The following was presented to the St. Louis County Board at their meeting on March 2, 2010 by Kevin Skwira-Brown, WAW Spokesperson:
Chair Rauker, Commissioners, My name is Kevin Skwira-Brown and I live in Duluth.
I speak today as a spokesperson for the We Are Watching Campaign which works to bring transparency and accountability to the St. Louis County Board.
We Are Watching is pleased that this Board appears posed to approve the long requested
land sales to the FDL Band. While the final outcome today is likely to reflect recognition of the Rights of the FDL Band to buy back land which was in many cases unethically taken from them by whites over the years, there is still a matter of transparency and accountability.
Full recognition of the FDL Band’s rights includes not only the option to exercise the right of first refusal for Tax-Forfeiture lands sold within the reservation boundaries, but also the federally supported transfer of eligible land by the FDL Band into Federal Trust status. This is something Commissioner Fink has opposed. Further it is important to note that these land sales were delayed during the entirety of Commissioner Fink’s tenure as the Board Chair. And, on February 9th at the Committee of the Whole meeting when these land sales came before you under the committee that Commissioner Fink chairs, he refused to bring the items to the floor for discussion or move them for approval.
It would appear that Commissioner Fink either believes his constituents support the continued oppression of Indigenous peoples by denying them their full rights or perhaps that Commissioner Fink is acting out the agenda of those well beyond the borders of SLC that aim to limit the recognition and self-determination of Indigenous people. He can now rightly claim that this land sale didn’t go forward during his tenure as Chair, and that he never forwarded a motion that recognized the rights of Tribes to own Reservation land. It should be noted that with this being an election year for the seat which Commissioner Fink holds, Commissioner, or perhaps candidate Fink, chose not vote against these land sales in the Committee of the Whole.
To those of you whose vote for these land sales reflects genuine recognition of the FDL Band’s right to self-determination and preservation of their people’s way of life as guaranteed through multiple treaties, thank you for acting with justice, an approach which is in the best interest of all of the people of SLC.
Thank you,
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
St. Louis County Board Reconsiders Fond du Lac Land Sale
At their Committee of the Whole meeting held in Duluth on Tuesday, February 9th, the SLC Board again considered selling tax forfeit land back to the Fond du Lac Band.
Many of you may be aware, back in January of 2009 the Board discussed this issue at a “Board Workshop”. At that time a number of Commissioners indicated they would not support the sale. Additionally, comments were made suggesting lack of respect and understanding regarding American Indian people and tribal governments. Subsequent to this, the American Indian community joined with “We are Watching” folks to demonstrate their concern on the steps of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth at a rally.
Commissioner Nelson indicated that this was not the case of the county “reversing its position” because the Board had not previously made any decision on this land sale. They had simply discussed the issue at Board workshop.
Emily Johnson, Bois Forte band member, addressed the Board indicated that she was glad they were considering the land sale. As a former staff member of the Congress of American Indians, she was concerned that St. Louis County was moving in the direction of the “Citizen Equal Rights Alliance”, (CERA) a nationwide group that historically has opposed any initiatives supported by Tribes.
Commissioner Fink indicated his concern about the loss of tax base in St. Louis County.
Commissioner Dahlberg indicated that he thinks this issue was “blown out of proportion” following the Board workshop. He is concerned about this “unique issue of the loss of the tax base”. He went on to say this issue is not unique to Tribes.
He stated that there was “no indication at that Board workshop that anyone was against this” land sale. A review of the audiotape from that workshop may indicate differently.
The resolution passed unanimously to sell the Brevator Township parcel to the FDL band and also the Stoney Brook Township parcel. This will now go to the SLC Board at their meeting on March 2, 2010.
Commissioner O'Neill indicated that this had taken over a year to resolve and he hopes in the future the Board would be able to resolve an issue such as this more quickly.
Many of you may be aware, back in January of 2009 the Board discussed this issue at a “Board Workshop”. At that time a number of Commissioners indicated they would not support the sale. Additionally, comments were made suggesting lack of respect and understanding regarding American Indian people and tribal governments. Subsequent to this, the American Indian community joined with “We are Watching” folks to demonstrate their concern on the steps of the St. Louis County Courthouse in Duluth at a rally.
Commissioner Nelson indicated that this was not the case of the county “reversing its position” because the Board had not previously made any decision on this land sale. They had simply discussed the issue at Board workshop.
Emily Johnson, Bois Forte band member, addressed the Board indicated that she was glad they were considering the land sale. As a former staff member of the Congress of American Indians, she was concerned that St. Louis County was moving in the direction of the “Citizen Equal Rights Alliance”, (CERA) a nationwide group that historically has opposed any initiatives supported by Tribes.
Commissioner Fink indicated his concern about the loss of tax base in St. Louis County.
Commissioner Dahlberg indicated that he thinks this issue was “blown out of proportion” following the Board workshop. He is concerned about this “unique issue of the loss of the tax base”. He went on to say this issue is not unique to Tribes.
He stated that there was “no indication at that Board workshop that anyone was against this” land sale. A review of the audiotape from that workshop may indicate differently.
The resolution passed unanimously to sell the Brevator Township parcel to the FDL band and also the Stoney Brook Township parcel. This will now go to the SLC Board at their meeting on March 2, 2010.
Commissioner O'Neill indicated that this had taken over a year to resolve and he hopes in the future the Board would be able to resolve an issue such as this more quickly.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Commissioner Nelson Again Misinformed
At the county board meeting on November 3rd Commissioner Keith Nelson responded to comments made by three citizens who addressed the Board. He said that, again, commissioners statements were "taken out of context" regarding people on public assistance, drug use and stigma. He suggested that those who spoke to the Board had not actually watched the entire discussion, thus misunderstanding the "tone" of the discussion which he believed was very respectful.
The entire 17-minute discussion is posted on the We are Watching web site:
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
Take a look and decide for yourself!
The entire 17-minute discussion is posted on the We are Watching web site:
http://www.northernmnnews.com/
Take a look and decide for yourself!
Mandatory Drug Tests for People on Public Assistance?
At their November 3, 2009 meeting the Board was addressed by a number of people who indicted concern regarding recent comments made by Commissioners Forsman and Dahlberg suggesting that people on public assistance be required to pass random drug tests and perhaps be prohibited from purchasing cigarettes. Additionally, Forsman suggests that “stigma is a good thing” and maybe if there were more of it people would “get to work”.
Folks from the We are Watching campaign let commissioners know that they are still paying attention and do not agree with the characterization of low income people as drug-addicted, irresponsible, poor parents who do not want to work.
The perpetuation of stereotypes such as these do not have any place in the formal statements of our elected public officials. While unfortunately not surprising, this is disappointing.
People who live in St. Louis County, especially in the districts that Commissioners Forsman and Dahlberg represent, may want to give them a call to let them know what they think of their public statements.
Folks from the We are Watching campaign let commissioners know that they are still paying attention and do not agree with the characterization of low income people as drug-addicted, irresponsible, poor parents who do not want to work.
The perpetuation of stereotypes such as these do not have any place in the formal statements of our elected public officials. While unfortunately not surprising, this is disappointing.
People who live in St. Louis County, especially in the districts that Commissioners Forsman and Dahlberg represent, may want to give them a call to let them know what they think of their public statements.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Fond du Lac Tribal Chair Addressed SLC Board
At their workshop on Monday, June 15, 2009 the SLC Board heard from Karen Diver, Tribal Chair for the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
This was a follow-up to a prior county board workshop in January of 2009 at which time the County Board discussed their decision to not sell tax forfeit land to the Fond du Lac Band-land that is within the boundaries of the Reservation. State law requires counties to give “right of first refusal” to Tribes when such land is within Reservation boundaries and the Fond du Lac Band has consistently indicated they wish to purchase these lands in order to provide stability to their community and reclaim land that was originally theirs to begin with.
Chair Diver started by giving the Board some historical information, including the Treaty of 1854 and Federal Government policy that tried to “terminate” tribes. Additionally, she described government policies that led to the taking of Indian lands and subsequent mismanagement of lands. She also described a variety of policies that sought to destroy Indian culture and communities.
FDL has 2000 employees and 28 divisions. They are funded at 36% of identified need. (Federal Government information) 4200 people are enrolled Band members.
Reservation is 100,000 acres.
Chair Diver described a variety of social services provided by FDLHHS. In 2008 total income distributed by Band was 105 million dollars-she indicated that many counties would welcome them with open arms and put them in a tax free zone-Fink said, “make your case” and Chair Diver said she was making her case. They have 900 job descriptions on their reservation; not only “gaming” jobs.
Commissioner O'Neil asked what her perspective was on this land issue. This is the Federal Government’s land being held on behalf of FDL. Feds take land into trust on behalf of the Band. Feds are supportive of tribes reclaiming land, as is the State.
Here is a bit of what the conversation included:
Diver: These lands are already tax forfeit. I need to stabilize our community. In order to become self-sufficient we need to reclaim our land. It should never have been on the SLC tax rolls anyway!
FINK: I have no difficulty with you buying tax forfeit land but I do have an issue with land going from tax forfeit into trust. We have got to protect tax land.
DIVER: We will continue to buy land within our borders. We will continue to consolidate land within our borders.
NELSON: Makes a point that any other recordings of workshops are not official. Says he could not have more respect for Annishinaabe people but he is concerned.
Says the most basic unit of government is the family and if we do not work for the good of the family we are not effective. Says that in this particular case it is “all of our people” and recognizes that tribe is sovereign. Says he will not apologize for Federal officials that “treated us as children”. Indicated concern that 35% of folks incarcerated are Native in SLC while only 4% are Native in population.
Says we try to run county on 39% of property. Says he wants to work with FDL in the same effective way they have worked with Bois Forte. Whenever individuals choose to sensationalize they do harm. (speaking to the audience)
DIVER: I am interested in partnering and finding the win/win. I will continue to ask for indulgence of commissioners and staff in trying to reclaim our land. I need to stabilize families.
O’NEIL: Am encouraged by spirit of communication and hopeful we can move ahead. We did have a straw vote on a given day….we need to re-visit policy as a Board.
DIVER: How about we meet in my neck of the woods? FINK: As long as we go back and forth.
The workshop ended promptly at 3:00PM. it should be noted that three commissioners were not present-Dahlberg, Forsman and Raukar did not attend.
This was a follow-up to a prior county board workshop in January of 2009 at which time the County Board discussed their decision to not sell tax forfeit land to the Fond du Lac Band-land that is within the boundaries of the Reservation. State law requires counties to give “right of first refusal” to Tribes when such land is within Reservation boundaries and the Fond du Lac Band has consistently indicated they wish to purchase these lands in order to provide stability to their community and reclaim land that was originally theirs to begin with.
Chair Diver started by giving the Board some historical information, including the Treaty of 1854 and Federal Government policy that tried to “terminate” tribes. Additionally, she described government policies that led to the taking of Indian lands and subsequent mismanagement of lands. She also described a variety of policies that sought to destroy Indian culture and communities.
FDL has 2000 employees and 28 divisions. They are funded at 36% of identified need. (Federal Government information) 4200 people are enrolled Band members.
Reservation is 100,000 acres.
Chair Diver described a variety of social services provided by FDLHHS. In 2008 total income distributed by Band was 105 million dollars-she indicated that many counties would welcome them with open arms and put them in a tax free zone-Fink said, “make your case” and Chair Diver said she was making her case. They have 900 job descriptions on their reservation; not only “gaming” jobs.
Commissioner O'Neil asked what her perspective was on this land issue. This is the Federal Government’s land being held on behalf of FDL. Feds take land into trust on behalf of the Band. Feds are supportive of tribes reclaiming land, as is the State.
Here is a bit of what the conversation included:
Diver: These lands are already tax forfeit. I need to stabilize our community. In order to become self-sufficient we need to reclaim our land. It should never have been on the SLC tax rolls anyway!
FINK: I have no difficulty with you buying tax forfeit land but I do have an issue with land going from tax forfeit into trust. We have got to protect tax land.
DIVER: We will continue to buy land within our borders. We will continue to consolidate land within our borders.
NELSON: Makes a point that any other recordings of workshops are not official. Says he could not have more respect for Annishinaabe people but he is concerned.
Says the most basic unit of government is the family and if we do not work for the good of the family we are not effective. Says that in this particular case it is “all of our people” and recognizes that tribe is sovereign. Says he will not apologize for Federal officials that “treated us as children”. Indicated concern that 35% of folks incarcerated are Native in SLC while only 4% are Native in population.
Says we try to run county on 39% of property. Says he wants to work with FDL in the same effective way they have worked with Bois Forte. Whenever individuals choose to sensationalize they do harm. (speaking to the audience)
DIVER: I am interested in partnering and finding the win/win. I will continue to ask for indulgence of commissioners and staff in trying to reclaim our land. I need to stabilize families.
O’NEIL: Am encouraged by spirit of communication and hopeful we can move ahead. We did have a straw vote on a given day….we need to re-visit policy as a Board.
DIVER: How about we meet in my neck of the woods? FINK: As long as we go back and forth.
The workshop ended promptly at 3:00PM. it should be noted that three commissioners were not present-Dahlberg, Forsman and Raukar did not attend.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Painful decisions made - some commissioners giggle in the background.
"Very successful award winning program" discontinued by St. Louis County. Two commissioners faced off and spoke for the elderly and needy individuals receiving assisted living services provided by the county today. Commissioner Steve O'Neil and Commissioner Peg Sweeney stood for those who need assisted living. Dennis Fink, Chris Dahlberg, Keith Nelson and Michael Forsman held the the far right wing line that "government should get out of services that can be provided by the public sector" Commissioner Nelson ignored many speakers throughout the meeting including Commissioner Sweeney - he giggled, talked and distracted other commissioners repeatedly.
From the Board Policy Manual
MISSION STATEMENT
“The mission of St. Louis County is to provide its people those services mandated and/or expected by its citizens so as to provide a good quality of life.”
Resolution No. 620
July 25, 1989
Dennis Fink said the county should not provide services that can be provided in the public sector. He says that Governor Pawlenty says it's time to cut Health and Human Services. "Let the Free Market Do what it MUST!" Fink squawked! "We must get out of the business of...."
The business our county is getting out of is caring for our local residents in a respectful manner that keeps them in their modest apartments at the senior citizens housing in the county.
As you write your checks for property taxes tonight bear in mind that St. Louis County bear in mind that our county no longer wishes to care for the weak and vulnerable, primarily elderly, in our county.
From the Board Policy Manual
MISSION STATEMENT
“The mission of St. Louis County is to provide its people those services mandated and/or expected by its citizens so as to provide a good quality of life.”
Resolution No. 620
July 25, 1989
Dennis Fink said the county should not provide services that can be provided in the public sector. He says that Governor Pawlenty says it's time to cut Health and Human Services. "Let the Free Market Do what it MUST!" Fink squawked! "We must get out of the business of...."
The business our county is getting out of is caring for our local residents in a respectful manner that keeps them in their modest apartments at the senior citizens housing in the county.
As you write your checks for property taxes tonight bear in mind that St. Louis County bear in mind that our county no longer wishes to care for the weak and vulnerable, primarily elderly, in our county.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
On going Discussion About Old Jail
At their Committee of the Whole meeting on May 5th the County Board, including "Outgoing Administrator Mitchell" had quite a discussion regarding the "old jail" and the Duluth City Council's upcoming vote regarding whether or not the county can demolish the building. Commissioner Dahlberg asked the Administration to send a letter to the Duluth City Council outlining the county's concerns, historical background, prior studies,etc. Commissioner Fink asked whether this was going to be a 26-page document or a 2-pager? Commissioner Nelson said that they should not be so prescriptive in telling Administration what to do, just let them do it! Commissioner Sweeny said it should be simple enough that the Council can see what the county has done to try to market the old jail and short enough that they will read it. Commissioner O'Neil reminded Commissioners that the councilors work part-time and do not have offices. Concern was expressed about timeliness and the need to get this to them BEFORE the meeting. Administrator Grey said that the County has already passed a resolution and that this should be referenced. Commissioner Nelson then indicated concern that Dahlberg was making this resolution instead of the O'Neil, Chair of Intergovernmental Affairs but Commissioner O'Neil said he was in agreement. Directed Motion passed.
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