Tribal Executive Board Members Hear Testimony About Mambe
The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board held its regular meeting in Poplar May 12. Darryl Growing Thunder was asked to come in to address concerns that have been brought to the chairman from community members about a drug called Mambé, also spelled ypadu.
The board and attendees discussed the cultural and spiritual significance of drug, its natural origins and misinformation surrounding it. Speakers emphasized the drug’s role in self-reflection, intellectual thought and communication. They highlighted ongoing legal and cultural battles, including the World Health Organization’s research on its toxicity. Concerns were raised about the mambe’s classification as a drug, its impact on community members and the potential legal repercussions.
Chairman Justin Gray Hawk Sr. addressed the board and audience as follows: “As chairman of our tribes, it has been brought to my attention, the use of this medicine called ‘Mambe’ that is being used for spiritual practices in your ceremonies. On behalf of me and my office, this is not an attack on you way of life. But when the community comes to me with concerns, about our children testing positive for this, I have to get involved. I took an oath coming into this role to protect our community and young children. So when community members start coming to me with concerns on your practices with this drug because it is an illegal drug and as chairman of our tribe I will not condone to these teachings. You’ll need to study your practices where this drug originated from.”
Concerned community members shared why this teaching shouldn’t be a part of traditional ceremonies. They also shared concerns they have for children who are attending these ceremonies and using this drug.
Law and Justice Committee members shared information with the board and Growing Thunder about this illegal drug. Law enforcement also shared a warning that if caught with this drug, tribal members could be punished by banishment and fines or imprisonment.
The board approved the Branch of Corrections to hire William Youngman and Cameron Spotted Bird from temporary appointment to permanent appointment and authorized the Cultural Resource Department to work with RJS to pursue the Preservation and Access Education Training Grant.
Approximately a dozen vehicles were transferred to various programs, including Tribal Courts, IT, Adult Corrections, Water Resources, DES, Fish & Game, IRR and other departments.
The Natural Resource Program was authorized to utilize the Fort Peck Tribes trailer for employment housing.
The board authorized the HPDP Program to engage Redtail Accounting to conduct a review of tribal health operations, with emphasis on all HPDP billing processes during fiscal years 2022-2025.
The Tribal Operations officer was approved to disburse payment to the Law Office of Cher Old Elk for the below described legal services rendered for the month of April. Amount was $24,723.55. Payment was also approved to Sonosky & Chambers for legal services rendered for the month of March in the amount of $8,522.26 The board approved submittal of the FY 2025 Indian Highway Safety grant application.
The donation of a buffalo to all churches listed on the reservation was approved.
The next full board meeting will be held May 26 in Poplar.
