WPCO Meeting Includes SNAP Funding Ideas
With news that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s funding may end on Nov. 1, due to the government shutdown, Tribal Executive Board members discussed methods to help Fort Peck Reservation residents during a meeting last week.
TEB members Lawrence Hamilton and Roxanne Gourneau said the board agreed to process four buffalo and give them to the elders program. Hamilton said there was also mention to have a representative purchase a good amount of food at Sam’s Club in Billings to bring back to the reservation.
At the Wolf Point Community Organization meeting, Gourneau stressed the importance of making sure the reservation’s children and elderly are taken care of by proving enough food.
“As a community, we need to step up for these kids,” Gourneau said. “No one chooses poverty, but it’s here.”
Gourneau, who is also the chair for the Wolf Point School Board, mentioned the possibility of larger breakfasts and lunches for school children.
Wolf Point council member Lance FourStar urged residents to contact their congressional delegation to urge for the continued funding of SNAP. On a different note, Hamilton reported that the Bureau of Indian Affairs have taken over the juvenile detention center as of Monday, Oct. 20. Hamilton said that after 72 hours, the youth will be transferred to Great Falls or another facility.
Also at the meeting, WPCO chairman Holly Hamilton said the candidates’ forum attracted 24 candidates and about 100 audience members.
“It went pretty well. It ran pretty smoothly,” Holly Hamilton said.
She thanked WPCO members who helped with the meal and the event.
