SAULT TRIBE FACTS - If it is not a fact it must be fiction................................

In the below posting Aaron Payment claims a lot of things, a lot of which he leaves out. The STF will do a brief response to Aaron Payments claims.


Thursday, June 4, 2009

Here's a good essay from Chuck Forgrave.

Don't forget the $268,000,000 deal orchestrated by Bernard Bouschor for the benefit of the Greeks at our expense. When he reports that in 2004, we had a $70 million surplus, he neglects to talk about the $268 million we owed the Greeks for which we were in default the day he lost the election in 2004. He hadn't paid them a penny even though we had financed to do so.


Now Aaron anyone with a memory would recall that yourself and Cathy Abramson were on the Board at that time the deal was brokered. Actually Aaron you were there from 1996 to 2008 when you were ousted. The deal is, Aaron Payment knew all along what was happening in Greektown and said nothing because he was party to the scheme. The only time Aaron Payment said anything is when he, Bouschor, and Lumsden became entangled in a dispute.

Vic Matson Jr. said when Aaron Payment took Office there was a 80 million dollars surplus. So it looks like all three of them are confused by ten million here or there.


Do the math. Subtract the supposed surplus from the Greeks debt and you are still $198 million in the hole. During my Administration, we paid down $208 million of this debt and balanced our Tribal budget every year. It is sickening that we had to pay the Greeks at all, but remember Bouschor insisting that we didn't need a partnership agreement prior to Proposal E passing, then the Greeks demanding 50% ownership with only $24,000 down.


How could Aaron Payment possibly balance the budget, when he borrowed over 70 million to meet payments in Greektown and the Northern Casinos? He also borrowed 1.3 Million dollars in December of 2007 for the Employee bonuses.

It really is sickening the Greeks were paid so much, real sickening. What is real sickening is the Board with Aaron Payment allowed Bouschor to do it. Bouschor took care of all of them and made Aaron Payment the Tribes first double dipper. The struggle for power got the best of all of them. But, only at the expense of the Members of the Tribe.

Unfortunately the Membership has succumbed to some sick individuals who's egos have become extremely over inflated.

90% of these people couldn't hold a job in the real world. They are defeated in Elections and get fired, but seem to always get back in the loop through their fabricated stories (lies).

There is a lesson to be learned here. We must learn that we can longer tolerate these rejects ruining our future. Most of them including Aaron Payment had their chances and failed. The message needs to be that they must all move on. We need to weed the greedy out at the door.


--- On Thu, 6/4/09, Charles Forgrave cforgraveus@yahoo.com wrote:

Sault Ste. Marie, Mi...Tight-lipped tribal officials aren't saying anything about it, but an out-of-area news source has confirmed what many tribal members have suspected..Greektown is as good as gone.

While the tribe retains the option of selling it, commercial real estate values have plummeted and bids on the casino have fallen far short of the $ 777,000,000.00 owed on it...leaving it, likely, in the hands of pre-bankruptcy creditors.

Now the blame game will swing into full-gear. For months nothing has been reported to the membership, on the status of the casino. The likelihood here, is, there was nothing good to report. Reporting positive things only, politicians have nothing to say, unless it's something good about things, or themselves.

While Greektown held the future of the tribe in its hands, at one time...looking back, the casino never made it out of the woods.

Right away, it was in debt over its ears. Then, the Watersmeet tribe took it for $ 40,000,000.00. Finally, tribal officials got on the wrong side of Detroit, opting to build a casino in Romulus, despite promises not to. The final punch..which put it down for the full-count..was the country's economic meltdown.

Out-leveraged, out-maneuvered, out-witted from the very beginning, local politicians simply weren't up to the task of owning and operating a casino out in the real world, where they didn't enjoy a total monopoly in the business.

And, so goes the history of the Sault Tribe..hundreds of millions lost in failed businesses; tribal services curtailed, and, members shaken-down for every dollar, in fees; while tribal politicians, themselves, walk away without so much as a reduction in wages.

Thank you, Charles Forgrave

It appears there is some big problems with our Cultural Division. It seems that certain factions are claiming ownership. Apparently this Tribe is made-up of individuals and not people. Where have the values and traditions gone?

Chairman Joe McCoy is well aware of what is going on and has been. Now it takes all this hate to bring it to the forefront. This all could have been avoided by the Sault Tribe Board. No one person or faction should ever have so much power, NEVER!!!

We will see if the Tribal Board puts the Culture to forefront. No backdoor deals, but deal directly with the problem now.

Below is an email string between Cecil Pavlat and Nathan Wright. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out.

______________________________________________________

From: Nathan Wright
Subject: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 5:18 PM

For your consideration.

----- Forwarded Message ----

From: Nathan Wright
To: cpavlat@saulttribe.net

Sent: Thursday, January 8, 2009 5:12:56 PM
Subject: Re: Sault Tribe Culture Committee Chair woman's resignation

"Corruption is a tree, whose branches are of an immeasurable length: they spread everywhere; and the dew that drops from thence hath infected some chairs and stools of authority." - Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher.

Nathan Wright responds to Cecil Pavlat's e-mail on culture committees chair woman's recent resignation and the culture committee problems (both e-mails follow mine):

Aniin Cecil, I read your e-mail below, you and I see a very different world when it comes to the culture committee and it is members (current and former). I would expect more integrity from a person in your position. Perhaps you did not make it to all the meetings to see what I seen when I was the Vice Chairperson of the Culture Committee? You said of Jackie Minton, "I know that you do your best to honor our way of life." Is the following honoring our way of life?:

- Not allowing other culture committee members to post items on the agenda?
- Lieing to the tribal membership on the Stop Bear Hunting ad in our tribal paper on page 5 of the Sept 5th, 2008 edition of our paper. Jackie collaborated with Bill Bouschor ( Sault tribe political dissent) on this ad. The ad read: WE HUMBLY ASK YOU TO DISAPPROVE RESOLUTION 2008-157 The ad was signed: S A U L T TRIBE CULTURAL COMMITTEE (even though not everyone on the committee was even told about the ad including myself who was the vice chair at the time).- Not working cooperatively with the other officers and some committee members?
- Made up rules as they go along?

I do not see the Anishinabe way of life with the previous Culture Chairwoman's above actions. Manipulation, intimidation and conspiring is not our way of life! Allowing this to continue to happen and not say anything is not our way of life either. So I write...

I am sure the former chairperson (Jackie Minton) of our culture committee did contribute and help out with culture outside of the culture committee. However, many of her actions while serving as Committee Chairperson on our culture committee in my opinion did not warrant her as a person who honors our way of life. Dishonorable is a word that comes to mind. At least certainly not by me and others on our committee, because of the above items mentioned. She could have done a lot, but instead divided our committee. But was it all her fault? I would say not totally, she followed the instructions of a well known political group and made her walk into this mess.

Cecil as you very well know there is an active political group in our tribe. Part family, part friends. Certainly a group who wants the rest of us to see things their way. And if we don’t, they will do anything to discredit us. A group that feels because they have worked for the tribe longer than most and thus feel they are more entitled. A group that does not give unconditionally, but has expectations. A group that says only they can do their job and no one else. A group that operates arrogantly and without any regard for their fellow tribal member. A group that perpetuates THEIR WAY OF LIFE, NOT OURS! No sir, I do not see the Anishinabe way of life in any of this groups actions including taking control of the culture committee which is currently failing.

Cecil it is strange to hear you say: "This committee began to demand of the Cultural Division and this community, "RESPECT" Respect is earned not demanded." Who has demanding respect? I never heard the culture committee demand respect from you or anyone else. Can you provide us with examples?

Cecil you also said: "Many times I was chided by this committee for not including them in my plans and or not inviting them to certain functions, well when I did invite this committee, not many showed up anyway." Cecil, can you give us specific examples and I will address? I recall when you were mad at the culture committee about something and you tried to move us over to the admin building. By overwhelming support the culture committee disagreed with your suggestion. Is this what made you mad at the culture committee?

My opinion is the culture committees (and other committees of the Sault Tribe) bylaws need to be rewritten and more importantly, the board needs to step in when things get out of hand as they may have done in this case. Cecil, we never found your policy and procedures for the Cultural Committee and I do agree they were needed. I am sure if there was such a document, they would have helped us out. I know me Randy and Les wanted to work on this with Kristi Little but then that was shelved.

It was the September 5th, 2008 Bear hunting ad in our tribal paper that led me to send an e-mail resignation to the cultural committee to bring to light the corruption on our committee. My resignation was not accepted by the culture committee secretary. Later I withdrew my resignation (before it was submitted to the board) only to have this political group follow through and accept it as I and other cultural tribal members watched. In October of 2008 I submitted a request to be back on the culture committee directly to the Sault Tribe board secretary Joanne Carr (Cecil your sister) who has not responded to the status. Is this our way of life or yours?

Cecil, it's frustrating to me to see my Father's vision Mike Wright as well as other cultural elders who are now passed not come to fruition either. And that is all Native American people in both the Sault Tribe and Mackinac Bands learn their culture and be treated fairly. And why isn't a painting of he and others on the cultural building walls? Again, you offer your way of life, not ours. Back in the 70’s there was unity between the two groups. Now there is only fighting. You, have some influence in this area, can you work with me to help end the fighting with positive actions. Embrace those you are politically against would be a start.

It is up to each one of us individually, to extend our love, drop our differences, support one another and work together. Cecil, when will this happen? When will you stop and really talk to someone like me rather than feed the community with sugar coated fried bologna? It taste good but it sure makes for a lot of hot air. Cecil, you are crane clan. So am I. Yet why do we stand divided? You know my number. I have called (or e-mailed) you, Jackie, Cathy Devoy over the past two years and not once have any of you responded. Also you knew I have been on the committee for a long time and you did not even send you’re below message to me. So where lies the problem? Arrogance is not a part of our culture. Apparently I and other tribal members whose sole intent is to allow for fairness to exist are considered enemies of the state. The state being the small political yet active group.

Miigwech to the warriors who stood together to end corruption on our culture committee. We will continue to stand united watch and point out corruption if it continues.

In closing I believe Jackie is a decent human being who was caught up in this charade. What has happened here with not only Jackie’s resignation but others is a major hit to our culture. Deja vu this has happened several times before with people like Cathy Devoy at the helm - when will the board take corrective action and prevent our culture committee from being controlled by this political group from continuing to happen? Does this group have so much power and influence that our own board is afraid of them?

Now we can try and work together to fix it, or just perpetuate what has been happening for several years. Ultimately our tribe is running itself into the hole using the current methods. I have stated this over and over: This is a time we should get along, not fight. However based on past experiences I don’t think anything is going to change soon. But I remain optimistic. People know the truth regardless of whatever is said. Cecil thank you for sharing your insight. Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ba ma pii,

Nathan Wright = no fried bologna here

______________________________________________________

--- On Tue, 1/6/09, Cecil Pavlat wrote:

From: Cecil Pavlat Subject:
Re: Culture Committee Resignation

Date: Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 9:11 AM

It is with regret that I respond to this email, Jackie, Miigwech for your commitment to our Culture and Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin. I know that you do your best to honor our way of life.

It is frustrating to me to see so many good people apply to this committee only to quit because of what appears to be friction and or personal disagreement. We need to respect each other and our right to our own opinions.

I think somewhere a long the way, this committee some how lost the original focus of what this committee was suppose to be. This committee came out of the desire of George Nolan to incorporate more of our Traditions into our Tribal government, as well as assist in assuring our Cultural Traditions were perpetuated for the next "Seven Generations"

Some how this committee thought that they were more than advisory in capacity, it was George's original intent for this committee be there to assist in answering questions and assist in directing our Tribe when questions of a "Cultural Nature" came forth. I was there when George approached Tom Peters with this idea. I, along with Tom Peters and Renie Shipman were the only ones currently employed under the newly formed "Cultural Division" We worked to develop the Policy and Procedure for the Cultural Committee, with input from George Nolan and other community members.

No where was there intention for this committee to be oversight in nature, yet this committee began to demand budgets, question strategy, question the integrity of certain individuals, as well as attack certain individuals. No where within our Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin is this type of behavior acceptable.

This committee began to demand of the Cultural Division and this community, "RESPECT" Respect is earned not demanded.

Many times I was chided by this committee for not including them in my plans and or not inviting them to certain functions, well when I did invite this committee, not many showed up anyway.

I am sorry to vent in this way, I apologize to any I may have offended, it is not my intent. I am only stating my opinion, right or wrong.

I believe that this committee could make a difference, if it got on the same page with what the original intent was when this Committee was formed.

Miigwech,

Cecil

______________________________________________________


-------Original Message-------

From: Jackie Minton
Date: 01/05/09 19:32:41
To: dwb@northernmi.net; Lana Causley; DJ Hoffman; aashkii@yahoo.com; bidabin@yahoo.com; jhalfaday@yahoo.com; saulttribeculture@yahoo.com; silver_wolf9@yahoo.com
Cc: Bernard Bouschor; Cathy Abramson; Denise Chase; Dennis McKelvie; Joanne Carr; Joe Eitrem; Darwin McCoy; Keith Massaway; Patrick Rickley; Shirley Petosky; Tom Miller; Bernard Biron; Cecil Pavlat; Elaine Clement; Joanne Carr; Josh Homminga; Kristi Little; NancyDebassige
Subject: Culture Committee Resignation

Please accept this as my formal letter of resignation from the Culture Committee effective immediately.

To those committee members that serve on this committee with respect, integrity, and who are actively living our Bimaadiziiwin I say miigwech and offer my support.

To the Cultural Division I have great respect for your commitment and unending energy to give unconditionally to our tribal members. I may not have received all the teachings that many of you have and I may not have received them in the manner that you have however, I support you in all that you do and am grateful that you are there to help tribal members. If at anytime I am able to help through volunteer work in an area please do not hesitate to call me.

To our Tribal Council I say miigwech for giving me the opportunity to serve on this committee. Traditional Tribal members look to you for leadership and a commitment to keeping this way of life for seven generations. Please be sure to keep that in mind when sitting in council and making Tribal decisions.

Know that I am committed as well as militant in passing our Traditional Ojibwe way of life, ceremonies, and teachings to our children or those that seek the knowledge in knowing who we are as a people.

At one time or another you have all held an outstretched hand or arm to me and helped me in my times of happiness or trouble. You have helped raise two beautiful, and proud young Anishinaaabe women as well as an older one! Miigwech for your teachings and I will see you along the road, or dancing in our circle. I have served on this committee with pride and commitment to my tribe.

With care and love,

Jackie Minton