The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal(SRMT) council Chiefs say they have an on-going commitment to diversify and generate revenue to meet the growing needs of the Akwesasne community. A statement that was recently made by SRMT Chief Ron Lafrance via press release, sent out on April 29th, 2016. Lafrance was responding to an ethics complaint filed last month by community member Ruth Bell, to the Tribe’s Ethics Ordinance. The complaint, which has been filed against Chief Ron Lafrance, Chief Beverly Cook and Chief Eric Thompson, primarily focuses on the ‘Oath of Office’, alleged impropriety, and alleged misappropriation of tribal funds.
The press release was prompted after reports about the complaint surfaced in the community’s media. It has also been addressed openly on various social media sites. Prior to the complaint being filed, concerns over similar issues were raised publicly through ‘anonymous letters’ that were distributed via social media too.
However, the complainant, Bell, stated in the local newspaper that she believes the three elected Chiefs have failed to be accountable to Tribal membership as stated in the Oath of Office. Bell reiterated the oath, ‘I do solemnly swear to uphold the Laws, Customs and Traditions of the People of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Community of Akwesasne.”
Therefore, in order to clear up any confusion of any of the purported decisions, a statement was made in regards to the allegations of an investment into a soy bean production plant, the renting and housing of the Seaway Valley Ambulance, and individual insurance coverage.
Chief Lafrance explains that the Ethics Ordinance, the process and what that entails, as well as the Chief’s commitment to honoring the Ethics Ordinance review process into said allegations, may take up to 31 days.
With regards to the investment in a soy bean production plant, discussions were held with the Tewatahonni Corporation, which is the for-profit Tribal entity that is tasked with the oversight and administration of the SRMT revenue generating operations, (i.e. Mohawk Networks, LLC; Mohawk Gaming Enterprises, LLC). Chief Lafrance stated, “the investment is likely to generate a significant financial return to the Tribe and create employment, so the corporation approved the creation of another subsidiary called “Mohawk Soy†to facilitate the investment.” Lafrance says it’s not a budget expenditure covered by the Procedures Act, and supports the Tribe’s ongoing efforts to diversify our revenue to meet the needs of our growing community.
In response to the renting and housing of the Seaway Valley Ambulance, Chief Lafrance says, “efforts were undertaken to situate an ambulance unit in a centralized location of the community to decrease emergency response times. Following several site visits that entailed an engineering analysis of one structure, an ideal location was identified that met all of our requirements to provide for the operation of an ambulance unit.
Negotiations with the property owner were conducted in a professional manner, with the owner agreeing to make improvements for the added safety of ambulance workers.â€
For the third allegation of individual health coverage, according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), it is illegal to respond either way to this allegation, as it is an individual right that is protected by federal law.
Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Chiefs say they invite all community members to the May 14th Tribal monthly meeting, where Chris Thompson, the Director of the SRMT Office of Economic Development, will provide even further updates on the Mohawk Soy venture. The investment agreement includes public non-disclosure provisions, so tribal members are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more details.
“The Ethics Ordinance was developed to ensure accountability to membership and that the highest standard of conduct, honesty and integrity is upheld by elected officials,†said Tribal Chief Lafrance. He added, “it is an independent and autonomous process that protects the interests of all members and the reputation and integrity of the tribal government. The process is supposed to be confidential and entails an initial review of the allegations to determine the complaint’s merit.”
Tribal Chief Lafrance, as well as Chief’s Beverly Cook and Eric Thompson, say they will honor the review process and look forward to the Ethics Officer’s findings. Given the nature of the complaint, the confidentiality requirement, and the timing of its filing however, Chief Lafrance is hoping to correct the misinformation by reiterating information presented to membership at the April 2016 monthly Tribal Meeting.
“As elected leaders, we continue to keep our doors open to hear from community members,” said Lafrance.
Written by: Ohseraséia:hawi
Editor: Regan Jacobs
Please send comments or questions to reganjacobs@akwesasnetv.com
