A Tribal Constitution written by ‘outsiders’
By Ivan Star Comes Out
Native Sun News Today Columnist
nativesunnews.today
For the longest time I thought about an enervating workplace practice here on the Pine Ridge. It’s obvious that cliquing is juvenile yet is highly disruptive to any organization. The most obvious is nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism. Although these “isms” are difficult to deal with, they do strike at the foundations of structural organization and deflates employee morale.
Although there are many “isms,” including baptism, barbarism, Americanism, colloquialism, and alcoholism, I am only addressing the workplace in terms of the negative effects of favoritism. My focus is to raise public awareness rather than trying to change those who are actively practicing these enervating workplace “isms.” These particular “isms” thrive in secrecy so public awareness is a deterrent.
A clique is defined as “a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons held together by common interests, views, or purposes” (Cambridge Academic Content dictionary). These workplace “isms” appear when a clique is formed among any group. Research indicates that cliques are unhealthy for any organization or even a nation (i.e. the Republican Grand Old Party).
Favoritism is defined as giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or a group always at the expense of others. Fresh out of the military, I became acutely aware of this activity in the mid-1970s when I applied for a local Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) job. Another applicant, most likely a relative or friend, had been pre-selected while the rest of us were made to go through the federal hiring process.
Actually, my application was not even considered as it was tossed in an empty filing cabinet as soon as I turned it in. Not having heard from the agency regarding my application, I inquired into it but no one knew of my application. A Lakota language-speaking employee found my application in an empty file cabinet drawer right below the window where I had submitted it.
Cronyism is the appointment of cronies (friends and associates) to positions without considering their qualifications. The Oglala Sioux Tribe (OST), with its “legislature” (tribal council) in the lead, has been guardedly practicing this particular “ism” for decades while a majority of the reservation’s residents endure a crushing poverty laced with a debilitating pattern of dependence.
Cronyism is generally accepted within the OST’s government infrastructure. Also, awareness of this favoritism exists among a significant portion of tribal voters. It is often a topic of discussion and is always frowned upon. However, it is difficult to address or curb because it is not a crime to hire or appoint a relative or friend, especially if they are qualified.
Grievances regarding these “isms” remain unanswered to date. Although accusations are prevalent, they rarely amount to disciplinary action such as a reprimand or impeachment. Of course, this leads to voter cynicism toward “tribal” government. Elders are allowed to admonish the council from time to time but they are merely being humored and even ignored, which further negates cultural protocol.
Nepotism is now openly used by those with power or influence and could easily be the leading complaint by tribal voters and the most prevalent unresolved issue on my home land. Hiring or promotions are largely based on kinship rather than qualification.
Although nepotism is largely regarded as an unfair workplace practice, it is difficult to deal with. First of all, these particular “isms” are not felony crimes. According to OST Constitution (Article VIII-Removal of Officers), an elected official must be convicted of a felony or an act of “dishonesty” in a court of law, which has proven to be nearly impossible.
However, these “isms” do collectively create other difficulties. It can render a school ineffective or detach a government from its voters. It undermines voter confidence which further creates resentments and dissension. All governments have their usual malcontents but “tribal” government dissenter percentages are noticeably higher than the national and state averages.
Anyway, even with its four amendments, the current OST Constitution is still far from a people’s government. The 1969, 1985, and 1997 amendments appear to serve a reticent need for the elite clique that was in power. The 2008 amendment was a sincere attempt to establish a separation of powers with the establishment of a judicial branch. However, the governing clique will not honor it.
The latest (2017/18) proposed constitutional amendment is a big step toward a government that favors the majority. It has been a long process but with each amendment, I see a slow transition toward traditional government at some point in our grandchildren’s future. However, a majority of the council (influenced by this clique), have exposed their opposition to this latest proposed amendment.
Ivan F. Star Comes Out can be reached at P.O. Box 147, Oglala, South Dakota,
57764; via phone at 605-867-2448 or via email at mato_nasula2@outlook.com.
Copyright permission Native Sun News Today
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