Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Monthly Meeting

The SRMT December meeting was called to order at promptly 10am in the SRMT lobby with Sub-Chiefs Jacobs, Jacobs and Conners present and Chiefs Lafrance and Thompson present. Chief Bev Cook chaired the meeting.

The December 2016 agenda included Previous Action Items from November, request for a report on the taxes on the IGA property, request for list of all expenses of the SRMT Legal department, request for a report on where the expenditures will come from for the proposed $200 Elder's Benefits.

3. Introduction of the SRMHS Dr. Brian Cole

Dr. Brian Cole, an internist with a strong background in addictions and administration was welcomed by Council and community members. He was educated at Yale and Harvard, earning degrees in Public Administration, Health Policy and Resources. He enthusiastically stated he is looking forward to working on the effects of the local environment to our health and developing a palliative care program.

Dr. Cole stated, "It's an honor to work with you all. Let's gets healthy!"

The Tribe also welcomed Wendy L. Frank (but not introduced in person), a Family Nurse Practitioner. She was educated at the University of Phoenix, SUNY Binghamton and currently studying at Wilkes University in the DNP program. Wendy Frank has more than 30 years of critical care and emergency room experience as a registered nurse. She has worked in different areas of the medical field-enhancing her skills to work with a diverse age and population of patients. She joins Health Services following work at The Alice Center, where she was the onsite health care provider for a 135-bed nursing facility.

4. Tribal Recognition of Students

Each month the SRMT recognize the work of two students who stand out not only academically, but also how the student contributes to the Akwesasne community. This month they recognized Brittany Jock, a 2006 graduate of Massena High, a 2010 Gates Scholarship recipient, a 2012 Syracuse University graduate and currently working on her PHD from Johns Hopkins University. She plans to return to Akwesasne to complete her research on diet, diabetes and Native Americans. The Chiefs also recognized the efforts of Karennahawi Barnes, daughter of Sandi and Jim Barnes. In lieu of Karennahawi's 8th birthday party and birthday gifts she chose to have a bake sale to benefit the residents of Iakhihsohtha. Karennahawi was inspired by the support her grandmother received during her battle with cancer and she wanted to give back to the community and donated all proceeds of her bake sale to Iakhihsohtha's Caring Hearts Team

5. Heating Assistance Program Presentation

The SRMT Heating Assistance Program report was given by Brandon Smoke. As of Saturday, December 10, over 750 heating assistance applications were filed. In 2015, over 1000 applications for heating assistance were received. Akwesasne residents have until Friday, December 23, 2016 to apply. Applications will be accepted during the regular work hours at the SRMT Compliance office. Applications will also be taken at the SRMT lobby on Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 10am to 2pm. Applicants need to provide two verifications of residency such as an electric bill, or any other invoice. Eligible Tribal members 60 years of age and up are eligible for up to $1000, and less than 60 years of age are eligible for up to $600 in fuel assistance.

6. Land Claim Update from Tribal Council

The SRMT presented an update of the current state of the SRMT Land Claims and of all parties involved. For more information, please contact the SRMT.

7. Announcement from Tribal Council

Chairperson, Chief Beverly Cook announced the results of the recent referendum on Medical Marijuana, Industrial Hemp and the Seniors Benefit. She stated the Chiefs and Sub-chiefs were pleased the set policies and procedures for the SRMT members to make changes, works. The Seniors formed a committee, held community meetings, and followed through on proper procedures to conduct a referendum. The results of the recent referendum passed. She also stated their position on the results of the Senior Benefit has not changed; the Tribe did not have the money before the referendum and the Tribe still doesn't have the funds without cutting other programs, and or beneficiaries of the Tribe and possibly reducing staff.

Community members and Council entered into a lengthy discussion on available Tribal Funds, spending of Tribal funds, and the formation of a Volunteer Working Group to work on finding available funds to actually implement the Seniors Fund Benefit. Community members stated they didn't want this delayed any longer, this is now Tribal law, potential areas of Tribal revenue, the interpretation of this document, who owns Mohawk Networks, the amount loaned to Mohawk Networks and when will Mohawk Networks start creating revenue, among other issues.

In the end, after much discussion, it was decided a 'cross section of the community, since this will affect a cross section of Akwesasne' and a motion made by Pat Thomas, "The nine members of the Seniors Benefit Committee responsible for bringing forward the Elder Benefit Referendum become the Selection Committee to select members for the Elders Benefit Program working group to work in unity with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Council to get the process moving." Ruth Bell seconded the motion. There were 23 yes votes, 0 opposed and 13 Abstentions by show of hands.

Favors rule. Motion passed.

It is estimated it will cost 2.5 million to give seniors a $200. monthly benefit.

In relation to the two other questions on the Referendum (medical marijuana and industrial hemp), the Tribe will act in a 'reasonable and responsible manner'.

8. New Business

It was suggested community members read Craig Jock's open letter to the editor, as printed in the Malone Telegram on Saturday, December 10, 2016, His letter urged County Legislators to reach a settlement with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe to the benefit of all who live in this area.

Minor changes were made to funeral benefits, as well as bank-signing changes, Mohawk Networks did not receive a grant, but they did receive a line of credit. As well, the Tribe is pleased to announce more community members are sitting on Tribally owned LLC Boards as committee members. It was confirmed by the Chiefs, the Chiefs would not receive a pay raise.

9. Next Monthly Meeting

Saturday, January 7, 2017

10. Review of Action Items

What is the average life expectancy of a person living in Akwesasne.

11. Adjournment.