Since my last update, there have been some very positive discussions and I believe that there will actually be some follow-through in the world of communication. We have put together a "Website Enhancement Group" and have met twice, to date.
First off, we are working on synchronizing the "Shared Tribal Council Calendar" with the website so members from anywhere will have access to our daily schedule. We presume that this will be relatively easy but it is moving forward and that is what I am excited about. There is research being done regarding the capabilities of blogging on the website. We are also discussing a blog page for any interested departments within the organization and this would obviously have to come with a set of policies. It is a work in progress with "progress" being the key word.
I believe that something we will all see in the very near future is the Legislative Action Committee (LAC) meeting minutes being posted on the tribal member side of the website. Another item from our list of website enhancements is using the email database in order to send registered users information in more of a timely manner. Another suggestion that I believe will move forward in the near future is posting all of the information sent to the membership via United States Postal Service (USPS) to the website immediately. This seems more timely than waiting to receive it in the mail.
It is our hope to put together "downloadable" press kits on the website that would allow individuals to download a kit that introduces Tribal Council (with photo) and explains the tribe's history, cultures and other pertinent information. We would also like to post the information provided at the General Council Meetings on the website as well as getting a PDF of the "Smoke Signals" online as soon as possible so the membership doesn't have to wait to receive it in the mail. One thing that I am pushing to move forward ASAP is providing all website users an extension from each department so users can easily obtain contact information and make communication with tribal staff more convenient. It has also been reported that changing the requirements to become a registered user is now being worked on. Basically, one would only have to submit the last four digits of their social security number rather than the entire number to become registered.
To me, these are great things and there are people who are committed to following-through and not letting these issues become dead issues. We all need to understand how important communication is and we will relentlessly continue our efforts.
Keep your fingers crossed and your hopes high.
Thank you for reading,
Toby
Friday, November 20, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
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
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
Friday, October 16, 2009
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
Monday, October 5, 2009
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!!
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!!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
ATNI
As I sit at the desk in my room on the 18th floor looking out over the Port of Tacoma, I am left trying to process all of the information that has been thrown my way over the last two days. It's like diving for quarters in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
I have officially been a Council Member now for six days and on Sunday I left for Tacoma, Washington to attend the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Conference. As some of my colleagues calmly stated, "it will be a good way to get your feet wet." Getting my feet wet was clearly an understatement. However, it has been a good way to measure how Grand Ronde is doing in comparison to the other tribes of the Pacific Northwest. Please allow me to give a very brief explanation of the information I have learned thus far.
After registration, the welcoming ceremony and the update reports given by the committees within ATNI on Monday morning, there was a series of presentations that consumed the rest of the morning. After lunch, there were "Committee Meetings" or what I like to call "breakout sessions". There were nine to choose from and my first interest was the "Law and Justice" session. Unfortunately the discussion was geared more for tribes that have their own independent Tribal Police Departments. I did however get to speak one-on-one with the Chief of Police from the Nez Perce Tribe regarding gang activity on tribal lands.
My second afternoon session was about economic development. There is an assessment tool structured specifically for tribal communities titled Tribal Self Assessment Tool (TSAT) that I would like to see Grand Ronde investigate. There was also discussion about the Colville Tribe who partnered with a major construction company as part of their particular growth in economic development.
Tuesday morning looked a lot like Monday morning and also had breakout sessions after lunch. My first afternoon seesion's topic was about Indian Child Welfare/Social Services. I learned some very interesting facts regarding these programs during one of the presentations. In addition, there were many statistics given related to the state of Washington. I did get contact information for some individuals who can provide me with the same statistics for the state of Oregon. It should be interesting.
My second session of the afternoon was put on by "Native Vote" and the U.S. Census Bureau. I received great information from them and you will all see more from me on the 2010 Census. Although there were only four people in this session, (compared to 20-30 in the others), I felt it was equally as important and more informative.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be another full day of information. And although this conference has been absolutely overwhelming, the knowledge, interaction and experience will help guide me through the next three years.
Thank you for reading and remember, TOBY12!! (Is it too early for that?)
I have officially been a Council Member now for six days and on Sunday I left for Tacoma, Washington to attend the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) Conference. As some of my colleagues calmly stated, "it will be a good way to get your feet wet." Getting my feet wet was clearly an understatement. However, it has been a good way to measure how Grand Ronde is doing in comparison to the other tribes of the Pacific Northwest. Please allow me to give a very brief explanation of the information I have learned thus far.
After registration, the welcoming ceremony and the update reports given by the committees within ATNI on Monday morning, there was a series of presentations that consumed the rest of the morning. After lunch, there were "Committee Meetings" or what I like to call "breakout sessions". There were nine to choose from and my first interest was the "Law and Justice" session. Unfortunately the discussion was geared more for tribes that have their own independent Tribal Police Departments. I did however get to speak one-on-one with the Chief of Police from the Nez Perce Tribe regarding gang activity on tribal lands.
My second afternoon session was about economic development. There is an assessment tool structured specifically for tribal communities titled Tribal Self Assessment Tool (TSAT) that I would like to see Grand Ronde investigate. There was also discussion about the Colville Tribe who partnered with a major construction company as part of their particular growth in economic development.
Tuesday morning looked a lot like Monday morning and also had breakout sessions after lunch. My first afternoon seesion's topic was about Indian Child Welfare/Social Services. I learned some very interesting facts regarding these programs during one of the presentations. In addition, there were many statistics given related to the state of Washington. I did get contact information for some individuals who can provide me with the same statistics for the state of Oregon. It should be interesting.
My second session of the afternoon was put on by "Native Vote" and the U.S. Census Bureau. I received great information from them and you will all see more from me on the 2010 Census. Although there were only four people in this session, (compared to 20-30 in the others), I felt it was equally as important and more informative.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be another full day of information. And although this conference has been absolutely overwhelming, the knowledge, interaction and experience will help guide me through the next three years.
Thank you for reading and remember, TOBY12!! (Is it too early for that?)
Monday, September 14, 2009
Election Results
Here are the results for the 2009 Tribal Council Election:
1. Toby McClary 359
2. Val Sheker 338
3. Cheryle Kennedy 337
4. Jack Giffen, Jr. 324
5. April Campbell 272
6. Shelley Hanson 248
7. Jackie Many Hides 188
8. Perri McDaniel 181
9. Denise Harvey 172
10. Brent Merrill 138
11. Bobby Mercier 122
12. Sam Henny 106
13. Harold Lyon 85
14. Lenny Logan 53
15. Mike Bolton 51
16. Alton Butler 46
17. Debbie Marrington 40
18. Stan Jeffers 38
Total ballots cast: 1132
I will continue to update this blog as I enter the next phase of my journey.
Stay tuned...
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Voters Confused??
I have been talking to many Tribal Members and asking them if they had turned in their ballots. Some of the responses I get are entertaining as they don't have the heart to tell me no and that it's from their own sheer laziness. Many, however, state that they did not vote because they didn't get their Signature Verification Form (SVF) notarized and sent in before they received their ballot.
There has been a lot of confusion about the "SVF" ever since it went out to the membership. It stated on the document that one either had to have it notarized before being returned OR a copy of one's picture identification needed to be attached and sent back with the completed form. Although that much is true, it was not mandatory for those forms to be completed in order for one to vote in this year's Tribal Election.
That is where the confusion sets in. Many people believed (myself included) that the "SVF" had to be completed in full with the required documentation attached to be eligible to vote in this year's Tribal Election. I was so confused that I had to call the Chairperson of the Election Board to find out if that was the case. That, in fact, is not the case. Basically, these forms are going to be sent out every five years (beginning this year, I believe) solely to update the voter's information. It is not a requirement for the voters to complete them in order to vote in the election.
Due to the confusion surrounding the "SVF", I believe we will have a very low voter turnout this year. My prediction is based on the amount of Tribal Members I have talked to that have opted not to vote because they felt their vote wouldn't count since they didn't complete the "SVF".
If you're reading this and you have not voted because you didn't complete the Signature Verification Form, please vote. It will count.
I will continue to talk with Tribal Members to get this message out. If everyone reading this could do the same and let their friends and family know that their votes will count, that would be very much appreciated. Again, our right to vote is currently the biggest voice we have.
Thank you for reading and remember, "TOBY09".
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