SRMT Monthly Meeting Report- November 2016—AHA Announces a High Energy Initiative HUD Grant, SRMT Discusses their 2016 Federal Lobbying Report, and Updates on Veterans Memorial Project

The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal monthly meeting was held on November 5^th, 2016 at the community building, chaired by Tribal Chief Ron LaFrance.  The action items were read by Tribal Clerk, Betty Roundpoint, which read as follows:

• Request for status update on the meetings regarding the drug epidemic in the community. Cook, SRMHS, to provide an update.
• Request to look into solution/waivers for the local furnace cleaning companies regarding the requirement for insurance. Various options were researched into the general liability insurance for the Furnace Cleaners registered with the Furnace Cleaning Pilot Project.  After evaluating the risk factors involved, which could impact a community members’ home and/or heating source, it was not recommended to change the current format due to the risk factors involved.  We encourage any furnace cleaners to contact the Compliance Department. 

Following the action items, Chief Ron LaFrance gave a brief update on the Veteran’s Memorial raffle before handing the floor over to Retha Herne, Akwesasne Housing Authority (AHA) Executive Director.  The AHA Executive Director, along with her staff Cynthia Tarbell and Sheila Loran, gave a presentation on the High Energy Initiative HUD Grant.  A few months back the Housing Authority wrote a grant to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development applying for the funds to provide energy efficient upgrades to existing homes on territory.

They have recognized the need for upgrades to the existing homes within the territory of Akwesasne, and have put together a program to assist low income individuals in need of energy efficient upgrades, and scored 100/100 points.  The Akwesasne Housing Authority was awarded $600,000 through HUD for this program.  AHA leveraged its own Housing Block Grant money in the amount of $227,000 to put towards this program, as well as some In Kind funds to contribute as well in the amount of $56,437.24.

Executive Director Herne stated that, “the government likes when entities leverage money, which means they put together different sources of money to fulfill their goals.  So we tapped into NYSERDA, into what’s call the EMpower Program and Assisted Home Performance (AHP), and our girls have been working steadily, even before we submitted the grant, scheduling energy audits with individuals.  The one thing about the NYSERDA program is that anyone can go after this program on their own.  We presented this maybe two years ago, and had informational sessions.  Some people took advantage of it.  Lois our board member tapped into it that program herself and was able to get some energy upgrades.  The whole idea is that if you put money into energy upgrades; ventilation, roof, windows, doors, stuff like that; you’re going to lower your cost of your utilities, and NYSERDA’s program speaks to what sort of energy upgrades are available.”

NYSERDA performs an energy audit, and provides a comprehensive report recommending what upgrades the particular home should have.  This report also reflects the savings on energy costs.  The total project value is $1.3 Million dollars, and is being leveraged towards existing homes within the Southern portion of the territory.  The project purpose is “to complete a home and energy rehab project that will serve the most vulnerable tribal members whose household incomes are at or below 80% income guidelines of the median income.”  That is by HUD standards, but in order to pair with the two state programs you have to be a little below that.  The good news is that anyone above 80% income guidelines can still get assistance through a NYSERDA grant/loan.  You’ll work with NYSERDA in order to design your own energy efficiency upgrades, and the payment will go on to your energy bill in very small increments, avoiding another loan payment.  But anyone above the 80% income can   For example:

• 80% of the median income for a 2-person household is a little over $42,000.
• 80% of the median income for a 5-person household is almost $57,000.

It may take up to a couple of weeks to get an energy audit scheduled, and once approved all upgrades must be made within six months, or the individual has to start over from the beginning.  Sheila Loran will schedule the energy audit, but there have been an influx of appointments preparing for this grant, so it could take a little longer.

All contractors involved must be BPI/NYSERDA Certified.  Currently there are no certified contractors on territory, but AHA is working with Christopher Thompson, SRMT Economic Development, on getting people on territory certified.  Thompson stated, “It’s a lengthy process, and we’re working with a few folks right now.  It is a little bit of a deterrent, the process, for sure.”

“It’s kind of a new program; not really new but to us it’s new; even though everybody has been able to take advantage of this program, nobody has done it.  So we decided to do it as a project, and try to leverage HUD money to get it done,” Herne stated.

There are over 100 targeted homes, as well as the older Sunrise Acres units that are eligible for this project.  With the funds allocated, AHA is looking at serving roughly 96 homes.

The overall underlying reasons for this project are to transform the quality of affordable housing; and have recognized the older homes built from 1984 to date, that are in need of insulation, and other upgrades.  AHA is trying to sustainable practices throughout, first targeting existing homes built between1986-1997.  Even though the majority of homes are paid off, the nice thing about this project is that Indian housing funds can assist prior HUD assisted homes that are within the guidelines can be served.  After all the older houses are taken care of, if there are extra funds AHA will be able to add non-HUD assisted homes.

The implementation plan is as follows:

• The home energy assessment through NYSERDA.
• AHA Analysis and preparation of scope of work.
• BPI/NYSERDA eligible contractors.
• Participation agreements with homeowners.

NYSERDA Eligible energy efficiency activities include: window repairs, roof repair/replacement, furnace replacements, energy efficiency appliances, energy star appliances, insulation, ventilation, drainage improvements, household fans, duct work, basement humidifiers, etc.  Participation agreements will include an application policy, showing the eligibility of the homeowner for 5 years or more, dependent on the work performed, as well as educational components that will be involved.  This will improve the sustainability of the upgrades.  The individual must be up to date with their contracts, and must be up to date in energy, and fuel bills.  Homeowners and renters insurance must also be involved.

Once everything is finalized, and ready to go AHA will hold an informational meeting for all those interested.  To get in touch with the Akwesasne Housing Authority, or for more information you can visit: AHAnsn.gov, or call 518-358-9020, or stop in to see one of the ladies for further assistance.

Following the AHA presentation, some notes were given on the Tribal Council Federal Lobbying Report by Chief Eric Thompson, Chief Beverly Cook, and Sub-Chief Michael Connors.  Chief Thompson states, “We’ve been very busy on the federal level, as well as the state, bringing attention to our issues, and trying to make some changes in the law.  We’re trying to get some of our low pressing issues addressed on a federal level; this includes border crossing rights, loan forgiveness for Native teachers, the environmental concerns we have with the superfund site, and the support for the FDA approval of Heberprot-P for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.  We’ve been able to gain two resolutions, one from NCAI, and one from USET to support our initiatives on the Heberprot and the border crossing rights.  The support has been very good.”

Tribal Council has advocated on these issues in several meetings with Congressional members and staff; and has also participated in political events and gatherings organized by the National Indian Gaming Association, United South and Eastern Tribes (USET), National Congress of American Indians, and the Native American Finance Officers Association.  The SRMT federal lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. are represented by James Meggesto (Onondaga),  a partner at Holland & Knight, LLP, as well as Kayla Gebeck (Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians), Public Affairs Advisor at Holland & Knight, LLP.

In regards to the Border Crossing Rights, the SRMT met with 21 Congressman, four Senators, and three House Committees, of both Democrat and Republican parties, to discuss border crossing difficulties between the US and Canada; requiring specifically that the border agents having tribal members prove they possess 50-percent blood quantum.  This is an infringement on the Mohawk right to determine our Tribal Membership requirements, which is offensive and not consistent with current federal Indian Law.  SRMT, along with other northern-border tribes, have been urging Congress to make a technical amendment to Section 289 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, to recognize the right of American Indians born in either Canada or the US to freely pass the international border without having to prove their blood quantum.

Tribal Council has obtained support from NYS Senator Charles Schumer, and a technical amendment was introduced by Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (D-WA), and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY).  Tribal council has requested a letter be submitted to the Judiciary Committee in support of this amendment.  Tribal Council has also obtained a resolution in support from the National Congress of the American Indian, and is also requesting a similar resolution from the United Southern and Eastern Tribes (USET).

Regarding the Native Teacher Loan Forgiveness; Tribal Council met with Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Cory Gardener (R-CO), and Congressman Scott Tipton (R-CO); requesting support for H.R. 386- American Indian teacher Loan Forgiveness Act of 2015.

Tribal Council is seeking the FDA approval for Heberprot-B, which is a drug used for the treatment of diabetic ulcers.  Tribal Chief Beverly Cook and Chief Eric Thompson traveled to Cuba in this past fiscal year to explore this new drug and its effectiveness in the treatment of diabetic ulcers; greatly reducing the risk of amputations.  Tribal Council began the dialogue with the Cuban company that’s spearheading the efforts for FDA approval, and has also been instrumental in helping secure approval given the high incidence of diabetes in Indian country.  SRMT has signed a letter of intent with the pharmaceutical company requiring the company to use its best efforts to have Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, NY to be one of the clinical trial facilities.  Syracuse was chosen, as it is the one most central to all of the Haudenosaunee Tribes that could be accessing this new drug.

SRMT Tribal council has continued to voice the lack of accountability and environmental responsibility by GM, Alcoa, and Reynolds factories, in regards to the contamination of water and air contributing to the increase in chronic illnesses within the territory of Akwesasne.  These illnesses include diabetes, thyroid disorders, asthma, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and cancer. Tribal Council attended a Congressional Roundtable meeting on Environmental Justice; and discussions have been started and focused on ways for Tribal Leaders and Congress to work together to overcome the challenges faced with environmental mitigation, as well as to raise awareness of these industries impacts on tribal lands, trust resources, and the health and well-being of tribal communities.

The 2016 Democratic Platform has called for Environmental Justice for Indian Country.  Their platform reads as follows:

• “We are committed to principles of environmental justice in Indian Country and we recognize that nature in all its life forms has the right to exist, persist, maintain, and regenerate its vital cycles. We call for a climate change policy that protects tribal resources, protects tribal health, and provides accountability through accessible, culturally appropriate participation and strong reinforcement.  Our climate change policy will cut carbon emission, address poverty, invest in disadvantaged communities, and improve both air quality and public health. We support the tribal nations to develop wind, solar and other clean energy jobs.”

The SRMT has been pleased with the Obama Administration, Congress, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their responsiveness in engaging and listening to Indian Country, and is looking forward to the continuation of this dialogue with the next administration.  For a full account of the Tribal Council Federal Lobbying Report of January through September 2016, please see the Tribal Clerk.

Sub Chief Cheryl Jacobs provided an update on the Veterans Memorial and some plans for the unveiling.  “We have ordered the panels for the memorial, and we’ll have it delivered one week before Memorial Day.  It is going to be breathtaking.”  CAA Management provided some In Kind contribution, to pour the foundation.  The Shakopee Nation of Minnesota is also sponsoring the SRMT $2,500 if it can be matched by the tribe.  They’re getting close to introducing the next fundraiser for this Veterans Memorial, which will be a Superbowl Fundraiser.  The memorial will be unveiled in conjunction with the 2017 Memorial Day parade.

The floor was opened up for new business, and action items were made for:

• A request for a report on the taxes on the IGA property.
• A request for transparency of funds that would pay for the IGA taxes
• To generate a report for expenditures made on the behalf of Seniors’.

There will be a Public Budget Meeting for the 2017 Tribal Budgets on November 15^th, which all SRMT Tribal Members are urged to attend.  The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe encourages all Tribal members to attend their monthly meetings.  If you cannot do so, you may listen to the recording in the Tribal Clerk’s office during regular business hours.  The December Monthly Tribal Meeting is scheduled for December 10^th, 2016.

BY: Ohseraseia:hawi