January 13, 2014
Monday PM

As we head into 2014 I am optimistic that we will be successful, that we will communicate with each other, uplift and support each other because we are all in this boat together.  There are young people stepping forward which is what we had hoped for and we need to support their efforts and mentor them so they can push forward leading our tribe to progress.  

In 1997 we took the the step to Self-determination status in order to take control of our own economic and health needs.  Today we are fully into Self-governance which allowed us to take control over the planning and budget process. This is the crucial part and we need to make this self-governance status work for the people.  We do that by listening and communicating.

As tribal citizens you need to become more involved in the process of government by going to the polls and electing upcoming leaders who will focus on local needs as when those are met it will strengthen our community as a whole. When they are elected we need to support them at the table and pay attention to what is going on.

In closing, remember our elders and ancestors before us, who worked tirelessly to get us here to this point.  We thank them for their hard work and vision.  Their wisdom and knowledge, passed on to us, is our compass on what direction and path we need to take for the future.  Good luck and God bless.  

Cecelia Johnson
Ketchikan, Alaska

Received January 13, 2014 - Published January 13, 2014

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