James Everett Meeks, Middle Tennessee

Archive for the ‘Reports’ Category

Commissioner Report
Middle Tennessee
20 March 2010
James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 20 February 2010
In February/March, I

• Worked on Literature to forward to Senators and Representatives regarding;
• Answered questions and requests for copies of Appliations and Rule 785
• Reviewed Census Information & American Indian Issues with the Following City Councils.
  o Tracy City
  o Palmer
  o Gruetli-Laager
• Contacted other local officials regarding Census and American Indian issues
• Attended a meeting of the Advisory Council to Tennessee Indian Affairs
• Reviewed Issues relating to Tennessee American Indians with American Indian leadership across the state.
• TT Legislators regarding current legislation.

Overall, I

• Interviewed Communities leaders for their assistance in matters of concern to Tennessee American Indians.
• Researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution
• Researched Historic locales and findings of Native American Indian Artifacts
• Attended Tribal Meetings
• Forwarded notice regarding Commission Business and information.

I believe the Purposes and Duties of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs may be more fully met with the engagement of Tennessee Indigenous American Indians as well as with all other Tennessee American Indians.

Commissioner Report
Middle Tennessee
20 February 2010
James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 23 January 2010
In January/February, I

• Wrote letters for forwarding to Senators and Representatives regarding:
  • SB1978/HB1692 State recognition to certain Indian tribes, bands, and groups
  • SB1078/HB1078 Sunset Laws – extend the commission on Indian affairs
  • HJR0078 Naming and Designating – “American Indian Heritage Month,” September 2010
  • Census 2010 Tribal Liaision
• Answered questions and requests for copies of Appliations and Rule 785
• On 26 January, I forwarded the Trail of Tears Resolution to Senator Eric Stewart and then, with community assistance, worked to remove the obstacles to its introduction and passage
• On 8 February, I presented the Census Position, responsibility and opportunity to the City Council of Tracy City, Tennessee
• On 10 February, I went to meet with and review issues with Legislators. I handed out a flier detailing benefits and opportunities with the 2010 Census.
• On 13 February I met with the Rules Commission of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs
• On 16 February, I met with Senator Mike Faulk regarding his bill for Recognition Criteria.

Overall, I

• Interviewed Communities leaders for their assistance in matters of concern to Tennessee American Indians.
• Met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee,
• Reviewed American Indian Law in these United States of America
• Researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution
• Researched Historic locales and findings of Native American Indian Artifacts
• Attended Tribal Meetings

I believe the Purposes and Duties of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs may be more fully met with the engagement of Tennessee Indigenous American Indians as well as with all other Tennessee American Indians.

Commissioner Report

Middle Tennessee

23 January 2010

James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 10 October 2009
This last period has been extremely interesting. It seems that there has been much ado all over the state.
In October, I

• was not able to attend the TCIA meeting in Chattanooga but was able to view it on Tennessee Native Times
• attended the Pow Wow and Trail of Tears Remembrance Walk at Port Royal in Montgomery County maintained by the Native Cultural Circle;
• attended the TNNAC Meeting in review of the Convention
• attended and testified at the Sunset Hearing for the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs

In November, I

• met with legislators to review the possibilities of Tennessee Indigenous American Indian Recognition
• reviewed American Indian recognition and social status of Tennessee Indigenous American Indians

In December, I

• attended the TNNAC Convention in Memphis. It was a well attended event and fairly peaceable;
• met with American Indian leaders across the state in interest of reviewing their issues in regard to the activities of the TCIA and of the TNNAC Convention

In January, I

• met with legislators to review the possibilities for the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs
• initiated a quorum call from Tennessee Commissioners of Indian affairs for a 23 January 2010 meeting in Memphis.

Overall, I

• traveled several thousand miles (Yes, again),
• met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee,
• Met with Historical Society representatives
• Reviewed American Indian Law in these United States of America
• Researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution
• Researched Historic locales and findings of Native American Indian Artifacts
• Attended Tribal Meetings

I believe the Purposes and Duties of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs may be more fully met with the engagement of Tennessee Indigenous American Indians as well as with all other Tennessee American Indians.

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 16 May 2009

The time since the last meeting has been interesting.  I’ve

• traveled several thousand miles (Yes, again), 
•  met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee, 
  •  Issues of which I am aware 
    •  Officer in Murfreesboro 
    •  Recognition of American Indians in Tennessee 
    •  Legislation regarding guidelines for holding office within the Commission 
    •  Whether the current form of the Commission should continue 
    •  Whether or not the Commission fulfilled its duties according to the Sunset Questionnaire 
    •  Whether or not the Commissioner members (non Chair) are liable for the legal decision rendered by the Chair of the Commission. 
    •  Whether or not the Legislature will do the “right thing” and establish a legislative process for recognition of American Indians in Tennessee 
•  Met with and contacted Legislators regarding American Indian Issues and Legislation in the state 
•  Met with Historical Society representatives 
•  Involved myself in Historic Preservation and Education Seminars 
•  Attended Pow Wows and American Indian Cultural festivals 
•  Researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution 
•  Researched Historic locales and findings of Native American Indian Artifacts  
•  Attended Tribal Meetings 
•  Reviewed Current Legislation in Place to determine efficacy of current status of organizations attempting to adhere to the same 
•  Attempted to find means whereby to continue the succession of American Indian Interests in Tennessee 
•  Annoyed at least 2 persons….probably more

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 21 February 2009

The time since the last meeting has been interesting.  I’ve  

• traveled several thousand miles,
• met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee,
• Met with and contacted Legislators regarding American Indian Issues and Legislation in the state
• Met with Historical Society representatives
• Reviewed Pow Wow Arrangements with the developers of the Martin Springs PowWow
• researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution
• Researched Historic locales and findings of Native American Indian Artifacts
• Attended Tribal Meetings
• Filed notification of intent to lobby for recognition of American Indian Tribes in Tennessee
• Attempted to find means whereby to continue the succession of American Indian Interests in Tennessee
• Annoyed at least 1 person….probably more

James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 17 January 2009

The time since the last meeting has been interesting.  I’ve

• traveled several thousand miles,
• met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee,
• Met with and contacted Legislators regarding American Indian Issues and Legislation in the state 
•  Sent fifty-eleven emails in regard to attempting to get opinions and clarify the desires of the American Indian in Tennessee 
•  researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution 
•  Attended the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Board Orientation
•   I’ve been extremely busy in my work (earning a living), 
•  Attended Tribal Meetings 
•  Met with a Lawyer regarding issues raised at the last meeting

I could really be verbose and go further into detail, but the bullet points do sufficient for the moment.

 

Commissioner Report Middle Tennessee 17 January 2009 James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 13 September 2008

The time since the last meeting has been interesting.  I’ve  

• traveled several thousand miles, <!–[if !supportLists]–>
• met individuals in regard to the ongoing issues of the American Indian in Tennessee, 
• I’ve voted in an election wherein some of the people for whom I voted won and some lost 
• Sent fifty-eleven emails in regard to attempting to get opinions and clarify the desires of the American Indian in Tennessee 
• researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution 
• Reviewed the CarrierPigeons documents and responded  
• Attended the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Board Orientation 
• I’ve been extremely busy in my work (earning a living),
•  Attended TNNAC and ACTIA meetings 
• Attended Tribal Meetings 
• Contacted and  Congratulated Senators and Representatives on their success in the last elections 
• Contacted Legislators to schedule times to review the legislative agendas and schedules with them

  

The Lightening Rod of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs is RECOGNITION.

The issue is so divisive that when an unknown entity attempts to gain an understanding of what the American Indians in Tennessee desire in regard to this issue, Most all the emails published deride the entity—even though it made no play of seeking approval from one side or the other. 

Sometimes I wish we were black/African Americans.  They at least seemed to be able to find a common thread whereby they could stand together and strive to achieve their goal…suffrage and actualization.  Yes, there are those that do not stand with the majority anymore, but they did not stop from marching with them on Selma and Birmingham.

It seems there are those who don’t understand the psyche of the Tennessean much less the American Indian in Tennessee.  They don’t realize the idea of Southern / Hill Law much less Clan Law or maybe they do.  Maybe they realize that as long as the people are stirred up about the Lighting Rod, Nothing will ever be accomplished in the State of Tennessee for the American Indian.

These who stir the pot of Indian against Indian play into the process which has been occurring since the Indian Removal Acts of the 19^th Century.  This ploy has been to get all the American Indians to melt into the populace of the United States…NO More Indians….This is the Cry and yet, the American Indian himself is making this possible. 

It seems that the American Indian in Tennessee would rather destroy themselves and the common voice setup to represent them; would rather destroy their friends who have stood for them; would rather seek their own private solution than to recover a solution which assists the American Indian in Tennessee as a whole.  The cry of “There are NO American Indians In Tennessee!!!” is given validity because the American Indians either will not work together for a common cause or are not able to do so because of some prejudice from a previous era /error.

Another side of the coin is that there are American Indians in Tennessee are not perpetuating the heritage.  They place themselves upon a foundation of sand because they are not willing to testify to their heritage/ culture /lore.  Instead of telling the world or one who seeks their best interest who they are, they attack with verbal abuse instead.

What is the future of the American Indian in Tennessee?

Will the American Indians in Tennessee use the Commission along with their own efforts to achieve the aims and goals which will render to the American Indian in Tennessee suffrage and actualization as has been achieved by the Black /African American.

Will the American Indians realize that their friends are still their friends even though they face the challenge of working with those they would rather practice Clan Law Against?

 There seems to be a lack of understanding as to what the Commission of Indian Affairs is.

• Some want to think it is the Supreme Indian Council of the State of Tennessee…a council of Elders per se

• Some want to say that the Commission is flawed because of 1 or 2 persons…so much so that they are not willing to take the actions necessary to be involved beyond complaining…The Voting Booth still exists

• The Commission of Indian Affairs is a Tennessee STATE agency and must comply with the same laws which regulate all the other STATE agencies.  We cannot sidestep those or the law which created the Commission, but the Commission can work within the framework.

• The Commission of Indian Affairs is an Entity which is composed of individuals from different walks of life, with different prejudices, with different world views and political views and with different cultural heritages.  

I believe the Commissioners and the Public should study and learn the duties and responsibilities of board and commission members who serve on a State Board or Commission.  To this end, I fully recommend that all Commissioners go to the next TDEC Orientation.  I have a copies of the last orientation booklet.  The booklet covers the Laws, procedures and contacts information of TDEC boards and commissions.  If we the Commissioners knew how to conduct ourselves, then maybe we could get more done.  If the Public knew how to interact with us, then maybe we could put to rest some of the issues which have dogged us since the re-institution of the Commission.

So my Challenges are:

• Commissioners, what will you do to equip yourself so that you can actually do your job?  Will you work for suffrage and actualization of the American Indian in Tennessee instead of trying to sunset the Commission and/or bastardize the people who claim American Indian heritage in Tennessee?

• Commissioners, What will you do to find a way to work with your fellow commissioners for American Indians in Tennessee?

• Public, What will you do so that you can know what the responsibilities of this Commission are and seek to work with this Commission or challenge this Commission to fulfill those directives (Other than harassing, slandering and libeling the Commission)….Will you Work with the Commission instead of seeking to sunset it?

• Will those of you who are already recognized mentor American Indians and American Indian entities or will you seek to destroy the cultures of Tennessee?

 

A Future for the American Indian in Tennessee is Possible….What part will you play?

Commissioner ReportMiddle Tennessee13 September 2008James Everett Meeks

Period: Since Last Commission Meeting 21 June 2008

This past quarter has been interesting.  I’ve been extremely busy in my work (earning a living), and I planned to take some time away to refuel and refresh.  I wish I could say I was able to do so, but I can say that I’m seeking more and better ways to learn to communicate….O Wait…Didn’t I say this last monthI’ve

•  been on conference calls, called by Commissioner Ohle as well as other American Indian entities in the state;  
• attempted to review issues with entities from Middle Tennessee, mainly, but East and West as well;  
• gone to TNNAC and ACTIA meetings to review what is happening in these entities;  
• attempted to get information from states which seem to have developed a strategic plan for their state, but mostly I’ve collected is forms, pamphlets and booklets from the visitor / tourist centers of the state;  
• sought means whereby to get the word out about the American Indian issues in the state;  
• met with County Mayors to review the issues facing American Indians;  
• met with General Assembly members and those seeking office therein;  
• attempted to raise awareness of the 2010 Census and my understanding of its ramificationsI believe the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs needs continuity and continuation.  To this end, I’ve lobbied those persons seeking office in the General Assembly as well as County Mayors.  To make them aware of the reality that the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs is sitting in a tenuous position.  The Commission is from year-to-year seeking to do well for the American Indians in Tennessee, but the Commission has not been given the ability to survive more than until the end of June of the next year.When made aware of this, the County Mayors with whom I have met are willing to prepare proclamations from their county commissions to support the American Indians in Tennessee. They know there are American Indians in their counties and have been dealing with Census 2010 issues until some of them have grown tired of doing so.  They have read the documentation and understand what it means to their counties for American Indians to know, accept and proclaim their heritage.  This may not be a popular notion outside of the Tennessee American Indian community, but those seeking to expand and develop the basis of their individual counties are extremely interested in issues such as this. I, along with other Commissioners, was interviewed by Reporter Ross of the Tennessean regarding the population growth of American Indians in Tennessee.  From her I learned that the basic position is that new births do not account for the number of people who are now listed as American Indian. As in my last report, I see that the Native American Indian in Tennessee is taking the steps necessary to stand.  Not to just stand on their ‘heritage’, but to stand and minister to those of Native American Indian heritage and to their communities.I believe one of the predominant failings of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs is that the Commission is not visible.  You may say, what about our presentation in the General Assembly and in the cities where the Commission meets?  I would say what does it matter of these things if the County and Community leaders do not know the Commission of Indian Affairs exists?I asked the question of County Mayors. “Did you know there was a Commission of Indian Affairs before I contacted you?”  Their response was, “No.” What does this say of our mission if we are not known at the County and Community levels?I have been told on more than one occasion, the Commission needs to inform the people better of when, where, how, why, and what it is doing.I realize that we have started making strides in this direction.  I applaud Commissioner Ohle for the conference calls. This is good.  I also am excited about some of the initiatives being brought to the Commission and to the Tennessee American Indian Community.  If we bill it……Will they Come?I believe so!

In the weeks and months ahead, it is my plan to further the position of the American Indian in Tennessee by continuing to meet with elected officials and those seeking such offices to further their awareness of the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs and what the American Indian means to their communities.

Commissioner Report

Middle Tennessee

21 June 2008

James Everett Meeks

Period:        Since Last Commission Meeting 29 March 2008

This past quarter has been interesting.  I’ve been extremely busy in my work (earning a living), and I planned to take some time away to refuel and refresh.  I wish I could say I was able to do so, but I can say that I’m seeking more and better ways to learn to communicate.

This past quarter brought disappointment to some and joy to others.  One perception is that some Native American Indians worked against other Native American Indians in the effort of Actualization of the Native American Indian in Tennessee.  An other perception is that a travesty was avoided because the legislature voted not to process an action which would have given actualization to people who had no basis in fact for seeking such.

I learned a great deal about dealing with the legislature.  They aren’t always aware of all the reasons why people are seeking a particular view point, but they give due to those who consistently and frequently spend their time seeking to bring awareness to an issue.

I also learned that the Native American Indian in Tennessee has too long not taken the steps necessary to stand.  Not to just stand on their ‘heritage’, but to stand and minister to those of Native American Indian heritage and to their communities.

You see, I am coming to agree with some of my colleagues.  The Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs has spent entirely too much time on the recognition issue.  It is an issue which has brought the Commission to the brink of extinction and may, if engaged again, be such.  I will not say that recognition is not important, but there are other issues with which we can engage ourselves.

To this end, I have attempted to find means whereby the Commission could bring awareness of opportunities to the Tennessee Native American Indian Communities.  No, I’m not able to spend as much time on this as others, but I have attempted.

One resource we have is to enable those Native American Indian entities which have sought and created a Non-Profit corporation.  While it is true that NO tribe should be a Non-Profit (501(c)3) corporation, having one can be beneficial.  I have contacted several across the state with the intent to assist them in becoming real, live, honest-to-goodness Non-Profit Corporations.  I believe this can be of much service to many of these entities. 

County and city governments are always looking for someone to assist them in bring aid to their communities.  This aid can come in many forms.  Most often the thought is economic aid, but there is also a need for education, social assistance, health care, housing programs, just to name a few.

The Mission Statement of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs is this:

The mission of the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs is to instill a positive vision for American Indians through preserving cultural identity by promoting and advocating the rights, beliefs and opportunities which impact quality of life.

Can we as a Commission say we are actually involved with this?

I’ve spent time going to meetings of other agencies across the state.  I’ve gone to Pow Wows, socials and other Native American Indian rites.  I have also spent time lobbying State legislators to attempt to enable them to realize some of the concerns of the Tennessee Native American Indian, but this is more Public Relations Promo than actually meeting the heart and soul of the mission statement listed above.

I’ve spent time in libraries reviewing the demographics and history of the Native American Indian in Tennessee. I’ve even enlarged my personal library to be able to understand the heritage of those inside and outside of my tribal group.

I’ve checked on resources for Non-Profits and social groups to determine sources for rendering aid (economic and social welfare relief) to the people some call Native American Indian and some call ‘Culture Clubs’.  Regardless of their ‘perceived’ status, many Native American Indians in Tennessee are in need of the services such as these agencies afford.

The commission is an entity which could be a part of such a Mission Statement as stated above.  We are once again facing sunset hearings.  I believe the Commission has a place in the live and times of the Tennessee Native American Indian.  To this end I seek to work with and for the Commission to render whatever is necessary to follow such a Mission Statement.

If we are to survive, we must actually take on the means whereby to be effective instead of continuing in the patterns of the past, this includes me as well, to affect the lifes and times of the Tennessee Native American Indian.

Hello All

I believe that great things can be accomplished for the Tennessee Native American Indian. To this end submit a tentative Quarterly report now instead of waiting for the meeting on Saturday (29 March 2008) [I may edit/add more, but this is the start].

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You may or may not have already heard the news.The Tennessee State Legislature has voted to allow the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs to have one more year before being Sunset. This means that the Commission will not be sunset until June 30, 2008, or at least this is what the legislation states.What does this mean to those who support the Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs?The Commission has a lot of work ahead of it if it expects Not to be sunset in 2009. The time is limited, and there is so much to do.I start with the statement of Senator Bo Watson, who stated:

Date: 2/11/08 20:37
Received: 2/11/08 21:05 -0500
From: Bo Watson
To: tom kunesh

The bill, SB2477, did passed the senate allowing for a one (1) year extension of the commission. The commission will be reviewed again next year. When the bill was in its final form, I did vote to extend the commission the additional year but I did it the with reservation that the commission will be more effective in the coming year. I do plan to pay close attention to the activity of the commission to assess its ability to fulfill the assurances by those who requested we continue the commission an additional year.

State Senator Bo Watson

He said he voted with the “reservation that the commission will be more effective in the coming year.” He also said that he would “pay close attention to the activity of the commission”. I met with him and other legislators before the vote, and this seems to be the position of many legislators with whom I talked.

Senator Watson may be watching us, but I also received the following from a member of the media:

I am not trying to cause trouble to you or the commission. Just the opposite is true. The Commission is being closely watched by groups and individuals, including but not limited to the legislature, Tennessee tribes and the media. We must be above reproach. If the regs say we have to send out notices by the US Postal Service then we send them out by US Postal Service until our rules are legally changed.

I reviewed certain issues with Atty Mark James.

• He is anxious to get the Commission on firmer standing by taking care of the issues necessary to remove the annual threat of being sunset.
• I believe that He and I realize that procedurally the Commission needs to take measures to take care of simple issues and to follow the Law, the Standing Rules, and Robert’s Rules
• I questioned him about the Minutes of the previous Commission meetings. The Last minutes on the State Website are those of 17 March 2007. We voted 29 December to go ahead and get the minutes from previous meetings on the site and would review them at a later time if errors became evident.
• I reviewed the Sunshine laws with him as well as with State Legislators. I am concerned that the Commission is failing to comply with the current law and Care should be taken to ensure that this is not the means whereby those opposed to the Commission gain footing to Sunset the commission.
  • While I previously did comment on issues with other Commissioners between Commission meetings, I have promised to fulfill what I believe are the dictates of the Law and only communicate with other Commissioners on issues of proposing items for the Order of Meeting and Procedure activities of the Commission.

I have heard from and have spoken with members of the Tennessee Native American Indian Community and many want to see success for the Commission but they want more openness and adherence to the Law which enacted the Commission.

This past quarter has been a fairly busy time for me. I have continued to travel around the state to meet with Native American Indians. With the price of gasoline, I’ve also attempted to maintain contact via telephone, email and US Mail.

I can tell you first hand that the lists of Tennessee Native American “groups” I have found on the various web sites are sorely in need of update. The principal “groups” seem to maintain their presence, but many who were once listed have allowed their web sites, email addresses and telephone numbers to lapse. This has not deterred me from the attempt, and, even now, I am contacting associates across the state to attempt to ascertain the where-a-bouts of those previously identified entities.

Not that I’m all that beautiful, but I posted a press release in the regional and community newspapers in south Middle Tennessee of my appointment. This was as much to introduce myself as it was to bring awareness of the reality of a Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs; to bring awareness of the American Indians living in the area they have and advocate; to enable those who have hidden their ancestry for so long.

I also have contacted and am continuing to contact the County Mayors/Executives of the 33 counties of which the Middle Tennessee Caucus consists. I am beginning to start the process of setting face-to-face appointments to discuss the possibilities of opportunities between the counties, the TCIA and the Tennessee Native American Indian Communities living in their counties.

I also contacted Commissioner Ohle with a list of Radio Stations for publication of the Public Service Announcement, but I think she already had that well covered.

I have attended Community meetings, festivals and Pow Wows. What I have discovered is that there is serious concern for the welfare of the Tennessee American Indian Community. There has been hope that the Commission would take a pre-imminent role in the effort to raise awareness of the plight and affairs of Tennessee Indigenous Native Peoples. There is concern that the Commission may be seeking the best interest of “Recognized” NAI over the peoples of Tennessee.

I have contacted and continue to contact Legislators. The message is that

• The Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs (TCIA) and the Confederation of Tennessee Native Tribes can work together
  1. Since the TCIA has repealed Recognition, the Confederation has taken up this effort for the American Indians in Tennessee
  2. This is no longer a burden for the TCIA, nor will it be for the State Legislature

This does not seem to be particularly popular with certain Commissioners, but I believe the Tennessee Native American Indian can be served by both organizations and that the two can work together.

What does the next year hold for the Tennessee Native American Indian?

Actualization of the Tennessee Native American Indian?

Programs developed by the Commission for ALL Tennessee Native American Indians?

I’m not sure, but I want to believe the best

We are in a unique position. We can do great things, if we will!!

I wish you well.

Respectfully Submitted

James Everett Meeks
Commissioner, Middle Tennessee
Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs