Comanche Tribal Council Forum

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Dear Editor,

For many of us who live away from the tribe and outside the service area, it is difficult to stay abreast of the issues facing the tribe.  Obviously, as I only heard about the recall by reading about it on Lawton Constitution website.  When I contacted my relatives who live in the service area, they were unaware of the recall meeting.  I would encourage members of the tribal government to remember those of us who do not live in the service area.  We are still part of the tribe and we are just as concerned as the rest of you.  However most years the only acknowledgment we receive from the governing body of the tribe, is an absentee ballot and recently the Per Cap payments. 

The diminished Per Capita payments and subsequent recall meeting have brought to light some serious concerns for us as a tribe.  Foremost is the prosperity of our tribe and the responsibility of those we entrust to oversee it.  The significant disparity between this year’s Per Capita and all the preceding years should have been a red flag to all of us.  Our concerns should have been expected and an explanation provided with the Per Capita mailing.   When I contacted the tribe for an explanation I was told, “I understand the frustration and as a member I would like more myself.,  But I do realize this is additional money that I do not have to work for, it is a gift from my tribe just for being Comanche.”

At what point did we become supplicants in our own home?  The governing body of our tribe exists to STEWARD our wealth and ensure the heritance of our children.  It is NOT a generous benefactor to whom we should be grateful.  Our elected officials are to serve the will of the tribe and are therefore accountable to us.  The land we live on, the land tribal offices sit on, and all income generated from such facilities are owned communally by all members of the tribe.  It is not a gift given, but our share by right. 

We have a right and a responsibility to protect our legacy and ensure our elected representatives are following the will of the tribe; not squandering our legacy through entitlement and nepotism.  We need to ensure our leaders are qualified to hold the positions for which they are running.  They should have a clear vision of the future they want for us and communicate that vision to the entire tribe.  I would suggest all members running for tribal office must provide their related work experience/education to us.  If expense is a concern, this could simply be posted on the Comanche Nation website or emailed.  We have to stop this Good ol’ Boy, quid pro quo system of government.

What I want, and all Comanches should want, is our tribal government to act with transparency, honesty and accountability.    However until we, as tribal members, assert ourselves, we are at fault for all of the failings of our tribal government.  We are allowing it to continue.

Sincerely,

Comanche Tribal Member