Boozhoo Cousin!

How are things in the great white north? I have a few minutes to spare tonight, so I thought I would send out some food for thought! Although our opinions differ in this matter, I know you have the wisdom to see the value in the opinions of others. Feel free to post this if you wish.

On the subject of casinos for the GRB: I say why the hell not! The fact is that we have ample time in which we can make preparations for our future windfall. If we were to simply accept the funding and do things in the way of the "Sag", we would be saddled with the same problems that they have. If we were to lay the ground work for handling the wealth that a casino, or casinos, would bring, we could be that much ahead of the curve.

I have come up with some possible solutions, or at least some food for thought, as I stated earlier. The problem is not that we would simply have to accept that our ways, language, and entire past would be relegated to history. The problem is that not enough people/tribes have properly prepared themselves for the money. Before we agree to accept money for the creation of a casino, insist that money also be provided, up front, for the creation of various agencies and programs. Here are some of the ideas I have come up with.

1. Group health plan for all enrolled members and their dependents. This could be for a fixed term, payments for which would be taken over by the tribe at the end of the term. The term would be long enough so as to allow time for the casino to become profitable and to have become economically viable. The health plan payments would be overseen and monitored by a tribal organization I will call "Group A." These premiums would come out of the "tribal" bottom line, and be deducted from individual dividend payments on a monthly basis.

2. Dental and vision care policies, established under the same guidelines as above. This would also be overseen by Group A.

3. Tribal "Savings and Loan," allowing tribal members to borrow against future dividends, in a controlled manner, to assist with housing, transportation, medical needs, higher education, and any other necessities as deemed appropriate by an established board of directors. This system would only be implemented at the point that the profitability of the casino had been established, and viability was inevitable. These loans would be atreduced interest rates, allowing the S+L to be somewhat profitable and self-sustaining. Preference in employment would be given to qualified GRB members and their qualified dependents. This operation would be overseen by "Group B." This would be the only responsibility of Group B.

4. Establish improved educational facilities for GRB members and their dependents. This would entail basic education, cultural educational programs, job training and job skill development, continuing education, job placement services and financial aid counseling for students seeking higher education. Tribal scholarships could be established to supplement the Michigan Indian Tuition Money, in order to allow students to attend college out of their immediate area. Scholarships could also benefit students who are seeking education at non-traditional or ineligible schools. This is overseen by Group C.

5. A tribal financial planning and advisory service. This service would cater to the entire membership in an effort to educate members on how to utilize the funds they are receiving to their maximum benefit. Group D.

6. Tribal social services. Establish an independent source for the use of the tribe for dealing with alcoholism, drug abuse, abuse and neglect, counseling services, elderly care, and any other social service aspect deemed necessary by the GRB. Also Group D.

Although the above thoughts seem to be complete and well formed, I present them strictly as my own ideas, not to be construed as a complete plan or complete picture of what is possible for the betterment of the GRB. What I have presented here is simply a little ground work, a starting point for discussion. The possibilities and potential benefits are endless. We currently have nothing to speak of. To dismiss the idea of creating a means for making money and furthering our existance is irresponsible, at best. I am not criticizing anyone's opinions or beliefs. I am simply stating that there is a way to use a casino for the betterment of our people and our culture. Sure, not everybody would use the money to improve themselves, but for those of us who would, and would put ourselves in the position to help others in our tribe, the thought of not grabbing that brass ring is unthinkable. I shudder to think that there is no one within the GRB that could work honestly for our people and help raise us above where we currently are. Various groups are literally lining up to offer us funding once we get recognition. By not accepting some of this money and developing a means by which we can make more, we are negating our efforts to gain recognition in the first place.

The whole point I am trying to make is that if we do our homework and build a sound foundation for our future, we can use that money to become a people once again. I hope that everyone who reads this sees the potential in themselves, and the wisdom in making a plan. I dearly hope that there are others like me, who would drop everything to help with the legwork and planning for our future. As long as we have people who are willing to sacrifice for the tribe, we have a chance. Getting money doesn't have to mean losing our culture. It can mean a total rebirth of our culture, seven generations and seven hundred generations from now.

In the immortal words of Forrest Gump..."That's all I have to say about that."

Merle R. Stone

Grand River Band of Odawa Indians