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Tennessee Native American Convention MEETING: January 17, 2004, 10:00 A.M. The following persons were present. (Total, 51)
Submitted by: Brent Cox, Secretary/Treasurer, T.N.N.A.C. -------------------------------------------------------- MINUTES - TENNESSEE NATIVE AMERICAN CONVENTION - 17 January 2004 Meeting 10:00 A.M. - M.T.S.U. Murfreesboro, Tennessee ATTENDANCE:
GUESTS: Shelley Allen, Jean Aseret, Chelie Britt, Diane Caldwell, Norman Clayton, Melba Coates Eads, Jesse Garland, Jeremy Meeks, Tim Meeks, Eddie Nickens, Sherry Nickens, Christian Smith, Ron Smith, Aaron Stewart, Kathy Stewart, David Walker, Engibe Walker, Ron Williams
A prayer was given by Helen Wagner Vinson. Everybody was offered the opportunity to smudge. Motion to accept minutes of the October 25 2003 meeting at M.T.S.U. Vicky Garland made motion and Joe McCaleb seconded the motion which carried.
Check in by areas: Motion to accept resignations of Joseph Walters/Humboldt, Kathy Shassere/Memphis, John Hedgecoth/Kingsport, Joe McCaleb/at large member. Vicky Garland made motion, Joe McCaleb seconded the motion which carried. Motion to accept promotions of Lynn Clayton, Christin Dingus, Ron Lema Introductions of everyone in the room - 50 present.
The officers of TNNAC mentioned that there was a video being made of the meeting by Teri Ellenwood.
Financial Report: Brent Cox (Sec/Tres) Balance $353.66, hat passed around - 89.12, or total $442.78
Motion to accept the Agenda of Meeting-January 17, 2004 as proposed on handout.
Break for Lunch at 11:10 PUBLIC CONFERENCE - addressing TNNAC policies and referendums. Sandi Perry reported on the upcoming Public Forum, and has reserved Baxter Alternative School at 3515 Gallatin Road, Englewood Tennessee. March 27, 2004. Motion to accept by Joe McCaleb, second by Valerie Ohle, motion passed. 1. A long discussion broke out about the nature of the public forum and who would moderate the event. Valerie Ohle made a motion for a neutral moderator to be appointed for the public forum. Sandi Perry seconded. Vote 6 to 7, did not pass. Motion again with Joe McCaleb as neutral moderator. Motion passed. Some felt that the board officers should serve as moderators, and a lengthy discussion began. It was suggested that Joe McCaleb serve as a neutral moderator, and he accepted this proposal.
2. It was decided that if an individual could not attend the public forum, they could send看questions through their Caucus chair or officers to be presented at the event. 3. Dale Mitchell suggested using radio and newspapers to publicize the forum. Sandi Perry makes a motion to accept the proposal, Ron Lema second, motion passed. BREAK: 1:32 P.M. Call to Order: 1:45 P.M. Ethics and Protocol Committee (Brent Cox, Doug Kirby, Joe McCaleb, Tina Mote, Valerie Ohle, Melissa Shelby, Cleata Townsend, Ed Vinson)
An Ethics proposal was given by Valerie Ohle and reworded for application to TNNAC. * It was agreed that the Ethics and Protocol Committee retype for members to sign at the next scheduled meeting.
Handout the proposal. tom kunesh suggested we table the Ethics proposal until next meeting. Ed Vinson suggested that the proposal be read. Valerie Ohle suggested it be read, and it was read by her. TNNAC CODE OF ETHICS - Adopted January 17, 2004 We subscribe to these principles: * Self-determination and freedom are inherent human rights, but are also fragile and can be lost through neglect or abuse. * Self-determination and freedom require responsibility. * Self-determination and freedom can be best maintained and nurtured through the democratic process. The success of the democratic process requires fair and open elections that accurately reflect the intent of the electorate. Therefore, it is our unique role as elections officials to serve as the gatekeepers of Democracy. It is our sacred honor to protect and promote public trust and confidence by our conduct of accurate and fair elections. As the public's guardians of self-determination and freedom within a democratic society, we are responsible for the integrity of the process. Our role demands that these principles must be placed above personal or partisan gain. Nurturing or protecting Democracy is a team effort in the profession of elections administration. Our task requires wisdom, courage, and the desire to remain focused on our vision of free and impartial elections despite changes in our society and its laws. By dedicated adherence to these Principles and Standards of Conduct, we demonstrate loyalty to self- determination and freedom, pride in our office and a committment to the excellence of the 看 democratic process. STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTIONS / REGISTRATION OFFICIALS My personal Pledge to Self-determination and Freedom, Democracy and my Office * I uphold the Constitution of the United States, the Consitution of the State of Tennessee, and the laws, policies and court decisions of federal, state and local jurisdictions; * I commit to excellence and competence by maintaining the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the elections process to the best of my abilities; * I am accountable for maintaining public confidence in honest and impartial elections that I conduct in a fair, efficient and accurate manner; * I dignify voters by providing equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process; * I am responsible for just and equitable treatment of the general public, elected officials and members of my office; * I manifest a positive role in community relations by being accessible and receptive to both看individuals and groups; * I have the courage and stamina to protect the public's interest from manipulation for personal or看partisan gain while respecting the rights of all; * I am flexible and innovative within the framework of the law in carrying out my duties on behalf of the public's interest; * I conduct all fiscal activities with wisdom and integrity, and I am accountable for all funds and resources committed to my charge; * I maintain a productive and efficient operation through a well-managed elections environment; * I endeavor to maintain the highest level of integrity in performing all duties of my office. TNNAC BOARD MEMBER CODE OF ETHICS PLEDGE I pledge: * To conduct myself professionally, with truth, accuracy, fairness, and responsibility to the public; * To improve my individual competence and advance my knowledge and proficiency to the best看of my abilities; * To adhere to the articles of the Code of Ethics for the practice of election representation as看adopted by the board of the Tennessee Native American Convention. * To conduct myself in such a way that my speech, acts, and other communications are honest and trustworthy, able to nurture a culture of truth and reliability; * To not accept any financial or other obligation to individuals or organizations which could lead me to act unethically in my duties and responsibilities; * To make impartial choices which do not show favor to any entity; * To recognize my accountability to the public interest regarding the release of information; * To recognize that I am accountable for my decisions and actions. SIGNATURE________________________ DATE______________________________ This proposal was created by the Ethics and Protocol Committee of TNNAC, January 17, 2004.
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Break: 3:10 P.M. Central time Passed the hat for donations and $89.12 was given by those who attended. TERI ELLENWOOD POLL: tabled last meeting and to be discussed 1-17-2004. 1. How should the poll be handled? It was decided that TNNAC board members would use it as a straw poll. Each decision would be tabled until the next quarterly meeting. 2. Teri Ellenwood spoke of how the poll came about: she said persons in her region gave her the questions and she accumulated them to be addressed by the TNNAC board or Convention, 2003. Said she preferred a written poll and not the internet. She said the questions were not necessarily hers.
3. Valerie Ohle said let Teri take questions.
*No overlapping of officers between TNNAC, ACTIA, TCIA. 6. All should work together to recruit new people. passed in a straw poll
7. The names of TNNAC, TCIA, ACTIA are too much alike. Some mentioned that they thought the ACTIA should be elected persons only, or total removal of the ACTIA. 8. The Tennessee Native American Convention and the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs should work together better. A report was given at the TNNAC January 17th meeting by Evangeline W. Lynch, commissioner of Indian Affairs. The board decided to revist this question later. 9. The Advisory Council should have separate elections from the Commission. This issue was tabled. 10. There is a requirement of a six month residency in Tennessee in order to be a TNNAC board member. An nominee for a board position (Caucus officers) must provide candidacy one month in advance of the election. Agreed on a 6 month residency in the straw poll.
11. The rest of Teri Ellenwood's poll was placed at the top of old business at the next quarterly meeting of TNNAC. Vicky Garland moved. Joe McCaleb seconded.
REPORT OF POSSIBLE SEPARATION OF THE TREASURER AND SECRETARY OFFICER
Article 6. Meetings. Sandi Perry seconded. Motion passes unanimous. 看 At this point, Chair tom kunesh requested that Teri Ellenwood turn off the video cameria due to the nature of the next issue: A complaint from Gene Branson on the supposed actions of TNNAC Board Chair tom kunesh. The camera was turned off. Vicky Garland moved to go into executive session. Lynn Clayton seconded the motion. All voted for executive session except for Valerie Ohle. At 4:28, The Tennessee Native American Board went into executive session 1. tom kunesh steps down giving Vicky Garland the Chair. 2. Vicky received the letter of complaint January 9, 2004. Everyboby was given a copy of the complaint. She said it could be put off to next meeting or dealt with at present. tom kunesh requested that it be dealt with immediately. A lengthy discussion broke out among board members about the article in the Tennessean where a reporter spoke with tom kunesh regarding the supposed secret meeting of the commissioners at Jimmy Reedy's home. tom kunesh replied to the complaint of Gene Branson. 3. Joe McCaleb suggested that tom kunesh apologize to the Tennessee Native American community for not requesting a retraction on the article in the Tennessean. This letter is to be sent by email to Native Americans involved in the three organizations and to the Nashville Tennessean. Valerie Ohle moved to accept Joe's suggestion. Joe McCaleb seconded the motion. All vote yes except for Brent Cox. 4. Joe McCaleb moved that it is the concensus of the TNNAC board that Gene Branson's letter is not substantiated and should be addressed by the board. The board thoroughly discussed the letter. The board found that there was no gross misconduct or negligence of duty by tom kunesh, therefore no charges will be drawn on Kunesh by the board in the future in regard to Gene Branson's letter of complaint. Lynn Clayton seconded the motion which passed, unanimous. A 10 minute break: 6:12 P.M. call to order: 6:22 P.M. It was decided that the next quarterly meeting of TNNAC would be at 10:00 A.M. (Central Time) at M.T.S.U. on April 24, 2004. A general applause of thanks was given to out going member at large Joe McCaleb. He was thanked by all for his services, and a standing ovation was given in his honor. Sandi Perry and Valerie Ohle mentioned the voter registration drive for clemency of Leonard Peltier and requested support. The TNNAC board agreed to bring this issue up at the next meeting. End of meeting: 6:48 P.M. Central Time ----------------------------------------------
Meeting January 17, 2004
Prayer- Helen Wagner Vinson Check-in by Areas
Officers Reports Introductions.
Doug Kirby requested a Committee Break out session.
Financial Report/ Brent Cox Melissa ask about Grants. Discuss at next meeting.
Tom- There is a video running, do any of the board have a problem with that. Not at this time. David Teat sick, Advisory council update done by Donna Bivens. Break for lunch and Protocol and Ethics committee meeting. After Lunch Back to Order at 12:45 Public Conference addressing TNNAC policies and referendums.
Sandi- Have acquired my school for the conference Baxter Alternative Center.
Discussion about outside moderator and letters.
Tom- Do you all agrre that Joe McCaleb is Moderator with open questions from the floor.
Next discussion on what the Protocol and Ethics Committee came up with.
Attendance committee
Caucus/Convention Dates.
9th Motion
1. No overlapping officers of the 3 organizations.
Tom- would like to ask for the camera to be turned off and removed.
Complaint letter:
Discussed and came to the conclusion
Next meeting Joe McCaleb's parting statement. Standing ovation.
Vote to Adjourn |