By Joe Morey
News Editor
In early May, LCO Tribal Governing Board (TGB) Member Gary “Little Guy” Clause motioned that a study be done to determine the cost to the Tribe if every member is provided the same equal amount of services that are given annually to each tribal Elder. Those services he referenced included a birthday check, Christmas check and home and auto repairs in the amount of $1,500.
Little Guy made a few comments regarding the idea once again at the General Membership Meeting held on Saturday, Sept. 24 when a tribal member, Obizaan Morrow, stated there are no services at LCO for adults between the ages of 18 to 60 unless you are addicted to drugs or homeless.
“We are forgotten when it comes to services,” Morrow stated. He made it clear he wasn’t asking for a handout, but that their generation is not included. He pointed out that he is not the only one who feels this way and that many Native men his age are just too proud to ask.
“I’m the only one brave enough to come here before you and ask for help for my age group. I am not alone,” Morrow said. He indicated he was around 30 years of age.
Little Guy said he agrees with Morrow and has been pushing for any kind of help for all LCO people.
“We need to share our services with everyone equally,” Little Guy said.
Back in May, Little Guy stated he made his motion because the tribal Constitution states that all members are to share in the Tribe’s resources, and although he supports Elders receiving the payments, he believes times are changing and that all members should share in the resources.
Little Guy said with current tribal revenues that he believes the Tribe could afford to help all members with these payments and their repairs. He stated the payment shouldn’t be a per capita and issued on a regular basis, but a once-per-year bonus like the Christmas checks to Elders.
TGB Member Glenda Barber said in response to Morrow that there was a program administered by Luann Kolumbus and Jason Martin that was grant-sponsored aimed at young men. The program provided opportunities for young men of the community to learn the culture and do other services.
“It would be nice to bring the program back for these young men and to have something similar for young women,” Barber said. She said there was discussion for the Tribe to fund the program since the previous grant had expired.
Faith Smith, a member of the Elder Council, stated that the Elders of LCO are organized and they advocate for their services. She urged young people to do the same.