Blackfeet Constitutional Reform Committee: October 17 meeting to discuss tribe’s future

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

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It’s been really interesting lately to watch the Blackfeet people unite for a common cause, a revision of the Blackfeet constitution. The tribe has put together a group of people, the
Blackfeet Constitutional Reform Committee
, who are really dedicated to improving the daily operations of tribal government for the good of the people and for future generations. What’s unique about the Blackfeet effort is that constitutional reform has proven to be tough task for other tribes and very few have succeeded in successful reform. But, the BCRC is being very thorough about the process. Check out the press release sent out today from the BCRC. They have a meeting scheduled for all Blackfeet members. So, help spread the word for them. Meanwhile, here’s a statement from Lona Burns, BCRC public relations director:

Hi there all,

First I will introduce myself to you. My name is Lona Bremner Burns. I am the Blackfeet Constitution Reform Public Relations Specialist.

The Blackfeet Constitution Reform Committee (BCRC) was put into place after the June 2008 referendum vote to change the constitution. Our mission since then is to get from the people their concerns, ideas, viewpoints, and solutions to what they want in a constitution. By giving the Blackfeet people a voice to be heard, to be a part in creating a system of government that is free from political interference and conflicts of interest to allow for a fair and ethical administration of the government, creates ownership to our government to each and every one of us.

We have scheduled a meeting for the Blackfeet members and descendants for October 17th, 2009. This meeting will be to hear the people off-reservation regarding their concerns. They are very valuable to us. I need for everyone to forward this email to as many people who reside in the Seattle, Tacoma, Merrysville, Spokane area. The more people that attend the better.

Our committee consists of five members who have various skills and knowledge through years of tribal service and individual trainings.

Greg Gilham is the Chairman. He is committed to using his 20+ years experience in law enforcement to help with lawlessness on and off our tribe and to hold our jurisdiction and sovereignty at the highest priorities.

Virgil Edwards has been a successful businessman on the reservation for many years. He has chaired the Law and Order Board and has previously participated in constitutional reform processes. He believes in creating a system that allows for economic development.

George G Kipp III is the Native American Technical Education Coordinator for the Blackfeet Community College. He is also a honored holder of one of the sacred Blackfeet Medicine Pipe Bundle and Beaver Bundle. His goal is to incorporate the Blackfeet culture and education into the constitution.

Linda Warden has been in the law enforcement field for many years. She currently works at the Cutswood School in Browning. She has had years of experience dealing with custody issues and juvenile delinquency issues on the tribe.

John Murray is the Blackfeet Tribal Historic Preservation Officer. His position is to ensure that the Blackfeet’s land, history, resources, and culture is protected and secured for our future generations. He has previously been on the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and will use his experiences to help produce a constitution that will hold accountability to our leaders.

Also in attendance to the meeting will be several of our Tribal Council Members who at the request of the committee canceled previously scheduled events to attend the meeting. They are looking forward to hearing the concerns of the people and getting acquainted with everyone in attendance. They are also working on bringing the equipment for making Tribal ID’s for those who need them. That is tentatively.

The building we originally organized to used has fell through so anyone that can help us with finding a place we would very much appreciate it. Our budget is very limited but we do have the ability to pay rental fees.

The meeting is scheduled for Saturday October 17th, 2009 at 2pm. We will provide a feed for all in attendance.

Please forward this to anyone that has ties to the Blackfeet in the Washington State area. The place will be announced at a later date.

Any help at making this a successful meeting will be very much appreciated. For further information or for any ideas for the building please call me at 406-338-7521 Ext 2321, or on my cell phone 406-450-6925. Please keep checking our website for up to date information regarding the meeting at www.blackfeetvoice.org.

Thank you,

Lona Burns Public Relations Coordinator Blackfeet Constitution Reform Committee Blackfeet Tribe

Jodi Rave