PHOTOS BY JOHN WEYMER

Almost 100 people turned out for a rally at which eight Tribal council candidates stood up to speak. Several issues were addresses by the candidates, but chief among them were youth, casinos and health care.

Council candidates speak at rally

By Meghan Erkkinen

Seven candidates for Puyallup Tribal Council spoke at a rally April 12 addressing issues ranging from education to elder and low-income housing to economic security.

The rally began with a prayer and a song performed by Evan Spirithawk and others. The rally was hosted by Tribal Councilmember David Bean.

The first to speak was Katie Barnes-Estacio. The main focuses in her speech were children and elders.

“I have a vision that my children…are going to become contributing members of society,” she said, adding that she would also like to see the Tribe work toward better care for elders.

The second candidate to speak was Walter L. Barr, who emphasized his work ethic and getting casino development on track.

“I have a very good work ethic,” he said, adding that he would always be in the council office, if elected, as all council members should be. “I’m always at work…(I am) dependable, my door’s always open.”

He also said it was necessary to better oversee the casinos, which he said were falling into disrepair.

Following Walter Barr was Ramona Bennett, who claimed the Tribe needed to return to its roots.

“We used to be a little braver,” she said. “Our Tribe used to stand for something. We rose from the ashes…I see us getting soft, I see us getting weak…I see us getting lazy and dependent.”

Ramona Bennett said she would stand up for the Tribe and fight for its rights.

Chester Earl stood up and spoke on behalf of his mom, candidate Linda Earl, who was on a church retreat. He spoke some words and then read a letter written by his mother.

In the letter, Linda Earl discussed everything from programs for youth to issues with the casinos. Linda Earl also said she would like to see a restructuring of the Puyallup Tribal Health Clinic to make it more accessible by extending hours and through other means.

Then spoke candidate Lucia Earl-Mitchell.

“It took me a long time to make this decision (to run),” she said, but added that she decided to run because “I am very passionate about my Tribe.”

Her main goals as a council member would be to address housing needs, medical care and youth issues, but she added there were problems in every area that the Tribe needed to deal with.

Richard Iyall spoke next. His main concerns were taking care of Tribal elders and children, and preparing for future generations.

He recommended that if children do not graduate from high school, they do not receive their trust money until age 25. He also said the Tribe needs to take care of elders and homeless members.

“We need clarity. We need someone in there who’s not afraid,” he said. “I’m trying to be a leader. I’m not so much leading by what I say as by what I do.”

Nancy Shippentower-Games discussed many issues, including meeting the needs of Tribal youth and not allowing the Tribal Council to micromanage.

“I think when you’re a leader you have to get out there and do what you have to do to protect our interests,” she said.

Michael Turnipseed spoke next on issues of education and economic development.

“We’re involved in the community,” he said. “It’s about (council) accountability. We can have all the things we want to have.”

He addressed the subject of the port terminal development, saying the Tribe should be more than a landlord in that deal.

Following him was Daniel Satiacum. He said he is running because he has watched the Tribe grow and “I don’t like what they’re doing.” This is his last fight for the Puyallup Tribe, he added.

Chester Earl also spoke again for his candidacy for Trust Board, where he said he felt he could really help out the Tribe.

Almost 100 people showed up for the rally. The primary election for Puyallup Tribal Council is April 19 and the general election is June 7.

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