1978-08-01 Char-Koosta News

              BULK RATE U.S. POSTAGE PAID ST. IGNATIUS, MONTANA PERMIT NO. 1 59865
VOLUME 8     NUMBER 7 FULL MOON OF THE HUCKLEBERRY AUGUST 1, 1978
—Kerr Dam Negotiations—
Negotiations between Tribal Officials, Montana Power Co. and Federal Energy Commission i representatives on July 12th, on the Kerr Dam lease adjustment for the years 1969 to 1979, resulted in an "impasse", according to Council Chairman Thomas "Bearhead" Swaney.
The meeting was held at Montana Power Co. offices in Butte and was reported to have been "cordial". There is a possibility that another meeting will be scheduled for further negotiations. If no agreement can be reached, the lease adjustment dispute will have to be settled by the Federal Energy Commission.
One provision of the Federal Power Commission license for the 50-year lease between the Tribe and Montana Power, requires that MPC renegotiates it's lease of the Kerr Dam
site every ten years.
The Federal Power Commission increased the annual rental from $235,000 to $950,000 in a lease adjustment for the 1959 to 1969 10-year period,after the Tribe and Montana Power failed to reach an agreement in the late 1960's.
Tribal Officials have remained silent on the sum they are bargaining for on the 1969 through 1979 lease adjustment.
Should the settlement include an additional increase, Montana Power would be required to pay the adjusted difference, which would be retroactive to 1969.
The Tribe and Montana Power Co. have both filed applications for the Kerr Dam operation after 1980, when the 50-year license issued in 1930, will expire.
Remains
Councilman Noel Pichette from the St.Ignatius District will remain on the Tribal Council.
It was reported that Councilman Pichette tore up his letter of resignation, during the Executive session held just prior to the regular Council meeting on Friday, July 21st.
Attention
There will be a meeting at the St. Ignatius Community Center on Aug. 7th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Indian water and sewage for HUD housing.
The public is invited to attend this meeting.
-LONG JOURNEY IS OVER-
"The Longest Walk" arrived in Washington D.C. on July 15th, after five months from its' starting point in San Francisco on February 11th.
Protesting legislation that directly threatens and oppresses Indian rights established in treaties, was the main purpose for the walk.
Some issues discussed during workshops were sterilization, genocide, sovereignty, education survival and legislative reviews.
After a number of speakers were heard at Lafayette Park, a Native American Manifesto was presented to senators and congressmen.
Proceeds from a benefit concert at the Washington D.C. Armory on July 23rd and a 10-round exhibition fight with ex-heavy weight champion Muhammed Ali participating, will be used to help finance the walkers return home.
Three thousand walkers have taken an active part in the coast to coast journey.