Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Red Lake Tribal Council Chambers
Drone photo of the Red Lake Capitol, Tribal College to the left, Government Center to the right
The new Red Lake Tribal Government Center
A wall of windows overlooks Red Lake
¬ The first row consists of members of the Tribal Council, Hereditary Chiefs are seated the second row to the right, and key staff for the council, Tribal Administrator, Tribal Attorney, etc. are seated second row left
Reports are given at a desk with two chairs facing the council. Tribal Administrator Charles Dolson left and Public Safety Director William Brunelle give a report
The seating chart for the eleven member tribal council. Left to right, Little Rock Representatives Charlie Reynolds and Richard Barrett, Ponemah Representatives Randy Kingbird and Gary Nelson, Tribal Secretary Don Cook, Tribal Treasurer Annette Johnson, Tribal Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr., Red Lake Representatives Roman Stately and Robert Smith, and Redby Representatives Allen Pemberton and (unseen) Julius Thunder.
Red Lake School Superintendent Anne Lundquist updates the council on school activities
Jobs & Community Development Facilitator, Eugene "Bugger" McArthur gives his first report to the Council after taking the new position. McArthur will be working on the Chairman's key agenda item of creating jobs. McArthur previously was the Development Director for Red Lake Nation College and played a key role in securing financing to build the Red Lake Capitol complex.
The regular monthly meeting of the Red Lake Tribal Council was conducted for the first time at the new Tribal Government Center on the south shore of Red Lake on Tuesday, October 13, 2015. The tribe had been conducting business out of a former hospital for many years. The new facility with its unique eagle design more closely reflects the business of a great nation.
Tribal Councilors, Hereditary Chiefs, staff and tribal members gathered at about 9:00 a.m. in a large room with a wall of windows overlooking the lake. To the right near the first row of councilors is a door to a small kitchen and lunchroom with several circular tables. On the West wall, heated pans of breakfast foods, eggs, potatoes, sausage, bacon and pastries were available to all. Lunch would also be served in this area.
The Council's agenda typically begins with a prayer, this time provided by Spiritual Advisor and Hereditary Chief Greeting Spears. Just after 9 a.m., the meeting is called to order by Chairman Darrell G. Seki, Sr. Roll call is then conducted by Secretary Donald Cook. Then reports or updates by members of the council are followed by approval of the previous meeting's minutes.
The work of the council then begins with agenda items from the Tribal Officers. Executive Administrator Charles Dolson gives the Chairman's report. The Chairman's agenda also includes monthly reports from the Red Lake Nation Youth Council, and an update from School Superintendent Anne Lundquist. The Chairman's October agenda also included a report by the newly created position of Jobs & Community Development Facilitator, Eugene "Bugger" McArthur.
Tribal Secretary Donald Cook is next whose report is often given by the Executive Assistant to the Tribal Secretary, Desirie Wilson. Enrollment and Business License applications are among the items discussed and approved.
Tribal Treasurer Annette Johnson follows Cook who presents monthly financial reports, donation requests and recommendations, along with other items that may change from month to month.
Tribal programs round out the day, its various Directors giving reports on activities, requesting the hiring of new workers, seeking approval of resolutions, and other items of concerns to the various tribal programs.
Most monthly meetings go well into the afternoon, perhaps to 4 or even 5 o'clock, which includes a lunch break. All meetings are open to the public, and tribal members are encouraged to attend and observe their tribal government at work.
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