Boozhoo Band Members, I wanted to address a recent decision made during the last Tribal Council meeting on an added agenda item that was brought up by the tribal attorney. I wanted to let the membership know that this decision will have far reaching implications that are probably detrimental to our government because the Council forgot to factor in Accountability and Transparency on this important issue. I will respect the decision that was made although I did OPPOSE it and I would like to clarify my reasons for my decision. The BIA and Saint Louis County needed the Bois Forte Tribal Council stamp of approval on a cross jurisdictional training agreement (Resolution). I opposed this resolution. I am not totally convinced this agreement will provide an extra protection service to the Bois Forte Reservation. In fact I think it will do the opposite, because there are too many questions that I have regarding the Resolution and not enough answers. Why I opposed: 1. Bois Forte and BIA are going on two years WITHOUT a yearly Memorandum of Understanding Agreement (MOU) signed between both. This agreement specifically states the adequate amount of BIA Officers Bois Forte requires for the safety of the Bois Forte Reservation. BIA is not providing the adequate amount of BIA Officers to protect us as they should be. 2. Will the Saint Louis County Agreement affect Bois Forte’s Federal funding with the BIA when this agreement is fully implemented? 3. Who will be providing the training funds, directly or indirectly, for Saint Louis County Police to be trained in Bois Forte Jurisdiction? 4. Saint Louis County Police patrolling our roads is an infringement on the Sovereign Status of the Bois Forte Reservation. 5. Bois Forte and Red Lake are the only two Reservations that have absolute jurisdiction within the boundaries of our lands. Most tribes are fighting against multi-jurisdictional county governments and city governments. Enrolled members are subject to multiple police forces within their Reservation, for example Fond du Lac members are policed by Carlton County Sheriffs, Cloquet Police and Fond du Lac Tribal Police. It is my intent to keep you informed of Tribal Council decisions that affect our lives on a daily basis. I feel the BIA is passing the buck by entering into agreements with County Governments. BIA should live up to its’ Trust Responsibility and provide Bois Forte Reservation with the federal funding for adequate police protection. Soon we will be seeing more Saint Louis County Police Officers patrolling our lands while our sovereignty is in jeopardy. I am here to serve and to let the people know the decisions that the Tribal Government is making on their behalf. I just wanted to make everybody aware of their decisions. I will respect the decision even though I was outvoted. Accountability and Transparency Miigwech
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 04:46:47 +0000
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