Another executive committee meeting. We discussed the elders meeting. Even though the elders were not exactly on topic, they did speak their mind for the betterment of our community. We felt this was going to improve with more meetings. This circle is becoming stronger.
I asked, "I think we are obligated to address Nancy's suggestion to return government to the Whitewood clan.'
Zach said, "I'm one-quarter Whitewood. That's more than the rest of you. Maybe I should be chief of our TDG.'
Funny how Zach already knew our Whitewood score. Some people do take their clans quite seriously.
Justine continued the joke with Zach, "It would be a lot easier to have you as chief instead of having elections.'
Zach responded, "I can only offer my services. Whenever you guys want, I am ready to serve in that capacity.'
After we had a little laugh, I brought some seriousness to the discussion: "An elder made a suggestion. Where should we take it?'
Zach said, "It seems this tradition has been lost for a few generations. Maybe there was a good reason.'
I have a little more history than the rest of the executive committee, "Our colonial masters took away the Whitewood leadership by putting its leaders in jail. The Whitewoods and the rest of the clans were disorganized after that. We Tankosin just gave in to the white way after that.'
Sally said, "Should we bring it back?'
Zach said, "One problem is who exactly is a Whitewood these days. My grandmother was a Whitewood, but I'm actually 50% Arrow and 25% Blackfoo--off Reservation. Would the more-pure Whitewoods really accept me as a member, if their clan became more powerful?'
Sally said, "I can see a whole bunch of complications if we go in that direction.'
I gave my thought: "There are some traditions that need some losing.'
Sally said, "But this is likely to come up again.'
"And when they do, we will listen respectfully. We may even reconsider the decision again. . . . But when our TDG elections are proving to bring forth
better leaders, the Whitewood way and the white man way will both be part of our history.'
"And maybe,' said Zach, "By allowing people to talk, they can let go better.'
For a young person, Zach seems to be quite wise, I thought.
Then we moved into TDG elections.
Sharilee said, "I think that advance poll really helped.
"Yep,' said Justine, "Having two rounds of notices instead of one probably helped plant the importance of voting a little better.'
"Should we put the advance poll into our constitution?' I asked.
Justine said, "In my opinion, this belongs more in line with traditions. Let's make this our TDG tradition. A future executive committee may want to try something different, so let's not burden them with a constitutional clause that may not work in the future.'
And that's where we left that issue.
Sharilee added, "And I think Thelma's death has given attention to our TDG. It seems someone is asking me about it every week or two. I wasn't getting many questions before.
I asked, "Did you tell people to go The Store to become a member?'
"The younger ones, yes.'
"Well, we have been getting a few young people to sign up. We are up to 138 now. Have you talked to older people?'
"When I mention our age restriction. It seems to put them off a little.'
Other members agreed with Sharilee that interest is picking up.
I continued on as informal chair, "Last meeting, we discussed raising the maximum age to 35. Are there any thoughts on this?'
Justine offered, "Eli, could you explain this decision to Zach? He wasn't around for it.'
"When Len came to talk to us, Brian Turning Robe made a comment that he can't join the TDG because he is over 30. Len asked Brian to ask us why our constitution had that clause. Brian didn't ask us. Neither did anyone else. But we took a look at that decision we made four years ago. We wanted a culture where the opinions of young people are respected.
"But we know that some of us here are approaching 30. And we have lost a few members because of them getting older than 30. We thought we should raise the age to 35. That way we won't get too many old people into our group trying to boss us around.'
"That makes sense,' said Zach.
"Any further discussion?' I asked. After a pause, I said, "I think we need to amend our constitution to raise the maximum age to 35.'
Zach said, "Have you guys done this before?'
"Nope,' I said, "This is something new.'
Justine said, "Maybe we should call Len for a little help.'
And that is what we did.
