A letter in Support of Full Circle and Nancy Shippentower Games
This entry was posted on 5/20/2008 10:52 PM and is filed under Tribal Government,elections.
When the founders of The Full Circle established their ideals they
envisioned a group that would radiate their highest ideals. Living in a
circle, all people would enjoy equal access needed programs and communicate with
neighbors in a respectful manner.
There was a time when I did not get along with James Miles or Nancy
Games. There was a lot of conflict and at that time it seemed like the
only way to resolve issues was to shout at one another and remain just plain
angry and resentful. I admit I was extremely angry at James and one time Nancy and I
did not see eye to eye because of a court issue. I didn't
really know anything about either of them.
When Full was formed I was told to "stay away from them" by
many maybe well meaning individuals. I was told that if I associated with
Full Circle I would most certainly lose my job. I did then James began
speaking to me. Nancy was kind toward me. I watched as David Bean
got on council and I definitely saw the changes in how our tribal government
functioned. David was always calm and logical. He set about getting
programs off the ground and was always at tribal functions. He would
always take time to listen to tribal member's concerns and help to best ability
and within reason.
The bible states that through God even your enemies would become you
friends. If ever that was possible it happened between James and I.
He always took time to visit with me at luncheons and tribal functions. He
then began reading my work on child sexual abuse, molestation and incest.
He reviewed my college papers and research I had completed. He did not realize
the full extent that our children suffered by being victims of sexual abuse.
This is an extremely touchy issue on this reservation. But I will say and
continue to say "Put a name on it. It is child sexual abuse, molestation and
incest. Do something about it. To do nothing is to condone the acts
of the perpetrators."
James and I are now friends and tribal members working toward goals with
the primary and only goal being to create social programs to reach out and help
sexual abuse victims, families and the community.
This is what Full Circle is about———In the best interest of all tribal
members.
In reference to Nancy. She has ALWAYS been around. I mean, I
have been involved and worked for the tribe for 30 years and she has always been
very visible and vocal. She comes from a family who has always
fought for our tribal rights She has raised not only
her children but taken in foster children and other children. She was
always been there for them in times of trouble. She is one of the first to
arrive in a family crisis and always holds her head up and takes command when
everyone else is falling apart. She may be aggressive but sometimes that's what
this tribe needs.
I have approached other council members before and am made false promises
or told "Oh, yeah, we're taking care of it." When the elder center
did not materialize for over twenty years within a year of David and James being
on council the plans were made and there was a ground
breaking ceremony. Maybe these council members were doing what they
could but promises and nothing happening for 20 YEARS
is unacceptable . We have elders who need care NOW.
Nancy has all of these issues in heart. She knows what has to be
done. She knows a battle awaits her when and if she gets on council but
she is prepared and ready to do what it takes to have our people's needs
addressed and programs created to help them. She will hold her ground when
she sees something unethical, unjust and illegal being done. She will
fight for individual rights of each and every tribal member.
Given the history of what has transpired in the last 20 years, it's obvious
that change in the best interest of all tribal members needs to come about.
Nancy can be one of those who will bring about positive change———in the best
interest of all tribal members.
-Verna Bartlett
