Opinion | Lindsey X. Watchman, General Council Chairman

kíi híiwes qeqít’aal (it’s April)!

This month’s General Council Chairman’s Corner focus is on civic engagement. Let’s take a few moments to ensure everyone knows the various ways in which you can communicate with your elected officials and participate in our tribal government.

First, you can call the main phone numbers and leave a message. For the General Council, call 541-429-7378. For the Board of Trustees (BOT), call 541-276-3165.

Second, you can participate in one of our 21 commissions and committees. This is where subject-matter expert staff and your experiences as a community member can come together to identify resources and build capacity. Terms vary from two to four years. Meetings typically occur twice a month, and a stipend is provided for attending. Current vacancies and application deadlines are posted monthly on ctuir.org. The adoption of Zoom and Teams virtual meetings now affords both on- and off-reservation members to contribute.

Third, you may listen in on BOT work sessions, as long as the session is not closed. Find the meeting calendar on ctuir.org under the Government tab for the current and upcoming week. Hard copies are also posted at the BOT reception desk. Email Helen Morrison at helenmorrison@ctuir.org for a Teams link.

Fourth, attend monthly General Council meetings, if you are age 18 and over, in chambers or via Zoom. Both Zoom and Teams apps are free. We meet on the third Thursday of each month, starting at 2 p.m., and usually adjourn by 5 p.m. Per the Constitution, a draft agenda is published at least 20 days prior. Questions can be emailed to generalcouncil@ctuir.org, which is monitored by Secretary Shawna Gavin.

Fifth, on social media, follow the Facebook pages for the CTUIR (also on Instagram), General Council, the CUJ and Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center. As the General Council continues to develop its communications plan, we may also explore podcasts, Instagram and text messaging options.

Last but not least, whenever you see one of your elected officials in person, feel welcome to stop and say hello, share your ideas and raise any concerns. One of our major roles is to listen to and to serve you.

In closing, if you want to engage and participate in our tribal government, there are many ways to do so. Choose the methods most comfortable for you, but please share your observations, ideas and concerns. Your voice is valuable. Yox kalo.