Shekon Akwesasronon

Shekon Akwesasronon,

I am writing this letter to set the record straight regarding a debate I had at this past Saturday’s Tribal zoom meeting. My issue was regarding last fall’s $400 fuel distribution where there was a discrepancy to a community member. The discrepancy came about as a result, that the Head of household passed now the spouse is head of household, that spouse provided all necessary information to comply with the time process requirement as was necessary; however, this individual did not receive that allotment.

The individual inquired about why they didn’t receive the allotment and was told they didn’t provide the address, this individual had to repeat this task 3 times and went directly to the compliance office all 3 times to fill out the paperwork also the individual was told every time after the paperwork was completed, they would receive a check the following week. The fall fuel was distributed in November. This individual didn’t get theirs till the end of January.

I was also told by a family member of a Senior in the community that this Senior was denied the fall fuel allotment because the paperwork was lost, this individual went to the Office of the Aging for assistance to apply.

My concern is that where is the real concern for our community when obviously this fuel allotment is not the first ride by any means to the enrolled members here, why is it apparently too difficult for follow up if there is a mistake on an application, why are some of these services not wanting to engage with community members, especially when it’s our elders. If everyone is fortunate, they will be an elder.

I do understand COVID has, is and will be difficult for everyone and all the more reason to have a little more compassion and understanding for those who are needy. I also know there are a majority of programs and staff who work tirelessly during these times. Bottom line is people get paid to do a job, some get paid very generously for what they do and there are many who are underpaid but some of those who don’t get paid well work hard at their job and you don’t hear complaints.

I have lived and worked here on the territory all my life, I don’t lie, I don’t need too, I understand everyone is only human and I also know a job is a job and we all get paid at a job, if you look at all comments as negative criticism and don’t ask yourself why is this happening, instead of reflecting to see if maybe something needs to be adjusted when issues occur.

I will always listen to community members and I hope people working in this community will also, just remember someday you might be that person that struggles, I HOPE NOT, BUT ONE NEVER KNOWS.

ONEN

Monica Jacobs