Tribal Mismanagement Threatens Sovereignty
April 15, 2007
To the Editor:
Our tribal governments are being accused of misconduct and abusive practices. One thing is certain, continued corrupt practices seriously weaken our tribal sovereignty. If we don’t come up with a solution, it could become a serious problem in our community affairs. These practices are largely attributable to mostly male leaders in office. Women are not appointed to tribal offices or even allowed to have a voice. Poor, dysfunctional government has led to significant problems in our own area for the last 10 years … taking on various forms: rigged elections or appointments, freebies at conferences, perks, free lunches or dinners, entertainment tickets, contracts, paid vacations out of the area, and taking ownership of confiscated vehicles without any rationale.One high-profile case involves leaders who compensated themselves in addition to their salary. These leaders come from high unemployment, poverty-stricken areas. Expensive junkets and vacations are justified by attending conferences. In one such case, an Indian treatment center spent thousands of dollars for a trip to California. One Indian official and his wife traveled out of the U.S. to a famous vacation spot. Much of this is true if one listens to other tribes and their problems. So much more goes unreported that public perception is hardening.What has happened to what we were taught about honesty, moral ethics, values, and leaders’ obligations to represent tribal members’ well-being? What are our kids learning from our leaders? Is it OK to take what does not belong to you? Is it OK to deprive others of what they deserve? Is it OK to bully your own people?There is little accountability for all funds, while the need is so great for many members who reside in this poverty-stricken area with high unemployment. Even those who are qualified are not hired, despite repeated attempts to get jobs. Jobs are reserved for family members, qualified or not: nepotism in the purest form.How do they justify these actions and sleep well at night? Is it possible not to have a conscience? Anyone who attends a conference to learn, or goes to an essential meeting, should be required to make a full report to the rest of the tribal members. Then we will know that they spent tribal funds constructively. Keeping the community informed is a must, as is having a voice without any repercussions. We have to let the governing body know that exploiting the tribe of Taos Pueblo is not acceptable, especially discrimination against those they do not like. Funds are allocated to tribes based on population counts. We need to let the federal government intervene and audit all the programs, businesses, beneficiaries, and co-mingled funds (although at times the federal government cannot be trusted).If there are repeat offenders, they must be prohibited from being appointed to any office in the future. They should take responsibility for their actions. Remember, it was their choice. There are consequences for their behavior. The 2006 Taos Pueblo Tribal Administration should be questioned as to why bonuses, honorariums, and additional funds were given to members of tribal government and others. What individuals decided who got what—including tribal credit cards? This is the most serious issue facing us today and it should not be taken lightly. We need to elect persons who can be trusted in their capacity as leaders.Also, funds appear to be unaccounted for. The accountants for the tribe should be worried. Business being conducted currently requires extensive knowledge and efficient skills for effective operation. This kind of damage should be halted quickly or it will continue to resonate for generations. “Everyone needs someone to believe in.”Call 751-7221 if you were discriminated against. A list will be compiled to see who was left out of the distribution.
Gladys Kozoll
Taos Pueblo
No comments:
Post a Comment