Azure Returns As Chairman
New TEB Board Takes Office
A new Tribal Executive Board was sworn in at Fort Peck Community College’s Greet the Dawn auditorium on Monday, Oct. 27, in Poplar, along with two tribal judges and a new chairman. Former chairman Floyd Azure was re-elected by a wide margin, defeating challengers Bryce Kirk, Samson E. Boyd, John Morales and outgoing chairman Justin Gray Hawk Sr. Charles Headdress was re-elected as vice-chairman.
TEB saw significant turnover, with eight new members elected including Adrian Spotted Bird Jr., Darren Long Hair, Melvin Scott III, Charles Knowlton, George W. Blount. Michael Headdress, Barry Bighorn Sr. and Vernice Chopper. Returning TEB members are Marva Chapman, Jestin Dupree, Carolyn Bighorn Brugh and Roxanne Gourneau.
Bruce Damon defeated Derrick Long Hair for the sergeant at arms position. Imogene Lilley and Lonnie Headdress were sworn in as associate judges on the Fort Peck Tribal Court.
The FPCC auditorium was packed with supporters. Tommy Christian emceed and Perry Lilley led opening prayers. The drum crew was the Tahca Sinte Ska Singers.
Top vote getter Chapman addressed the audience first, saying that she was raised by two strong women in her mother and grandmother. “You the people said you wanted change and you delivered,” she said. “I’m grateful to be a part of that change.”
Spotted Bird Jr. spoke about the need for cooperation and accountability, “I try to get along with everybody,” Spotted Bird said, “and I’ll try and get along with this council. [...] We have 730 days to make a dent. That’s a hard thing to do. I will work hard for you.”
Dupree thanked the outgoing council members and FPCC for hosting festivities. He said more community listening sessions are at the top of list of to-dos: “I’d like to get back out in the communities and hear what they’re saying, not just every two years,” he said.
Scott III thanked his wife, Diane Youpee, and said serving on the board is among the highest honors of his life. “This position is about listening to the concerns of the community,” he said. Speaking to fellow board members, he added, “We might not always agree. We should remember who we serve, the people. My commitment is to serve all our tribal members, no matter where they live or who they voted for.”
Knowlton made light of his repeated campaigns for TEB. “I guess fourth time is finally the time for me,” Knowlton said. “What you see is what you get,” he added, “If we want our employees to drug test, we should do it too.”
Blount spoke about leadership and added a warning about the possible dissolution of the reservation. “To be a good leader,” he said, “you have to be a good listener as well. [...] I’m anxious and optimistic. The day is coming when there might not be a reservation anymore. We need to stand up. We need to bring employment here.”
Brugh was re-elected to a fifth term. She congratulated Azure and the newly elected members and thanked the voters for returning herself, Chapman, Brugh and Gourneau to the board. “Marva, Jestin, Roxanne and I thank you for having the confidence to keep us in there.”
Gourneau told the assembled that TEB has an opportunity to work together. “We’re a tribal family,” she said. She pointed out that tribal employment has increased to hundreds of jobs during her time on the council. “I’d like to see 1,000 jobs by the time this term ends,” she said.
Headdress spoke about his 10 years of experience as a tribal associate judge and how it led to a run for council. “As a judge,” he said, “you have to remain neutral. I figured as a council member, I could help more.”
Bighorn Sr. spoke about the importance of sovereignty and self-sufficiency. “We’re not devoid of hope in this place,” he said. “We’re a place of hope, a place where people’s dreams are fulfilled.”
Chopper stressed her humility and gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “Thirteen years ago, I was sleeping in my car,” Chopper said. “Now I’m here in a leadership role. Thank you for giving me the chance to represent the Tribes as a TEB member. I will do my best to be fair and represent the people in a good way.
Associate Judge Lonnie Headdress talked about encouraging young people to get involved in the tribal justice system. Judge Imogene Lilly told the assembled that she hopes to oversee a continued trend of improvement at the Fort Peck Tribal Court. “In the last 10 years since I’ve been a judge, I have seen a number of improvements in the courts system,” she said. “I’m glad to have another opportunity to continue to improve our court system.” She also spoke about children in the foster care system who are living off the reservation. “We want to bring our children back to us,” Lilley said. “If you are able to bring a child into your home here on the reservation, please do it.”
Vice chair Headdress said cooperation will be key to a successful TEB. “Sometimes we have words,” he said, “but we always work together. [...] We try very hard. We can’t please everyone but my door is always open.”
Azure spoke last, emphasizing his affection for his constituency. “This is my sixth term as your chairman,” Azure said. “I love my people and I love this reservation.”
Azure stressed the need cooperation and positive change. “You have eight new people that have never sat on this board before,” he said. “You’re making change. The one thing that we have to decide on today is to work together. [...] We need to make this reservation and your lives better. That’s our only job on this reservation. We’ve got two years to prove ourselves.”
Unofficial Results
Chairman position: Floyd Azure, 688; Bryce Kirk, 463; Justin Gray Hawk Sr., 297; Samson Boyd, 148; John Morales, 85. Vice Chair: Charles Headdress, 1,456. Sergeant at Arms: Bruce “Cubby” Damon, 855; Derrick Long Hair, 774.
TEB Candidates Elected: Marva Chapman, 713; Adrian Spotted Bird Jr., 705; Darren Long Hair, 646; Jestin Dupree, 624; Melvin Scott III, 616; Charles “Chug” Knowlton, 521; George W. Blount, 520; Carolyn Bighorn Brugh, 510; Roxanne Gourneau, 491; Michael “Mike” Headdress, 488; Barry Bighorn Sr., 483; Vernice Chopper, 477.
Next Five: Melvin “Terry” Rattling Thunder Sr., 460; Lawrence Hamilton, 460; Stacey Summers, 427; Wayne Martell, 415; Benjamin “BJ” Johnson, 414.
