Georgetown Tribal Council Annual Meeting

Georgetown Tribal Council held its annual meeting on July 12th in Georgetown.  With GTC staff changes and new projects it was decided to hold an all member meeting.  Tribal members 18 years of age and older were reimbursed for travel costs and provided per diem to encourage involvement and aid the Council in planning the direction of the Tribe.  During the meeting several members reaffirmed their goal set at the last all member meeting that developing home sites and constructing a community center is still their top priority. 

The Tribal Council signed and approved land permits at the last quarterly meeting held in March.  Tribal members that had applied for lots were given their permits, starting the five year time clock to build and begin the resettling process.  Included with the land permits was information on the design and certification for onsite septic systems and an application for a permit from The Kuskokwim Corporation to harvest timber for use in the building of home.  Many Tribal Members spoke on the need for a community center as a base for future meetings and gatherings as we move closer to resettlement.  GTC staff is currently working on economic development strategies to acquire unrestricted funds to construct a community center in Georgetown, but it is clear that without help from Tribal Members through volunteering and donations a community center is still a few years from completion.

Presentations were given by GTC staff on ongoing projects as well as a presentation on Georgetown’s BIA roads program by Dan Moreno, who has been contracted by GTC for technical assistance.  A financial status report was given by Tribal Administrator Amber Matthews.  Will Hartman gave an overview of the Tribal leaders youth camp and two campers Todd Fredericks and Rebecca Wilmarth also spoke about their experiences at the inaugural camp.  Helen Traylor then gave a presentation on the Kuskokwim water quality GIS database she has been developing with Geographical Resource Solutions which is funded through the EPA’s Multimedia grant.

Lisa Hynson of Mikunda Cotrell was on hand to present the election results for seats B and C. Both Tamara Vanderpool and Debby Hartman were reelected to their respective seats for another three year term, congratulations.  Finally awards were given out to the most contributing Tribal member and the most contributing staff member.  The award for most contributing Tribal member went to Bob and Ann Vanderpool, and the most contributing staff member award went to Will Hartman.