PRESS
RELEASE
POC:
CRST Public Relations
Rock
LeBeau
(605)964-8308
For
immediate release May 09, 2005
CHAIRMAN
VISITS CEB HS GOVT. CLASS
Chairman Frazier visited the CEB Junior High
Government class on Friday April 29, 2005. He began
by explaining how our Tribal Government operates.
He explained how the communities are split into
districts and the Councilmen who live and represent
the people in their district. Chairman Frazier
described the Tribal election process and informed
them about the number of Tribal committees that
are in existence and which Members of the Tribal
Government served on the committees. He told the
students about The Tribal Council goals for improvement
and how they work together to resolve issues that
effect the Reservation.
The
students had a chance to ask the Chairman questions
about many government concerns. One of the popular
questions was, “What do you think
about the dress code that is being addressed?” The
Chairman replied by explaining that a dress code
would not solve the gang problems. He explained
the Zero Tolerance law and told the students that
he supported it and will continue to support it.
There are laws in place for the people to follow
for our safety. If laws are violated there are
consequences. Chairman reminded them that we are
all the same and we should respect and honor one
another. The students expressed their thoughts
on what should be done for consequences other then
a dress code. First one student said the teachers
should always stand in the hallways and be around
in between class changes because of fights. The
principle should make himself available as well
to have an authority figure around to prevent fights
or confrontations. Some kids don’t feel protected
at school because if someone walks up to you and
hits you, both parties will be suspended. The school
board wants to find a solution but the solution
is to enforce the rules and have more authority
figures available and seen throughout the school
day.
Chairman Frazier also discussed the State of
the Tribe Address and allowed the students to see
the issues and listen to the state that the Tribe
is in and much discussion happened. He explained
the structure of the Departments and how he wants
to have an office in each community to assist in
the basic needs of the people. Early in his campaign,
the people expressed the desire to decentralize
and the Tribal Administration is moving in that
direction.
The
students asked the Chairman what his opinion
was on the Tribe if it was getting better or
worse. Chairman said there is an unbelievable
rise in gang activity, crime and drugs. He advised
the students to become more active in sports
and keep busy because they will set examples
for their peers. He felt that there were not
enough activities for students which lead to
crime. Poverty is another reason for crime and
so he explained what Tribal Ventures was working
toward to decrease poverty. He told the students
that, “Tomorrow is a
better day.”
The
students geared their questions toward youth
activities. The students expressed ideas that
they would like to see, such as; Youth Diabetes
have more camps throughout the year as well the
summer. The students would like to participate
in football, swimming, cheerleading, dancing,
basketball, softball and baseball. They suggested
incentives for participating in these camps as
in string back packs, tee shirts and recognition
in the newspapers. Chairman Frazier said, “ The kids don’t
ask for much, just to have people work with them,
listen to them and encourage them and all of
us must do this.”
Lynn
Burnette, Cheyenne River Youth Coordinator for
the Tribe, was also present to discuss the progress
he is making with activities. The first thing
his position requires is a budget. He used the
off season to write grants to receive money to
fund these activities. Burnette was successful
and now has the funding to purchase, baseball gloves,
helmets, bats, balls and numerous other equipment
needed to play. Burnette also has many parents
who are willing to volunteer their time to work
with the youth in assisting him. Burnette told
the students, “I am excited to start working
and get the little league together, Native American’s
have so much talent that I want to help develop
at a young age.” The summer little league
teams will work on basic fundamentals, drills,
rules and regulations and most of all playing.
Burnette also plays in the Men’s League for
the Lakota Thrifty Mart Falcons.
Chairman gave many words of encouragement to
the students regarding the importance of education.
He told the students to work hard and stay focused
and set goals for themselves. He encouraged them
to learn as much as they could about government
and business. Also noting to further their education
and to come back and help the people. There is
nothing more genuine then an educated Native American
especially from Cheyenne River.
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