The Rosebud Sioux Tribal Government Has Just Define The Definition Of Greed

 Hau Relatives,

I would like to apologize for being absent for some time do to being busy with the recent weather.  I created my website and blog on my own free time for the Oyate.  With that being said, I want to thank the Tribal Members for reaching out to me about the most recent Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council action.  On January 30, 2023, the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council passed Resolution NO. 2023-19.  The resolution was passed by roll call vote with seven(7) in favor, six (6) opposed, one(1) abstaining, and six (6) absent.  This resolution pertained to the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Council and its Officer's a $10,000 lump sum salary increase.

This $10,000 lump sum salary increase was taken from the General Fund loss of revenue "Casino revenue account" according to RST Resolution NO. 2023-19.  I encourage Tribal Members to get a copy of the resolution.  I was unable at this time to get a copy of the Roll Call vote count sheet.  I do want to commend the Tribal Council Representatives who opposed this resolution.  

In the sixth Whereas of RST Resolution NO. 2023-19, it states, The Treasurer Final Rule permits State and Local Governments to use ARPA Funds for revenue replacement for lost revenue growth and further permitting Revenue Replacement ARPA funds for the purpose of "government services".

The THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED is even more alarming at it states, The Rosebud Sioux Tribe authorizes and directs the payment TO RST Tribal Council and Officers the amount of $10,000.00 lump sum salary increase for FY 23 from the General Fund los of revenue "Casino revenue account" as a one time payment for the provision of government services and administration for the benefit of the people of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe during the continuing COVID public health emergency and winter storm disaster declaration.

The key word here is for GOVERNMENT SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE.  So again our Tribal Government Federal Funds , ARPA Funds designed for the people and gave themselves a $10,000 lump sum payment.  What the Tribal Council did do was give the Tribal Employees a 2.8% cost of living back to October 1, 2022. However, Tribal Employee's are service providers, how come they didn't get a $10,000 lump sum like the Tribal Council and its Officers being the Tribal President, Tribal Vice President, Tribal Secretary, Tribal Treasurer, and Sergeant At Arms.

This is a blatant mismanagement of Tribal Funds, Federal Funds when our Casino was closed during COVID peeks and during the most recent storms.  Winter is in its prime and we have had winter storms and snowfall amounts we have not seen for decades.  We still have four months of winter weather left and I'm sure that $250,000 could have been used for services the people like it was designated for rather than line elected officials pockets.

When the next winter storm hits and it will, we need to knock on the doors and call them seven Council Reps who voted in favor of blatant greed.  Let's see if they give us any of that $10,000 back that was designated for services to the people.  It is coming to a point our Tribal Government is thinking of themselves before the people.  

With an unethical stunt like this, I better not hear another speech by a Tribal Council Rep of, we enable our people we give them money and handouts so they should prepare for things and purchase things they need.  Let give you a history check, this didn't happen overnight and can't be changed overnight. This was instilled on us by the Federal Government for over a century and now you adopted the Federal Government mentality of greed and hypocrisy.

You steal and take money appropriated for us, the people with NO SHAME then point fingers at us and criticize us, the people.  When you steal from the people in the name greed, all respect is lost, the little confidence we may have had in Tribal Government is lost, and more importantly you are in positions of public trust and you lost every ounce of that trust. The Oyate have a right to be upset as Tribal Government on the Rosebud and it's out of control.

We need to request the amount of money paid out to elected officials through ARPA.  Remember Elected received an honorarium and then approved payment to the people.  Well, elected officials received both so they got double the money. Then they paid out the children and some of them have children as well.  So remember, when you criticize us the people, I ask you, have you created any jobs, have you developed a sustainability plan for the next seven generations, or just exercised greed as your actions speak louder than words. 

I have been saying I think a recall petition is in order and this latest resolution screams recall petition.  Remember the last election was for community officers and St. Francis School Board and the voter turn out was the lowest I ever scene.  So with that you only need 30% of the people who actually voted in the last general election according to the Tribal Constitution.  

I think a letter the Federal ARPA Representatives is in order from a Tribal Member with the attached resolution.  I want the seven Council Reps who voted in favor to publicly justify their YES vote.  I want these seven reps and any other Council Rep who accepts the $10,000 to answer why they can't fix the technical difficulty they are having so Council Meetings can't be aired.  Explain why a public building is still closed to the public, and how Tribal Members can be banned from the Tribal Building a public building for freedom of speech. 

If Council Reps think being criticized and asked tough questions is a right to violate our rights than resign.  We have a right of freedom of speech and to petition our government and if it hurts your feelings then you should resign.  I encourage a recall petition it is well in order.  It's time the people exercise the Constitution, Tribal Government have disrespected the people for too long and we have more rights than just a vote.  It's time to organize and remind Tribal Government we and the Constitution are above them.

I challenge them brave six Council Reps who opposed this unethical action to call pint of ordered bring it back on the floor for another roll call vote with them six absent Council Reps present this time.

Respectfully,

Hawkeye Waln