"Team Tobique" Votes Against Sharing Casino Revenues
    with Community Members!
    The Chief and Council held a meeting on Monday, November 29th in which I had an opportunity to make a motion
    regarding the casino operations (see below).  This motion was designed to transfer ownership of the casino back to
    the community members.  It is also consistent with the principle that everyone should benefit from revenues generated
    by the casino.  The motion was defeated because councilors who claim to be members of "Team Tobique" voted
    against the people of Tobique.

    The councilors who voted against my motion were "Cookie" Bear, Edward Perley, Edwin Bernard, Tim Nicholas, Eldon
    Bernard, and Stone Bear.  The motion I presented and seconded by Erlin Perley was as follows:

    Whereas the Tobique Entertainment Center is owned by all members of Tobique First Nation and;

    Whereas the shareholders of the Tobique Entertainment Center are the registered members of Tobique First Nation
    and;

    Whereas the Chief and Council adopts the position that all members of Tobique First Nation will benefit from Tobique
    Entertainment Center revenues/profits and;

    Whereas the Chief and Council adopts the position that members of the Chief and Council will not be involved in the
    day-to-day operations of the Tobique Entertainment Center and;

    Whereas the Chief and Council further adopts the position that employees of the Tobique Band will not be involved in
    the day-to-day operations of the Tobique Entertainment Center and;

    Whereas the Director of Operations (Neil Perley) and Band Manager (Sterling Perley) have been appointed to
    manage the Tobique Entertainment Center on a temporary basis and;

    Whereas the Chief and Council adopts the position that the shareholders/Band members have a right to information
    regarding finances, donations, operations, and all other aspects of the Tobique Entertainment Center initiative;

    Be It Therefore Resolved;

    That members of the Chief and Council will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Tobique Entertainment
    Center in any capacity

    That the Director of Operations (Neil Perley) and Band Manager (Sterling Perley) will be immediately removed from
    the Tobique Entertainment Center Operations

    That the Chief and Council will recruit a Manager for the Tobique Entertainment Center based on a competition
    process and selection made by the whole Council and others trained in public administration and/or accounting
    procedures

    That the manager and staff of the Tobique Entertainment Center will adhere to strict financial accountability guidelines
    developed by the Chief and Council

    That the manager and staff will adhere to strict guidelines for review and approval of requests for donations submitted
    by community members experiencing financial difficulties

    That the Chief and Council will ensure that Tobique Entertainment Center profits are set aside for Elders, youth
    activities, sport and recreation program, cultural activities, scholarships and incentives for students, and emergencies

    That the Chief and Council instruct the manager and staff of the Tobique Entertainment Center to distribute a share of
    the profits to all shareholders before Christmas, Easter and Labor Day of each and every year beginning December,
    2004


    It seems that councilors who voted against the motion were protecting their interests and therefore did not consider
    the financial difficulties experienced by most community members especially prior to the Christmas season.  
    Unfortunately, the councilors who voted against my motion did not show any compassion for those in need.

    Interesting Comments Made in Chief and Council Meeting:

    Chief Stewart Paul stated that he does not agree with the "off-reserve" residents receiving any share of the casino
    revenues; yet he will accept their votes during the election.

    Councillor Edward Perley made a motion to "protect the Chief"; I believe that we should protect the people of Tobique.

    Did You Know That:

    The Tobique administration pays at least $150,000.00/week for salaries; the Director of Operations has refused to
    give me a breakdown of these salaries
Copyright 2004 NEWTFN