Azure Lists Goals In Return As Tribal Chairman

Floyd Azure is glad to be back sitting in the chairman’s chair for Fort Peck Tribes, but he recognizes a lot of improvements are needed on the reservation. He urges that tribal and non-tribal individuals work together to accomplish those goals.

In his first week returning to the office, Azure said he is trying to put the reservation back on the right track again. His goals include staying out of debt, having perfect audits and building reserves.

Projects mentioned included a rehabilitation center and a senior center/assisted living center.

“I want more things for our children and veterans,” Azure said.

He stressed the importance of students receiving education, starting at a young age.

“I want to make sure we get all our kids in Head Start,” Azure said. “We’re having kids slip through the cracks.”

The chairman explained health care facilities are possible if the tribes pay for part of it and there are many grant opportunities. Plus, Medicaid and Medicare funding could help with future expenses.

“We have to make it for everybody, not just Native Americans but everybody,” Azure said.

He said curbing crime including drug abuse problems are huge concerns for the reservation.

“It’s as much as a community issue than a government issue,” Azure noted of the crime rate. He went on that even if residents aren’t impacted with drugs directly, the drug users could end up stealing the residents’ property. In order to decrease the crime rate, people need to step up and provide information to authorities.

“That would be a benefit to our society,” Azure said. “If you live on this reservation, it’s just as much your problem as ours.”

Azure said that when he left office two years ago, there was a good relationship with all law enforcement including the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office, Wolf Point Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol. He held several meetings where agencies shared ideas.

“We have to protect each other and work together to make it prosper,” Azure said of community support.

Helping homeless people on the streets is another challenge. “I’m tired of people freezing to death every winter,” Azure said, He mentioned rehabilitation so these people can have better lives.

Azure feels more community involvement is needed for both tribal and non-tribal residents. He said the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede and Poplar’s Wild West Days are great events but additional similar activities are needed.

He commended the Wolf Point Community Organization for its involvement including events during Stampede weekend.

With so many challenges on the reservation, he says there’s not enough time in two years to get everything accomplished regardless of how hours a day are worked. He urges people to stay away from petty things and commit to doing what’s best for the reservation.

During his first week, Azure was busy meeting with various directors for program updates.

This is Azure’s sixth term as chairman. He also served on the Tribal Executive Board for two terms.

Azure said in order to be chairman, a person needs to be a therapist, a principal and an accountant.

“You have to be a strong person to be in a position like this,” Azure said.