Tensions Run High At TEB

By Christian Hustad

This week’s Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board meeting started with a bang when Councilwoman Patt Iron Cloud requested a previous meeting’s resolution be placed on the current agenda.

The resolution was regarding the dismissal of the BP Construction lawsuit. Iron Cloud’s motion failed, but tension rose further when members of the board argued that she stop her live recording of the board meeting, since Sgt. At Arms Bruce “Cubby” Damon provides a feed of the board meetings on Facebook.

Chairman Floyd Azure reminded the councilwoman about the laws regarding live recordings which state that board members must request permission from all other members to record a session.

This prompted Iron Cloud to stand from her seat in protest.

Azure then called for a recess.

Once the meeting resumed, councilman Bryce Kirk persuaded Iron Cloud to stop her recording and the board continued per usual.

After that, the director of Indian Health Services addressed the board. Dennis Fourbear stepped down from the position, which is now held by Jackie Hippe.

Hippe provided a quick update on the Poplar Hospital and answered questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and if young people were having any bad reactions to it. After an endorsement of the vaccines and boosters, Hippe ended her address and the board moved on to committee resolutions.

The board passed a resolution from the economic development committee that grants a star quilt and a $500 donation made to Jennifer Boxer in honor and memory of Loretta Bearclub since Boxer was taking care of her during her final years.

Later, a very similar resolution was passed where Yvonne Shields received the same gift in honor of Caleb Shields.