Update on White Earth Leadership Change
The previous White Earth RTC left the reservation at least $6 million in
debt.
In addition $60,000-$80,000 base salaries, former council illegally
accepted salaries for serving on various commissions and helped themselves
to $250 per diems for TEC subcommittee meetings.
$1 million is tribal casino funds has been used to pay attorneys for the
defense of former tribal leaders, Darrell 'Chip' Wadena, Jerry Rawley and
Rick Clark, convicted of misappropriation of tribal funds, bid rigging,
election fraud
Former White Earth officals Darrell Wadena, Rick Clark and jerry Rawley
have apparently viloited their conditions of resase pending sentencing on
federal corruption charges. According to casino documents, all three men
accepted free food and beverages at the Shooting Star Casiono in Mahnomen on
July 6, and Wadena signed oiff a total of $1,479.38 that included a music
band and the band's hotel rooms. The event was his daughter's wedding.
When released on June 24, the three were ordered by Judge Michael Davis to
take no money from the Shooting Star "unless it's lawfully won in the
casino. Wadena was also ordered to refrain f roim involvement in "any of
the business of the reservation," but he served on the Tribal Executive
Sumcommittee meeting July 10 at Fond du Lac as representing White Earth.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY THE NEW WHITE EARTH RTC in a Special meeting held on
July 1, 1996:
96-15A n
New members appointed to the Fish and Game Commission. Fish and Game
Commissioners shall not be entitles to any additional salary and service on
the commission shal be deemin part of the duties of their office.
96-16A
White Earth RTC engages the services of Zenas Baer & Associates and Miles
Lord & Associates as special legal counsel.
Peter Cannon and his assoiciates have no further authority to act on behalf
of the White Earth band.
Authorize that co-general cousel to immediately review the Gaming World
International contract and to bring action, if necessary, to insure that the
terms and conditions of the contradt are fully complied with.
96-12A
Direct general counsel to draft and prepare an ordinance setting forth
provisions for a primary election with a runoff election for the top two
candidates.
As soon as ordinance is accepted and approved by the TEC and BIA a special
election will be held for Sec/Tres and Dist I Rep and any other vacancies
which may exist at that time.
96-13A
Appoints Erma Vizenor Interim Sec-Treas; Appoints Irene Aginaush Hvezda
Interim Dist I Rep. until the White Earth Tribal Council can obtain election
reform including the holding of primary elections and runoff election.
Election will be held as soon as practical aftter final adoption and
approving of the election ordinance.
Bernard J. Rock, Sr.
Leech Lake Pillager Band
Spotted Eagle Warrior Society
North Central Minnesota Native American Veterans Outreach and Resource Center
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