Wunee keesuq Tribal family,

We have an amazing tribal nation. We are an intelligent, resourceful and committed people. I’m constantly reminded of this each day that I walk into our Community and Government Center. It also serves as a constant reminder of what we are working towards while in tribal council…a strong tribal nation that empowers our next generation to set the achievement bar a little higher.

We truly are here for the next seven generations and the work we’ve focused on over the past few months shows that we have not forgotten that point.

Yes, we continue to focus significant efforts towards the legislation that will forever protect our homeland. However, the point that is too often missed is that these efforts will result in a foundation to strengthen our culture and traditions. We made a huge step forward in May with the House passage of Tribal Bill HR 312. This legislation will ensure our children always have a home within their tribal community.

We’ve also taken more immediate steps over the past year to protect our homeland. In January we successfully delayed the planned development of Gooseberry Island. This was a monumental win for our wetland habitat and allowed us to focus on our Shellfish Farm that surrounds the island. Thanks to additional grant funding we secured in March we were able to launch a Shellfish Farm Expansion Project. Our First Light Oysters provide a sustainable food source while cleaning our bay. Our connection to this land is sacred.

Education is another important pillar in our effort to lift the future generations. We have a strong education department with a grant funded Building Pathways program that provides the tools for our young men and women to succeed in higher education. And what can I say about our language program that you don’t already know. Wôpanâak Language Reclamation Project is amazing and the new yurt classroom allowed the immersion school to expand to grade 4.

I’ve also directed our tribal operations to continue to open up avenues for additional grant funding. I’m proud to say that we increased funding from the BIA almost 100% from 2018-2019. We received almost $1MM in funding from the BIA this fiscal year. We’re stabilizing support for our service programs and now supporting staff positions and 2 mortgages with the increase in grant funding.

What we accomplish on a daily basis is broad and necessary. From housing development and quality health care to ICWA, our Tribal Nation is growing.

However, we need your help to track this growth. I realize this sounds like a tall task, but it’s as simple as completing your 2020 Census Form in April. I need you and your family to stand and be counted. By doing this, you will make it clear that we are still here.

Kutâputunumuw;

Chairman Cedric Cromwell
Qaqeemasq (Running Bear)