About Rainwater-Sande

I would like to thank ANB and ANS for hosting the KIC Candidate forum. Candidate Questions 1. A. What is the most pressing issue facing KIC today? The reduction of federal funds to Indian Tribes. This happens each year and Senator Steven's had warned us that as tribes we need to work and collaborate with each other to maximize the dollars that are coming to Alaska. Health care is an important issue. Our administrator for our health clinic is leaving and we need to find the most competent person to fill this position. One that has experience with Indian health Service funding. The administration of the clinic is important as we are providing health care

to each of our Tribal members. Health costs are expensive and we need to be in a position to retain good doctors and nurses for our people. To do this we must provide the best direction that we can and continually plan and strategize on the funding that is made available to us.

With the threat of a war federal funding to tribes, in my opinion, would decrease substantially. The IRA Council would need to work closely with the administrator in streamlining the personnel and personnel costs. We need to do a strategic planning meeting and determine where KIC will be in one year or two years or three years, etc.

B. How would you handle it?

I have the ability to look at a situation and see the "whole" picture instead of bits and pieces. We need to be accountable to our tribal members and to do this we must communicate more with them.

2. A. How do you feel about clean and sober leadership?

This is an important issue in our organization. We are examples for our membership and they look to the council for support in this area. I for one encourage clean and sober leadership. To lead a lifestyle like this is a personal choice. I encourage sobriety; however, this is a personal decision.

B. Do you believe in zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol for employees of KIC as well as elected officials?

Yes, look at the statistics. Look at the generations of family alcoholism. Alcohol or drugs have affected each member of my immediate family. I do have friends that alcohol and drugs have also affected their families.

We can show by example. We can be of encouragement and work with those that make the personal decision to better their lives without alcohol or drugs.

The IRA Council represents the Native community. If we step forward and take this stand of zero tolerance for our employees and board then we have shown that this is a problem that we are addressing. We are walking the walk! Zero tolerance of alcohol and drugs in the workplace. Zero tolerance of alcohol and drugs at all of our functions. What they do after hours away from the office or functions is their personal choice. Let's make it zero tolerance at work and at our functions.

3. A. What is Tribal sovereignty?

Is the right to determine our destiny. To make decisions that affect our lives and to make decisions to improve the lives of out tribal members whether through education or health care.

B. What does it mean for KIC?

KIC can determine what is the best for their tribal members. Decisions are made at the local level to improve our programs to best meet our needs.

4. Why did you choose to run for Tribal Council?

I have a sincere interest in KIC. I served as a board member and President in the past and find that I would like to return to this as I am committed to our Tribal members of Ketchikan. Ketchikan is my home. I was born and raised here. I take personal interest in the welfare of our tribal government and want it to succeed at whatever we do. I am a team player and can work with the group to do this.

5. Why do you feel that you are qualified to serve?

As a past president and board member I understand the makeup of KIC. I understand the funding sources and budget layout. I have become familiar with federal, state and private funding sources. I have been attending school and I feel because of this I have more to offer to the tribe. Education is good even at my age!

6. A. What is your short-term goal (6 months) for the tribe?

Evaluation of tribal administrators. Working with the tribal administrator on the overall budget of the tribe. Where are our shortfalls? Prioritize projects that need to be taken care of. Support the administrator doing the job. Don't micro manage but be a team player with the administrator.

B.What is the plan for your term (1 year)?

Strategic planning needs to take place and communication with the tribal community needs to be improved.

7. What is the benefit for ANB and ANS if you are elected?

ANB and ANS is one of the oldest groups in Alaska representing Alaska Natives. Without their earlier work a lot of things would not be in place right now. ANB and ANS is a respected organization. As ANB/ANS understands proper procedures for meetings and process. This is important.

8. What native organizations are you involved in?

ANS member
Tlingit and Haida Ketchikan Chapter - currently serve as President
Sealaska member
Ketchikan Indian Community Member

9. What role do you think that traditional clans have with KIC?

Identification and membership with a federally recognized tribe. These groups, like ANB/ANS are core groups for KIC. Ketchikan Indian Community ­ Indians of the community. Traditional values have come important in the past ten years. The resurgence of this is apparent with the many members in our dance groups who have learned to make their own regalia. Made it with pride for sure!

10. What role do you think the elders should play in KIC?

Elders are the base for our tribe. They are the history and the glue that keeps us
together. Elders have much to offer us with proper tradition and values being taught to us. We need to have an Elders group that we can call on at any given time to share what we are doing. Our culture teaches us to respect our elders.

11. All children are educated in schools and society. What is KIC's role in educating the children to be good citizens of the tribe?

Participating in our functions. Youth groups developed . KIC needs to be visible in the community and schools. It is not only the tribe's responsibility but also the communities' responsibility to teach the children. It takes a village to raise a child. We can be good examples and mentors. We can include a youth representative on our council. We can invite the school district and college to collaborate with us on events such as a women's conference.

12. What is your opinion on native preference, formal education or not?

Native preference for Indian Health Service and Bureau of Indian Affairs funding is the law. We need to look and find qualified tribal members to lead our tribe. As I continue my education at the University of Alaska ­ Ketchikan I am finding that education is important but not all ending! There are many Alaska Native leaders that did not go to college. They have succeeded. As with all thing it depends on what experience you have. Are they familiar with federal, state and local funding. Have they "managed" people before? Is there an understanding of budgets and fund accounting?

Also I think KIC should consider adopting Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Native Preference policy which states:

It is the policy of the Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska to give preference to Alaska Natives/American Indians in hiring, compensation, assignments, training, and promotions. Native applicants seeking employment with Central council must provide proof of their tribal enrollment before Native preference can be applied. Native applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of a job description shall be offered before a non-Native with more qualifications is offered employment. A waiver of the Native preference requirement must be obtained from the President or his/her designed before a non-Native is offered employment.

13. The tribe has demonstrated a good deal of division this past year. What do you believe can be done to strengthen the tribe and all work together?

Communication and listening. Trust has to be restored. This can be done by being up front with decisions that the IRA council faces. Include community members on boards and/or commissions. Let the youth know what is available to them. Get a youth representative on the IRA Council. Ask Elders to participate in all functions and provide them with transportation to and from meetings.

14. A. As much as fifty percent of KIC's monies go to salaries and indirect costs. How do you feel about this?

Administrative costs are expensive. Health care costs are high. Doctor and nurses salaries are high and should be. These are professional people providing professional services to our tribal members. We want the best health care for our tribal members. We need to be competitive when hiring doctors. To do this salaries are going to be high.

Indirect costs are dictated by a proposal we would present to the Inspector General's office. This is an administrative function. The administrator must understand indirect and know how to prepare and indirect cost proposal with what is legitimate indirect costs. Indirect is a complicated process. One only Indian tribes can really explain.

B. What would you do to increase the amount of monies to the individual tribal members?

This depends on what program you are asking for. Education or health care. The funding to individual tribal members is pretty much outlined in our contracts with our funding agencies. We provide a service and this is what can be covered. We are not a for profit organization that provides dividends to our tribal members.

15. What can be done to diversify KIC's monies?

Again, these are federal dollars and we do have guidelines that assist us in managing our funds. However, we can look at our economic development department and see how it can be strengthened. Our community is the first stop for the tour ships to Alaska. What can we do as a tribe to increase our economic base with our own businesses.

Health Care Issues

1. Do you believe that the Health board should have the power to vote on health care issues brought before the Tribal Council?

The Health Board now is advisory. They are dealing with many issues on health care. We certainly must not exclude them when making decision on the health care for our tribal members. Why have a health board and why not use them.

2. What Health care services should KIC be focusing upon?

Third party billing. Maximize what we can get from insurance companies.

Enhancing services to our membership. People who chose to go elsewhere are spending their insurance dollars elsewhere. We can provide the same quality of service to our people.

3. What long term (5 years) and short term (1-2 years) needs for our aging population?

Health care, housing, living allowances. How many of our tribal members have retirement funds? How many will be on fixed incomes?

We need to assess the elderly population and develop strategies to deal with the increase in elderly population.

4. How can we inspire our health care staff for providing excellence in care?

Make them proud to work at KIC. Build trust with the employees and communicate decisions with them. Ask for their input when decisions are made and listen to their concerns when they are brought forward.

Do not make decisions in a closed room. Let the community know what we are doing and why.

 

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Ketchikan, Alaska