Code.
Miigwetch for your comments regarding cultural programming. An ongoing effort of Tribal Council is to incorporate culture into all programming. In regard to the housing rent increase, Housing rent increase did not double. Housing notified all renters 6 months in advance that market-based rents would increase. The increase was evaluated based on the need of market rental being self-sustainable vs. taking revenues from other departments to subsidize. The tribe operates both market and non-market rentals. The market rentals are being operated at 2006 rates and in order to maintain the units, the increase was necessary. To bring each market rental up to the 2021 rates, each unit had a formula which discounted for no basement ($50/month off), no garage ($50/ month off), Tribal Member discount ($200/ month off) and the balance was divided equally by 4 to be gradually raised over a 2 year period at incremental raises every 6 months. In 2023, the fully adjusted market rates will still be anywhere from $200-$300 below market rates for a Tribal Member. Full amounts will range from $409 (1 bedroom) - $1,212 (5 bedroom) for a Tribal Member. If any Tribal Member tenant living in a market rental being affected by the increase is income qualified, they may submit a transfer request to an income-based unit at any time.
3. Chat Comment-Dwayne Jarmon, TID#4418- I don’t need to speak on open mic, just wanted to ask about if the Tribe is working to access funds from the Build Back Better activities to support infrastructure at the tribe. Of course, it has to be funded.
When funding becomes available, GTB takes the necessary steps to acquire funding. Tribal Council and Management continues to monitor notices of funding availability. Federal statutes, CARES Act, ARPA, Infrastructure bill, and the yearly federal budget bills present multiple opportunities and are monitored on a monthly basis.
4. Dana Greensky, TID #1862- From what I have seen, I think there is a breakdown in communication between management and Tribal Council. I think because you have a lot on your plates, and so many different responsibilities, you entrust the management to fulfill their role responsibly; that doesn’t always occur. I don’t think there is a system in place to where there could be improvements in how management on both Gaming and Government side could handle different situations. If we don’t take the time to listen to our membership, if we don’t address different problem areas, we will not be able to fix those problem areas. I would like to ask that we do something about that, and have something in place for this. There are members who have been most likely wrongfully terminated, because GTB is a sovereign nation, who have no real means of due process. You can’t sue GTB for being wrongfully terminated. Tribal Members have tried to bring these cases to court and are shut down. This is an issue because there is no avenue for enforcing people to follow federal regulations. I don’t know why we have an HR policy, if it’s not followed. People are being terminated, loss of income is affecting their families. I know there have been several GTB members who have gone to Tribal Council or Chairman and asked for assistance, asked ‘can you take a second look at this and help me figure out, I feel like I was treated wrongly-‘ and oftentimes they are turned away. If we want to maintain GTB members in these positions, we have to address these problem areas. I would encourage anybody to speak and use the open door policy, hopefully even though the pandemic, we are still able to utilize the open door policy. Presentations have been great, but there is a lot you are unaware of. You don’t have to use the systems that are in place for members; behavioral health, emergency mental health care, you don’t see the process of how that fails sometimes. Treat our members and get down to a human level, listen and believe when people tell you something, don’t brush us off. Take what we say to heart.
Miigwetch for your comments. Communication is important to Tribal Council and the open door policy is observed. The GTB Personnel Policy does contain due process procedures for the protection of GTB employees. Every employee is entitled to a review of their termination decision by an independent hearing officer to determine whether the termination conformed with the Personnel Policy and was supported by evidence that management had factual grounds for the termination. Hearing officers have the authority to reverse the termination decision and to provide back pay for an improper termination. If the termination is upheld by the hearing officer as consistent with the GTB Personnel Policy and supported by the evidence, then that decision can be reviewed by the GTB Tribal Council.
5. Angie Shinos-Sanchez, TID #1119- I wanted to make a comment to support the other comment about reconsidering blood quantum. As a tribe we need to dig into that for our future members and current descendants of GTB members who are being excluded. I know there are nuances and a lot involved but something to think about. When it comes to other communities of color, only natives have a card showing their member status. We need to think about the bigger picture and why these structures were created in the first place. They were created and aided by the federal government. Other communities of color, you can take advantage of services no matter how much heritage/ blood. For natives, put in blood degree- the problem was access to the land that we occupied. I’m sure there is a compromise here, some graduated plan, something needs to be done. We need to ensure our people are here for eternity.
A Constitutional amendment or referendum by the Tribal Council or Tribal Membership is required for blood quantum changes. Tribal membership is controlled by Article II of the GTB Constitution. Under the Constitution, a historical summary of GTB’s ancestral relationship with the United States is defined by the “Durrant roll,” a 1910 federal census of GTB members prior to GTB’s federal recognition in 1980, Sec. II (a). The second element of membership, Sec II (b), was a summary of litigation between the United States and GTB that was effectively settled in 1985. The third element of GTB’s membership, was a memorialization of the settlement of litigation between United States and GTB. Sec II (c). Incident to these 3 subsections, GTB establish the criteria of one quarter Indian, of which 1/8 would be Michigan Ottawa/ Chippewa blood. Any modification of tribal membership would necessitate an amendment of the GTB Constitution supervised an approved by the Secretary of the Interior memorializing the proposed amendments.
6. Dwayne Jarmon- TID #4418- I wanted to bring up membership matters as well, from a different perspective. I’m a descendent of 6 different communities, I was enrolled at GTB when I was a kid. Some tribes have changed their constitutions; My daughter is enrolled in another tribe besides GTB and my other son is enrolled in another tribe. Because of the consent decree GTB signed with the BIA. The blood quantum should be corrected. It’s a challenge for me because my kids are members of tribes that I can’t go as the parent to those meetings, because I’m not an enrolled member of those tribes. We are trying to contribute as a native community to the community, and we really can’t because we’re so separated. We are seeing the impact of having the blood quantum issue. This has been difficult for me personally. Can you outline a response, what does it take to change blood degree requirements to less than ¼ DIB? I believe it takes a survey of the membership, the constitutional change has to happen, legal does an impact analysis, etc.
One more thing- I suffered early life trauma, that came out during the pandemic and negatively impacted my family. Complex PTSD symptoms. I bring this up because historically, natives suffer historical trauma at a greater rate than many other races. I encourage you to review the surgeon general’s recent report on mental health impact on children, especially with the pandemic. Back to the conversation re: changes in employment-struggling to provide for your children, coming into a stressful work environment, not knowing if you’re going to bring home an infection to your children/family. This could cause negative impacts. I have spent a lot of time with behavioral health providers. There are times I still don’t feel okay. I wanted to share, there are those who are willing to seek BH but may not able. I wanted to point that out, some of this may be happening with GTB members. Miigwetch for this meeting and all you do and for giving me the chance to speak.
Tribal membership is controlled by Article II of the GTB Constitution. Under the Constitution, a historical summary of GTB’s ancestral relationship with the United States is defined by the “Durrant roll,” a 1910 federal census of GTB members prior to GTB’s federal recognition in 1980, Sec. II (a). The second element of membership, Sec II (b), was a summary of litigation between the United States and GTB that was effectively settled in 1985. The third element of GTB’s membership, was a memorialization of the settlement of litigation between United States and GTB. Sec II (c). Incident to these 3 subsections, GTB establish the criteria of one quarter Indian, of which 1/ 8 would be Michigan Ottawa/ Chippewa blood. Any modification of tribal membership would necessitate an amendment of the GTB Constitution supervised an approved by the Secretary of the Interior memorializing the proposed amendments. Miigwetch for sharing your experiences.
7. Alexa Funmaker, TID #4526- Our tribe needs more transparency. Also, I believe every single department needs cultural sensitivity training, as well as ‘how to be a good human’ training. I’ve noticed, in many departments, it’s a toxic work environment. There’s no one to go talk to. We need a better system and to work together to build a better tribe for the future. We really need to fall back on Seven Grandfather teachings. Simplify our life will help us in the long run. I am thankful for health department. My friends from elsewhere in MI came here, because their tribes weren’t doing vaccinations yet. I would like to see our tribe regain our cultural identity.
Miigwetch for your comments regarding cultural programming. An ongoing effort of Tribal Council is to incorporate culture, cultural awareness and Niizhwaaswi gmishoomisinaanig Kinoomaagewinan into all programming. GTB strives to maintain a safe and positive work place for all employees.
8. Sharon Wasageshik, TID #2110- My mom’s blood quantum is not on my record. I’ve been waiting over 10 years. Clara Mae John. My daughter’s kids can’t be tribal members because of too low blood quantum. The point is, it’s a long process, and I’ve been waiting for a long time.
We appreciate your concern. Please follow up with the Membership Department regarding your unique situation.
9. Yvette Weese, TID #2155- I think we should have something for kids in general. (chuck e cheese) seems like a good fit for this area. Just an idea. Also, I was an intern and part time worker with prosecutor’s office. I think they need more staff. Only have 2.5 staff. I feel like they should have more staff. taken into care could remain here in the tribe.
Thanks for this meeting, it worked well, nice to be able to see people on video.
GTB is always seeking to expand businesses that are family friendly. Miigwetch for your comment/suggestion.
The Prosecutor’s office has 3 full time employees. We continually seek to improve in these areas and hope to offer more resources and support for foster parents. We continue training our staff in foster care area. Foster care has been an ongoing challenge for GTB.
10. Deb John, TID #2418- I have enjoyed working as a part-time on call receptionist in different departments, and I enjoy working with the people. There are so many things that I believe can be changed- we are short staffed in so many departments. This makes it hard for staff to work with people. I have seen staff get upset and angry with the membership, because they are over worked and trying to get everything right. The majority get everything right, it’s just they are short staffed. I am not a manager/leader, it is hard for me to step forward and say what I believe is wrong. As a tribe we need to have more communication, so that we can work out all of the things that are not going correctly. People feel picked on, like they’re being put out as an example of what they’re doing wrong. If you believe someone is doing something wrong, bring it to their attention, let them know! I really enjoy working for GTB; I have taken a year off because of COVID, but I do feel very protected in working in the position that I’m in now, because we’ve closed the doors and work on protecting the workers.
Miigwetch for your comments. The last two years have been very hard on staff due to the COVID19 pandemic. We are working to strengthen communication within all departments.
11. Deb Running, TID #187- Thank you for this meeting; I Hope in the future, you still offer the opportunity to join by video. It’s not easy for me to make it to all in person meetings. Thank you for keeping that in mind when you plan future membership meetings.
There is an option with the utilization of a virtual component, that’s something we will keep in mind. More than likely we will have a virtual option.
12. Deb Fox, TID # 358- We put some questions in the chat, they didn’t get answered so I want to ask them now. I missed a segment of the meeting; will I be able to watch a recording of this meeting in the tribal member area of the website?
Are we allowed to know how many GTB members are in attendance today at the membership meeting?
As of the time the question was asked, there were 66 GTB Members and staff in attendance. A count of 73 participants was noted earlier in the meeting. This meeting will be recorded and posted on the website asap after it is processed. With open forum, we will revisit these comments and questions and respond at a later date. Responses will be placed in the GTB Newsletter. The recording of the annual membership meeting, along with the reports presented and the agenda, have been placed on the GTB website.
13. Angie Sanchez, TID #1199- Is there a possibility to apply for any type of funds to hire an emergency/crisis manager? Other tribes have had these, others don’t, I think it’s important in times like this with the pandemic to have a central place or point of contact that handles everything surrounding the pandemic. Right now, if members have questions, we are just posting to Facebook to Facebook groups that have no authority, and others are responding ‘here’s what I heard,’ it’s not official. This just provides reasons for people to be upset with Tribal Council, Tribal Manager, accounting staff, etc. One person or one department whose job is to know all related to the pandemic. Example- I don’t know where my stimulus check is, I could call that specific person. Some people’s checks get lost, they don’t know who to go to. One person in accounting processing all these checks. If we had one place that could handle all that, especially during pandemic. I’m curious if there is any type of funding we can apply for that would pay to have a centrally located emergency management person or department.
