News

Council Dispatch #166     May 25, 2023

Glacier National Park Conservation

• Representatives from the GNPC met with council for a meet and greet. The group will be going on field trips today. Tribal members do not need to make vehicle reservations to visit Glacier National Park. Chairman McDonald asked the board to keep in mind the Bison Range and the effects of recreation on tribal lands. The Tribes plan to build a new Visitor Center at the top of Ravalli Hill, which would provide a great opportunity to educate visitors. Tom asked the board to consider any partnerships with the CSKT. The council was invited to join in the field trips this afternoon and dinner tonight at 6:00 p.m.

Natural Resources Department

• There was discussion about options for the 2023 bison culling operations and the possibility of selling bison to other tribes. The Nez Perce Tribe would like to start a bison herd. Chairman McDonald’s priority is to bring in enough revenue to offset costs to be sustainable, and he suggested having a separate subsistence herd. Shannon Clairmont will work with the Tribal Lands Department and Economic Development Office on the process for establishing a separate herd.

Division of Fire

• Council was briefed on phase 1 of the White Swan project, which is the work on the ground with the non-Indian landowners on Rocky Point. Council reached consensus to proceed with phase 2.

Financial Management

• Council approved by resolution modification 12 to the fiscal year 2023 Total Allocations Budget. Carole Lankford requested a report on where the Tiwahe funds were allocated.  Greg will follow up and report back.

Food Sovereignty

• Council took action to approve the letter for the chairman’s signature.

Shoreline Protection Board

• Council conducted interviews and took action to accept the results of the ballots and appoint Mark MacDonald to fill the nonmember position and Jule Brueggeman to fill the tribal member position.

S&K Mission Management

• Council approved a modification to Task Order 11 with SKMM for the Arlee Powwow Grounds project, to add an additional $288,320.25 due to revised pricing, for a total contract amount of $369,084.67.

• Len TwoTeeth requested an update on the Elmo Powwow Grounds. Len would like to purchase a storage shed for a first-aid station. Kyle Felsman will be following up on the project to include the modifications.  The initial paving project will move forward.

Indian Preference Office

• Council approved a project specific agreement with the Montana Department of Transportation for the Bridge Underwater Inspection Term Contracts 2022-2024 project. The Sloan, Mission Creek, and Perma bridges are included in the project.

Natural Resources Department

• Council approved by resolution the Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Plan. The draft plan was provided to both Culture Committees. Comments were received by the Kootenai Culture Committee, but the staff did not receive a response from the Salish Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee.  The draft plan went out for public comment and no comments were received.

• Council approved the 2023-2024 Tribal Member Little Money Bighorn Sheep Regulations. The draft regulations went out for public comment and no comments were received.

• Council approved the 2023-2024 Tribal Member Ferry Basin Elk Harvest Seasons and Regulations, with corrections.

• Council approved the 2023-2024 Tribal Member Moose Harvest Seasons and Regulations.

• Council approved the 2023-2024 Tribal Member Gray Wolf Trapping and Harvest Regulations.

• Council granted a collection permit to the University of Montana and W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation to investigate the effect of co-infection on the disease dynamics of Sin Nombre Hantavirus in wild deer mouse populations. Nontribal members will be required to purchase a recreation permit. The staff will continue providing updates/results of the studies.

• Council took action to go with the staff recommended quotas of 30 bull elk, and the bighorn sheep at 6 rams and 3 ewes.

• Council took action to authorize the department to apply for a grant from APHIS in the amount of $93,000. The funding will be used to pay a portion of the staff time for the Seasonal Technicians and Biologist to respond to degradation and Chronic Wasting Disease.

DKC Public Relations Agency

• PBS will be having a screening event on June 8 for the Ken Burns film The American Buffalo documentary that was shot on location at the Bison Range. The Tribal Council was invited to attend the screening.  The film will premiere in October.

NOTE:  The official Council Minutes will contain more complete details about lengthy discussions and should be considered the official record of Council. Dispatches are written from notes taken live and may occasionally contain partial information, over-simplified characterizations or an occasional error. Council reviews and corrects the draft minutes before approving as the official record.  Comments (both affirmations and concerns) are part of change and are expected and encouraged. Along with any specific comments, please also share what you would like to hear more about in upcoming communications. The email address for comments is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Council Dispatch #164     May 16, 2023

Tribal Council

• Carole Lankford acknowledged Bryan Dupuis for graduating from Law School this past weekend. Bryan has had a long journey, and she was glad to see he got through it.  Carole hopes Bryan will work for the CSKT.  Chairman McDonald taught a couple of classes that Bryan was in at the Law School, and he looks forward to a great career out of him.

• Chairman McDonald reminded council of the workshop they have this afternoon.

• Ellie Bundy gave an update on the MMIP walk at SKC on May 6. They had an amazing turnout and raised just under $1,200.00 that will go to MMIP Victim Assistance Services Fund. Ellie thanked everyone who was involved. Len TwoTeeth acknowledged the work of Jami and Ellie on MMIP. He was contacted by an individual whose daughter went missing and they were able to provide the necessary resources and find the daughter. Ellie and Jami provided a quick response to help the family.

• Len TwoTeeth announced the Elmo district meeting will be held tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Elmo Hall. The agenda will include the Executive Team providing updates on their departments and the Legal Department providing an update on the water compact funding and State land exchanges. Pizza will be provided.

• Council discussed vandalism that occurred recently at the Pache Homesites. An individual had her windows broken and tires slashed and wanted to know if the person responsible could be required to pay restitution from his 18 money. There was a question about the possibility of a judge ordering restitution from the 18 money account if the person is convicted of the crime. There are several kids involved in the vandalism and it is occurring in the city of Ronan, as well. Carole Lankford wanted to know if there was anything in the Land Ordinance that could help address these issues and was concerned why it is taking so long to get the Land Ordinance enacted. Chairman McDonald will ask the Legal staff about the 18 money restitution and status of the Land Ordinance. Len TwoTeeth commented that those vehicles were severely vandalized and are the vehicles individuals use to get to work and they can no longer get to work. He wants to look at modifying or waiving the Dire Need policy to provide funding to these folks to fix their vehicles so they can remain employed. Jennifer Finley wants the Legal staff to explain how it works, but she thought parents were liable for juveniles that commit such crimes. Craige Couture, Law & Order, provided information on the multiple vandalism incidents that occurred in the Pache Homesites over the weekend. The vandalism resulted in thousands of dollars of damage. Ronan City has multiple cases and the same individuals did the same thing in Missoula. Chief Couture receives calls from concerned citizens on a daily basis, but it is out of his hands and it is very frustrating. It is up to the courts and juvenile probation. 

• Ellie Bundy reminded council of the opioid/fentanyl townhall meeting at the St. Ignatius Community Center tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend.

• Mike Dolson thanked Chief Couture for his assistance with the dog vs. calf incident at Camas Prairie.

• Martin Charlo was approached by Two Eagle River School requesting approval to use the old heavy equipment garage that is being used as a pseudo security office. The garage is vacant and the school wants access to it in the winter for their buses for maintenance and storage.

• Martin Charlo requested an update on the Dixon Agency project. The basketball hoops were torn out and nothing was done with them. The community members put the hoops back up but they are unusable. Chairman McDonald will request an update from the Tribal Lands Department.

Salish Kootenai College

• Steve Arca asked the chairman or a council representative to provide the welcoming remarks and an update on the Education position at the Montana Early Childhood Language Summit to be held at Salish Kootenai College June 14 & 15. Len TwoTeeth will forward the information/agenda to the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council.

Natural Resources Department

• Council approved modification 1 to Contract No. 22-300 with Geum Environmental Consulting to include two additional task orders for mitigation planning and support with the Bison Range restoration efforts and increase the amount by $207,581.15, for a total not-to-exceed amount of $877,279.40.

Tribal Lands Department

• Zanen Pitts gave an update on basketball courts at Dixon Agency. The deadline for the contractor to complete the work is June 1. The contractor took down the basketball hoops to level the ground and then they will be put back up.

• Council approved a request from Ramona Lynch to sell the Tribes her irrigation equipment consisting of 2.5-mile wheel lines with hookup valves and hoses and two 5 HP motors for a total of $10,000.00 ($5,000.00 each). The wheel lines are located on Ag Lease # 1515 in Round Butte. The Lands staff determined it would be a good investment. The funds would need to be taken from the capital equipment funds since this purchase was not included in the department’s budget.

• Council took action to approve the staff recommendations and approve the highest and best bids for the 2023 Spring Bid.

Financial Management

• Council approved ARPA pay for employees, as presented by staff. The ARPA pay for employees is effective for those employees employed as of today.

• Council approved the recommendations by staff for the fiscal year 2024 budget allocation targets.

NOTE:  The official Council Minutes will contain more complete details about lengthy discussions and should be considered the official record of Council. Dispatches are written from notes taken live and may occasionally contain partial information, over-simplified characterizations or an occasional error. Council reviews and corrects the draft minutes before approving as the official record.  Comments (both affirmations and concerns) are part of change and are expected and encouraged. Along with any specific comments, please also share what you would like to hear more about in upcoming communications. The email address for comments is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Council Dispatch #165     May 23, 2023

Tribal Council

• Chairman McDonald reminded council that the Yellowstone Bison Hunt Managers meeting is at the Double Tree in Missoula tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. All council members are invited to attend.

• Martin Charlo announced the Montana Healthcare Foundation and Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority Help Us Revitalize Passenger Rail in Southern Montana community event is at the Ronan Boys and Girls Club on May 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be served. The event will also be held in Paradise tomorrow from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Chairman McDonald asked if any council members are planning to go on the Friends of Glacier fieldtrip on Thursday.

Two Eagle River School

• Students gave a presentation on their community-based research project that will be presented to the community. Community issues were discussed and the students did research on the question of what issues native students have and encounter in public schools. Students, parents and staff were surveyed. The reasons students attend TERS is because of the community, culture, curriculum, family legacy, and discrimination at other schools.

Indian Preference Office

• Council approved a Project Specific Agreement between CSKT and Montana Department of Transportation for a project named SF 169 South of Pablo Safety Improvement. The work involves rebuilding the 4-leg existing intersection of US 93 and Old Highway 93 into a Restricted Crossing U-Turn intersection. This PSA is specific to the preconstruction consultant contract work only which includes site investigation for the design of the preconstruction highway project. Examples of the work are surveying, geotechnical exploration, wetland delineation, utility mapping and other field work and project meetings.

Tribal Education Department

• Council approved by resolution for CSKT Tribal Education, CSKT Tribal Social Services, CSKT Early Childhood Services, together with Polson School District, to partner with Friends of the Children to start an Indigenous chapter beginning next school year in Polson.

• Council approved by resolution submission of an application to apply for the SAMHSA grant.

• Council approved by resolution submission of an application for the STEP grant from the Department of Education Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Office of Indian Education.

Natural Resources Department

• Council approved submission of the final 2023 SKQ submittal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

• Council took action to retroactively approve the AARP Grant Flagship Program in the amount of $20,729 and a waiver of the IDC in the amount of $3,550. 

• Bing Matt received a report that the toilets at the Turtle Lake Campground were tipped over. Whisper Camel-Means will follow up.

Tribal Lands Department

• Council approved the Land Ordinance 45C. This ordinance rescinds Ordinance 45B.

• Chairman McDonald asked if the Land Ordinance provides any new powers to address issues in the Beaverhead area. Tom asked Mark to review the matter with Shane and find out who the allotment owners are. Mark Couture will follow up.  The Land Ordinance has a section regarding allotments and the department works closely with the BIA Superintendent to enforce the regulations.

• Jim Malatare requested an update on the fence at Nkwusm. Mark Couture responded the project is being done by Ferrier Fencing and he will follow up on the anticipated completion date and report back via email.

• Council approved by resolution the purchase of a parcel of property located in Pablo from Archie Fuqua, Alan Fuqua, and Arlene Templer, to be purchased with ARPA funds. The issue with the appraisal was resolved.

S&K Gaming

• Council conducted interviews and appointed Troy Felsman to the S&K Gaming Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term ending October 1, 2024.

NOTE:  The official Council Minutes will contain more complete details about lengthy discussions and should be considered the official record of Council. Dispatches are written from notes taken live and may occasionally contain partial information, over-simplified characterizations or an occasional error. Council reviews and corrects the draft minutes before approving as the official record.  Comments (both affirmations and concerns) are part of change and are expected and encouraged. Along with any specific comments, please also share what you would like to hear more about in upcoming communications. The email address for comments is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Council Dispatch #163     May 4, 2023

Tribal Council

• Chairman McDonald welcomed members of the University of Congressional Church, who are observing the council meeting this morning. Tom will be meeting with the group on May 17 in Missoula to discuss climate change and other matters of interest to the Tribes.

• Carole Lankford mentioned a meeting with the Solidarity Group at SKHA. Two individuals willed their ten acres to the Tribes. Carole is having a meeting with a lady that has duplexes in Missoula. The Lands Department received a letter from the person in Mission about the will process and Carole told them to send a copy of that letter to the chairman.

• Chairman McDonald presented a request from a long-term employee who had complications from a surgery and is approaching retirement age. Mark Padilla has been on leave sharing and exhausted those hours, so he is requesting an extension until he can sign up for disability. Council took action to waive the personnel policy and extend leave sharing until Mark can sign up for disability. Len TwoTeeth was not sure where we came up with 360 hours of leave share, but he wants it reviewed and changed to 12 calendar months per year. More and more employees are falling into this circumstance.  Chairman McDonald will have the Personnel Department follow up. It seems to be that transition period for long-term employees that are nearing retirement and have medical issues, so maybe it could focus on those particular employees. 

• Martin Charlo gave an update from yesterday’s elders meeting. He answered questions about the payout, Tech Mining and our efforts in DC on that, and answered questions about EKI and the dividends it is paying out. Tony Incashola, Jr. was introduced and said a few words. Len TwoTeeth gave a presentation on the efforts to improve both pow wow grounds and the process to get that done.

• Chairman McDonald discussed the International Joint Commission for the Boundary Waters Treaty. The Biden administration is backing away and going a different route, which is disappointing. Tom authorized tribal staff to issue a press release on it. They should go through the International Joint Commission to resolve this and address pollution coming into the United States from coal mining in British Columbia. There will be an article published in the New York Times. Our scientist consultant is providing information to the New York Times and maybe pictures of fish without a gill plate will be included.

• Len TwoTeeth requested that the Economic Development Office and Executive Team provide an update on the status of developing the Elmo Store property and how we are moving forward on that. Knowing the new contact that Jennifer Finley obtained during the RES Conference is an avenue we should pursue and have that firm start the legwork. We have discussed this for years and nothing has happened. We could possibly use that firm to start our Hot Springs project.  Chairman McDonald will have the Economic Development Office give council a presentation.

• Ellie Bundy acknowledged May 5 is the National Day of Awareness for MMIW. There will be a 5K Run/Walk this Saturday at Salish Kootenai College. Registration is from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; the speaking event begins at 10:00 a.m.; and the closing will be at 12:30 p.m. Ellie gave a MMIP presentation to St. Patrick Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital staff. St. Patrick Hospital donated $1,500.00 to the MMIP Victim Services Assistance Fund, and St. Joseph Hospital will be making a donation. Ellie will be giving a presentation to the Democratic Committee next Wednesday and a group in Polson in the near future. An individual received $1,000.00 for an article she wrote and donated it to the MMIP Victim Services Assistance Fund.

• Ellie Bundy informed council that Kathy Ross reached out about having a townhall meeting on fentanyl and opioids at the St. Ignatius Community Center on May 17, at 6:00 p.m. Representatives from law enforcement will be there and the council members are invited to participate. Indian tacos will be served.

Natural Resources Department

• Council considered a request for the Bison Range Commercial Service Manager to work with Montana Coffee Traders for a CSKT Bison Range exclusive coffee blend to be sold at the Bison Range. The initial cost is $800.00. The coffee bag will have the CSKT logo on it. Chairman McDonald requested the staff find out if there are any tribal vendors within the United States. Council took action to authorize the staff to work with tribal vendors for a CSKT Bison Range exclusive coffee blend.

• Council approved a noncompetitive contract with Chadz Wrapz & Signs in an amount up to $35,000.00 for the installation of Mickey Pablo plaques and letters on the exterior building of the Visitor Center and the installation of trail and mile marker signs on Red Sleep Drive Road. This contractor has done this type of work at the Bison Range but his contract had expired before this work could be done.

• Jace Smith informed council he received notification from the Army Corps of Engineers about the clean water permit for the Jocko Canal and we do not need to mitigate the project. Council approved a sole source master services agreement with Morrison-Maierle for the Jocko K Canal Liner Rehabilitation and associated projects for a total not-to-exceed amount of $250,000.00. Jim Malatare requested that a field trip be scheduled. Jace Smith can schedule the field trip whenever the council wants to.

Tribal Forestry

• Council approved the Fiscal Year 2022 Forest Management Expenditure Report. The report will be submitted for the Tribal Chairman’s signature and then forwarded to the BIA Superintendent’s Office.

• Council approved by resolution the Fiscal Year 2023 Expenditure Plan for Forest Management Deductions and requested approval of the plan. The plan and resolution will be forwarded to the BIA Superintendent’s Office.

• Council took action to approve a Supplemental Fire Project Agreement, Forest Service Agreement # 23-FP-11015200-004, with USFS Missoula Smokejumpers to reimburse CSKT Division of Fire for smokejumper detail of Sam Peel to non-suppression costs incurred for travel while on detail from April 23, 2023 through September 30, 2023.

• A resolution was approved to authorize the advertisement of the ES East Logging Unit timber sale.

• A resolution was approved to authorize the advertisement of the ES Line Logging Unit timber sale.

• A resolution was approved to authorize the advertisement of the ES West Logging Unit timber sale.

• A resolution was approved to authorize the advertisement of the ES Hog Logging Unit timber sale.

Tribal Lands Department

• Council approved by resolution the purchase of fee land located in Lake County.

Financial Management

• Council approved a resolution authorizing the allocation of the discretionary distribution from the Montana Water Rights Protection Act between the compact account and settlement implementation accounts.

• Council approved a resolution authorizing the setup and signatory authority for the Investment Account at Charles Schwab Corporation titled CSKT, MVP BIL Capital Project Account.
• Staff presented recommendations for fiscal year 2024 allocation targets. The annual budget development process requires the Tribal Council to approve the targets for budget allocations in line with projected revenues and available reserves. Next steps are to approve the allocation targets budget call to tribal programs, evaluate accomplishments, and enact appropriations by August 15, 2023. Financial Management will continue to provide updates on the budget process. Terry Pitts wants to have discussions about using some of the Salazar funding to pay out a per capita each year. Greg Spahr will prepare some information on risk management and bring it back to council the week of June 5.

NOTE:  The official Council Minutes will contain more complete details about lengthy discussions and should be considered the official record of Council. Dispatches are written from notes taken live and may occasionally contain partial information, over-simplified characterizations or an occasional error. Council reviews and corrects the draft minutes before approving as the official record.  Comments (both affirmations and concerns) are part of change and are expected and encouraged. Along with any specific comments, please also share what you would like to hear more about in upcoming communications. The email address for comments is: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..