DOCUMENT: STEER-09.TXT CONFERENCE OF TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING NINE COTG/sc.09/090485/2 Report of the Ninth Meeting of the Steering Committee CONVENING: 0.1 The Ninth Meeting of the COTG Steering Committee was convened on the Tulalip Reservation with the Tulalip Government kindly providing the meeting facility at the Tulalip Entertainment Center. The meeting began, as scheduled at 9:00am, and the meeting was attended by the following members: Quileute Chairman Walley Jackson, Duwamish Chairwoman Cecil Maxwell, Shoalwater Bay Councilwoman Joan McBride and Tulalip Treasurer Stan Jones, Jr. Steering Committee Member, Lummi Vice Chairman Willie Jones attempted to attend and was waiting for the meeting at the Daybreak Star Center in Seattle, and Makah Vice Chairman Ed Claplanaho, and Yakima Chairman Roger Jim were unable to attend. Skokomish Chairman Gary Peterson was not present. Advisor to the Quinault Chairman Rudy Ryser and Tulalip Advisor Linda Jones were present. The meeting was called to order by Quileute Chairman Walley Jackson who served as meeting convener. 0.2 Members considered and adopted the proposed agenda for the Ninth Meeting. The agenda contained six items: Item #1. Working Group on Tribal Conflict Resolution Item #2. Fifth Session of the General Assembly Item #3. PROJECT AWARENESS: Organization and initiation Item #4. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Item #5. Indian National Economic Impact Study Item #6. Tribal Intergovernmental Relations 0.3 Members expressed concern that some members were not present and determined to improve communications by notifying members earlier about the time and site for the Tenth Meeting of the Steering Committee. Noting that members present constituted a sufficient number, the members agreed to the essential character of the Steering Committee's work and decided that the work must continue. COMMITTEE DISCUSSION AND DECISIONS: 1.1 Members immediately took up the question of Item #1. Noting the discussion of participants in the Fourth Session of the COTG, members indicated the need for a Working Group on Tribal Conflict Resolution to prepare a two-page document which contains a preamble and a list of protocols for the conduct of relations between Indian Governments. It was suggested by one member that the Preamble contain sentiments p73 which reflect the need for cooperative resolution of conflicts and that all conflict discussions should remain internal to Indian Governments. It was also noted that proposed protocols should be based on: [1] long-standing methods of relations between Indian Governments, [2] principles of intergovernmental relations as laid down in COTG Resolution #2-032385; and [3] in accordance with international standards. 1.2 Members determined that Indian Government technical personnel should be requested to sit on the Working Group on Tribal Conflict Resolution. The Tulalip Representative offered Linda Jones as a member. The Shoalwater Bay Representative offered Kathy White as a member. Members agreed to the make-up of the Working Group and designated Linda Jones as Working Group Chairperson. Ms. Jones was instructed to make requests from other Indian Governments to increase Working Group membership to a maximum of five should she deem it necessary. Members also provided these additional instructions: That the Document on Tribal Conflict Resolution be prepared in accordance with the discussion on the Preamble and proposed protocols; and that the document not exceed two pages; and that the document be completed for initial review by the Steering Committee within seven to ten days from April 9. Request was made by Members that the Working Group on Tribal Conflict Resolution also make recommendations for procedures to gain ratification of the Document on Tribal Conflict Resolution by Indian Governments. 2.1 The question of Item #2 was then taken up by Members. It was noted that while the Fourth GA Session set a tentative date of April 19 - April 20 for the Fifth Session the work of the Steering Committee to prepare for that Session would make the tentative date impossible to meet. It was noted that for all preparations to be adequately completed, the Fifth GA Session would have to be set for April 26 - April 27. It was then agreed that the Fifth GA Session would be called for those dates and convened at the Daybreak Star Center in acceptance of the kind invitation of United Indians of All Tribes Foundation Executive Director Bernie Whitebear. It was also noted that the General Coordinator of MISURASATA (organization of the Miskito Nation, Sumu Nation and Rama Nation located along the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua and Honduras) had indicated a desire to meet with the COTG during its Fifth Session. General Coordinator Brooklyn Rivera conveyed a message to the COTG indicating that he would be in the United States meeting with Indian Governments in the South West and requested the opportunity to visit Indian Governments in the Pacific Northwest. Members expressed positive interest and indicated that General Coordinator Rivera's request would be considered for the Fifth GA Session Agenda. 2.2 It was noted that several representatives of Bands in British Columbia had expressed an interest in addressing the Fifth GA Session. In addition, a representative of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs had also expressed a desire to meet with the General Assembly. Members indicated their pleasure with the indicated interest by Chiefs of British Columbia Indian Tribes and Bands, and indicated that these requests would be considered for the Fifth GA Session Agenda. 2.3 Members considered the need to ensure adequate communications from the Steering Committee to participating and non-participating Indian Governments. Each member agreed to personally contact specific Indian Governments to either communicate the work of the Conference of Tribal Governments or reaffirm specific Indian Government participation in the Fifth GA Session. 2.4 Noting that another meeting of the Steering Committee would be necessary, Members requested that Staff prepare a Draft Fifth GA Session Agenda for review at the Tenth Meeting of the Steering Committee. Members emphasized that the Draft Agenda should contain Items concerned with Intergovernmental Relations (Tribal, State and Federal); Strategies for dealing with the Anti-Treaty Network; tentative addresses before the General Assembly by representatives of the Indian Organization MISURASATA, the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs and Indian Bands from British Columbia; inter- tribal economic policy; and State and Federal legislative initiatives. 3.1 The Anti-Treaty Network, the need for a draft strategy and a work plan for grass-roots political organization were discussed under Item #3. It was noted that following the final meeting of the NIX 456 Committee in February, a decision was made to secure the continuing services of C. Montgomery Johnson under a limited contract with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. It was further noted that discussions to establish a contract were carried out between NWIFC Executive Director Jim Anderson and C. Montgomery Johnson and that these discussions resulted in a proposed contract that must now be considered by the NWIFC members. Recognizing the urgency of securing Mr. Johnson's services, Steering Committee Members decided that each member would contact NWIFC members to encourage their expeditious action on the proposed contract. 3.2 Members reviewed documents recently received which indicate that the National Anti-Treaty Network described in FIRST OUR LAND, NOW OUR TREATYS has begun what may be called an Anti- Treaty Spring Offensive. Documents reviewed indicate that the Anti-Treaty Network began its Spring Offensive in January in three states: Washington, Nebraska and Wisconsin. The emphasis of the Anti-Treaty Spring Offensive, it was learned, is on pressure to establish a Presidential p73 Commission to consider Federal Indian Policy impacts on non- tribal Indians and non-Indians. Note was made of the fact that the Quinault Property Owner's Association, Totally Equal Americans and S/SPAWN were working in close coordination and constitute the current core of operations for the National Anti-Treaty Network. 3.3 It was also noted by members that the current Anti-Treaty Network Strategy appears to include these elements: a.] Press the U.S. Administration and Legislative Branch to establish a mechanism within the U.S. Government which can create a basis for Congressional modification or abrogation of treaties with Indian Nations and Tribes. b.] Promote a climate of public opinion in "Northern Tier States" supportive of treaty abrogation through the repeated emphasis of these themes: EQUAL RIGHTS FOR EVERYONE, NON- TRIBAL INDIANS AND NON-INDIANS ARE MISTREATED BY INDIAN GOVERNMENTS, INDIAN GOVERNMENTS ARE NOT LEGITIMATE, AND ONLY THE U.S. CONGRESS CAN CORRECT THE "INDIAN PROBLEM". c.] Confront Indian Government initiatives to broaden their jurisdiction or reaffirm their jurisdiction in negotiations with neighboring state, county and city governments; state legislation; federal legislation and tribal, state and federal courts. d.] Challenge the legitimacy of Indian Government authorities within Indian Country and in relations with neighboring jurisdictions. 3.4 Members concluded that a Draft Strategy should be developed for consideration by the Steering Committee and the COTG General Assembly. Request was made of staff to develop a Draft Strategy that would include the following elements: Grassroots Organization, State and Regional Organization, U.S. - Wide Organization and International Organization. It was agreed that a preliminary Draft Strategy would be presented to the Tenth Meeting of the Steering Committee. 3.5 Recognizing the desire of the Fourth GA Session to immediately initiate a Grass Roots Organizing effort, Members discussed the need to immediately organize a Tribal "dog and pony show" which would meet with the councils and possibly groups of tribal members. It was agreed that two- to-three member teams should be organized to begin meeting with the governments of Steering Committee Members. Quileute Chairman Walley Jackson volunteered Sam Black as the coordinator of a two-week effort. The effort would be called PROJECT AWARENESS and will initially involve eight Indian Governments. Each Team, it was agreed, will be given a single outline sheet of topics and issues, but they will be expected to deliver information in their own words. PROJECT AWARENESS Coordinator Sam Black will work to arrange specific Team schedules and match them with invitations from various Indian Governments. As progress is made in contacts with Steering Committee Governments, PROJECT AWARENESS will be extended to include other interested governments. 3.6 Members discussed the need to circulate the SUMMARY OF FIRST OUR LAND, NOW OUR TREATYS. It was agreed that in addition to the Quileute and Makah Governments serving as part of the COTG Secretariat, the Tulalip Government would serve as a back-up within the Secretariat. In accordance with this decision, it was agreed that the Tulalip Government would duplicate the SUMMARY and send it to each government. It was noted that some governments should be met with directly regarding the SUMMARY -- it was, therefore, decided that the SUMMARY would be "hand delivered" to certain governments. 3.7 Members noted that new and flexible funds will be needed to carry out an intergovernment strategy to deal with the National Anti-Treaty Network. It was decided that fund- raising efforts should be initiated immediately. The Tulalip Representative suggested that "T" Shirts should be designed with a COTG Emblem and sold. It was also suggested that the COTG should arrange to secure a booth at the Puyallup Fair in August; use the booth to sell fish, fry bread and other items, and to distribute literature promoting the interests of Indian Governments. It was decided that the Tulalip Representative would look into the "T" Shirt fund-raising idea, and Linda Jones would immediately contact the Puyallup Fair Organizers to determine the availability of a booth. Further discussion of Fund Raising and setting of Target amounts will be discussed at the Tenth Meeting of the Steering Committee. 4.1 The Steering Committee took up questions relating to Item #4. Members discussed the need to establish specific committees within the Steering Committee where individual members would be assigned to assume responsibility for monitoring specific issues in connection with the work of the Committee. Four committees will be established to initially monitor elements of PROJECT AWARENESS at the Tribal level, State and Regional level, U.S.-Wide Level and the International level. Specific Assignments will be made at the Tenth Meeting. 5.1 Item #5 was next discussed. Members were advised of the origins of the Indian National Economic Impact Study and that initial development had been underway since Mid- January. It was noted that the Study was being designed to determine the impact of Indian National economies on neighboring state, regional and U.S. economies; and to determine the impact of these neighboring economies on Indian National economies. Discussion centered on how such an "internal" study could produce import and export data for each Indian government participating in the Study, which can be used in the formulation of internal economic policy and as political-economic leverage on neighboring jurisdictions to enhance the equitable development of external economic policies which increase revenues to Indian Governments from all business activities within tribal jurisdiction. The Committee was advised that the technical team working on the Study includes Sam Black (Quileute), Rudy Ryser (Quinault) and Wendell George (Colville). Members decided to add Linda Jones as a member of the Technical Team and it was understood that one additional technical person will be invited to work with the Team from a Puget Sound Indian Government. It was noted that the Team should begin formally initiating the Indian Nation Economic Impact Study before the end of April and anticipate a completion date no later than June 1. 5.2 Members noted that the Indian Government Documents Center was being established with the help of the Center for World Indigenous Studies (an Indian controlled non-profit education and research Center located in Snoqualmie, Washington). It was further noted that the Indian Nation Economic Impact Study will be facilitated through the use of the Center for World Indigenous Studies computerized data management system. 6.1 Item #6 was considered by the Steering Committee. It was noted that as a result of the decisions made by Members under Item #1 and Item #2, the Steering Committee had already begun to make important progress on the issue of formalizing intergovernmental relations between Indian Governments. It was noted that the Steering Committee was obliged to take initiatives to continue efforts begun in January to establish a "working dialogue between Indian Governments and the State Government on the establishment of a framework for government-to-government relations." Members received a briefing on the four-stages established for arranging a working dialogue. It was noted that preliminary discussions at the staff level had served as the first stage and that these discussions had led to the second-stage is called the preparatory stage which involves Indian Government officials meeting informally with the Chief of Staff of the State Governor's office. The third-stage, it was noted will be a preparatory stage involving Indian Government officials in informal meetings with the Governor and the fourth-stage will involve Indian Government officials in a series of formal meetings with the Governor. Stage two is still in process. Members directed staff to begin arranging for another round of preparatory discussions in stage-two. It was noted that these discussions will continue to focus on principles of government-to-government relations and the definition of multi-lateral and bi-lateral processes for government-to- government relations. 6.2 Members noted that it will be necessary to develop a working plan for approaching the U.S. White House to establish a framework for government-to-government relations with the United States Government. After extensive discussion, it was agreed that such a plan should be draft for Steering Committee consideration and that the plan should include elements concerning the background of the U.S. government- to-government policy in relation to the Helsinki Final Act, and in connection with National Congress of American initiatives in this area with the United Nations Working Group on Indigenous Populations. The Steering Committee will continue this agenda item during the Tenth Meeting after reviewing relevant documents on the subject including Quinault Chairman Joe DeLaCruz's speech to AIO, the document on the Politics of Government-to-Government Relations and the NCAI document The Reagan Administration's Neo- Termination Policy. PREPARATIONS FOR THE TENTH MEETING: 7.1 Members decided that the Tenth Meeting of the Steering Committee will be held at Squaxin Island on April 19, 1985 beginning at 10:00am. A draft agenda will be prepared. In the mean time, letters to Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, the Lummi Government regarding the IRS and to all Indian Governments concerning the Fifth GA Session will be sent out by the Secretariat. The meeting was adjourned at 2:30pm. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: :: -= THE FOURTH WORLD DOCUMENTATION PROJECT =- :: :: A service provided by :: :: The Center For World Indigenous Studies :: :: www.cwis.org :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Originating at the Center for World Indigenous Studies, Olympia, Washington USA www.cwis.org © 1999 Center for World Indigenous Studies (All Rights Reserved. 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