Executive Committee Board Retreat Hosted by Yurok Tribe
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Executive Committee Board Retreat Hosted by Yurok Tribe - Klamath, California - August 15-18, 2010
Attendees at Yurok Tribal Office:
Executive Committee: Ruth Jim-Vice Chair, Brooklyn Baptiste-Secretary, Larry Hendrix- At-Large Member, LynDee Wells-General Counsel, Jerry Pardilla-Executive Director, and Mary Velarde-Membership/Special Projects Director.
Attendance by Conference Call:
Kirk Francis-Chair.
Called to Order: At approximately 9:30 am by Ruth Jim-Vice Chair presiding.
Executive Director Report: Jerry Pardilla gave a detailed report about the status of the organization that included the nonprofit and tax-exempt status, financials and audits, partnerships, key issues, programs, film festival, and the annual meeting. The actions items from the recent annual meeting at the Albuquerque Hard Rock Casino & Resort were also discussed.
Review and Changes to Bylaws: The focus of the review was to redefine the standing committee structure. The board acknowledged that four standing committees (Government Relations, Finance & Fundraising, Nominating & Membership, and Planning & Program) were not functional and that the Executive Committee has been performing all standing committee duties from the time the bylaws were first adopted. LynDee Wells led the review and drafted the amendments, which were to confirm the role and responsibilities of the Executive Committee, reduce the Executive Committee from nine to seven positions, add a third At-Large Representative, and clarify the quorum for meetings of both the Executive Committee and General Council. A motion to adopt the amended bylaws was made by Brooklyn Baptiste, seconded by Larry Hendrix. The amendments were adopted by a unanimous vote with Kirk Francis participating by conference call. The amended bylaws are attached to these minutes.
Strategic Plan 2010-2014: The draft strategic plan was reviewed and recommendations were made for the four plan objectives: meaningful leadership, responsive services, strategic partnerships, and dynamic funding. The consensus was that the draft plan was too ambitious for the timeline frame and the estimated finances were too lean. Tasks and strategies were discussed and priority was assigned to the following:
- Establish a tribal baseline environmental assessment
- Establish parameters and methodology for media campaigns
- Evaluate feasibility and plan a virtual film festival
- Develop a youth environmental initiative
- Assist member tribes to identify grants or other financial resources to address environmental protection
- Establish presence in Washington, DC
- Establish a consultation clearing house
- Seek private funds from foundations and individual donors
- Explore funding to create a custom Pendleton blanket
NTEC staff will revise the draft plan to reflect the recommendations, and it will be presented to the Executive Committee for an additional review prior to distribution to member tribes.
2011 Annual Meeting and Conference: Location and dates were discussed, and three locations were selected in the following order of preference: Tulalip, Squaxin Island (both in Washington State), and Yurok/Blue Lake Rancheria, co-sponsorship in Northern California. Ruth Jim will contact Tulalip, Brooklyn Baptiste will contact Squaxin Island, and Larry Hendrix will contact Blue Lake Rancheria. Jerry Pardilla will coordinate with the board members about contacts with prospective hosts. The location and dates will be determined based on the interest of tribal hosts and availability of the three locations.
Klamath River Tour: On August 16, the board took a boat ride on the Klamath River—approximately 20 miles upriver. Larry Hendrix served as guide, providing information about cultural sites, Chinook salmon runs and fishing, timberlands, and the historic settlement with the Hoopa Valley Tribe. On August 17, the board took a second boat ride at the mouth of the Klamath River to observe the Chinook salmon fishing by tribal fishermen. The salmon harvest was in full operation in anticipation of the annual salmon festival. Larry Hendrix provided information about the salmon harvest, and showed points of interest and wildlife. The boat ride concluded with a salmon dinner provided by the Yurok Tribe.
Adjourn: On August 17, at 6:10 pm, NTEC board retreat was brought to a close by a motion made by Brooklyn Batiste, and seconded by Larry Hendrix. Ruth Jim adjourned the meeting by unanimous vote.