by Willie Davis
Growing up on an Indian reservation over some 46 plus years I have learned a great deal about how our tribal leaders have made some unethical decisions. This includes the unethical practices that have been going on for years. From hiring a sibling or spouse with tribal funds, to using their position to grant them the ability to acquire land on behalf of the tribal members, but in fact was transferred into another family member's name. These are just a few examples.
I can remember back some years ago (some 30 years ago). Back in those days, the Tribal Council was not paid and if so, it was real minimal, as compared to today, where the average salary of the Council is nearly $50,000. And with this increase in salary has come a power struggle or sense of ownership by the Council. Rather than working toward community and tribal membership issues and concerns, they spend their work hours dealing with things of a personal nature. Basically, the people are not being represented very well. It's even to the point where most tribal members' concerns and opinions are not represented or taken into consideration.
When a Tribal Council member is asked about their perspective about why they made that decision or voted in favor of hiring a close family member, they often reply by saying,
Many of us tribal members do not have a problem in creating employment opportunities, but all tribal members need to be considered when offering these opportunities. It is attitudes like these that make it very difficult in changing the minds of our tribal leaders. It would be nice if the majority of tribal members took the mismanagement of tribal funds more seriously. I have come to the realization that our people will put up with just about anything, as long as it doesn't personally affect them.
There have been a small minority of tribal members who want to do something about re-structuring the tribal government. But, is this the answer? Because people's mindsets will be prevalent, no matter what position or pay you give them. What needs to happen is for our community to saturate our leaders with training, workshops, in-services, and constant reminders of how, "we as tribal members want them to lead us". After all, leadership can only take their lead and be as good as those who follow. We need to keep them in check. To make sure all tribal members needs and concerns are represented.
I would like to conclude by stating that the practice of unethical behaviors in tribal government is not exclusive. There seems to be this problem, troubling our nation, community programs, agencies and businesses. A lot of the people carry the view that politeness is something that should only be shared to a family or friend. Perhaps this has come from the constant attitude that we should out do or somehow compete against our neighbor, rather than to be more considerate and help each others. I would suggest that politicians keep in mind more, our rich Ojibwa traditions and culture, as the Annishinabaug, "the first people".
Willie Davis is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. In his long and illustrious career he has been voted Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year by his peers, worked as a counselor, trainer and consultant in disability services. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota.
Growing up on an Indian reservation over some 46 plus years I have learned a great deal about how our tribal leaders have made some unethical decisions. This includes the unethical practices that have been going on for years. From hiring a sibling or spouse with tribal funds, to using their position to grant them the ability to acquire land on behalf of the tribal members, but in fact was transferred into another family member's name. These are just a few examples.
I can remember back some years ago (some 30 years ago). Back in those days, the Tribal Council was not paid and if so, it was real minimal, as compared to today, where the average salary of the Council is nearly $50,000. And with this increase in salary has come a power struggle or sense of ownership by the Council. Rather than working toward community and tribal membership issues and concerns, they spend their work hours dealing with things of a personal nature. Basically, the people are not being represented very well. It's even to the point where most tribal members' concerns and opinions are not represented or taken into consideration.
When a Tribal Council member is asked about their perspective about why they made that decision or voted in favor of hiring a close family member, they often reply by saying,
"I have that ability because it is in the constitution and our tribal members need jobs."
Many of us tribal members do not have a problem in creating employment opportunities, but all tribal members need to be considered when offering these opportunities. It is attitudes like these that make it very difficult in changing the minds of our tribal leaders. It would be nice if the majority of tribal members took the mismanagement of tribal funds more seriously. I have come to the realization that our people will put up with just about anything, as long as it doesn't personally affect them.
There have been a small minority of tribal members who want to do something about re-structuring the tribal government. But, is this the answer? Because people's mindsets will be prevalent, no matter what position or pay you give them. What needs to happen is for our community to saturate our leaders with training, workshops, in-services, and constant reminders of how, "we as tribal members want them to lead us". After all, leadership can only take their lead and be as good as those who follow. We need to keep them in check. To make sure all tribal members needs and concerns are represented.
I would like to conclude by stating that the practice of unethical behaviors in tribal government is not exclusive. There seems to be this problem, troubling our nation, community programs, agencies and businesses. A lot of the people carry the view that politeness is something that should only be shared to a family or friend. Perhaps this has come from the constant attitude that we should out do or somehow compete against our neighbor, rather than to be more considerate and help each others. I would suggest that politicians keep in mind more, our rich Ojibwa traditions and culture, as the Annishinabaug, "the first people".
Willie Davis is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. In his long and illustrious career he has been voted Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year by his peers, worked as a counselor, trainer and consultant in disability services. He is a graduate of the University of North Dakota.
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