We all know that the war rages on for the have’s and have not’s. We have seen the force of privilege used throughout history and many of our citizens have been on the receiving end of nothing but hardship and discrimination. These practices continue to be perpetuated by our own tribe through partial treatment for those residing in the service area. I recognize that some funding requires this treatment. However, the funding in question DOES NOT.

I am imploring you, the Board of Directors, to consider the tribal citizens who reside out of the service area as they contemplate how to distribute the monies received from the federal government related to COVID assistance/relief. Each dollar received was for the purpose of helping our citizens. In this particular case, each citizen should be regarded equally, because they can be. You have been granted a leadership position within our tribe, so you get to decide. The question is, “Will you perpetuate unfair treatment?”

For long enough tribal people have been made to feel “less than”. We have struggled and clawed and scratched just to be equal. You have the opportunity to acknowledge that our citizens, regardless of where they reside are all equal in the eyes of the Sault Tribe. A lesson that needs to be reiterated to tribal citizens AND the Federal government.

There are not many benefits for those living outside the service area. Those of us who do not reside there understand the difference each time we make a purchase where we cannot claim a tax benefit. We understand the difference each time one of us has a hard time paying our utilities and are not eligible for the community service block grant or other formula grants afforded the tribe. We understand the difference each time our family has to travel hundreds of miles to get the medications they need from the tribal pharmacy. We understand the difference each time we purchase gasoline. Struggle knows no geographical limits.

You have the ability to make decisions that affect over 40,000 tribal citizens with one decision. As stated previously, you have the ability to provide meaningful assistance to ALL tribal citizens. You are typically constrained by Federal law and regulation. We know from experience that these opportunities do not come around often! I am urging you to provide $2000 per person residing outside of the service area. It is time, and you have the unprecedented opportunity, to stop treating each other as “less than”.

Vote to approve $2000 for out of service area citizens.