The public comment period is an essential part of our meetings. This is an opportunity for members of the public to inform the Council of their views. The public does not participate in the decision-making but, instead, it provides input to the Tribal Council, which takes the input into consideration in making decisions. The public must keep in mind that sometimes decisions cannot be made on the spot and that the Tribal Council may elect to consider a separate meeting to arrive at a decision, if a decision is needed.
Individuals desiring to make a comment will indicate so before the meeting starts so the Tribal Council Secretary can give them a copy of the guidelines.
In order to ensure that everyone who wishes to speak has an equal opportunity to do so in a limited amount of time, please keep the following in mind:
(1) Vulgar, abusive, or profane language will not be used. Sometimes our meetings are held in private homes and it is very disrespectful to the host and persons in attendance to use this type of language.
(2) The Chairman or his/her delegate will call upon those who wish to speak.
(3) The persons wishing to speak shall identify themselves and their organization, if they are speaking for that organization.
(4) Comments should not include personal attacks directed at any individual, group, or the Council.
(5) Comments should be directed to the Tribal Council and not to individual members or other members of the audience.
(6) Comments should be succinct and to the point. What is it you want to inform the Council about? What is it you want the Council to do?
(7) If there are supporting documents, please give them to the Chairman or his/her delegate. Please retain copies. The Tribe will not make copies for you.
(8) Please limit your comments to no more than five (5) minutes. If a previous speaker has already addressed the Tribal Council, please do not repeat the remarks or points already made.
(9) Members of the Tribal Council may ask questions for clarification, but may desire to not debate the topic with the speaker.