 Candidate For Ketchikan Indian Community Tribal Council
Tribe/Clan Membership: Haida descent; Raven Moiety; Killerwhale Clan.
Native Organizations/Affiliations: Ketchikan Indian Community
Tribal Member, Sealaska Shareholder, Kavilco Shareholder, Tlingit
and Haida Central Council Member, Board Member of the Fraternal
Order of the Moose; currently serving as Past Governor, served
as Governor for two years.
Most Pressing Issue: The shortfall of funding that KIC and all tribes face in administering their programs. Currently, KIC has a shortfall in healthcare funding of 60% compared to beneficiaries that receive health coverage elsewhere. Nationwide, the average amount spent per individual for this coverage was $5,700; for Indian Health Service-related programs this amount was $2,800. The Bureau of Indian affairs (BIA) experiences a similar amount in shortfall of nearly 40%. The problem lies in the ability of tribes to narrow the gap in the services needed and the funding provided when- at best, the appropriations of these funds from Congress remains the same. The opportunity exists in the ability of tribal governments to expand their economic development programs or business activities through federal and state grants, BIA financing, and guaranteed loans. Open market financing in combination with these programs is also a process that has been successful for KIC in the past. Revenues generated from these businesses can than be passed along to the KIC programs that demonstrate the most unmet need. This process not only builds on tribal self-governance, but provides jobs and infuses dollars into an economy that desperately needs relief. KIC is truly at an advantage with its present infrastructure to accomplish these goals.
Why am I running for the KIC Tribal Council? I feel that KIC is at a crossroads. We have accomplished so many goals in a relatively short time that we now need to have the vision and innovative ability to look beyond federal funding for continued growth. This process must include the ability for KIC to build its own economic engine, thus becoming more self-reliant in providing for the membership. Another aspect of growth is protecting what we've got while we are growing: a KIC grant foundation could be created to pass through grant funding while not reducing KIC's indirect or administration dollars. This concept will become increasingly important to monitor and implement, and my experience has given me the knowledge and vision to make it happen.
Qualifications: I have over nine years of experience working with, negotiating and advocating for KIC. I have served as Treasurer and President of the KIC Tribal Council, Chairman of the KIC/OVS Health Board, taking NO SALARY for this public service. Administratively, I have been employed as the KIC Deputy General Manager and General Manager. I'm a Sealaska Corporation member and a member of KAVILCO, and Tlingit and Haida, I have also served two years on the Alaska Native Health Board and on the Board of the Fraternal Order of the Moose as Governor and Past Governor. Before working for KIC I served in various key management positions at Ketchikan Pulp Company for over 25 years.
Accomplishments: Lead Negotiator with SEARHC, Indian Health Service and Congress for the successful assumption of health care for Ketchikan and Saxman during 1997-1998. Lead Negotiator with SEARHC and Alaska Area Native Health Service for the restoration of $530,000.00 of annual funding for LOCAL hospital health care. Sole negotiator of $500,000.00 of annual indirect funding with the Inspector General of the Department of Interior. Along with the Health Administrator, I as General Manager negotiated with Ketchikan General Hospital for the provision of LOCAL hospital care at very favorable rates, which keeps more patients at home in Ketchikan with their families. Lead negotiator for the annual Health Care compact (funding agreement) with Indian Health Service each year from 1998 through 2002. Negotiated a settlement to a legal dispute with the Indian Health Service, restoring $230,000.00 annually to the health care compact. I also appreciated the assistance that was given by KIC staff and others during these and many important goals that we achieved together. Thanks to one and all!
Current Issues: What can I say about the recent controversies surrounding KIC? I will not validate the behavior of those who choose to create a crisis through negativity when no crisis exists. This is not the "native way". I will speak to the issues and offer positive solutions. KIC is in excellent financial condition and is the envy of tribes across the state and the country for all it has accomplished. There has been so much dedicated, honest, and progressive work done on behalf of KIC in recent years that it would be disheartening to see this organization damaged any further. I have every confidence that the membership is aware of all the objective and substantial successes of KIC, and that they will be able to distinguish the true reality of how far we have come. Please take the time to research the qualifications, experience and motivation for all the KIC candidates. This is a critical turning point in the history of our Tribe, and we can't afford to make the wrong choices.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING FOR CHARLES W. WHITE FOR KIC TRIBAL COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20, 2003!
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