Follow-Up Response From Membership Regarding Christmas Distribution Petition

Subject: Follow-Up Response From Membership Regarding Christmas Distribution Petition

Dear Chief & Council,

Thank you for taking the time to respond to the petition submitted by Taykwa Tagamou Nation members. We appreciate your acknowledgment and the work you each do on behalf of the Nation.

However, as membership, we feel it is important to clearly express why we requested a Christmas distribution and why this matter has become so significant to many households within our community.

Reasons for Our Request
      1.    Membership funds are being used to benefit non-band members.
Many members have observed non-band employees receiving financial benefits, holiday bonuses, and other supports that come from Nation revenues and resources. We respectfully ask for clarity on:
      •     How many non-band employees received Christmas bonuses funded from membership dollars?
      •     How many affiliates or non-member contractors receive payments or benefits from Nation funds?
      2.    Membership has witnessed spending that does not directly support registered members.
Members have repeatedly seen resources being used for:
      •     VIP seating and box access at hockey games
      •     Travel, entertainment, and hospitality used by leadership, family members, friends, and non-band individuals
These choices have created frustration because they appear to use community money while many band members continue to struggle with basic needs such as food, winter clothing, heating costs, and holiday essentials.
      3.    We feel the treatment between members and non-members is unequal.
Many of us feel we are not being prioritized, despite being the people for whom Taykwa Tagamou Nation exists. We are not questioning the need to hire skilled workers or professionals—rather, we are asking why non-members are receiving benefits before or above the actual registered members of our Nation.
      4.    Families are struggling right now.
This year, many households are facing:
      •     High food prices
      •     Increased cost of winter clothing
      •     Rising fuel and travel expenses
      •     Holiday costs that parents and caregivers cannot meet
A Christmas distribution would directly help families put food on the table, provide for their children, and bring relief during a time of hardship.
      5.    As membership, we deserve transparency, fairness, and support.
We are not asking for anything unreasonable. We are simply asking that registered members—our elders, parents, youth, and families—receive a share of the resources that are meant for us.

Our Purpose Moving Forward

We want to make it very clear:
This petition is not intended to divide the community or create conflict.
It is an effort to stand up for fairness, transparency, and equal treatment for the very people who belong to Taykwa Tagamou Nation.

We are respectfully requesting that leadership reconsider their position, review current spending priorities, and acknowledge the needs of members during this difficult time of year.

We thank you again for responding and for hearing the voices of the people. We truly hope this message will help leadership understand why this request matters so deeply to the membership.

Sincerely,
The Members of Taykwa Tagamou Nation Who Signed the Petition