Letter to the Editor: Promises to serve Chippewa Cree Tribe

Editor:

Greetings friends and relatives of the Chippewa Cree Tribe,

My name is Dustin J. Whitford and the intention of this letter is to inform the people of the Chippewa Cree Tribe of my recent submittal as a candidate for the open position of Chippewa Cree tribal chairman. In the 26 months of being on the Business Committee I have accomplished a few goals that I have set and would like to highlight those accomplishments in this letter:

• Established and maintained various professional relationships with tribal, state and federal officials.

• Initiated the process of developing a Code of Conduct specific to the Business Committee and got it passed by Resolution 81-13 on June 6, 2013, “Whereby the Chippewa Cree Tribal Business Committee Hereby Adopts The Chippewa Cree Business Committee Code of Conduct.”

• Initiated the process to pass Resolution 50-13, “Whereby the Chippewa Cree Tribal Business Committee Hereby Authorizes Payroll Deduction of Tribal Business Committee Members Payroll in the Event a Business Committee Bypasses the Self-Reliance Review Committee.”

• I have been able to successfully execute three Christmas/winter powwows and two summer annual powwows.

• Initiated and coordinated the first HeHeHealing Our Community Through Wellness Conference.

I do not have any court cases for or against the Chippewa Cree Tribe. I would not dare ask for community support if I was involved in any legal matters against our tribe. I have been able to live for the 32 years of my life in a sober manner, in which I believe I am able to conduct myself and make decisions with a clear mind. I was advised to not make promises as a Business Committee member, but here is a promise that I can make and will never break: I have never sold drugs, nor will I ever sell drugs that poison the minds, bodies, and souls of our people.

If you choose to elect me as the chairman of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, I will:

• Continue to represent the tribe in a manner that is respectful to our tribe,

• Take a proactive approach to help our loved ones adequately address the drug and alcohol ills of our community

• Lead by example to ensure that all programs and employees follow all tribal and federal laws and policies

• Work with all tribal Business Committee members by leading discussions that will help us make better decisions in a way that is respectful, and

• Continue to lobby tribal, state and federal departments for youth activities and services,

• Promise to not abuse my power as I understand the duties and responsibilities of a chairman as stated by the Chippewa Cree tribal constitution and by-laws.

Thank you and let’s continue to work together and pray for a positive future for the Chippewa Cree Tribe.

Dustin J. Whitford

Rocky Boy