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Being part of the solution - Robert Satiacum
This entry was posted on 8/3/2008 10:22 PM and is filed under Comments.
There is so much that I want to say, and have struggled for days on
where to start. I have seen, heard, and read more whining, back
stabbing and filth than I can take, and am partially to blame. I've
allowed unintelligible, unstructured, misspelled, incomplete sentences,
of anonymous filth, to last me a life time, and allowed it to be
published on my web site. Was it the schooling or lack of it? Was it
the up bringing, or lack of it?
My web master asked me many times if
some of the unscrupulous comments should be allowed to be posted, and I
permitted it. I believed it showed the character and true content of
such beings. This web site was intended to become an on line
newsletter, designed to share accomplishments, stories, family news,
community announcements and so forth.
I’ve conferred with my web master, and felt enough was enough. I
reminded my web master, that it was a positive and good intention that
this web site was base on, like some of the benefit programs the tribe
has to offer. But, there’s always that individual, that 10% that wants
to ruin it for the rest of us.
For this reason, I’m going to archive this portion of the Puyallup
Nation .com and Puyallup Tribal News.com, and let it be a reminder of
growth. We will turn the page and move forward, we will go on, as it
should be, in a good way. No longer will I allow anyone to post their
comments without signing or identifying who they are. If you take the
time and effort to write something and are proud of it, there should be
no reason not to sign it. To me, this behavior is like “tagging” or
spray painting graffiti under the cover of darkness, because you don’t
want to get caught. And the next day, going around to your pals and
bragging what a brave person you are. What sort of behavior is this?
Not knowing exactly where to begin, I remembered something I once read,
that has always stuck with me, and thought it would be a good jumping
off point, and place to start, and that you, the reader, might be able
to take something good from it, and reflect on it.
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the
strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done them
better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives
valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again because there is no
effort without error and shortcomings, who knows the great devotion,
who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the
high achievement of triumph and who at worst, if he fails while daring
greatly, knows his place shall never be with those timid and cold souls
who know neither victory or defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
Having shared that, I heard at the membership meeting, this web site
being referred to as the “Full Circle” web site, and would like to
clarify this notion. When this all began, concerned members gathered to
discuss the issue that our children’s trust fund was being considered
to be compromised. At that first meeting there was several angry
members. They were scared, confused, and felt betrayed by the very
people they voted in to lead them. That evening, people wanted heads to
roll, there was talk of recalls and referendums, they were demanding
immediate satisfaction.
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed. Needs,
wants, issues, and questions were written down and posted all over the
hall. This went on for a few weeks, it didn’t take too long before
people started getting discouraged, and started leaving or not showing
up, because we didn’t go about it the “way we always do, and recall.”
We respected the position of the council, and didn’t want to attack
them as a bunch of hot headed, out of control members, screaming our
concerns. We noticed enough people were concerned about a lot of the
same issues that were occurring within the tribe. We knew we had to
keep the fire alive and strive for results. If we wanted change, what
kind of change did we want? Positive or negative. How were we going to
be heard. Could we get organized? It was these very challenges that
attracted me to become a supporter and crusade for a better tomorrow
for myself, family, clan, tribe and nation. I am a very reverent and
spiritual person, and these traits were widely accepted amongst the
other founders. I have always felt as an Indian person, that we are
first and foremost a spiritual and reverent people. We are blessed and
fortunate that are spirits reside in our Red bodies.
I purposed that we needed to build a foundation, a foundation of Love,
Hope, Faith and Charity, build upon absolutes. I felt we needed to have
a name to be recognized by all. We needed a mission and goal statement
that reflected our beliefs, and vision of the future.
It was then that I informed the rest that we could use the web site to
perhaps get the word out about our efforts and intentions. A source of
information, at that time a lot of people that shared our beliefs
worried about losing there jobs, and some did, but it gave them the
opportunity to hope, to check in and monitor the progress of positive
change.
I’ve heard many attempts to alter the meaning of the goal or mission
statements , or what they stand for to no avail. Literally and
physically impossible, just can’t be done when you’re dealing with
absolutes. How could one not support these ideals or waste precious
moments of their lives looking to discredit these beliefs?
I encourage the reader to take notice of Goal #4 b and d. Stabilize and
Grow Per Capita checks, how do you get, Full Circle wants to cut or do
away with your per cap? Stop and explain this to me when you see me,
please. It was the subject of the per caps being compromised is what
brought us together! Full Circles goal is to STABILIZE it. Relying
solely upon a casino is not stable, and look forward to our Port
venture, and the other many multi-million dollar projects in planning
or under construction that Henry John mentioned at the membership
meeting, Aho!
For stability, we need other sources of revenue to provide insurance
for the unexpected, the “rainy day” so to speak. For your reading
pleasure, and peace of mind, I’ve included the mission and goals of
Full Circle, and invite you to take time to read and think about what
could be.
Our Mission:
Full Circle
is committed to traditional values, spiritual teaching, and the health
& wellness of our people. Through mutual understanding and respect
we promote government reform and fiscal responsibility to ensure
survival of future generations. By bringing our community together,
enlisting our elders, and nurturing our youth, we will once again
achieve a strong, united and balanced tribal community for years to
come.
Our Goals:
I. Cultural Education and Preservation of Traditional Ways
a. Spirituality (Love, Hope & Faith) as a Base
b. Elder's Care Center
c. Elder's Programs
d. Longhouse
e. Museum
II. Nurturing Our Youth
a. Youth Care Center
b. Youth Safety
c. Youth Programs
d. Youth Mentoring
e. Higher Education
f. Protecting our Children in Foster Care (Physically, Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Financially)
III. Government Reform
a. Council Accountability
b. Transparent Management of Tribal Programs
c. Constitutional Change
d. Promote Positive Change and Leadership Accountability
e. Committee Member elections
f. Planning for the Future
g. Protecting Tribal Member's Rights
IV. Fiscal Responsibility for the Long Term
a. Include Earmarked Funds for Youth (i.e., 15% annually)
b. Stabilize and Grow PerCapitas
c. Financial Audit of all Tribal Programs and Staff Positions
d. Rainy Day Fund
These goals are attainable, the mission is comprehendible and
comprehensive. By and through an educated membership, we are victors
and no longer victims of the way it was. Education and knowledge will
ensure there is a tomorrow for us all. -Robert Satiacum 
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