2 minute read
Chief’s Welcome
From the Desk of Chief Harper: November 22, 2021
Aya,
Each year as the leaves begin to fall, we prepare for a changing of the seasons. It is a time of reflection and thanksgiving. As Peoria citizens, we have much to be thankful for. We are a blessed people, living in a blessed land. Each day, I am reminded of this as I walk past a recently completed U.S. map that displays how far our Peoria people reach across this nation.
Our Peoria campus project continues to move towards completion. Soon we will be planning ribbon-cutting ceremonies and tours for the new Community Center, Learning Center, and Emergency Response Center. Each of these new facilities represents a place where our people can gather together and celebrate who we are as a tribe and as a family. The Community Center will provide a place for celebrations, fellowship, and a place to mourn with eachother as we honor loved ones that we have lost. The Learning Center is an investment in our future generations, both educationally and culturally. The Emergency Response Center provides a storehouse for our tribal nation, equipping us for future emergencies or disasters that impact our citizens. All three facilities, including the grounds themselves, will be a beautiful and safe place to come together as a people and a Tribe.
As our cultural footprint grows and develops, our economy broadens and matures, our commitment to investing in our citizens remains the priority of this Administration. I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our incredible employees here at Peoria. Their dedicated and focused efforts have been evident all year. From the increase in grant funding to expanding our fish, mussels, and cattle programs. From the continued processing of our exceptional citizen benefits to the newly approved Cares and ARPA citizen distribution dollars. From the continued consultations on our traditional homelands to the development of our new language program. From our consistent Indian Child Welfare protections to the development of new health and counseling efforts. I congratulate each of our team members for their continued efforts to provide exceptional services to our tribal citizens.
Before closing, I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation to our Election Committee, candidates, and citizens for a successful Special Election. Congratulations to our newly elected Second Chief, Rosanna Dobbs.
As always, we remain PeoriaProud!
Be well,
