Normally, elected officials will publicly communicate an approach to rectify issues that are of highest concern to their citizens. It usually includes benchmarks and timelines to achieve their intended result. Any deviations to the plan would be communicated to the public and a rationale to why changes are necessary. I decided to track the Executive Committee's proposed approach to rectify Chief and Council's salary and expenses.
Promised Approach to Band Members
The executive committee publicly announced plans to collaborate with the Samson Elders Executive Law Advisory committee, which were to deliver an interim report to Chief and Council, by May 28, 2021. During the announcement, it was reiterated that this report would include their proposed package to standardize Chief and Council's salary.
On July 2, 2021, Samson membership was promised a full presentation of the proposed standardization in salary, with the ability to vote on it.
Chief Saddleback also indicated the people would get a say on this work. So, what was the result of this ambitious plan?
Result of Proposed Approach
Ultimately, no vote occurred and no public updates/reports were provided to the people of Samson. I have checked the Nipisihkopahk Acimowin for any mentions and reports updating Samson membership. Ultimately, I found no updates and no official communication of why Chief and Council abandoned this plan. Just one mention announcing the plan (published on April 23, 2021). This is problematic for the following reasons:
- public funds of the band were likely expended to approve and initiate the proposed plan;
- issues important to band members do not seem to be a priority to Chief and Council;
- denying band members their ability to vote on this issue;
- breaking their promise to execute this plan; and,
- by sweeping this issue under the rug, it effectively silences band members into keeping the status quo.
Apparently, Chief and Council have a different definition of what constitutes acting in good faith with band members, and exercising due diligence. This is another example of how Chief and Council talks a big game with little follow through. What I can see is that Chief and Council wants to operate in secrecy; as it effectively keeps the people in the dark, and they can push any work through (which appears to benefit them, as it effectively removes any accountability for their actions). So really, whose interest is Chief and Council working for?
Stayed tuned for Part 5 - Path Forward
Disclaimer: all opinions and views expressed are my own.
Sources
Nipisihkopahk Acimowin (published April 23, 2021) Volume 7 Issue 39: https://issuu.com/samsoncreenation/docs/volume7issue39