From the Desk of Nate Young, Tribal Council Member

Our sincere thanks go to the Delaware Powwow Committee for making this year’s event an overwhelming success. It seems that more dancers are coming every year and the numbers of camps are growing. We owe the success of this annual tradition to the Powwow Committee and the many individuals who contribute untold hours to its success.

Recently, several members of the Tribal Council traveled to the Confederated Tribes of the Salish and Kootenai Tribe reservation (CSKT) in Montana, previously known to many of us as the Flathead. They were extremely gracious and welcoming hosts. It would be fair to say they went the “extra mile” to make our trip a success.

The purpose of the trip was to learn from a tribe that already does about a half billion in business revenues and does not rely on gaming for a source of revenue. Additionally, they are preparing to take ownership and operation of one of the nation’s largest hydroelectric plants. They literally do business throughout the world.

The most inspiring part of the trip was to meet members of a tribe that had a “can do” attitude and do not take “no” for an answer. They will tell you that it has not always been easy, but their persistence eventually brought about rewards.

Thanks to the efforts of Jim and Libbi Gray, this trip was an overwhelming success. Furthermore, the Grays are working on an arrangement whereby the CSKT will help us on our future projects. Thank you to the Grays.

It amazed me how hard Chief Pechonick made us work on this trip. Even though this is one of the most beautiful areas of America, she did not give us any time to enjoy the scenery. The Chief and Jim Gray had arranged the schedule so we were putting in 12-hour days. However, it was worth it. As one famous American stated, “I have been to the mountain and seen the Promised Land.” We too saw the Promised Land. I personally saw the power of vision and of persistence. As Chief Pechonick emphasized on our return trip, our Tribe is also capable of similar achievements.

Finally, a topic that cannot be ignored is our relationship to the Cherokee Nation and the Memorandum of Agreement. Cherokee Chief Bill Baker has listened to our concern and is sympathetic. Regrettably, his ability to work with us on the Memorandum of Agreement has been limited because of action taken by the Cherokee Tribal Council.

The Treaty of 1866 authorizes the Delaware to vote in Cherokee elections. The failure by some of our members to do so does nothing but hurt our Tribe. If Delaware’s do not vote in Cherokee elections and support those that are sympathetic to cause, then you are only hurting your Tribe. Do you want Cherokee leadership that wants to work with our Tribe or leadership that does not care? 10,000 Delaware’s can make a difference.