TEB Makes Decision On Health Services During Meeting
By the slimmest of margins, the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board turned down a resolution to contract Indian Health Service’s programs beginning on Dec. 1.
The vote for the resolution ended in a 6-6 tie among TEB members. Vice chair Charles Headdress broke the tie by voting against the motion.
The proposed regulation read that the board, “does hereby reaffirm and reinstate Resolution #32-6672024-06, dated June 10, 2024, and hereby notifies the IHS FPSU, Billings Area Office and IHS Headquarters of the Tribes’ intent to contract all remaining healthcare programs, functions, services and activities of the Fort Peck Service Unit, including administrative services, facilities operations, together with the contractible programs and services of the IHS Billings Area Office and Headquarters, effective Dec. 1, 2025, together with all associated funds pursuant to the ISDEAA ...”
“We all agree we should do better,” TEB member Roxanne Gourneau said regarding health services. “I want better care for our people, and for myself.”
Another tie vote by TEB came in regards to approving the Central Finance Department’s request to suspend all reclassifications of existing persons and the case-bycase basis for a new position development as provided. Headdress broke the tie by voting in favor. TEB member Terry Rattling Thunder Sr., who voted in favor of the proposal, noted the tribes need to watch finances closely during the first year without ARPA funding.
There was also debate about approving $123,000 in revolving loan funds for Fort Peck Manufacturing to cover specific past expenses and continue operating until all contract’s end, and that the Fort Peck Manufacturing is using any and all company assets as collateral for that funding.
TEB member Jestin Dupree expressed that it’s a bad idea considering that Fort Peck Manufacturing received $200,000 last year that hasn’t been paid back. “Unfortunately, there were big plans,” he said.
The motion passed by a 7-4 margin.
After the vote, Dupree said, “So, we’re giving money that we know you won’t be getting back?”
TEB member Bryce Kirk, who recently attended a BIA consultation meeting regarding reduction of force, stressed the importance of the Fort Peck Reservation having representation at the national level.
“We keep wanting for things to fall in our laps,” Kirk said. “The squeaky wheel always gets greased.” Kirk said that of the $1.1 billion available for block management grants, the Navajo Nation received $132 million. Fort Peck received $6 million.
“Can you imagine what we could do with $132 million?” Kirk said.
The TEB approved $4.3 million for the construction of three duplexes for the Fort Peck Services Unit. The funding will provide the infrastructure for future duplexes as well.
