Council Dispatch #201     October 12, 2023

Tribal Council

• Len TwoTeeth recognized Lesa Evars, who is a special person who has helped Indian country. He thanked Lesa for all the work she has done for our Indian people, and he appreciates her dedication. Council gifted Lesa with a MMIW shawl and a blanket.

• Martin Charlo gave an update on the Beartracks Bridge second annual pow wow. The event went well and an estimated 500 people attended. Martin thanked all the sponsors, including S&K Technologies, S&K Gaming, S&K Electronics, S&K Business Services, and Eagle Bank. The tribal corporations will promote it and provide posters for next year’s celebration. Martin thanked Jennifer Trahan and Ruth Swaney for helping him with the event. The Veterans Pow Wow will be the next event, and he hopes everyone will participate in that on November 4, at Salish Kootenai College. Missoula is planning to improve the Caras Park floor.

Appellate Court

• Kelly McDonald was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Appellate Court.

Tribal Member

• Lucinda Michel informed council that she was recently hired as the Cultural Specialist with Early Childhood Services and she is unable to do the drug test due to being on dialysis every day. Council took action to waive the drug test policy for Lucinda, due to special circumstances. 

• Lucinda Michel informed council that she is having a fundraiser at Quicksilver today to raise money for her upcoming transplant appointment.

Natural Resources Department

• Montana Department of Transportation representatives met with council to discuss tribal concerns and to provide an update on highway projects.

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..