FYI: Enrollment Requirements

I recently came across the enrollment requirements from 1936-present. I found them interesting so I thought I would share them with those who also may be interested.

1936:
1936-1954
(Pre-Termination Constitution)
1) All persons of Indian blood whose names appear on the official census rolls as of April 1, 1935.

2) All children born to any member of the tribe who is a resident of the community at the time of the birth of said children.

1983:
1983-1985
(Restoration Act)
1) Individual is living; and

2) Individual's name was listed on final membership roll published on April 6, 1956, in the Federal Register (20 FR 3636-3642); or

3) Individual was entitled to be on the membership roll of the tribe on August 13, 1954 (date of Termination Act) but was not listed; or

4) Individual is a descendant of an individual described in #2 or #3 and possesses at least 1/4 degree of blood of members of the tribe.

1985
1985-1999
(Restoration Constitution)
1) At least 1/16 degree Indian blood of a federally recognized tribe.

2) Descended from a member of Grand Ronde.
*Lineal descent from any person who was named on any roll or records of Grand Ronde members prepared by the Department of Interior prior to the effective date of constitution

3) Not enrolled in another recognized tribe.

1999
1999-2008
(1999 Amendment)
1) At least 1/16 degree Grand Ronde blood
*Grand Ronde blood means all Indian blood derived from a direct ancestor whose name validly appears on the official tribal membership roll prepared under the Grand Ronde Restoration Act.
*Two part requirement:
1. Applicant has to have a direct ancestor on the Restoration Roll.
2. Applicant must have at least 1/16 Indian blood derived from that ancestor.

2) Parent was a member of the tribe at the time of the applicant's birth and who, unless deceased, is a member of the tribe at the time the applicant files an application for enrollment.

3) Not enrolled in another recognized tribe and for one year have fully and unconditionally relinquished membership in another Indian tribe.

2008
2008-Present
(2008 Amendment)
1) At least 1/16 degree Grand Ronde blood
*Grand Ronde blood means all Indian blood derived from a direct ancestor whose name validly appears on the official tribal membership roll prepared under the Grand Ronde Restoration Act.
*Two part requirement:
1. Applicant has to have a direct ancestor on the Restoration Roll.
2. Applicant must have at least 1/16 Indian blood derived from that ancestor.

2) Parent was a member of the tribe at the time of the applicant's birth and who, unless deceased, is a member of the tribe at the time the applicant files an application for enrollment.

3) Not enrolled in another recognized tribe and for five years have fully and unconditionally relinquished membership in another Indian tribe.

Just so you all know, enrollment has not become a dead issue among the council and we discuss it often. It is my goal to make sure we continue to investigate critical areas of correction and to focus on the injustices of our enrollment requirements.

Thank you for reading,
Toby

Information

I would just like to inform everyone that there have recently been some, what I consider to be, important discussions regarding the information Tribal Council disperses to the membership. I am new to the whole "Tribal Council system of operations" but any discussion seems like a step in the right direction.

We have discussed putting together a "sub-committee" for the tribal website to include members of Tribal Council, members of the I.S. Department and members of the Public Affairs/Publications Department. In my opinion, this would be a perfect opportunity for those interested in utilizing the tribal website to its full potential to share ideas, develop policy and inform the membership at little to no cost. I feel there are ways we can better communicate for no additional dollars.

It has also been said that the requirements to sign in to the "tribal member only" side of the website will be modified in the near future. There have been many concerns over the years because to access the "tribal member only" side of the website, one has to enter their social security number. The modification would allow tribal members to only submit the last four digits of their social security number. I will follow up on that and inform everyone when that change has been made.

Also, as I stated during my campaign, I would like to see Tribal Council utilize the Tilixam Wawa more often. I do believe 100% that this will happen but due to budget constraints, I don't know it will get published as often as I would like. In addition, it has been suggested that not only council write articles but members of both Executive Teams (tribal and casino) as well. I think this is a great idea and feel it would give the membership information from many different levels.

Anyhow, we are working in other areas too but communication is something I feel we can take immediate action on for no money and limited obstacles. I am committed to making some changes and as promised, I will keep you all updated with my progress.

Keep your fingers crossed and your hopes high.

Thank you for reading,
Toby

Tribal Council

Well, I have officially been a Tribal Council member now for almost three weeks. It has been a lot of information, time and pressure. I will speak about all three issues.

First of all, I will speak about the information. I usually receive a packet containing between 100-200 sheets of paper every day. These packets have the information I need to review for the day's meetings. This information should be reviewed, researched and an opinion should be developed by the time scheduled to cover that specific topic. Each of us should be ready to voice our opinions when the subject is brought to the table. For the most part, everyone has input and some more than others...

Three days last week were devoted to budgets within the organization and due to time constraints, they have ran over into this week. There is a lot of time spent asking questions to the division managers as to why they are asking for the money they are requesting. It has been a very interesting process, to say the least.

Now that I have made mention of the word "time", allow me to speak briefly about the time demand that comes with this position. Some may think that it is a Monday-Friday, 8-5 job. In fact, I used to believe that very same thing. Let me just say, that is simply not the case. I receive about 100 emails every day. If I am lucky enough to only put eight hours per day in the office, it is usually in the meetings that I mentioned above. Which leaves no time to get caught up on the email situation. So, I am left trying to review that information on my personal time. Which is fine with me because I do understand that it is my job and it does come with the territory. I just want to say that it has been more than I expected.

There is also an expectation of Tribal Council to be present at Tribal events, functions and to be available to the membership. I agree with that 100% and will do my best to fulfill those obligations. However, that too demands a great deal of time. On the days of the Wednesday evening Council Meetings, I can just expect to put in a 12 hour day. Not to mention the three or four hours for the General Council Meetings on the first Sunday of every month. Enough about time. I'm sure you get the picture and I could go on and on about the time demands of this job. If you ever want to hear more, feel free to contact me.

Now let's talk pressure. In every aspect of being a politician, there are times when he/she has to make decisions. Or at least vote to help make decisions. It is those moments that can create incredible amounts of pressure. No matter what way that individual decides to vote, he/she has just made enemies. Whether it is with their family, peers or their constituents, there is an expectation of that person. So, there is a lot of pressure for that individual as he/she tries to do the right thing. Without giving details or getting into particulars, this pressure has already showed its ugly face.

Anyhow, please don't confuse my information for complaining. I am just trying to update you all about my experiences thus far. It has had some very positive and rewarding moments as well and I will make sure to post them in the future.

Thank you for reading and remember, TOBY12!!