There is nothing "fair" about the legal status of those claiming aboriginal heritage. It is the very definition of inequality. I do not know what it might take to be a legally recognized member of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, but whatever that might be is a complete absurdity. A practical byproduct of maintaining these "rights" is incest. This is about ancestral bloodline discrimination. Blatant discrimination, allowing not just full U.S.A. citizenship rights, but special additional rights, privileges and tax advantages. The Native right to fish with woven bark nets and spears exercised with powered boats and nylon monofilaments nets. The native custom of using computers, cell phones, transportation and sanitation systems built by non-natives and let us not forget the highly revered ancient custom of operating casinos. Unless and until all of the JKT becomes equal U.S.A. citizens, they should be both financially and geographically treated like all other foreign nations.
Garry, it is up to the Tribes to decide who is accepted into their membership. A member does not have to have a "blood quantum" of DNA, although that is the general rule. Each Tribe decides. If you applied under their rules, you could be accepted. Tribes are now trying to keep their numbers lower in order to concentrate the wealth.
There is a general blood quantum rule for each tribe. Jamestown has a current blood quantum requirement of 1/8th. They are a shrinking tribe as older generations are passing on. Think about that though, 7/8 something else still gets you a tribal citizenship.
From Grok - While there is no explicit minimum membership threshold, the tribe must demonstrate that its membership consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe and that it comprises a distinct community with political authority. This implies a sufficient number of members to form a cohesive community and governance structure, but the BIA does not specify a numerical minimum. For example, some federally recognized tribes, like the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, have relatively small memberships (around 600 members), while others have thousands.
TJ, you are right and wrong. The Tribes are sovereign and therefore have ultimate decision of qualifications of citizenship. If they want you in without a blood quantum, you are in.
Yes, you are technically correct. However, the only thing that maintains even a semblance of tribal sovereignty is a direct tribal lineage. You remove that and they are just a business. They will not be able, or should not be able, to do that without major pushback. Dropping the quantum below 1/8th is under consideration and will probably be needed, but most Americans are 1/16th something. Below that 1/32 or 1/64 is a ridiculous requirement for anything.
Hi TJ. I have been going through my herritage. My mother found that we are related to the Seneca Indians of upstate NY. I had a hard time going through records to find documentation of that, but my research revealed that I am 1/128 Mississippi Choctaw, documented. I reached out to the MBCI. One of the tribal members (elders) has the same last name as my 4th-Great Grandfather, who was 1/2 tribal. I suppose that I'm realated to that elder.
I understand that there is inter-tribal consortia facilitating all kinds of endeavors. I seek to pursuit a membership.
However, you brought up a point that I hadn't looked into, as you stated: The "...tribe must demonstrate that its membership consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe..." I can demonstrate that with documentation. So, are you saying that I can apply to be a member of a LOCAL tribe with that credential? That's an interesting idea. I wonder how many people born in this country can say the same. I'm sure that there are many. However, they may not know TO pursuit it, or how.
You wouldn't have any links to this information, would you?
I am not a citizen of any tribe. I also have demonstrable native heritage, but I am so much more majority other things like Scottish, Irish, Spanish that it seems absurd to me to claim anything other than what I am, mixed.
However, each tribe is left to decide who they make tribal members. Almost all require blood quantum in their lineage, but I do know of several local tribes that have "adopted" citizens of other tribes. I believe all the adoptive cases have proven citizenship in another tribe before switching citizenships and all are very well connected in their new tribe through marriage or real adoption. There are also cases of non blood natives being "adopted", but that does not come along with the same benefits and is really in name only.
So, theoretically if you can show citizenship in an out of area tribe and you are well connected in a local tribe, you may be able to petition and gain citizenship. It is a tribal council decision. But, blood quantum in some federally recognized tribe still applies.
On the other hand Jamestown wants to change their qualifications because their membership is going down and without a certain number of members, they cease to be a legal tribe.
The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Cahuilla band of Native Americans based in Coachella, California. They are one of the smallest tribal nations in the United States, consisting of only 16 members, seven of whom are adults
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is the wealthiest Native American tribe, with a total wealth amounting to $2.7 billion.
According to court records, each adult receives a monthly payment of approximately $84,000, or $1.08 million annually. There are 480 members in total. The main sources of income of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community are gambling and resorts.
I know one of the reasons that Tribes have changed their criteria was a matter of inheritance and bequeathment to the children of descendents. If a tribal member who is 1/8 Indian has children with a non-tribal member, those children would be subject to approval of membership to the tribe. If the limit is set at 1/8, their children could never be eligible, unless they moved the "goal post". They frequently do this. Now most of the bylaws allow for proof of ancestry to their tribe, just to save a lot of future revisions.
There is only one fair option that I see. Quit using Tribal businesses. We would have to be vigilant because tourist won’t know any better. Impact through financial loss sends a clear message. They continue to scrape and clear and make ready property at corner of 101 and Diamond Point Road.
Heard since it will be a truck stop, county/state will provide roundabout on Highway. I see no problems with driving speed limit on Highway 55+ and coming to a 🤷♀️roundabout that still confuses the majority.
We didn’t grow up in the UK, it takes time to not run over into the center, whatever.
Does this call for picket lines outside these (higher than Hawaii) priced tribe businesses?🚛🚑⛽️
That roundabout will be huge and dangerous (semi trucks / trailers) motor homes, boats being towed, horse trailers. Then there will be getting back on it from DP Road.
Will the tribe contribute to a major traffic project? 0.77
Not only is your article spot on, it points out the need for major changes regarding the tribe. It's bothered me since the MAT clinic opened, that the Jamestown doctors prescribed opioids that got many people hooked, then are allowed to treat them for addiction. Seems kinda like double dipping.
Want to talk about double dipping? Jeff needs to do an expose on the encounter rate that Jamestown gets for visits to their Medical, MAT, Dental, Mental, and pharmacy.
I read it somewhere, maybe HHS through Olympia. It made me mad enough to forget the numbers. If you don’t have addicts, you don’t have billable services!
Christi, it is double dipping and as an added bonus they have guaranteed customer revenue for the life of the unit. The Tribes are actually asking for an increase of funding in this area! Can't let this cash cow not be milked for all it's worth.
Thank you for doing the math, Jeff. You put the Tribe's self-promotions into a clear perspective. Who wants to patron a Tribal business when you are considered an unwanted "guest." One nation of proud Americans, all treated equally under one law, all paying taxes equally.
Double indemnity of sort, supporting the businesses, then subsidizing them via taxation without representation. Speeds one's demise x2. I do not blame anyone who takes advantage of a situation that benefits themselves, unless such an arrangement is knowingly at the expense of others, out of spite and vengeance.
$86 million is around $150k per tribal member? They are living the American dream. Got to wonder if that is on top of all their land acquisitions. I seen where their reservation is 13 1/2 or so acres. But they own 1000 acres off reservation in Clallam and Jefferson counties. I dont begrudge anyone from working hard and getting wealthy. But working the system at our expense is another thing. And their aiding and abbetting the commie liberal takeover of this area is just wrong. They are nothing but two mafia families working together.
The underpaid (and largely non-tribal) casino employees would appreciate higher wages. These handouts, if spread amongst the employees of the casino, could help ensure those employees are paid commensurate with the Clallam Economic Development Council's conclusion that a minimum of $26.00/hr is what is necessary for one to have a good living wage on the Olympic Peninsula.
Edit: using some rough math, $658,000 divided by 2,080 full-time hours (40hr / wk) equates to $316.00 per hour that could be spread amongst just the full-time employees (and their respective income tax contributions). That's enough revenue to support the base wages of 12 new 'good paying' full-time jobs!
Or
$658,000 ÷ 8,760-hours per year = $75.00 per hour to split amongst part-time and full-time workers.
What is not computed into an even bigger ‘Grand Canyon’ of the cost difference between Tribal and that of tax paying citizens is healthcare insurance, if you can afford it. I sure would like free healthcare and not be shocked by what I’m not covered for. It makes the unfair REALLY unfair. This chasm is getting wider and wider with the new tax increase. Below is just the increase in gas tax which we will have to absorb.
Largest tax increase in state history': Gov signs WA's $78B operating budget into law
Under the transportation budget, Washington’s gas tax will increase by 6 cents per gallon, and a new 3-cent diesel tax will be added in 2026, with a further 3-cent increase in 2028. Both fuel taxes are indexed to inflation, and a portion of the new revenue will be directed to local governments. The new transportation budget also includes increased fees for trucks and passenger vehicles, and a sales tax shift to the transportation budget.
Hot off the Native News Online Press MO'MONEY MO'MONEY PLEASE
Key topics of discussion included the need for mandatory funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) under the Department of the Interior, increased staffing for law enforcement, the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts, and concerns about federal prosecution decisions.
Tribal energy authority authors guide for unlocking renewable tax credits
A tribal power authority has created the first handbook for tribes navigating millions in unclaimed renewable energy tax credits, stepping outside its normal role to solve a critical knowledge gap in Indian Country.
It would be interesting to know how much money, in this instance Jamestown, is given by the feds, state, and local government for X, Y, or Z causes. Given there appears to be no requirement to disclose their financials, or follow GAAP accounting principles, any money they have is essentially one big pot of funds. Any money they have received in 2024 can simply be looked at as being "extra", thusly used to assert being charitable, ala, taxpayers are simply having their money returned to them.
On a side note, true charity is simply doing, and that being the end of it. Once you attach any sort of recognition/fanfare to the act then it's no longer charity, it's self-aggrandizing behavior and as such the act loses all meaning. Where was this behavior learned? Is this an act traced to time immemorial?
MK, I heard many many elders say, "The worse thing that happened to us and our children was the US Government" Unfortunately, we have created the behavior of welfare mentality of "self reliance" through government dependency.
Such a good point. But haven’t we tried to accommodate the Tribes in every way?
We aren’t the government. The Tribes have unlimited access to all the resources year round.
Nice gig! Shrimping, fishing, crabbing, all the rules and the attrition to businesses. When we get mad enough and quit fishing out of Neah Bay etc. Quit being the “cash cow” and covering their tax responsibility .
If you're an employee, they make it quite apparent they don't believe they owe the town anything as this is their land. They would argue that they provide the majority of healthcare in Sequim and that is contribution enough. If they cared about the community, they would have listened to opposition to their MAT center. Instead, they found another cash cow, so they do not care who's toes they step on.
Equitable: Fair and impartial. So, the question, in its simplest form, is: "Is the contribution made by Jamestown's Tribe a fair and impartial share of the costs associated with the county and state's expenses?" If they're not part of the solution, then they are most definitely part of the problem.
As for the players in the community who continue to lie to you...get rid of them...you know who they are, and you know they are not interested in 'equitability'.
It has been the conflict of interest Jeff has been noting for quite some time now. Ozias has abused his official position on numerous occasions to clearly demonstrate he will act in the best interest of the tribe before he will the individual citizens of the county.
Got it. Wouldn't it be a good day to hear a politician state they had a conflict, and need to recuse themselves from making a decision on such a matter? Interestingly we don't have to look far for the example. Mike French noted making such a disclosure all on his own in a CRC meeting as an example of when it was a good idea to recuse oneself. One would imagine that Mike would agree to this being a legitimate standard for any elected official and as such wouldn't object to such a change promulgated by the CRC. Johnson has few irons in the fire, and seems reasonable. I bet he'd support recusing language in the furtherance of the business of the people being conducted openly because it would apply to any elected official no matter their stripes. Ozias, in my opinion would fight it.
From what I'm reading/hearing, you are probably right. I am guilty of not listening to the mtgs, and am relatively new to this town (5 years), but Ozias appears to be able to have super powers when it comes to using excuses and seems child-like in his behavior. But that's just my take. Thank you again and I should thank Jeff, also!
It is important to evaluate the Income VS the "charitable donations" of the local JK tribal government to reveal the true intentions of the tribal leadership, however what overall cost did the tribal government inflict on the community~? Unfairly and possibly criminally pressuring property owners to sell their land to the tribe has been reported numerous times and most folks here remember the extremely disturbing MAT clinic in Sequim being shoved down our throats by the tribal government. Just exactly what is the level of "influence peddling" that is going on between the JK tribal government and the Individuals within OUR local government~? Clearly, and from the very mouths of some in local government here, there is a disgusting and COMPLETELY unlawful relationship that very intentionally places the majority of folks within our community at a disadvantage to the JK tribal government~! That is textbook prejudice based upon race and referring to it as "political bias" is not only clearly a lie, but those who do say that are also admitting that the local governments have a perverse unlawful political agenda as well as a racial bias. Are "we" really supposed to believe that the local voters really voted for these people that we find in our local government who are constantly acting against the best interests and overwhelming will of the people~? Does this not prove that our elections are severely rigged against the vast majority of people in our community~? After the JK tribal government pays itself their tremendous salaries and of course deducting the .77% of their multi-million-dollar annual income and other minor expenses, just exactly how much money finds its way to their tribal members~? I seem to recall that there are not really that many JK tribal members on their role, but I seriously doubt that they are receiving much money, especially considering the stated annual tribal Income. Of course, I know that a number of JK tribal members have been "removed" from the tribal role for daring to question the tribal governments actions, so I am sure that the remainder are trapped in fear of losing their birthright if they attempt to speak their minds or engage in any "prohibited activity". This is America? This is the JK tribal governments idea of a sovereign nation~? The vast majority of folks in the JK tribe and those of us in the local community all have a lot in common, and that is our enemy is those in all government leadership who constantly employ brutal Machiavellian tactics against all of us to rob us of our wealth, rights, and freedoms~! Sincerely, Mike
JKT is gaming the system that was set up by guilt-feeling Democrats as reparations for the po' ol' downtrodden injun. Except that JKT is not poor OR downtrodden. Are reparations warranted? If they were at one time, they sure aren't anymore. No one in my ancestry did anything against any tribe. No one living today has. And not a single tribal member was trod upon by the evil White man.
Do we even know how early white settlers here dealt with JKT? For all we know, land might have willing been sold to the white settlers. Or, were there battles where white settlers conquered the Olympic Peninsula? Does anyone know the history? If the land was willingly sold to settlers, why is ANY reparation warranted? Aren't we all Americans? Hoo-rah for the U. S. of A? It seems to me that this is racism to the max. The po' ol' JKT can't make it on their own without help from the White man. Isn't this racism? We're giving them charity because they can't do it without special favors!
Well horsepucky! They would do just fine paying taxes like the rest of us, as well as abiding by the same 2-fish/person by hook fishing limits instead of wanton decimation of the salmon schools, then demanding dams be destroyed so the fish increase by 3%. In fact, they would do just fine without their casino operations. They have hotels, businesses and can hold jobs like anyone else. It's long past due that the BIA be dismantled and the freebies ended. We're all Americans now.
I’ve often wondered—if it were a highly toxic poison, would just 1/34 or 1/64 of a drop in a glass of water still have an effect? I’m trying to compare that to how small a DNA trace must be to still “count” for anything genetically. My husband is about 1/10 of a percent Chinese, which surprised him—he always thought he was purely Scottish. Turns out, he’s mostly that, but there’s a dash of French, Irish, German… and Chinese.
Interestingly, my cousin—whose children are tribal members, though she isn’t—said that sometimes DNA results will show “Chinese” where they might actually mean Native American at such low percentages.
As for me, I’m a Trade Route baby—my people came here on ships and trains from everywhere.
Ron Allen? He’s clawing to hold on to a fading identity. The cracks are showing—his institution is floundering, his leadership no longer respected. When the only people left in your corner are ones who reflect your own broken reflection, it’s not a position of power—it’s a setup for a fall.
How much grant $$$ did jamestown receive? who actually does the auditing for all the $$$ coming in including grant $$$.Outsiders would probably find the legit numbers very interesting.
A very good re-direct Jeff. To me its still the working with a global government and reparations for colonization angle that gets my goat. What their share is and who they give it too is not my focus. My focus is they worked with a global consortium, to get even and make sure the non-native economy comes in third place. I think there should be a price to pay for being involved with that global plot, and my reparations would come out to far more than 077.
There is nothing "fair" about the legal status of those claiming aboriginal heritage. It is the very definition of inequality. I do not know what it might take to be a legally recognized member of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, but whatever that might be is a complete absurdity. A practical byproduct of maintaining these "rights" is incest. This is about ancestral bloodline discrimination. Blatant discrimination, allowing not just full U.S.A. citizenship rights, but special additional rights, privileges and tax advantages. The Native right to fish with woven bark nets and spears exercised with powered boats and nylon monofilaments nets. The native custom of using computers, cell phones, transportation and sanitation systems built by non-natives and let us not forget the highly revered ancient custom of operating casinos. Unless and until all of the JKT becomes equal U.S.A. citizens, they should be both financially and geographically treated like all other foreign nations.
Garry, it is up to the Tribes to decide who is accepted into their membership. A member does not have to have a "blood quantum" of DNA, although that is the general rule. Each Tribe decides. If you applied under their rules, you could be accepted. Tribes are now trying to keep their numbers lower in order to concentrate the wealth.
There is a general blood quantum rule for each tribe. Jamestown has a current blood quantum requirement of 1/8th. They are a shrinking tribe as older generations are passing on. Think about that though, 7/8 something else still gets you a tribal citizenship.
From Grok - While there is no explicit minimum membership threshold, the tribe must demonstrate that its membership consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe and that it comprises a distinct community with political authority. This implies a sufficient number of members to form a cohesive community and governance structure, but the BIA does not specify a numerical minimum. For example, some federally recognized tribes, like the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, have relatively small memberships (around 600 members), while others have thousands.
TJ, you are right and wrong. The Tribes are sovereign and therefore have ultimate decision of qualifications of citizenship. If they want you in without a blood quantum, you are in.
Yes, you are technically correct. However, the only thing that maintains even a semblance of tribal sovereignty is a direct tribal lineage. You remove that and they are just a business. They will not be able, or should not be able, to do that without major pushback. Dropping the quantum below 1/8th is under consideration and will probably be needed, but most Americans are 1/16th something. Below that 1/32 or 1/64 is a ridiculous requirement for anything.
TJ, that would be nice, then I guess the fight would be on to dissolve the sovereign status. LAWYER time!
Hi TJ. I have been going through my herritage. My mother found that we are related to the Seneca Indians of upstate NY. I had a hard time going through records to find documentation of that, but my research revealed that I am 1/128 Mississippi Choctaw, documented. I reached out to the MBCI. One of the tribal members (elders) has the same last name as my 4th-Great Grandfather, who was 1/2 tribal. I suppose that I'm realated to that elder.
I understand that there is inter-tribal consortia facilitating all kinds of endeavors. I seek to pursuit a membership.
However, you brought up a point that I hadn't looked into, as you stated: The "...tribe must demonstrate that its membership consists of individuals who descend from a historical Indian tribe..." I can demonstrate that with documentation. So, are you saying that I can apply to be a member of a LOCAL tribe with that credential? That's an interesting idea. I wonder how many people born in this country can say the same. I'm sure that there are many. However, they may not know TO pursuit it, or how.
You wouldn't have any links to this information, would you?
I am not a citizen of any tribe. I also have demonstrable native heritage, but I am so much more majority other things like Scottish, Irish, Spanish that it seems absurd to me to claim anything other than what I am, mixed.
However, each tribe is left to decide who they make tribal members. Almost all require blood quantum in their lineage, but I do know of several local tribes that have "adopted" citizens of other tribes. I believe all the adoptive cases have proven citizenship in another tribe before switching citizenships and all are very well connected in their new tribe through marriage or real adoption. There are also cases of non blood natives being "adopted", but that does not come along with the same benefits and is really in name only.
So, theoretically if you can show citizenship in an out of area tribe and you are well connected in a local tribe, you may be able to petition and gain citizenship. It is a tribal council decision. But, blood quantum in some federally recognized tribe still applies.
If Tribal means trouble$, is it epidemic across the country and fueled by
key people in govt.? Just $ayin'.
On the other hand Jamestown wants to change their qualifications because their membership is going down and without a certain number of members, they cease to be a legal tribe.
The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally recognized Cahuilla band of Native Americans based in Coachella, California. They are one of the smallest tribal nations in the United States, consisting of only 16 members, seven of whom are adults
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is the wealthiest Native American tribe, with a total wealth amounting to $2.7 billion.
According to court records, each adult receives a monthly payment of approximately $84,000, or $1.08 million annually. There are 480 members in total. The main sources of income of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community are gambling and resorts.
That must have changed, it's been a while since I read that. So I wonder why Jamestown wants to change the criteria so they have more members?
Kathy, I don't know, but rest assure it has to do with MO'MONEY
Oh absolutely, as does everything they do.
I know one of the reasons that Tribes have changed their criteria was a matter of inheritance and bequeathment to the children of descendents. If a tribal member who is 1/8 Indian has children with a non-tribal member, those children would be subject to approval of membership to the tribe. If the limit is set at 1/8, their children could never be eligible, unless they moved the "goal post". They frequently do this. Now most of the bylaws allow for proof of ancestry to their tribe, just to save a lot of future revisions.
There is only one fair option that I see. Quit using Tribal businesses. We would have to be vigilant because tourist won’t know any better. Impact through financial loss sends a clear message. They continue to scrape and clear and make ready property at corner of 101 and Diamond Point Road.
Heard since it will be a truck stop, county/state will provide roundabout on Highway. I see no problems with driving speed limit on Highway 55+ and coming to a 🤷♀️roundabout that still confuses the majority.
We didn’t grow up in the UK, it takes time to not run over into the center, whatever.
Does this call for picket lines outside these (higher than Hawaii) priced tribe businesses?🚛🚑⛽️
That roundabout will be huge and dangerous (semi trucks / trailers) motor homes, boats being towed, horse trailers. Then there will be getting back on it from DP Road.
Will the tribe contribute to a major traffic project? 0.77
Garry, I get your point. It's arbitrary. Arbitrary does not beget equal.
Not only is your article spot on, it points out the need for major changes regarding the tribe. It's bothered me since the MAT clinic opened, that the Jamestown doctors prescribed opioids that got many people hooked, then are allowed to treat them for addiction. Seems kinda like double dipping.
Want to talk about double dipping? Jeff needs to do an expose on the encounter rate that Jamestown gets for visits to their Medical, MAT, Dental, Mental, and pharmacy.
Getting the true numbers will be like threading an elephant through the eye of a needle.
I read it somewhere, maybe HHS through Olympia. It made me mad enough to forget the numbers. If you don’t have addicts, you don’t have billable services!
Christi, it is double dipping and as an added bonus they have guaranteed customer revenue for the life of the unit. The Tribes are actually asking for an increase of funding in this area! Can't let this cash cow not be milked for all it's worth.
Do you know what happens when you don't keep milking that cow??? The source dries-up!!
Hi Leo, I think Trump is working on that. The Tribes are scrambling to apply for whatever is allowed now before The Big Beautiful Bill passes.
Thank you for doing the math, Jeff. You put the Tribe's self-promotions into a clear perspective. Who wants to patron a Tribal business when you are considered an unwanted "guest." One nation of proud Americans, all treated equally under one law, all paying taxes equally.
You're welcome 😁
I used to patronize their businesses until I saw the problem. Now I go elsewhere. I can't be part of our own demise.
That how Tozzer People roll.
Eric, I want the T shirt!
What size?
Mark Ozias size. He'll wear it proudly.
Eric, I would like Mark Ozias size without chewed up fingernails
🤣🤣🤣
Double indemnity of sort, supporting the businesses, then subsidizing them via taxation without representation. Speeds one's demise x2. I do not blame anyone who takes advantage of a situation that benefits themselves, unless such an arrangement is knowingly at the expense of others, out of spite and vengeance.
$86 million is around $150k per tribal member? They are living the American dream. Got to wonder if that is on top of all their land acquisitions. I seen where their reservation is 13 1/2 or so acres. But they own 1000 acres off reservation in Clallam and Jefferson counties. I dont begrudge anyone from working hard and getting wealthy. But working the system at our expense is another thing. And their aiding and abbetting the commie liberal takeover of this area is just wrong. They are nothing but two mafia families working together.
The Mafia seems to have been more benevolent than the S’Klallam.
The underpaid (and largely non-tribal) casino employees would appreciate higher wages. These handouts, if spread amongst the employees of the casino, could help ensure those employees are paid commensurate with the Clallam Economic Development Council's conclusion that a minimum of $26.00/hr is what is necessary for one to have a good living wage on the Olympic Peninsula.
Edit: using some rough math, $658,000 divided by 2,080 full-time hours (40hr / wk) equates to $316.00 per hour that could be spread amongst just the full-time employees (and their respective income tax contributions). That's enough revenue to support the base wages of 12 new 'good paying' full-time jobs!
Or
$658,000 ÷ 8,760-hours per year = $75.00 per hour to split amongst part-time and full-time workers.
Signed,
A non-economist
OlyPen, it won't happen
What is not computed into an even bigger ‘Grand Canyon’ of the cost difference between Tribal and that of tax paying citizens is healthcare insurance, if you can afford it. I sure would like free healthcare and not be shocked by what I’m not covered for. It makes the unfair REALLY unfair. This chasm is getting wider and wider with the new tax increase. Below is just the increase in gas tax which we will have to absorb.
Largest tax increase in state history': Gov signs WA's $78B operating budget into law
Under the transportation budget, Washington’s gas tax will increase by 6 cents per gallon, and a new 3-cent diesel tax will be added in 2026, with a further 3-cent increase in 2028. Both fuel taxes are indexed to inflation, and a portion of the new revenue will be directed to local governments. The new transportation budget also includes increased fees for trucks and passenger vehicles, and a sales tax shift to the transportation budget.
But a 6-cent gas tax hike for you and me is a 4.5-cent increase in revenue for tribal gas stations. We pay more, they make more.
Yahoo, MO'MONEY!
Hot off the Native News Online Press MO'MONEY MO'MONEY PLEASE
Key topics of discussion included the need for mandatory funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) under the Department of the Interior, increased staffing for law enforcement, the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts, and concerns about federal prosecution decisions.
Tribal energy authority authors guide for unlocking renewable tax credits
A tribal power authority has created the first handbook for tribes navigating millions in unclaimed renewable energy tax credits, stepping outside its normal role to solve a critical knowledge gap in Indian Country.
It would be interesting to know how much money, in this instance Jamestown, is given by the feds, state, and local government for X, Y, or Z causes. Given there appears to be no requirement to disclose their financials, or follow GAAP accounting principles, any money they have is essentially one big pot of funds. Any money they have received in 2024 can simply be looked at as being "extra", thusly used to assert being charitable, ala, taxpayers are simply having their money returned to them.
On a side note, true charity is simply doing, and that being the end of it. Once you attach any sort of recognition/fanfare to the act then it's no longer charity, it's self-aggrandizing behavior and as such the act loses all meaning. Where was this behavior learned? Is this an act traced to time immemorial?
MK, I heard many many elders say, "The worse thing that happened to us and our children was the US Government" Unfortunately, we have created the behavior of welfare mentality of "self reliance" through government dependency.
They're not the only minority group targeted by the USG or a political party to say that, but the unfortunate results are the same.
I’m from the government and I’m here to help. RUN
Such a good point. But haven’t we tried to accommodate the Tribes in every way?
We aren’t the government. The Tribes have unlimited access to all the resources year round.
Nice gig! Shrimping, fishing, crabbing, all the rules and the attrition to businesses. When we get mad enough and quit fishing out of Neah Bay etc. Quit being the “cash cow” and covering their tax responsibility .
If you're an employee, they make it quite apparent they don't believe they owe the town anything as this is their land. They would argue that they provide the majority of healthcare in Sequim and that is contribution enough. If they cared about the community, they would have listened to opposition to their MAT center. Instead, they found another cash cow, so they do not care who's toes they step on.
Equitable: Fair and impartial. So, the question, in its simplest form, is: "Is the contribution made by Jamestown's Tribe a fair and impartial share of the costs associated with the county and state's expenses?" If they're not part of the solution, then they are most definitely part of the problem.
As for the players in the community who continue to lie to you...get rid of them...you know who they are, and you know they are not interested in 'equitability'.
Its their "reparations" for "colonization." So much for the treaty, that has all been renegotiated by the global consortium.
And lest we forget, Mark Ozias is in the middle of this. The tribe will do what they do, can't change that. My ire is with Ozias. That can be changed.
Shouldn't Mark Ozias recuse himself from any actions taken, pertaining to the Tribe?
Could he just excuse himself and do everyone a favor by leaving?
ha ha - oh sure!
It has been the conflict of interest Jeff has been noting for quite some time now. Ozias has abused his official position on numerous occasions to clearly demonstrate he will act in the best interest of the tribe before he will the individual citizens of the county.
yes, that is what I thought. I've read about the conflict of interest, but never noted the words 'recuse himself.' thanks.
Got it. Wouldn't it be a good day to hear a politician state they had a conflict, and need to recuse themselves from making a decision on such a matter? Interestingly we don't have to look far for the example. Mike French noted making such a disclosure all on his own in a CRC meeting as an example of when it was a good idea to recuse oneself. One would imagine that Mike would agree to this being a legitimate standard for any elected official and as such wouldn't object to such a change promulgated by the CRC. Johnson has few irons in the fire, and seems reasonable. I bet he'd support recusing language in the furtherance of the business of the people being conducted openly because it would apply to any elected official no matter their stripes. Ozias, in my opinion would fight it.
From what I'm reading/hearing, you are probably right. I am guilty of not listening to the mtgs, and am relatively new to this town (5 years), but Ozias appears to be able to have super powers when it comes to using excuses and seems child-like in his behavior. But that's just my take. Thank you again and I should thank Jeff, also!
The meetings are recorded so you can listen to them when you have time.
It is important to evaluate the Income VS the "charitable donations" of the local JK tribal government to reveal the true intentions of the tribal leadership, however what overall cost did the tribal government inflict on the community~? Unfairly and possibly criminally pressuring property owners to sell their land to the tribe has been reported numerous times and most folks here remember the extremely disturbing MAT clinic in Sequim being shoved down our throats by the tribal government. Just exactly what is the level of "influence peddling" that is going on between the JK tribal government and the Individuals within OUR local government~? Clearly, and from the very mouths of some in local government here, there is a disgusting and COMPLETELY unlawful relationship that very intentionally places the majority of folks within our community at a disadvantage to the JK tribal government~! That is textbook prejudice based upon race and referring to it as "political bias" is not only clearly a lie, but those who do say that are also admitting that the local governments have a perverse unlawful political agenda as well as a racial bias. Are "we" really supposed to believe that the local voters really voted for these people that we find in our local government who are constantly acting against the best interests and overwhelming will of the people~? Does this not prove that our elections are severely rigged against the vast majority of people in our community~? After the JK tribal government pays itself their tremendous salaries and of course deducting the .77% of their multi-million-dollar annual income and other minor expenses, just exactly how much money finds its way to their tribal members~? I seem to recall that there are not really that many JK tribal members on their role, but I seriously doubt that they are receiving much money, especially considering the stated annual tribal Income. Of course, I know that a number of JK tribal members have been "removed" from the tribal role for daring to question the tribal governments actions, so I am sure that the remainder are trapped in fear of losing their birthright if they attempt to speak their minds or engage in any "prohibited activity". This is America? This is the JK tribal governments idea of a sovereign nation~? The vast majority of folks in the JK tribe and those of us in the local community all have a lot in common, and that is our enemy is those in all government leadership who constantly employ brutal Machiavellian tactics against all of us to rob us of our wealth, rights, and freedoms~! Sincerely, Mike
JKT is gaming the system that was set up by guilt-feeling Democrats as reparations for the po' ol' downtrodden injun. Except that JKT is not poor OR downtrodden. Are reparations warranted? If they were at one time, they sure aren't anymore. No one in my ancestry did anything against any tribe. No one living today has. And not a single tribal member was trod upon by the evil White man.
Do we even know how early white settlers here dealt with JKT? For all we know, land might have willing been sold to the white settlers. Or, were there battles where white settlers conquered the Olympic Peninsula? Does anyone know the history? If the land was willingly sold to settlers, why is ANY reparation warranted? Aren't we all Americans? Hoo-rah for the U. S. of A? It seems to me that this is racism to the max. The po' ol' JKT can't make it on their own without help from the White man. Isn't this racism? We're giving them charity because they can't do it without special favors!
Well horsepucky! They would do just fine paying taxes like the rest of us, as well as abiding by the same 2-fish/person by hook fishing limits instead of wanton decimation of the salmon schools, then demanding dams be destroyed so the fish increase by 3%. In fact, they would do just fine without their casino operations. They have hotels, businesses and can hold jobs like anyone else. It's long past due that the BIA be dismantled and the freebies ended. We're all Americans now.
Hoo-Rah!
I’ve often wondered—if it were a highly toxic poison, would just 1/34 or 1/64 of a drop in a glass of water still have an effect? I’m trying to compare that to how small a DNA trace must be to still “count” for anything genetically. My husband is about 1/10 of a percent Chinese, which surprised him—he always thought he was purely Scottish. Turns out, he’s mostly that, but there’s a dash of French, Irish, German… and Chinese.
Interestingly, my cousin—whose children are tribal members, though she isn’t—said that sometimes DNA results will show “Chinese” where they might actually mean Native American at such low percentages.
As for me, I’m a Trade Route baby—my people came here on ships and trains from everywhere.
Ron Allen? He’s clawing to hold on to a fading identity. The cracks are showing—his institution is floundering, his leadership no longer respected. When the only people left in your corner are ones who reflect your own broken reflection, it’s not a position of power—it’s a setup for a fall.
How much grant $$$ did jamestown receive? who actually does the auditing for all the $$$ coming in including grant $$$.Outsiders would probably find the legit numbers very interesting.
Jeff, the Tribe does it's own auditing. Spends the funds as they want. No outsider would ever be allowed to get to their books.
Would that work for us with the IRS? Hey, we’re fine this year. I did our own audit and well we don’t owe a dime!
A very good re-direct Jeff. To me its still the working with a global government and reparations for colonization angle that gets my goat. What their share is and who they give it too is not my focus. My focus is they worked with a global consortium, to get even and make sure the non-native economy comes in third place. I think there should be a price to pay for being involved with that global plot, and my reparations would come out to far more than 077.
Al Capone was more generous.