Principal Chief Patrick Lambert signed legislation at Tsali Manor on Wednesday, Oct. 21 that will double the Christmas Checks for EBCI tribal seniors and disabled persons. He was joined by members of Tribal Council including (left-right) – Big Cove Rep. Teresa McCoy, Painttown Rep. Tommye Saunooke, Birdtown Rep. Albert Rose, Big Cove Rep. Richard French, Chairman Bill Taylor, Birdtown Rep. Travis Smith, Wolfetown Rep. Bo Crowe, Painttown Rep. Marie Junaluska and Yellowhill Rep. Anita Lossiah. (SCOTT MCKIE B.P./One Feather photos)
By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Principal Chief Patrick Lambert signs the legislation.
Principal Chief Patrick Lambert signed legislation at Tsali Manor on Wednesday, Oct. 21 that will double the Christmas Checks for EBCI tribal seniors and disabled persons. The legislation was passed by Tribal Council last week and will double the Christmas Checks from $250 to $500.
“One week to the day after the new Council took office and I was sworn in as well, we fulfilled a lot of the promises that I made and a lot of the Council members made and that is to take care of the elders of our tribe,” Chief Lambert told the crowd at Tsali Manor. “The first step that we wanted to do in fulfilling those promises to you is to take on the effort of doubling the Christmas Checks.”
He added, “Going forward, I think there is going to be lot of different things that we’re going to be able to do on behalf of the seniors and elders of our tribe, and me working alongside Tribal Council and with their assistance, I think we’re going to do some really good stuff for everyone of the tribe.”
Tribal Council Chairman Bill Taylor also signed the legislation on Wednesday, and he commented, “On behalf of Tribal Council, it is truly an honor to be here today and to eat lunch with you all. Like the Chief said, this is way overdue…Tribal Council has always been here to support the elders and will continue to do that.”
Tribal Council Chairman Bill Taylor signs the legislation.
Per the TOP Office, “Senior citizens do not have to submit anything to receive a Christmas Check. Checks will be mailed to all (EBCI) enrolled members who are 60 years of age or older by Dec. 31, 2015. Christmas Checks will be mailed to the same address that per capita checks are mailed to.”
EBCI tribal members who are handicapped/disabled and under the age of 60 who wish to receive a Christmas Check must submit a doctor’s statement indicating that they are handicapped/disabled. The doctor’s statement must be submitted to the TOP Office by Wednesday, Nov. 25. They can be turned into the office in person or faxed to 497-5927 (Attn: Kelly Sampson).
