I was working the evening shift at the store. It was 7:00 p.m. and I was preparing for the close.
In barged my cousin James.
'The bastards,' he shouted. A strong smell of alcohol.
'What? Who?'
'The Tribal Council, they're nothing but a bunch of pricks.'
'What happened?'
'They denied me welfare. I need some money to live.'
Because we are citizens of our state, Tankosin people can collect social assistance-as long as they fit the state criteria. The Tribal Council also has its own welfare system. It's not as generous as the state's. But between the two programs, welfare recipients can get their basic needs met. Sometimes people qualify for just one program. It seems James didn't qualify for either.
'Why?'
'They said I'm living with my parents. I'm single with no dependents. I should go get a job. That's what they told me.'
I had to fire James when I took over The Store. He didn't show up for work a few too many times. I'd like to give him another chance, but he needs to deal with some things he doesn't want to deal with.
'Sorry to hear that,' I said.
'You can do something!!!'
'Me! I'm not someone important here.'
'But you're the manager of The Store. You have some influence with the Tribal Council to keep your job.'
'I think I keep my job because I do a good job.'
'Don't give me that crap. You got this job because you're buddies with the Chief.'
'You can believe that if you want to.'
'And people are talking about you being Chief one day. You have a lot of pull on this Reservation.'
'I don't think so.'
'Just talk to the Chief. Get him to approve me for Tribal welfare. It's only $300 a month. You'll see. You got pull.'
'OK, I'll talk to the Chief.'
I did talk to the Chief, but not about James' social assistance. I just had to get James out of The Store without being hurt. I also talked to the Tribal Police.
