The Rundown....(Nov.)
- Thursday November 19, 2009 - There's a first time for everything... Which seemed to be the
theme for Tuesday's tribal council meeting. Not only was it our new tribal council's first meeting,
it was also the first time in quite awhile every tribal member was allowed their five minutes to
address the council. During the community's five minute sessions numerous concerns were
brought forward. Among various topics discussed was the ugly state of our health care, the lack
of government funds, and the overwhelming accumulation of membership's unpaid medical bills.
The council stated they were in the process of exploring several approaches on dealing with key
issues such as; third party billing, tribal insurance, along with rectifying our mounting bills;
including possible implementation of a billing negotiator to deal with our creditors. During the five
minute sessions, the tribal council was also asked if they could clarify or dispel stories circulating
the community about certain departing figures giving themselves departing packages in the form
of large sums of money. Chairman Wiggins explained to the tribal membership he could not
disclose certain information because he needs to meet with and update the rest of the council in
executive session. No dollar amount was disclosed in open session. However, Chairman Wiggins
did mention the tribe would be pursuing possible legal avenues in attempt to retrieve the monies
taken and at the very least, he would be writing letters to these certain individuals and question
them from an ethical standpoint requesting them to return our money. Membership also brought
up concerns about careless deer shining on Bear Trap Road. Hunters have been reportedly
shining spotlights on resident's homes and firing rifles within very close proximity to the
residential areas located along Bear Trap. There was a motion by vice chairman, Peter Lemieux,
for an emergency closure to deer shiners on the eastern side of Bear Trap Road. The motion
was passed and put into effect. Also during the membership's five minutes, the council was
asked if they would be investigating the unjust termination of an employee by the previous
administration. Chairman Wiggins stated they are very busy focusing on the numerous
personnel cases that are currently open, however if the employee wanted to bring the matter
before the council they would be heard. Mike Wiggins Jr, began his first council meeting as tribal
chairman by announcing he will not be accepting payment stipends for chairing council
meetings. Also when he attends off-reservation events and receives a payment from other
organizations he will be donating that money to the Bad River Employee Incentive Program. He
further explained that chairing these council meetings and representing our tribe during off
reservation events is a duty that comes with the responsibility of being the tribal chairman and
that accepting a stipend for something he already receives a salary for seems a lot like "double
dipping". Tribal Treasurer, Etta Burns, also informed the tribal membership she will not be
accepting stipends for council meetings as she also currently holds a paid position on the
council. During the meeting, the council also voted to move forward with plans to utilize grant
money (AARA funding) to construct a new tribal garage on the land adjacent to the
IGA/Moccasin Trail Center. Jason McDonald along with Andrew Langum (president of DRAX
Wireless) also presented a proposal to bring wireless/broadband technology to the Bad River
nation. To view the agenda for the November meeting please click here
