Tribal Executive Board Talks Fires, Azure Censured
The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board heard from Bureau of Indian Affairs Superintendent Anna Eder during the chairman’s report on Monday, July 26. Since July 1, there have been 29 fires in the area that have affected 653 acres. The burn ban remans in effect across the local counties which are under stage 1 fire restrictions.
Eder followed with the state of the tribal foster system, saying that more foster homes are needed on the reservation along with additional foster home licensing outreach. The board later passed a resolution to approve two renewal licenses for foster homes.
The board proceeded to committee resolutions, starting with a motion to approve the proclamation of the next general election on Oct 30.
During economic development, the board authorized the utilization of tribal land for the new Wolf Point Child Care Center.
During law and justice, the board put Chairman Floyd Azure on notice for allegedly violating his code of ethics. Board members alleged that Azure contacted BP Construction’s legal representative Neil Westerson regarding the active litigation between BP and the Fort Peck Tribes.
“You are the chairman of this tribe, not of BP Construction. You represent over 14,000 people, your interest should totally be in this tribe,” Councilwoman Patt Runs Through said in opening the discussion. “You sir are out of line,” she added. “You have no right to do that.”
An approved motion requires that Azure not involve himself with any court or legal action with BP. Should he not honor the decision, he will be suspended without pay. Neither Azure or any of the board members who voted against the resolution made a comment on the allegations.
Finally, the board amended the amounts set for the American Rescue Plan Act, through which children 17 and under may receive $400 and adults may receive $800. The application for the funds will be available starting July 27 at the tribal office and may be found online soon after. ARPA checks will be sent out on Aug 10.
