February 15th, 2021

Aya,

Despite all the challenges we faced in 2020, I  hope our Spring Newsletter finds each citizen looking forward to a new season of hope, prosperity, and progress. I am excited about this edition and trust the information and program updates provided herein, will bring excitement to each of you.Planning for this year’s General Council Meeting is in full swing. The day will begin with our AnnualElection, followed by lunch at the Showplace, and finally our General Council Meeting at 1:00 p.m. Out of an abundance of caution and for the health and safety of our citizens, we will have protocols in place for social distancing and sanitizing. We look forward to seeing our Nation gathered together again this year. Final event details will be released as we get closer to our meeting date on Saturday, March 6, 2021.We continue to engage in a positive way with the new the Administration in Washington, D.C.With the nomination of the first Native American to Secretary of the Department of Interior, we trust the tribes will have a seat at the proverbial table.As far as the House and Senate are concerned, the electing of Native Americans continues to trend upwards. The current and future strength of our federally recognized Tribes has never been brighter.On the local level, the construction of our new Peoria community and learning centers continue to progress, despite the colder weather. With new roads being built, concrete poured, and steel being erected, it is another reason to be excited about the future of our Tribe.In closing, I wish to leave you all with a renewed sense of hope in this new season. Hope, that each of our citizens will be safe and healthy. Hope, that healing and peace will come to those that have lost loved ones in this last year. Hope, that we may all gather again for a time of refreshing, fellowship, and unity.

#PeoriaProud

Be well.

Chief Harper