Wunee keesuq Tribal family,

I have some important news to share in regard to our tribal operations, but first I want to thank Rita Lopez for stepping up to serve our Tribe as the Interim Tribal Administrator over the past few months. She has done an amazing job to keep our tribal operations and key services moving forward. All while continuing to manage our enrollment department. It was a tall task and Rita did it extremely well.

It was important for us to have an honest and comprehensive assessment of our needs and goals for the future as we assessed how we would proceed with our search for a Tribal Administrator. It was through this process that our Tribal Council reached the decision that the Tribal Council Chair would serve in this position.

Given my background in development

and understanding of our organizational structure it was decided that this was the correct direction for us. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and have already begun working more closely with our departments to streamline our processes. This move will also provide a better channel of communication between operations and Tribal Council.

It’s also important to note that since I will not be accepting any additional salary in this position, we will save a significant amount of funds. These savings will allow the Departments to better serve our community, and that’s really what this is all about.

That commitment to serving the needs of our community is the overarching goal that we constantly strive to achieve.  It’s the reason that I’ve spent the majority of my time since taking over this position with Rita and each of our department directors to discuss how we can move forward strategically to achieve the larger goals of our operations.

Based on the on-going “One-on-One” meetings with Department Directors, this process has widened my awareness of department goals and the tremendous work our staff undertakes on a daily basis. I’ve indeed been afforded the “boots on the ground” perspective and have gained an added appreciation for the working-commitment of our directors and staff.

It’s by working together that we will strengthen and heal our Tribal Nation.

Kutâputunumuw;

Chairman Cedric Cromwell
Qaqeemasq (Running Bear)