"Recently, a meeting was held with Tuscarora members and residents to discuss the options that we have since our "Chiefs Council" has not been meeting publicly about the TUSCARORA money, they are just spending it at will. In addition to possible legal action for any payment of funds without authorization from the Tuscarora, the "Chiefs" are now going to be held accountable by the people of the nation. The members at the meeting decided to form the People's Council of the Tuscarora Nation.

The following resolution was adopted:

We the enrolled members and residents of the Tuscarora Nation, residing on the Tuscarora Indian Reservation located within the physical boundaries of the state of New York, grateful to the Creator for the sovereignty, growth and prosperity of our nation, as well as the retention of the traditions and culture of our reservation, looking forward to the future with confidence in the advancement of the Tuscarora Nation in order to provide a greater quality of life for our people, do hereby make, adopt, and establish the following resolution:

This statement has been issued due to the extreme lack of communication between the "Chiefs" and the Tuscarora people. There are so many programs and other essential utilities that have been denied or refused by the "Chiefs" that lead us to realize that they are not a governing body of our reservation. Our children have very few afterschool activities, and the only one they do have, the Lacrosse Box, does not have electricity because of the "Chiefs Council." "

Get the Story:
Ross Johnson: TUSCARORAS FORM PEOPLE'S COUNCIL TO OUST PATTERSONS, HENRY ON REZ (The Niagara Falls Reporter 8/9)

Also Today:
TUSCARORA 'GANG OF FOUR' DENIES HEALTH CARE IN VIOLATION OF TREATY (The Niagara Falls Reporter 8/9)

Related Stories:
DOJ opens investigation of $100M Tuscarora Nation settlement (8/2)
Tuscarora Nation members upset over 'secret' council meeting (6/28)
Editorial: Trouble within the leadership of Tuscarora Nation (6/6)
Ross Johnson: Tuscarora Nation in need of new leaders (5/31)
Some Tuscarora Nation members shocked by $100M deal (5/24)
Tuscarora Nation leadership dispute goes back decades (5/16)