Overabove Cowlitz Indian Tribe Comprehensive Plan | Page 17
WEAKNESSES
1. Communication – with Tribal Members and organizationally
2. Size of reservation, geography and the lack of additional trust land
3. Not serving entire Tribe with programs and services
4. Lack of trust and transparency
THREATS
1. Federal policies and budget; State capitalism targeting our area and local, State,
and Federal tax laws
2. Failing to be a “good neighbor” and produce alternatives to environmentally destructive,
extractive industries
3. Dependent on sole source of our own income
4. Unrealistic expectations of Tribal Members
5. Political influences and manipulation
WORK WITH THE GENERAL COUNCIL
The planning process began with Tribal members participating in a series of facilitated town hall meetings
across a range of strategic locations on the I-5 corridor in Washington State. The five town hall meetings were
conducted between February and June 2016 with approximately 320 members and spouses in attendance. The
purpose of the town hall meetings was to give members an opportunity for input on topics such as housing,
health, education, natural resources and economic development. In 2017 we conducted our first Tribal Census.
WORK WITH THE TRIBAL COUNCIL
Planning is deliberate and focused on the future. We plan from what is known and try to determine the best
way to move forward. The Planning Committee interviewed and selected a consultant to team up with us and
Tribal Council in order to walk us through the comprehensive planning process. The team met with Tribal
Council for a two-day comprehensive planning retreat in April of 2018. Afterward, the Committee met and
developed draft goals, objectives, actions and outcomes for Tribal Council to review at a one-day workshop
in August 2018. At the September 2018 Tribal Council meeting, the Council approved the final draft of the
Comprehensive Plan. Going forward, the Committee will be working with the various parts of the Tribal
organization to make certain that their strategic and tactical plans align with the new plan.
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