Blount spoke about leadership ….
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.
Michael 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.”
Barry Bighorn Sr. spoke about the importance of sovereignty and self-sufficiency. “We’re not devoid of hope in this place,” he said. “Were a place of hope, a place where people’s dreams are fulfilled.”
Vernice 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 ten 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 Charles 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.”
Floyd 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.”
