Comment: I believe the Tribal Council should be mandated to have a roll call vote on every issue that is brought up on the council agenda. This way we will know how our representatives vote on all issues. Not just 5 members for and 2 against. They could hide behind the voting record on hotly contested issues that effect the Tribal membership. They could easily say I voted for that certain issue, and there is no way of knowing the truth on how each council representative voted.

Comment: We need to be better informed of the matters that will heard & acted on by the 3AT's TBC. We need transparency for every facet of the TAT's Administration offices and the Tribal Business Council. We also need to update our accounting policies & procedures. Then make them available to the public. That, my people, is the way to make people held accountable! I want my Councilman to hold a monthly meeting to discuss subjects he has, is, & will be dealing with. All 3AT members need to get involved.

Comment: REE-CALL OF THE CHAIRMAN AND COUNCIALMEN WHO HAVE DIRTY HANDS AND WHO HAVE BENEFITED OFF TRIBAL TRUSTLAND OIL DEALS AND FBRW MILLION SCHEMES.Referadum voting on all issues like 638,oilleaseing, health care,law enforcement other issues that effect the tribal enrollship

Comment: A Ceiling debt for instance the TBC can only accumulate 5 million dollars of debt in a fiscal year. I think our constitution should make enrolled members accountable by enforcing rights. I expect my Councilperson to govern for example appropriate money for government activities and not be involved in thoses activities. No nepotism even though we are all related our TBC should have no ties to Business deals or political appointees.

Comment: What's missing from the constitution? "Tribal members" are missing.The full range & expression of our authority remains excised from this govt. So,we can only watch as our 'sovereign'tribal council is ordered to pay $6.8 million in a casino lawsuit, all attributable to a failure of the "due diligence" they like to vaunt as their so-called "expertise." Hat-in-hand for money from Southern Ute, ML minimizes the the whole fiasco,$6.8 million garnishment and it's impact, as a "temporary disruption."

Comment: A performance measurement standard to ensure that our Leadership is giving information and providing tools for their communities to better their quality of life. It seems as the TBC's only role is to give out loans and jobs. They also need to know what is going on not make the CEO and Casino Manager explain government affairs we did not elect them. I expect every TBC person to make me feel welcome to there Council meetings and not ask me to leave when someone needs a loan if they need it and it is legit then there should be nothing to hide.Its all our money.

Comment: Term Limits some will do what ever it takes to stay in office. New election ordinance we have had so many elections it seems the TBC can get anyone they want elected. TBC to be transparent with the people who elected them.

Comment: We have little spirituality on our reservation. If we did we wouldn't have the problems that are happening. A tribal council member should be mandated to bring every issue to their segments and ask the people to vote on the issue. We have a constitution and it has to be changed (simple)in various areas so that this corrupt state we are in does not ever happen again. This did not happen overnight and now we are suffering because of greediness.

Comment: I like the idea of 2 year terms for council members. I would also like to see electronic voting. Rosebud did it this year and it can be done here. This would be the best way of warding off the evil ones who throw players cash out there like candy. Lets get with it for technology. Or are we that ignorant?

Comment: I think a strong Ethics Ordinance that prevents Conflict of Interest. The Council sat on both sides of the table and negotiated with themselves on these oil deals. I would like to see our TBC have no closed meetings for any reason. Finances, Loans, or Personel is every Tribal Members business.

Comment: To the person that wrote,Question and Answer forum not a debate. I didn't debate anything. You asked the questions, What do you think is missing from 3 Tribes Constitution and I responded, a roll call vote. Do u know what a roll call vote is? The second question was what do you expect from your Elected Tribal Councilperson?, and I responded with accountability,and trust. Not in those exact words, but anyone that knows how to read should have known what I was talking about.  EDITOR: A different person respond strongly about being educated so it was edited out, your response was not taken as a debate their answer was, sorry for the miscommunication.

Comment: A separation of powers in our Constitution. Our TBC has too much power as 'law of the land,' and can no longer be trusted with that much power. I expect honesty, humility, fair play and integrity from all persons who accept the honor and burden of leading the people. In addition to roll call votes, I want ALL TBC minutes AND resolutions posted to the MHA website within two weeks of each meeting. And TBC should be the LAST ones who receive Tribal services, not the first.

Comment: Also, all income to the Tribe and all expenditures by the Tribe should be posted on a monthly basis to the Tribe's website in clear and easy to understand language for each source of income so we can see what's coming in and what's going out and to whom. We also need to rid ourselves of the parasite that is the GM at the Casino before he buys the next election for his collection of puppets, that is, if he has not already done so.

Comment: We have touched on the tribal chairman and the councilman which I agree, however, we are forgetting the Casino GM, who you would think is a councilman not in a good way, he uses the casino to influence decision making by our TBC chairman and TBC members. We need to get a new Casino GM. Seriously. The rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. They are not for the people.

Comment: The constitution is missing a lot of basic ingredients. One of them is the paid position of the general manager of our casino. When someone is allowed to have a job with millions of dollars in their sights it usually a given fact that the $$$ becomes a private acct. We can see that from the Billions that was used to save the car dealers and the hotels plus others we have not heard about. So yes, we need to have a majority vote on the casino position.

Comment: It would be to everyones benefit if your organization would hold a reservation wide meeting to discuss some possible solutions to the issues on this website. This meeting could also be a time to discuss supporting possible candidates for the four upcoming positions on the Tribal Business Council. These candidates will be supported by the people to look out for everyones best interest. This is assuming that the people want change or maybe they like the way there money and resources are being handled.

Comment: What's missing in the TRIBAL CONSTITUTION? THE PEOPLE! The current constitution violates their right to participate and silences them - this TBC knows they only need 4 votes to make decisions. All the previous petitions have resulted in NOTHING. The Constitution has nothing to allow the people to RECALL for corruption or incompetence. Change it before its too late.

Comment: a new govrnmt, the elected will reprst the whole rez not segments, she will: respect our righttoparticipate,require our consent befr she can proceed, legislate and uphold law,adhere to a budget which we approve,defend our waterrights,respect and uphold the law,reprnt us or be recalled, the new consttn will require an annual audit of all fed and trib entities,illegal actions by elected officals or employees will bring in federal investigation and application of law.

Comment: what are you willing to do within fb? be willing to stand up for the truth, be willing to defend the truth-or is someone else suppose to do that for you, this oppressive, system will grow stronger with the incoming oil revenue, people it is time to say enough is enough. it is time to report the wrong doers to the feds and let the abusers take their overdue consequences, why protect a system that produces criminal activity galore, let's stand together and move ahead.

Comment: when are you going to host meetings that off reservation members can attend. It would be beneficial if you would consider hosting informational meetings on the weekend; saturday's would be best, allowing off-rez members to get their and be a part of the solution. Thanks for your site though. It might be helpful to get out a form letter to all concerned members, no matter where they are so they help out.

Comment: In viewing our Trib. Govt, constitution needs to address enforcement of human resource personnel policies. If you read the front pages of the manual, it reads that the TBC has the power to override the HR policies & procedures, rather our tribes should enforce policies or be reprimanded, some consequence. We can only get good qualified workers if our policies adhere to this and not be political or personal. People say SW has wife on salary, so does ML, most of his appointments-either personal or

Comment: People outside ask for info. ML has staff at Bismarck,were they selected on qualifications? His comm. rep wasn't, she's HS dropout. Has job due to Past HR worker VF & Chair even though previously fired for... What does she do to inform Bismarck TAT? Ask WSHIELD how she works,not very popular there. I heard Mark Fox spoke up against things like this at council mtg. and now reprimanded? Where's freedom of speech? Most $$ go to payroll, be productive with qualifications and policies enforced.

Comment: Keep the Enrollment the way it is.. The white man made the blood quantum to eradicate ALL Indians.. If the people were so against it changing in the 1st place then why didnt they vote? Ultimately their "No vote" (meaning they didnt choose to vote) meant they dont care so why spend more money on another election? People have already gotten enrolled under the new requirement. What's the big deal?

Comment: a tat elected offfical or tat employee uses his office for his own personal benefit and gain, obtains free money,houses,autos,unbidded mineral leases, offers or purchases votes via cash, houses, takes tat or fed property as his own, he commits a FEDERAL CRIME against all people of this tribe. record what you know of this corrupt action, this info will kick corruption in the butt 2) help in the effort to place recall language in the current tat constitution. gowits.

Comment: If there is going to be changes made with our current Council we first must get organized, make list of changes that need to be address (work with FACTS only) seek solid legal reprensatation. PLEASE MEMBERS EXCERCISE YOUR VOTE. Much of what you are doing now. Attend and join a land owners associations. (there are a few) Follow through be strong. Stay focused on the goal don't get lost in the fight. Pray often

Comment: This forum can be a good thing for tribal members like myself who have lived off the reservation for most of my adult life. Who established this website? and specifically what is the objective here? I have allot of thoughts and opinions regarding our people and the administration. If some one could answer my questions, I would like to address specific issues. So far from what I have read here, it seems very random.

Comment: You stated big families missing from the meetings, we are watching. This TBC, especially chairman forgets who brought him in and is backstabbing our families. When November comes, hope he doesn't run, knife will come back. His employee recognitions, what a joke, all his cronies;ie-M Danks  is hardly at work, T chairman campaigned with F Fox on oil tax money, Jackie and housing,etc. Is there a part in the constitution for recall of chairman now before he hurts tribes more? Action is needed! Editor: Names edited message stated.

Comment: Landowner Association meeting on Jan 31 @ NT Civic Center squad room @ 2pm CST.Sunday afternoon.Agenda:grazing leases, oil & gas assignments, & Missouri River study. Jeff Hunt, NT Indian Energy Office to provide update on FB oil&gas developments. Established in the 1950's, we are the original landowner association on FB. Goal: provide info to support informed decision-making by individual tribal members & support their capable management of surface & mineral rights. Officers:Roger BB/Val Finley

Comment: What do I think is missing from the Three Afiliated Tribes Constitution? After reading the minutes from the 1/17/2010 meeting...the first thing is we don't have copies of it, and those who may have some familiarity with it do not have a clear understanding of it. Our Constitution needs to written with clarity, without confusion. We should know how many signatures we need to a referandum vote. The need to make changes to this Constitution has been addressed for many years. I remember when my Father Willam Bell Sr. talked about it in the early 1960's. The same problems continue with every TBC. It's time to end that! and that is up to the people. Bless you all!

Comment: Are we as tribal members also considered share holders .And according to certain governing laws.Are we not entitled to receive reports of all actions of our stake in this endevour.

Comment: Hire legit people. Now we have a crooked phony lady lawyer from Denver working for our tribe!

Comment: The chairman should not adjust the minutes of the meetings. The council should not use their elected positions to broker personal deals. White collar crimes hidden underneath a warbonnet you haven't earned the right to wear Chairman. Tribal government should be taught in our high schools so the future elect learns from the past and grows up appreciating and perpetuating what we really stand for. Independant ethics review panel to be a watchdog/oversight committee to these positions hereafter.

Comment: Im all in favor of a Per Cap. But before we get a per cap I believe we should invest our $ into some of the things we need: Better Schools/Education, Better Healthcare facility/service, Better water access, roads, housing etc. We need councilpeople that wont serve self interests but the people. Who will replace the TBC members this upcoming election? Even after this TBC is done the problems will still remain with Corruption of power, its inevitable. Thats why we need a new government. CON'T

Comment: We need more of a check and balance type of gov't. More than likely that will never happen as much as people would like it too. Plain and simple our MHA population is too small for it (roughly 12,000 members). There will always be that corruption in our tribal gov't no matter who's in. I am all for reform, but I am also a realist. If anyone has any Ideas of who would be a good candidate I would like to see some names.

Comment: The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created. RCW 42.30.010

Comment: If you haven’t read our constitution you should, it is simple and vague, thrown together to suit the governments need and to create dissension in the tribes, even though the council could completely rewrite it to join the modern world they do not. Why because it suits them and they can manipulate it for their needs, this site shows how responsible Constitutions should read for native tribes http://thorpe.ou.edu/const.html created by leaders of integrity, remember knowledge is power.

Comment: aikananehkuuNUxtaawira 'aahu niinakUsaahNA na nikutuutaanu ceesu (don't let them get the best of you what ever they do, you'll do that yourself) from the arikara story of "young hawk and the power he lost" this time is the best time to be heard your signature will carve the future with this, the people will decide their future, WHITE SHIELD MARCH 11TH 6PM look for the geese to carry your message and your innervoice

Comment: 'We the people of the Cherokee Nation, in order to preserve and enrich our tribalculture, achieve and maintain a desirable measure of prosperity, insure tranquility and to secure to ourselves and our posterity the blessings of freedom, acknowledging, with humility and gratitude, the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in permitting us so to do, and imploring his aid and guidance in its accomplishment--do ordain and establish this Constitution for the government of the Cherokee Nation

Comment: the council, the chairman, must realize they are not capable of advancing our en devour, in the grand scheme. the people now know this! this is a handicap and you should not feel shame but realize that our ignorance is being capitalized upon, ignorance is merely a word to describe lack of knowledge. you are dealing with the best of the best, educate members and hire talent that can deal with creating a long term plan. Do what is right. powers that be, protect us, for our future is at stake

Comment: our land is sacred, those gone watch us, the forked tongue divides us

Comment: The Tribe will fire the whistle blower and maintain the quiet tribal employees who say nothing in fear of retaliation. the people need to unite in a good way and someone needs to be brave enough and step up to the plate and then they need to keep their word. the people will follow.

Comment: our rez is such a sad place with so much corruption and disrespect from the youth. the chairman had a meeting in fargo N.D march 16, he made refrence to us living "in the real world" well then does living on the rez mean thats Neverland? as a member who lives off the rez I need help too but I'm always told I need to live on the rez to get help...some of us would like to help but no one asks us. God bless you all for trying to make a change that needs to happen soon so we don't look like a dog chasing his tail all the time...foolish

Comment: Sounds like you all have a bunch of "Ponzi Schemers" on your hands.

Comment: As an enrolled member of the MHA nation, I have some concerns. The people of the MHA nation need to take action and do what the Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribe did. They just held a rally this past week and they demanded that their Chairman be removed. That goes for the TBC also, we all know they have failed to exercise adequate oversight over the MHA nation's financial operations. Let's get the IRS involved, enough of this BS.

Comment: Another thing with these Oil and Gas meetings-that are being held in Bismarck and Fargo. I'm ashamed to have these fellow enrolled members who are in charge of seperate businesses. Giving their presentations still hungover after they have been damn drinking all night. You all get a C' MON man, your representing US-the MHA nation for crying out loud, be god damn professional. If you can't then maybe you should'nt have your position, same goes for the Tribal leaders.

Comment: Let some real leaders get in their and show you how it's done. Come on members of the MHA nation, let's hold a rally, get the IRS involved, go to the higher-ups and get the MHA nation back in the members hands. HOKA-HEY!!!

Comment: "A problem cannot be solved at the same level of consciousness that created it." Einstein Insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting changes, where are we headed. Pray hard and stay positive, we can make a change.

Comment: Well here we are.. what a shame! A means to an end? So much supposed opportunity and in despair? Whats next? Everyone wants to be a big shot? Everyone wants a job but nobody can show up for work? Everyone wants an oil well but nobody wants to invest in the future of our communities? Alot of hopes and dreams are rolling down the road in those oil trucks! There goes your home, education, and family too! How many generations will pass before we have nothing and nobody left to share it with?

Comment: As for the constitution..It should change right along with the needs of the people. NOT the personal twisted agendas of a few to manipulate and twist it for personal gain. Every generation needs to have a voice that breaths life into that document. Those that came before, those here now and those still to be born. A foundation. Maybe it would be good to post the constitution on this site and lets look to see what kind of guiding light it really is? Who actually wrote it and why do we need it?

Comment: Well Lets have a RALLY, these words on this page it not doing anything for us. It's just feeding in to the TBC and they like that fact, its just talk and no action. Im Tired of this B S.. DO SOMETHING INNERVOICE OR ARE YOU JUST TALK TOO.......

Comment: As I commented on the comments page, we need a vote of the Tribal Members to stop the spending of our Tribal Income from Oil Royalties and other Tribal Incomes. We did not authorize the TBC to spend our money, I know I need my share of income off of the oil to support my family. We need to refer this to a vote on the upcoming election to have the Tribe stop spending our royalties and have those funds full paid out to each individual Tribal member on a monthly or quarterly per capita payment.

Comment: As I commented on the comments page, we need a vote of the Tribal Members to stop the spending of our Tribal Income from Oil Royalties and other Tribal Incomes. We did not authorize the TBC to spend our money, I know I need my share of income off of the oil to support my family. We need to refer this to a vote on the upcoming election to have the Tribe stop spending our royalties and have those funds full paid out to each individual Tribal member on a monthly or quarterly per capita payment.

Comment: As I commented on the comments page, we need a vote of the Tribal Members to stop the spending of our Tribal Income from Oil Royalties and other Tribal Incomes. We did not authorize the TBC to spend our money, I know I need my share of income off of the oil to support my family. We need to refer this to a vote on the upcoming election to have the Tribe stop spending our royalties and have those funds full paid out to each individual Tribal member on a monthly or quarterly per capita payment.

Comment: 1. What do you think is missing from our constitution. * A means of recall for not only TBC Members and the Chair but also for incompetent program Directors, managers and administrative support Staff. * Separation of Powers and creation of an independent Judiciary and law Enforcement. 2. What do you expect from your elected tribal Councilperson! * An end to nepotism and/or favoritism in regard to awarding of Jobs and political favors.

Comment: Obligations of the True Path Walkers To bring back the natural harmony that humans once enjoyed. To save the planet from present practices of destruction. To find and re-employ real truth. To promote true balance between both genders. To share and be less materialistic. To become rid of prejudice. To learn to be related.To be kind to animals and take no more than we need. To play with one's children and love each equally and fairly. To be brave and courageous, enough so, to take a stand and make a commitment. To understand what Generations Unborn really means. To accept the Great Mystery in order to end foolish argument over religion

Comment: Something is wrong when Native people neglect their own. Whether it be by shear ignorance, or calculated decision making. People are living in poverty on our reservation while others drive new cars. People are living with alcoholism, drug addictions and people look down upon them. Our elders are slowly leaving us and no one is their to keep the values and the virtues of what makes us different then other races in tact. its our generation which means its our time to lead, and not just be carried

Comment: First of all, can you put a copy of the TAT Constitution on your web page. That way we could see what is missing. Can you post all other information that we as members are responsible to see and understand. This is information that I can't walk into any tribal office and get. Is this top secret? So help us understand by giving us the tools to work with. Thank you Innervoice for your representation. Gowitz - LRS-Metsi Noga Mea

Comment: This is exactly how they divert your attention away. This is exactly how they want us to react. Meanwhile they will take whatever they can, while we fight among ourselves.

Comment: I am reading where a lot of people are unsatisfied with our tribal politics including our current and past Tribal Business Council leaders(this is how we got to where we are today). I think Innervoice is a good group of people trying to make a differance with tribal politics and getting the word out. Now! It is your turn to help out. Call the tribal building at 701-627-8100 ask for the secretary's office to get your absentee ballot AND cast Your Vote. You too can make a differance.

Comment: There is nothing wrong with the way tribal government is running. I have a well paid job with the tribe and it is running just fine.

Comment: “Just in Case”. The key to this statement is; “I have a WELL PAYING job with the tribe and it is running just fine.” “There is nothing wrong with the way tribal government is running.” (“!,?”). “The only things for sure my friend, nothing stays the same. Good Luck.

Comment: “Just in Case”. The key to this statement is; “I have a WELL PAYING job with the tribe and it is running just fine.” “There is nothing wrong with the way tribal government is running.” (“!,?”). “The only things for sure my friend, nothing stays the same. Good Luck.

Comment: “Just in Case”. The key to this statement is; “I have a WELL PAYING job with the tribe and it is running just fine.” “There is nothing wrong with the way tribal government is running.” (“!,?”). “The only things for sure my friend, nothing stays the same. Good Luck.

Comment: Aside from the obvious public recall/referendum omissions from the constitution, I strongly suggest separation of depts(powers) i.e. tribal court, council, and NO EXECUTIVE SESSIONS, that is all open meetings of ANY councilpersons. I personally plan to DEMAND the next person running for a council seat to PROMISE in writing to submit a tribal constitution reform agenda prior to being sworn in. Who else is with me

Comment: FYI... For peeps living off the reservation. Here is what the TAT BC is proposing on this years election ordinance- "Nonresident Voters: Each qualified voter, who is not a legal resident of the Fort Berthold Reservation on the date of an election, whether a primary or a general election, shall return to the reservation in order to vote in the election and shall register to vote and cast his/her ballot at the appropriate polling place on the date of the election.

Comment: NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TAT CODE OF LAWS... included in this is the Election Ordinance.. Currently this is a proposed draft and most likely it will carry through and become law. Anyone who 'really' cares about your 'rights' or the way the Tribal Business Council is operating this place will make it a special trip back to your roots to Vote. So please start saving up your money and make plans to come back to the Fort for your vote and maybe together we'll straighten things out.

Comment: Where and when do we vote? Do we vote for in the last place of residence on the Rez? Can you please give me a date so that I can make sure I make it? Thanks in advance.

Comment: I was up at the casino recently and could not believe the poor quality of service from all areas, then I seen a picture of the Chairman handing the GM a star quilt and $5,000 for all the good work he has done, WOW what is wrong with this picture, I did fill out a comment card but have not heard back, but man our casino could do so much better they need drive down to Prairie Knights for themselves and see how to run a casino they've got it going on.

Comment: A few years ago after I reached 50 y o, I wrote a Letter To The Editor in the New Town News, an article pertaining to how terrible OUR Casino is. I conclude finally that the best solution to the bad everything at OUR Casino is to replace the GM. He fails to realize that his mgt this is a reflection of all TAT members. If this is his best performance, then he is extremely limited in his capacities & needs to be replaced. Simple as that!

Comment: OUR People have always had concerns about the overall operation of OUR Casino, knowing for a fact that it could be much better. However, a major concern is the bottom line. What’s the total figures at the bottom of the page? (gross & net). This figure should & could be made available to all enrolled members at any time, when any one of US wants to know it, WE just need to get the right Leadership personnel in there controlling it. That's up to US at election time.

Comment: Out there driving around on a daily bases, I see all the transpired influx from this oil boom. The majority of these people working in the oil field are non-enrolled TAT members, getting rich off OUR land & resources, while the majority of OUR People continue to suffer in various ways. This is not right! WE need proper Leadership in there to do OUR People Justice.

Comment: What I expect from my council person is a sober mind with sincere honest concerns for the PEOPLE & OUR TRIBAL WAYS OF LIFE, along with a back bone to stand on OUR behalf. To be like this, they best be educated.

Comment: What is a Constitutional Government? John Adams described it as a "government of laws, and not of men." The head of state must govern according to the existing law of the land or constitution. This guard the citizens from what is known as majoritarianism. Currently as is, any group can rule TAT, not just the TBC. TRIBAL MEMBERS must revise & update OUR Constitution. True Leaders encourage TAT's Revised Constitution to expediently exist.