Send a Letter to the Editor
Letters Policy
Chumash/county accord replaces hysteria
2/17/05
Voice From Santa Ynez: Vincent ArmentaMany words have been thrown around regarding the annexation of the 6.9 acres owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. Hostility was in the air and tribal opponents used scare tactics and exaggerated claims to try to strong arm the county into filing an appeal with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Their ploy didn't work.
I can go on at length about the ludicrous assertions and hysteria displayed by our opponents. But I won't. At the end of the day, what mattered most to us was that Santa BarbaraCounty, represented by Supervisors Brooks Firestone and Joni Gray, respected our rights as a tribal government and understood our position as a sovereign nation.
We have purposely remained quiet during the past several weeks of the uproar because we didn't feel it was necessary to participate in the outrageous hoopla surrounding the annexation of our land. We also knew that truth was on our side and we didn't believe that we had to be in a defensive mode.
That was our position when we sat down to meet with Mr. Firestone and Ms. Gray earlier this week. We requested a meeting with the Board of Supervisors more than a year ago but it never happened. With the new board in place, we finally had an opportunity to meet. It was important for us to come to the table with our convictions intact and our minds calm and clear. After all, we were about to embark on a journey that had historical significance for us as a tribe.
Mr. Firestone was in sharp contrast to the previous 3rd District supervisor. He was willing to listen and was interested in learning about the importance of sovereignty for a tribal nation. Mr. Firestone was once a member of the state Assembly and clearly understands the issues surrounding Indian gaming.
In addition, he and Ms. Gray were respectful of our position as a tribal government and mindful of the approval process that involves our entire tribal membership.
As our tribal government representatives discussed issues with the county government representatives, we respected their desire to bring back to their constituents news that would show they understood community concerns.
When all was said and done, we reached an agreement concerning the annexation of our 6.9 acres that was not only unprecedented, but was also mutually beneficial. We both walked away with something that was important to us.
The county obtained our assurance that we would stay within our original plans proposed to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for a cultural center and retail/office space. We also agreed that development on our 6.9 acres would not involve gaming.
The tribe obtained assurances from the county that they would respect our rights as a sovereign nation and cooperate with us on a government-to-government basis.
What is lost on so many people, including our ferocious tribal opponents, is that sovereignty is the most important and precious aspect of being a tribal nation. Our ancestors struggled for decades to preserve our inherent rights to self-reliance and self-governance and we will fight to the bitter end to continue to preserve our rights.
Over the years, there have been too many intrusions on sovereignty and the right of tribes to govern their lands. As a tribe, we believe it is essential to protect and strengthen our government, our customs and our core values. We know that the decisions we make as a tribe today will have a significant impact on future generations of Santa Ynez Chumash.
Recognizing our rights as a tribal government was paramount to the success of our relationship with the county. At the Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 15, Supervisors Firestone and Gray summarized our meeting and acknowledged our role as a government. They spoke of respect, trust and clearing the air.
When the Board of Supervisors made a unanimous decision to not write a letter of appeal to the Bureau of Indian Affairs regarding annexation of our 6.9 acres, it was a historic moment. Their supportive words were a testament to how far we have traveled as a tribe. At last, we are able to move beyond the rancor and distrust that previously existed with a key supervisor who was unwilling to build bridges with our tribe.
With the basic elements of mutual respect, willingness to listen and an interest in solidifying our relationship now present, we know there are no limits to the possibilities. We are enthusiastic about moving forward in continuing to build upon what we began this week with the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.
To all the naysayers whose balloon of negativity was deflated at the Board of Supervisors meeting this week, I say this: When the reasons for your opposition become transparent, you'll stand alone in your battle against our tribe.
Vincent Armenta is the tribal chairman for the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.