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