Tobias Vanderhoop, MPA
Candidate for Secretary

Âs kuweeqâhsunumuw, nutusuwees Tobias Vanderhoop nuwtômas Ahqunahut.

​

I am honored and humbled to have this opportunity to reintroduce myself to you, who have known me over the years, and to introduce myself to Tribal citizens, young and seasoned, who may not know me yet.  I have served our People in many capacities since returning to our Island home in 1992.

 

I am standing forward and seeking the office of Tribal Council Secretary to answer a call. I'm not answering a call from outside our community or even from among our citizenry, it is a call to action that is in my heart.

 

All of us have seen, heard about or personally felt the need for our Tribal government to be supported through our actions, just as we've expected the same support from her.  Our tribal government needs to be re-focused and in some cases it needs to be rebuilt.   Honestly, the changes that have been happening here at home have not all had the positive effect that our People expect, nor have they brought the highest quality of programs, services and government function that our People deserve.  This observation is not a dig or an arbitrary attack on anyone in particular, but it is the reason my spirit is calling me back to your service.

 

So here in my pledge, should you honor me with your vote and the opportunity to serve you again: I will work hard to improve the efficiency of our tribal government function both in the council chambers and through our policies; I will support our administration to improve our programs; and I will do my best to ensure greater access for Tribal citizens to participate in meetings, programs and events.  I will use my experience and contacts on the federal level and throughout Indian Country to lift up our Tribe.  Most importantly, I will be present to listen to you and hear you out so that your government reflects your expectations.

 

In closing, I will be accountable to you and I will hold myself accountable to your expectations as I always have.  Please consider me and I ask for your vote for Tribal Council Secretary in November.

 

Ahahpây (Humbly)