A Message from the Chief
He’ Kulamalsai Hach, I hope all is well with you and your relatives. The summer was a busy one for the Tribe. In late June, I was invited by Comanche Chief Wallace Coffey to attend the preview of the popular film The Lone Ranger. I found it fun, though it didn’t get rave reviews. I also attended Mid-Year NCAI (National Congress of American Indians) with Councilwomen Verna Crawford and Jenifer Pechonick. We campaigned for our expansion into Kansas with the tribes in attendance. We were also able to speak with recently-appointed Assistant Secretary of the Interior Kevin Washburn, Director of the BIA, Mike Black, and other top-level federal employees. I was encouraged by listening to the words of Secretary of Interior Sally Jewell, who spoke at the meeting. Another positive I learned at the meeting was that the President has sent a proclamation forming the White House Council of Native American Affairs.
In other news, our auditors completed the audit for 2012, which came back “clean” with no findings. Good news, and thanks for all the hard work to our Accounting Department.
Caney, Kansas, has a new mayor. We visited with her. An article was printed in the newspaper that did not properly represent the meeting we had. I am scheduling a meeting with her to discuss the article. I know how the press can spin stories. I appreciate everyone who takes the job seriously enough to get the real story. I plan on escalating our efforts to get the real message out there.
We had another nice and friendly visit with the Kansas Delaware at our Caney Offices. I will try to get a story on the web site to explain who the Kansas Delaware are for those who aren’t familiar with their story.
We have been attending monthly NCAI planning meetings in preparation for the 70th Annual NCAI, which will be held in Tulsa in October. NCAI will host their Cultural Night Wednesday October 16 at the Hard Rock Casino. If you are interested in caravanning or riding from Bartlesville, please contact the office. The Tribe is also sponsoring the “Elder’s Lounge” at the convention.
The Veterans Committee and the Tribe each have a resolution to present at NCAI. The Veterans Committee resolution deals with mileage paid for travel to the clinics/hospitals. The Tribe’s resolution seeks support for the Tribe’s expansion of services and sovereignty in Kansas.
We officially purchased 92 acres (plus or minus) in Lawrence, KS, north of the Kansas River on July 10, 2013. We are in the process of putting together the application for Land-in-Trust Non-Gaming. The trust status will allow the Tribe to exercise sovereignty at the property, which will result in jobs and services in the surrounding community and result in benefit tribal members and other Native Americans. The property is currently a sod farm and we have entered into a lease to continue the operation. Immediately prior to the Pine Family Sod Farm, the property was in the Tribe’s homeland and near the maize fields of Chiefs Sarcoxie and Fall-Leaf as well as the site of the Big House.
We traveled to Washington, DC on invitation to meet with the Assistant Secretary of Interior Kevin Washburn. We also met with former Assistant Secretary and current Director of the National Museum of the American Indian Kevin Gover. The Museum is planning a 2014 treaty exhibit. The Tribe asked to participate in planning of the exhibit, in light of our rich treaty history.
The 23rd of August was a busier than normal day for us. Assistant Chief Brooks, Councilwoman Janifer Brown, and I went to a breakfast at Tri County Tech for Senator Tom Coburn. Then a delegation of Tribal Council members and others met with Kansas Governor Sam Brownback at the Topeka Capitol Building. We had a nice visit and he is willing to help in our efforts.
The United Indian Nations of Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas (UINOKT) had their first annual convention. The body voted (almost unanimously, with one abstention) to support the Tribe’s efforts at true sovereignty.
The Culture Committee is getting ready for Delaware Days, Sept 27th and 28th. It will be over for this year by the time you read this, but I hope you were there! Curt Anderson is the Honored Elder and Homer Scott is our Veteran of the Year. Delaware Days is a good dance and good chance to visit.
I issue the Call for General Council to be held Saturday, November 2 at 1:00 pm. Additional details are coming together. I invite everyone to General Council to hear about the year and enjoy fellowship with your Lenape friends and relatives.
I look forward to the food, family and fun of the upcoming season.
Happy Fall!
Lapich Knewel
Chief Pechonick
D5 Creation