Karuk Tribe – Council Meeting

Karuk Tribe – Council Meeting

May 27, 2010 - Meeting Minutes

Yreka, California

Meeting called to order at 5:00 pm by Arch Super, Chairman

Present:

Arch Super, Chairman

Phil Albers, Vice-Chairman

Florrine Super, Secretary

Leeon Hillman, Treasurer

Dora Bernal, Member at Large (Orleans District)

Florence Conrad, Member at Large (Orleans District)

Sonny Davis, Member at Large (Yreka District)

Bud Johnson, Member at Large (Happy Camp District)

Verna Reece, Member at Large (Happy Camp District)

The Mission Statement was read aloud by Florence Conrad, Member at Large.

Agenda:

Florrine Super motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve the agenda, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Minutes of April 22, 2010:

Sonny Davis motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve the minutes of April 22, 2010 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Guests:

1.) Garren Scott, Tribal Member:

Garren is present tonight to discuss options of spiritual healing funds in place for emergencies. He is currently enrolled in school and will be certified as a drug and alcohol counselor. He is present tonight to ask that the Tribal Council provide funding for him to travel to Arizona to see a spiritual healer. He has found that other Tribes have funding for this type of request and is asking that the Karuk Tribe assist him with the $500 needed for the healing. The Tribal Council understands that the State Indian Health Program, which paid for this type of service, was cut in the California State budget. They will refer this to their Thursday planning meeting to determine funding availability.

2.) Tanya Busby, OVW Program Manager:

Tanya is present to seek approval of an agreement between Siskiyou Union High School and the Karuk Tribe. Tanya is coordinating a class for self defense and attempted to use the Tribe’s multi-purpose room but it was unavailable. In order to keep the same date of the class she sought another location and found that the Happy Camp High School would allow her to use their gymnasium. She will be holding the course at their location but the school requires a formal agreement including insurance coverage.

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve agreement 10-A-039 between the Siskiyou Union High School District and the Karuk Tribe, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) Glenda, Tribal Member:

Glenda is present to question the outcome of the continual requests from the Elders in the community of Yreka to be allowed to have pets in the Housing units. She has discussed pets and related liabilities with her insurance company and they verified that if there is renters insurance, then the insurance company would cover the liability for pets. She noted that this was requested some time ago, and the Council told her that it would be discussed at the KTHA/Council Planning Session, which was held in March. She still has not received a response on this issue and would like to know what the outcome of the discussion is. Arch explained that there are concerns over damage to property and the liability of other tenants. The Council discussed the amount of pets in each home and Glenda noted that his can be restricted by policy or initiate guidelines for the tenants but her request for the allowance of pets stands and she would like to know what the Council has decided to do. Phil is interested in determining what will be allowable by each community based on the home location or how the homes are laid out. Arch referred Glenda to speak to each representative in the areas as this discussion has gone back and forth between the Council and the KTHA Board with no final resolution.

A community member spoke about insurance coverage and the fact that the pets would be covered and the other residents in the communities.

Leeon Hillman motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to direct the KTHA Board and staff to develop and create a pet policy for the residents in Elders units; complying with having pets and procedures to follow for the residents in each community, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Director Reports:

1.) Leaf Hillman, DNR Director:
Not present, written report provided.

The Council reviewed the DNR report. Florence announced that in August Susan Corum will be leaving employment with DNR. The meeting regarding development of gathering MOU was held on Tuesday in Somes Bar, with DNR staff, Tribal staff and only Happy Camp USFS present; there were no attendees by Six Rivers National Forest. There is a follow up meeting scheduled for June 18, 2010.

Bob Goodwin noted that the Department of Agriculture has developed a new farm bill which allows for more open policy for Tribal Members to gather. The Tribe is working with local USFS departments to ensure that there is tribal input and review included. Bob is hoping to see that Tribal people wouldn’t have to obtain permits for all types of gathering but there would be a process created between the Tribal Council, District Rangers and the local people to ensure that the types of services the Tribe or Tribal people conduct may obtain approval locally and within guidelines. At the next meeting there will be a list of plants and tools presented with the intent to allow Tribal Members to gather with the use of their Tribal ID at local gathering locations. The Sheriff has stopped Tribal Members previously, but the group is trying to include use of the Tribal ID cards and with a complete list as possible items for use or gathering materials, there should be a clear understanding by the USFS and authorities of what is allowable. Emilio asked when the membership comments may be made. Bob is hoping to distribute the list at the Council Meetings moving forward to obtain public input from Members on the various items to include in the MOU. Bob is hoping to have the document open enough to add additional items when there is an identified need or new developments moving forward, ensuring the process moves along as opposed to revising the entire MOU when one item needs to be added. He welcomes Tribal Member input and encourages Tribal Members to communicate what they would like to see covered in the MOU for their gathering needs.

The DNR report noted a spring salmon dinner project in the Yreka community and Verna asked about Ron Reed’s announcement and if it was done. Arch will find out when that is, or if it has been completed. Florence recommends that any events such as the community events be discussed with the Council prior to them being initiated so that the Council and communities are aware of them.

Florence Conrad motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve the DNR report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Announcement:

As newly elected Council Members, both Dora Bernal and Phil Albers stood up and introduced themselves to the Membership.

Dora Bernal stood up and announced that she is the newly elected Council Member for the Orleans district seat and is happy to serve the Tribal people.

Phil Albers stood up and introduced himself as the newly elected Vice-Chairman. He grew up in the Yreka living there most of his life, before he went to college and now has moved to Orleans raising his family there. He teaches and works in Hoopa. He is doing his best to represent the people and is open to Tribal Member questions or concerns.

2.) Emilio Tripp, Education Coordinator:

Emilio has a written report included in the Council packets for review and has one action item to present. His action item is a policy approval for the Karuk Education Department Higher Education Grant Program, which was previously discussed with the Council. The Education Committee was reviewing the definition of probationary status and wanted to clearly define what that status was going to include and how the students may be removed from probationary status.

Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the Higher Education Grant Program Policy with name change from Karuk Tribe of California to Karuk Tribe, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Emilio reviewed his report with the Council. He was attempting to get the grant application online to have students complete the application online and allow the students to upload applications which would also serve in assisting him in obtaining information through a database system. This did not work out the way he anticipated, but he has uploaded the application on the website for students to print and return to the office and is putting information in the Newsletter so that students that may be eligible obtain the assistance. He is conducting meetings with outside resource personnel attempting to assist in creating a working relationship in education throughout the service area.

The Happy Camp Title VII group has completed their meetings and had input on the next years funding possibilities.

He has begun working on a granting opportunity with Jaclyn and Erin and this will create a job position in his office. They are still working on it and will bring that back once they have a more defined proposal to present.

He had a meeting set with Title VII group at Jackson Street Elementary School. Scott Nelson attended as a representative of the Karuk Tribe and reported that information back to Emilio as he was unable to attend. The parents decided what to do but he would like to see more parents involved and participating in the direction of the Title VII grants in the schools.

He had a survey posted online and he is hoping and encouraging all parents to complete the survey, with his goal of 100 completed. The survey covers questions on education and cultural activities related to the education of Native American students and schools including curriculum.

Emilio conducted a presentation on Karuk language at Orleans Head Start and took Scott Quinn along to assist him.

Florence asked when the next Title VII meeting is scheduled for Junction Elementary School. Emilio stated that he is working with the schools that have come forward so he isn’t sure that Junction has even applied for the funding this year. He understands that the school was working on it but he is unsure if it was completed on time.

Bob commented that previously, the Tribal departments solicited more responses when Directors have sought approval from the Tribal Council for an incentive prize for participation.

Florrine asked Emilio to be more present in the Yreka area providing education services to the community.

Verna Reece motioned Florrine Super seconded to approve Emilio’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

3.) Ruth Rouvier, Language Coordinator:

Ruth is present to review her written report.

Ruth asked that people attend presentation projects to assist groups in getting familiar with having pubic showings of projects.

The Karuk Voices presentation in Orleans went really well. She received a good response from that community and there will be another showing tomorrow in Happy Camp, and another showing in Orleans in a couple weeks. Bari Talley will be handling the Orleans second showing and she will be doing the one in Happy Camp tomorrow evening. If there are any other people interested they may contact her and she will distribute DVD’s.

Ruth thanked Phil for staying behind and taking public comments on the Karuk Voices project. During that time there was information received that the people want more projects like this in the communities so Ruth is reviewing options for funding these types of projects but she would like to begin focusing more on language.

She updated the Native Teacher credentialing for California. She, Phil and Emilio have been working on the assessment that individuals must complete to be considered for credentialing and once it is complete there will be people credentialed in teaching the Karuk language. The Council will be presented with the approval credentialing teachers for schools. Ruth is hoping to have the assessment done by Thursday’s planning meeting for the Council to view the assessment for final approval.

She thanked Emilio for his assistance in working on offering Karuk language classes with the College of the Siskiyous.

Florrine asked if there is going to be a Summer Language Class again this year. There will not be another youth employee that is trained to complete the summer class for the Happy Camp area but for Yreka there should be classes offered through Child Care.

Phil Albers motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Ruth’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

4.) Hélène Rouvier, People’s Center Coordinator:

Hélène is present to review her written report with the Council. She has one action item and that is to approve a resolution authorizing endorsement of California Indians: Making a Difference Exhibit at the California Museum. She did contact the museum and there were no exhibits that are privately owned so they will be borrowing items for display.

Florence Conrad motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve resolution 10-R-066 with typographical corrections, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

The Fall Basketweavers Gathering will be held April 8-10, 2010 in Happy Camp.

Cultural Classes are ongoing and they are Tuesday nights at 6pm. For the next couple of women’s classes they will be Thursday’s to accommodate graduations in that area.

There was a meeting last week for the Clark exhibit and that was a good meeting. Hélène will seek input from the Tribal Community on sitting on sub-committees. She will be working on exhibits from veterans and she will include those on file to begin tracking displays and items used.

Dr. Shurr of the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project would like to complete a presentation to the Tribal Council at the next Council Meeting, and will be added to the agenda to provide the ½ hour presentation.

Glenda asked about supplies needed for the Basketweavers gathering. Verna noted that the attendees should bring whatever materials they will need or want to use. There are gathering trips usually scheduled but there should be items brought as well.

Florrine announced a woman’s weaving class in Yreka that the Yreka residents may attend as well. There are also younger volunteers that assist the elderly in gathering if they need it on gathering days.

Verna Reece motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve Hélène’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

5.) Dion Wood, TERO Director:

Dion is present to provide his written report and overview with the Tribal Council.

Dion announced that the Tribe awarded the parking lot contract to Hat Creek Construction for the Anavkaam parking lot project at the Happy Camp Administration Complex. Sandi and Scott referred them to the TERO list for Hat Creek to select trained Tribal Members for vacant positions, which resulted in two Tribal Members being hired. He was excited to see departments utilize the TERO list.

Cultural monitor training that was completed in Happy Camp and there were 40 people successfully trained. There will be another training offered in June which will provide an additional 40 people trained in cultural monitoring. Dion thanked staff for assistance making and packaging lunches for the class.

Dion has been working with USDA for training on various topics that the Tribe’s choose. It will be the last week of August and the topics will be selected in late summer to early fall.

There will be fourteen (14) youth hired by the Tribe for the youth positions this summer. Applications are due June 4^th and the applications may be printed online and are available at Tribe’s office locations.

Supervisor training in Happy Camp was well received by Managers and Directors, and went very well. The trainer was entertaining and it was great to be there with the staff, coming together to work on consistency within the Tribe. A response was that the staff would like to see this type of training more.

Dion was approached by Ed Stokes requesting $5,000 in assistance from the Tribe for Adult day school in Happy Camp. The program was cut by the State of California and there is no additional funding to carry over the program for the next year. Dion would like to have TERO pay half of the request and the Tribal Council to contribute the other half. Arch would like to know the number of Tribal Members enrolled and bring that information back on Thursday’s planning meeting to have a final determination made.

Childcare does not have a waiting list and has further available funding. As summer approaches Dion expects additional clients. Next month his report is due submitting data on Native Americans utilizing the childcare program. Dion will be working with Chad of the IT Department to extract the data that is needed attempting to obtain the exact number of children that may need or use the Tribe’s Childcare department.

Last week Dion met with seven Tribes that work with children and families and they are sharing information to ensure collaboration and information on services best serve the Tribe’s. Dion noted that the Behavioral Health department will be getting a live scan machine which will help out greatly. In December there will be another National Childcare Meeting.

Florence asked what upgrades are going to be done with the Pananmnik Center Library that will assist with the lack of childcare in Orleans. Dion explained that the community has requested that there be a feasibility study done, but he is working with Phil on options of ICDBG grant combo with KTHA or other partnerships that will fund a facility. There is no funding availability that directly pays for a childcare facility and a feasibility study on a facility. There will be no further plans on ARRA spending on the Panamnik Center Library until there is community input on that spending. Florence would like to assure that the families in that area are present to have input on planning because at this time the lack of a childcare option for employees and community members is hindering them and providing a library is not what the community feels meets their needs. Dion is hoping to have a stronger relationship with the Head Start program in Orleans as they are local however there isn’t a connection for collaborating to provide service in the area. Florence noted that the parents have worked on this avenue for a long time and there is no support from the Tribe. Dion is open to working on a solution but it is tough at this point with no funding for a facility, no overhead and the options presented to the community were not accepted after they had decided to implement them. Dion continues to work on the community needs and will assist them as much as possible. He is open to ideas that will best serve the community of Orleans with childcare.

This summer the childcare program is going to sponsor Yav Kuma Itapan “We Good Learners” program. Through the grant writers obtaining data, it appears that there are real statistics showing a need for Native American students to obtain assistance in math and science. The camps will be focused in all communities offering the classes in Yreka and Happy Camp. This will be July 28-31, 2010. Florence asked about kids in Forks of Salmon and Orleans. The kids will be selected will be 5^th through 6^th graders in all areas.

Dion was approached by Amanda Alexander to have herself and other volunteers provide a language class in Yreka beginning June 11^th. Amanda will be taking the special class on and using quality dollars from the childcare program to complete the project. Dion would like to replicate this class in Happy Camp and Orleans as well if volunteers come forward.

The National Tribal Child Care conference was held in Anaheim that Dion attended. He met several resourceful people at the conference and even a person from the California Resource and Referral organization who after Dion’s discussion was intent on including tribal participation on the Brownley Bill in the state legislature. Networking at the conference is just as important as attending workshops. The next quarterly national NICCA board meeting is scheduled for August in either Minnesota or DC depending on what is going on in Congress. Florrine asked how the other programs are going to work together. Dion noted that they did discuss having cultural activities included but not program specifics yet as to how each entity will work together. He will follow this and report back.

Verna Reece motioned and Dora Bernal seconded to approve Dion’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

6.) Jaclyn Goodwin, Grant Writer / Resource Developer:

Jaclyn is present tonight to review her written report. She has two action items tonight. The first action item is a grant application to the Blue Shield of California Foundation that will allow HHS to continue to pursue further program expansion of services. This is annual funding. The resolution is attached for the Council to review.

Verna Reece motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve resolution 10-R-065 authorizing submission of the grant application, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Jaclyn then presented her second action item of approving the Tribe’s application to the National Parks Service for a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO). This information was distributed previously distributed to the Tribal Council at their Planning Meeting. A part of the application is to select a Preservation Officer and that person will be Hélène Rouvier. This must be approved by resolution, so Jaclyn is seeking approval of that designation as well.

Leeon Hillman motioned and Bud Johnson seconded to approve resolution 10-R-056 authorizing submission of the THPO application, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

Leeon Hillman motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve resolution 10-R-057 designating Hélène Rouvier as the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, 7 haa, 0 puuhara, 1 pupitihara (Florrine Super).

Jaclyn has discussed further options of the ICDBG grant with Sue Burcell and has further information with Sue’s comments that will be distributed to the Tribal Council at their planning meeting.

Verna Reece motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Jaclyn’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

7.) Robert (Bob) Goodwin, Self-Governance Coordinator:

Bob is present to review his written report with the Council. He has obtained information on PL280 and has been researching that to better assist the Tribe and KTHA moving forward with agreements.

The appropriations committee would like to get back with the Tribal Council and determine priorities. The committee was formed and they continue to meet regarding the direction to seek funding for the Tribe and its programs, however, they have not met recently with the Council to determine any changing or further priorities that the Council may have. This will be re-discussed at the Planning Meeting.

In addition to his report, there was a meeting with the USFS regarding the gathering MOU. Bob and Phil are working with Florence on a date to meet with Nolan Colegrove on obtaining copies of records on historical data.

TBAC will be meeting in August in Oklahoma and he will bring that information back to the Tribal Council at a later time. At the last meeting he attended it was announced that the BIA redistributed leftover or remaining funding without Tribal Consultation. In 2012 the BIA is slated to cut burial assistance and JOM funding for Tribes. Bob believes that those programs are crucial for the Tribal Members and hopes to be in attendance to both address the funding reductions and oppose that, and to clearly question the lack of consultation on the redistribution of funds.

Bob will bring a letter of support on the Carcieri legislation even though at this time the legislation will not affect the Karuk Tribe due to it not being terminated. However, there are several other Tribes’ that this legislation may directly affect and having a support letter prepared and approved regarding this legislation would be a good idea.

A community member asked about the recent rumor of partnering with the Shasta Tribe for gaming. Bob referred the question to the Council. Arch announced that there are discussions but there is no definite answer or direction at this time. She commented the reasons that Darren Rose may want to partner with the Karuk Tribe but the Council was not made aware of any rumors and has not accepted any agreements or business arrangements at this time.

Bob thanked the Council for increasing his VISA card limit.

Verna Reece motioned and Leeon Hillman seconded to approve Bob’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

8.) Laura Mayton, CFO:

Laura is present to review her written report. In the past she has done in-service training similar to financial orientation for newly elected Council Members, and provided that offer to both Dora and Phil. She also explained that any other Council Member may attend or stop by for a refresher on understanding the Tribes finances and programs.

She did not receive the final report back from the Karuk Tribe’s recent audit but she did receive notice that the Tribe has no findings and is listed as low risk.

Verna Reece motioned and Florence Conrad seconded to approve Laura’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

9.) Erin Hillman, Dir of Administrative Programs and Compliance:

Erin is not present but she had asked Bob to present her action items for her.

Bob distributed the Administrative Plan for public assistance to the Council. This will be tabled to Thursday’s Planning Meeting.

Bob then presented the final FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan with attached resolution 10-R-053 for approval.

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve resolution 10-R-053 approving the Karuk Tribe’s FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plan, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve Erin’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

10.) April Attebury, Tribal Court:

April is present to review her written report with the Council. She distributed a monthly update to the Council and a quarterly update brochure regarding the Tribal Court. She is hoping for their approval to get that out to the public as soon as possible. As a part of her funding requirements she is required to have some judicial information distributed quarterly.

Chief Judge Henry was nominated by the Tribal Council to serve on the newly formed Tribal Court of California Coalition. He was selected to serve for a two year term.

Bob asked if the Tribal Court reviewed options of receding from PL280. April doesn’t believe that this is in the Tribe’s best interest. April noted that nation wide with Tribes has come out and has widened options for Tribe’s to take on more criminal action. What is happening is that even though Tribal Law Enforcement is being certified most Tribes in California are obtaining FBI training which trumps all other jurisdiction. She would like to have in-service training to ensure that there are options discussed before any final decisions are made. Blue Lake Rancheria who are going the FBI route seem to be having an issue and other Tribe’s have their own decisions, such as the Yurok Tribe waiving a little of their sovereignty to establish services have recently found that that wasn’t in their best interest after all. Redding Rancheria will not bend or give up their sovereignty and the Karuk Tribe is one of the last Tribes to take a look at bringing on the police option. April thought that Bob was following PL280 and hasn’t spent time researching the topic but has obtained the information from the other Tribes and their frustrations through her working relationship as the Court Administrator. Bob asked that April set up some training on this to ensure that the Tribe and its entities are well informed of decisions that can be made and what is in the Tribe’s best interest. The Karuk Tribe’s Housing Authority is very large and jurisdiction and authority along with roles and responsibilities should be evaluated.

Phil Albers motioned and Sonny Davis seconded to approve the quarterly newsletter distribution, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

Florence Conrad motioned and Florrine Super seconded to approve April’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

11.) Jim Berry, KCDC:

Jim is present to review his written report. He is looking at working with EDA on funding for a Coordinator or an Executive Director position and funding for one of those positions. His hope is that this person will develop a comprehensive plan.

A new IT/Fiscal Assistant, Michelle Wrobleski, was recently hired at KCDC.

The KCLF now has an office in Yreka. Many of the loans are done in the Yreka community so he has an office in the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council’s Office and will work both in Yreka and Happy Camp. His Happy Camp office location will be in the new KCDC modular once that is delivered and set up.

Florence Conrad motioned and Verna Reece seconded to approve Jim’s report, 8 haa, 0 puuhara, 0 pupitihara.

12.) Scott Quinn, Land & Transportation Department: