Manataba Messenger

Page 6 From the Desk of Secretary Flores: First, let me say that I hope this finds you all safe and healthy as we deal with the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). A year ago, who would have thought this virus would upend our lives? We are now eyewitnesses to history. We see the challenges endured by our families, schools, business, hospitals, and our community. We all have a story or two to tell of personal experiences during this uncertain time. For example, this spring, your top pri- ority for the day may have been to get up at 5:00 a.m., head to Walmart, Safeway or Food City, and wait in line to buy toilet paper and other essential items. We can all be thank- ful that buying restriction has been enforced since then. But the pandemic may not be over for some time. As the days unfold, let’s continue to focus on finding solutions to move past these problems. When things get tough, it can help to look back and think of the hardships you have endured in the past. Then say to yourself, “I can get through this, too.” The health and safety of our tribal members remain a top priority for the Tribal Council. We have made some hard decisions to confront the COVID-19 challenges, and our work is on-going. In the March Tribal Council Attendance report, you can see the Council sometimes met daily, and in April, twelve meetings were held. With the emergency declaration, Tribal Council passed Resolution 61-20 to extend Resolution 54-20 administrative leave for non- essential staff until May 17th, and all non-essential busi- nesses are to be closed until May 31st, 2020. Importantly, in order for the Tribes to be eligible for the CARES Act specific for Native Americans, a Certification letter was submitted on April 16th, 2020, to the Federal Treasurer department regarding population, land base, and fiscal year expenditures. The department of Treasury developed a plan on how the $8 Billion funds will be disbursed among Native American Tribes. Allocations will be bro- ken up in two payments; the first will consist of 60% and the other 40% of the remaining funds per tribe. The CARES Act funds awarded to the Tribes will go a long way to help offset costs incurred by the pandemic. Given the uncertainty of the existing economic conditions, the Small Business Administration is allowing tribes who meet the requirements to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Tribal businesses/enterprises who are suc- cessful in qualifying for a loan will be able to cover expenses to keep employees on the payroll. I extend my deep appreciation to the essential staff who kept our lim- ited government operating and the enterprises that remain open to serving the people. These are trying times for us all. Let us stay committed to flexibility and perseverance. “Thank you!” to all the first responders, healthcare work- ers, and community caregivers working on the frontline. We are truly blessed to witness how you have stepped for- ward “to accomplish that which has never been achieved” during the outbreak of COVID-19. On behalf of the Tribal Council, I would like to thank NextEra Energy and its subsidiaries for their generous donation of $1,500 to support CRIT during this unsettling time. In a letter dated April 15th, 2020, from Director of Tribal/Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Stewart wrote, “During this time, we have come to understand and respect the challenges your communities face. We recog- nize the lack of resources for tribal communities across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we want to contribute towards the needs of those Tribes we work with most closely. Our thoughts are with you and your community during this unsettling and difficult time.” NextEra Energy has worked collaboratively with CRIT during the planning, development, and construction of renewable energy projects to identify, avoid, and protect cultural sensitivity sites. Yes, these are extraordinary times, and yet we’re reminded of how interconnected we all are. The second Sunday in May was a day set aside to honor Mothers so to all the amazing Mothers (& Dads), Grandmothers, Step-Moms, Aunties, and other important women in our lives “Happy Belated Mother’s Day!” I trust your special day was filled with affirmation, affection, acknowledgment, attention, and appreciation! May 5th,2020, was National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls (MMIWG). This day commemorates the birthday of Hana Harris of the Northern Cheyenne tribes, who went missing in 2013 and honored the lives of all Native American women who are missing or have been murdered. Their lives matter, and this year, awareness was recognized across Indian Country despite the COVID-19 social distancing, which keeps in-person activities and gatherings from happening. All who wore Red on May 5th stood in solidarity to honor all the daughters, sisters, mothers, and grandmothers who are missing or murdered. We all must remain vigilant and remember, “our voices are our weapon,” so please send a message to your Congressional delegate and demand the next Coronavirus relief package includes MMIWG to raise awareness in Indian Country during this unprecedented time. To all graduates – I am proud to share in the excitement of your graduation, whether it be from Head Start, Junior High, Charter School, High School, or College. I know this is not how you wanted your right of passage to end. Never in history has a graduating class been faced with unique challenges and difficulties. As a warrior, stand proud because your drive stretched beyond yourself to achieve one of the greatest feats as a 2020 graduate. Remember to stay focused and steadfast as you continue on the next phase of your life. CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2020! June 21st st is Father’s Day; please tell the important men how much you care for him in your life. The late Billy Graham once said that a “Good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” To ALL the fathers out there HAPPY FATHER’S Day! As we continue to “hunker-down” and practice “social distancing,” take a moment to stay connected. Maybe now is a good time to write a letter, send a card or call a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Also, tribal members can stay connected to what is happening on the reservation by reading the Messenger on-line, but did you know you can also receive a free subscription in the mail. All you have to do is to sub mit your mailing address inform ation to Ivy Ledezma at manatabamesse nger@gmail.com. My thoughts and prayers go out to one and all for protec- tion, safety, and good health during this pandemic. As well, I humbly appreciate your support and prayers. We will get through this together! Koriyem Amelia Flores FREE OF CHARGE TO C.R.I.T. TRIBAL MEMBERS. Attendance reports submitted by CRIT Tribal Council Secretary Amelia Flores. Attendance reports submitted by CRIT Tribal Council Secretary Amelia Flores. Sharnette Eswonia