1979-01-15 Char-Koosta News

              BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. IGNATIUS. MONTANA PERMIT NO. 1
VOLUME 8
NUMBER 18
FULL MOON OF THE WANDERING
JANUARY 15, 1979
- QUARTERLY MEETING  -
(Busy!  Busy!)
The first Quarterly Council Meeting for 1979 was held on Friday, January 5th at the Hot Springs Community Center.
Numerous topics were discussed, acted upon and referred to committees.
After the reading of minutes, the meeting was opened up to new business. From there on and throughout the day routine dullness never reared its weary head.
Leading off was a suggestion by Councilman Joe McDonald that another Council Meeting a month be considered. He felt it would help alleviate the cramped agenda of two regular meetings and perhaps minimize hasty Council action on serious issues.
Sgt. Micn»el McElderry of the Tribe's Enforcement and Wildlife Division, presented each Councilman with a letter of resignation. This matter was turned over to EDC and a copy of his letter has been printed in this issue of the Char-Koosta, at his request.
Several infractions connected with accidents and deaths of trioal memoers were brought to the Council's attention. A motion was made "to pursue with intent" and seek
outside assistance to investigate jurisdictional disputes and relative to reported problems with other law agencies. This matter was turned over to the Law and Order Committee with the intent of initiating a full investigation.
"Chuck" Tellier brought up the subject of blood quantum in the Tribe's enrollment requirements. It was pointed out that District meetings will have to be included for tribal membership input in developing a referendum before the issue could be presented at the next Quarterly Meeting in April. If the referendum is approved in April then it will be presented to the voting membership at the next election in December. Mr. Tellier has sent in a letter to your Tribal newsletter, also.
The bighorn sheep transplant was dicussed. The Tribal Lawyer, BIA Acting Director are working on an agreement to present to the State Fish and Game Dept. and the Tribe. Time is of essence as the transplant has already been undertaken.
Various other business was acted upon and the final issue was unseating Chairman Swaney.
Swaney Unseated by Council Vote
Thomas "Bearhead" Swaney was stripped of his Council Chairman status at the first Quarterly Council Meeting for 1979.
The action was taken late in the afternoon, following all other business and discussions. The majority of the audi ence had already left the meeting.
Swaney had been requested to voluntarily step down. After statements and brief speeches were heard from Coun-cilmen and the audience and a final statement from "Bear-head" himself, ending with his refusal ro relinquish the po-
sition, a motion was made and voted upon,with a vote of 5 to 2 in favor of his removal. Both Swaney and Hot Springs District Councilman, Tom Pablo, abstained from voting due to their positions as Chairman and Vice-Chairman.
Pablo was appointed Council Chairman and Poison's District Councilman E.W. "Bill" Morigeau was appointed Vice-Chairman. Councilman Laurence Kenmille could not attend the meeting due to a close relative's funeral.
(Continued on page 2)