Peoria 2021 Election Candidates

from Spring 2021 Newsletter

Address Update Form

Kara D. North

Candidate for Second Council

Dear Peoria Tribal members,

I’m Kara North, current Second Councilman on our Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma Business Committee; proud tribal descendent of my late grandfather’s Thomas Miller, Albert Miller, George Hirum Miller Sr., George Hirum Miller Jr., and mother Karen Miller Johnson. Humbled and blessed to be voted by you in 2018; my journey has been an honor and privilege. As my term of office concludes in March 2021, I would like to announce my candidacy for this same position as Second Councilman in the March 2021 election.

As I stated in my initial candidacy letter in 2018, I had planned to maximize the talents and experiences of my fellow office holders to ensure that our Peoria Tribe builds and maintains a reputation of excellence and my desire to execute a vision of leadership, visibility, and cooperation with other tribal officials who are dedicated to the advancement and wellbeing of our tribe; this goal has been met. It was and is still imperative to continue to build upon the hard work of the previous tribal leadership and take the Peoria Tribal council to the next level by working in a harmonious collaboration with other office holders.

While in the position of Second Councilman, during the two years I have served on the Business Committee I have assisted our Chief and other council members towards the dedication of tribal community projects; land acquisition and economic development; and most importantly ensuring that all Peoria tribal members benefits currently continue and expand. Community projects, business development, and tribal member benefits, all ongoing that were noted during my incumbency include, but are not limited to the following: Grant funding increases with restoration and revitalization of tribal properties, specifically Miami Country Club and development of Woodland Academy Learning Center and Peoria Longhouse Community Center; Pow-Wow grounds; Peoria Golf course; Aquatic facility; etc. Expansion of tribal land acquisition for future cultural entities and enterprises, generating income for our Tribe. Our Board has advocated and implemented program funding to include increasing Elder-Care/Disability reimbursements; increasing Christmas Children’s budget; and assisting, developing, and ensuring the immediate COVID-10 Relief Fund was available for tribal members. The most recent mattress distribution for tribal members and community is another blessing that has been fulfilled during my incumbency! A notable fact is that our tribal citizen’s employment has doubled; what an admirable accomplishment! As a Business Committee member, it is still our responsibility to ensure that we create an environment to encourage our tribal members to become and stay motivated and active in the forthcoming politics of change. My goal is to continue to leverage the proper channels utilizing people and resources to create this type of environment. It’s time we extend our focus on our culture through generational knowledge and education. We must work hard individually and as a tribe to cherish and preserve our heritage, protect our threatened and endangered natural resources, and continue to band together so our spirit cannot be broken and traditional native customs are not forgotten. The health and welfare of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma depends on us; our sovereignty depends on us! Aside from my Business Committee position, I continue my role in the community as Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner at Northeastern Tribal Health System caring for our Native American infants, children, adolescents, and their families. Since this inception 14.5 years ago, I was designed as the Chair of the Abuse and Neglect Committee. I’m still an active community partner with local Indian Child Welfare staff and participate annually with The Week of The Young Child and Just For Kids Diabetes Prevention Program. I’m also an active participant with Children’s Miracle Network, MDA, and Shriner’s. In 2015, I was the proud recipient of the Indian Health Service Area Director’s Award Merit Award for Implementation of the Reach Out and Read Program established in 2006 at Northeastern Tribal Health System ensuring early literacy for our Native American youth. This year, I was nominated and voted Miami 2020 Best of the Best Pediatrician office in Ottawa county; an honor and career highlight. My greatest accomplishment and accolade is being the proud mother of my 3 amazing children; Marlee, Jordan, and Raylan. If you are looking for stability and growth in our tribe, I am your candidate.; please allow me the opportunity to see the Business Committee’s visions and proposals come to fruition and vote for me to retain my position as Second Councilman on our Peoria Tribe. Allow your voice to be heard; I am listening! #PeoriaProud. Respectfully, Kara D. North

Robbie Hedges Candidate for Second Council

For those that don’t know me, I would like to introduce myself. I’ve been the court administrator/clerk for the Delaware Tribal Court for almost five years. Prior to that, I worked as a legal secretary for a couple of different attorneys. As an employee of the Delaware Tribe, I’ve watched as different tribal administrations have come and gone and have seen the impact that has had in the workings of the tribe and the community. I’m very proud of the impact that the Peoria Tribe has had on its community and its membership and that is part of the reason I decided to run for Council. I have seen what our tribe is doing for its people, my family included, and I would like to be a part of that. I believe it is important to give back to the Peoria Tribe and contribute to the growth and develop of our tribe. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the Peoria People, if elected to do so. May God Bless each and every one of you! #PeoriaProud!