A Call For Community Effort
Tuesday May 4, 2010 - According to top ranking officials
there will be no funding this year to help with the Cemetery
maintenance in preparation for our traditional Annual
Memorial Day Ceremony. With the Annual Celebration just
mere weeks away, armed with only a rake and good ole’
fashioned gumption, two limited term Cemetery Laborers
set out on a last minute mission this past Monday.
Unfortunately, this morning that mission has come to an
abrupt end. The two man Cemetery Crew was informed the
Judgment Fund is broke and there are currently zero
monies available for Cemetery upkeep. The employees
were told it is unsure as to where the money will be found
to pay them for their one day of work already performed.
After hearing this unbelievable story, BRANews initiated
contact with a high-ranking top executive for some
answers. We were told this was in fact very true and
indeed there is no money left in the Judgment Fund. It was
further explained the cause of this is due to the Judgment
Fund Coordinator’s severe disconnect from the Judgment
Fund’s Budget. How can this be? Money never seemed to
be an issue before. The Coordinator works year round,
even when the Cemetery is closed with limited access
during our winter months. The Judgment Fund Committee
meets throughout the year and collects Meeting Stipends.
They even hold a fabulous annual Christmas party, where
I'm told they have spent up to $100 per bottle of wine. So
how exactly is there no money available for the actual
Cemetery upkeep? Is this another case of bad accounting
practices and the “vampiring” and "hopscotching" of
Program monies, or is this just simply the grim reflection of
a run-away committee’s high-priced extravagant quench of
thirst?
As Memorial Day approaches ever closer, a group of
concerned Citizens and Tribal Elders have begun their
own efforts to clean up and maintain our Cemeteries. They
are currently seeking donations, and any volunteers with
yard tools to assist their efforts. There are sign-up sheets
available with contact information in various locations
throughout the community. Any and all help is appreciated,
so lets all chip in and lend a hand. As a Community, united
we can accomplish great things. Perhaps we can turn this
travesty into something positive and demonstrate, as a
Community, the Honor and Respect we hold for our Dearly
Beloved who have made their Journeys before us. Hope to
see you there!
Tuesday May 4, 2010 - According to top ranking officials
there will be no funding this year to help with the Cemetery
maintenance in preparation for our traditional Annual
Memorial Day Ceremony. With the Annual Celebration just
mere weeks away, armed with only a rake and good ole’
fashioned gumption, two limited term Cemetery Laborers
set out on a last minute mission this past Monday.
Unfortunately, this morning that mission has come to an
abrupt end. The two man Cemetery Crew was informed the
Judgment Fund is broke and there are currently zero
monies available for Cemetery upkeep. The employees
were told it is unsure as to where the money will be found
to pay them for their one day of work already performed.
After hearing this unbelievable story, BRANews initiated
contact with a high-ranking top executive for some
answers. We were told this was in fact very true and
indeed there is no money left in the Judgment Fund. It was
further explained the cause of this is due to the Judgment
Fund Coordinator’s severe disconnect from the Judgment
Fund’s Budget. How can this be? Money never seemed to
be an issue before. The Coordinator works year round,
even when the Cemetery is closed with limited access
during our winter months. The Judgment Fund Committee
meets throughout the year and collects Meeting Stipends.
They even hold a fabulous annual Christmas party, where
I'm told they have spent up to $100 per bottle of wine. So
how exactly is there no money available for the actual
Cemetery upkeep? Is this another case of bad accounting
practices and the “vampiring” and "hopscotching" of
Program monies, or is this just simply the grim reflection of
a run-away committee’s high-priced extravagant quench of
thirst?
As Memorial Day approaches ever closer, a group of
concerned Citizens and Tribal Elders have begun their
own efforts to clean up and maintain our Cemeteries. They
are currently seeking donations, and any volunteers with
yard tools to assist their efforts. There are sign-up sheets
available with contact information in various locations
throughout the community. Any and all help is appreciated,
so lets all chip in and lend a hand. As a Community, united
we can accomplish great things. Perhaps we can turn this
travesty into something positive and demonstrate, as a
Community, the Honor and Respect we hold for our Dearly
Beloved who have made their Journeys before us. Hope to
see you there!
