My name is not important. What is, however, is the story I have to tell and the fight I am determined to win. As a former employee of a tribal institution, I sought assistance from the Human Resources department to address issues and corruption I encountered in the workplace. Instead of seeing necessary reforms, my disclosures resulted in retaliation. The director altered and erased records of my time and attendance, denied me access to my annual leave, locked me out of my workplace, and falsely terminated my employment. In an extreme act of violation, false narratives were provided to state agencies in attempt to mask the corruption inherent within the system.

These gross violations of employee civil rights cannot be ignored, and they cannot be hidden behind the veil of tribal sovereignty. It is time for tribal institutions to be held accountable for the harassment and mistreatment of their employees and members. Unfortunately, my case isn't unique. Many employees are marginalized and deprived their rights, with tribal sovereignty used as a shield from accountability and justice.

The United States Department of Justice notes that in 2018, there were over 6,800 instances of workplace retaliation, proving that this is not an isolated incident but indicative of a systemic problem. Without the necessary checks and balances, tribal organizations become fertile ground for such abuses of power.

This impunity must end, and tribes must be held accountable for violating civil rights. Hence, we petition our state representatives to pass legislation that ensures more diligent oversight of tribal institutions to protect the rights and wellbeing of all their employees and members. Your signature can have an impact. Help us to fight for justice, to ensure that no one else experiences what I have endured. Please, sign this petition now.