Wolf Point Community Organization Discusses Action By TEB

Discussion included action recently made by the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board during the Wolf Point Community Organization’s meeting held on Monday, Dec. 22.

TEB members Roxanne Gourneau and Charles Knowlton announced that seven members of TEB approved a resolution to suspend the housing board of commissioners until after an investigation takes place.

Both Gourneau and Knowlton questioned whether TEB has the legal authority to suspend the board.

Gourneau said she doesn’t know where people can now turn to with questions or their status on the waiting list.

The resolution reads, in part, that the TEB has received reports and documentation alleging concerns regarding the housing board’s performance, governance practices, decision making or actions that may compromise the integrity, stability or proper functioning of the Fort Peck Housing Authority and the TEB finds it necessary to initiate corrective and protective measures to safeguard tribal resources, ensure accountability and maintain the effective administration of housing services for tribal members.

The resolution notes that the suspension shall remain in effect until the completion of a formal administrative and/or investigative review conducted under the direction of the TEB or its designated committee.

The TEB is assuming temporary oversight authority of the housing authority.

“I didn’t support it, but it’s done,” Gourneau said. “If there’s evidence that the entire housing board did something wrong, I would like to see it.”

Knowlton said that some new TEB members are targeting housing. He said the old director has been rehired with back pay. He said TEB doesn’t have the authority to be added as check-signers.

The housing commission consists of individuals voted to office by various communities on the Fort Peck Reservation. Some of the people recently elected have only attended one housing commission meeting before TEB approved the resolution.

“I think communities need to speak up and get authority back,” Knowlton said.

Some WPCO members suggested that TEB members who represent Wolf Point should be attending and reporting at WPCO meetings.

Also during the meeting, WPCO approved $2,000 to purchase warmups for Wolf Point High School’s girls’ basketball team.

WPCO also approved a $2,000 donation for Wolf Point’s post prom party.