James Everett Meeks, Middle Tennessee

Archive for April, 2010

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• Researched historical references to document the claims of the Acknowledgement Resolution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.