Committees
Constitution Committee
The committee was formed on October 16, 1999, by resolution from the General Council. The seven-member standing committee was formed to "study the Constitution and its bylaws and to study the proposed amendments and to provide this information to the General Council." The committee is comprised of one chairperson and six committee members.
The Constitution Committee believes comprehensive reform of the Constitution is needed to increase the effectiveness, efficiency and accountability of our elected tribal government, thus strengthening the nation's sovereignty status and self-determination. This Constitution Reform must be strong enough to withstand future challenges for generations to come.
Enrollment Review Committee
The committee is appointed by the Tribal Council for two-year appointments. They meet when necessary to review the enrollment applications that determine eligibility. The applications are reviewed for the completion of required documentation as outlined in the Tribal Constitution and enrollment ordinance. The final determination for membership goes to the Tribal Council for a resolution to recognize that person as a Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation member.
Head Start Policy Council
Prairie Band Potawatomi Head Start Policy Council is mandated to establish and maintain a formal structure of shared governance through which parents can participate in policy-making or in other decisions about the program. The Policy Council is comprised of parents and community representatives and meets once a month. The Tribal Council is invited to each meeting.
Land Management Committee
Formed in 1998, the seven member committee consists of an elected chairperson, vice-chairperson, secretary, and four members. The group meets once a month at public meetings held in the nation's Government Center.
The mission of the LMC is to protect and regain national land. To accomplish this, the LMC invokes the Prairie Band Potawatomi's sovereignty and inherent right to its treaty lands. We assert our paramount and superior claim to any grant or sale of national property to other entities -- government or otherwise -- and will regain our national properties through land acquisition. The LMD is also responsible for preservation of culturally-significant sites, conservation of the natural environment, protection of land use for agriculture and assistance in the social and economic development of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and its people. For more information call (785) 966-4019.
Natural Resource Council
The purpose of this committee is to coordinate projects between departments and agencies concerning the land and natural resources on the Potawatomi Reservation. Participants can vary depending on the projects, but generally they include BIA's conservation officer, NRCS Jackson County agent, Lands Department staff, Planning & Environmental Protection Department staff, Jackson County's Extension agent and KSU's Extension agent. This group meets monthly to address topics such as coordination and assistance for streambank stabilization, the orchard and prescribed burning techniques.
PARR Advisory Committee
It is the philosophy of P.A.R.R that alcoholism and addictions are treatable diseases that cause people who have lost the ability to control their use of addictive chemicals to have physical, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual problems. Our goal is to prepare these men to reintegrate into their communities and lead productive successful lifestyles.
Parent Advisory Committee
This committee was formed in 1999 out of concern for the continuing good for the children of the Potawatomi Reservation. Initially, the committee explored the possibility of establishing a Boys and Girls Club on the reservation. Now in operation, this well-established national program provides recreation and other innovative options for children. Additionally, the committee works to diminish student dropout rates. In the last four years, 34 Indian children have dropped out of school. The committee is studying the contributing factors to determine the problem and offer preventative solutions. The Committee also serves an advisory capacity to the current youth program.
Personnel Policy Advisory Board
The goals and objectives of the board are to provide effective and efficient utilization of human resources through implementation and adherence to personnel policies and procedures. The board is committed to a fair and impartial environment - one which motivates employees to work efficiently and to develop their capabilities. The personnel board reviews, revises and recommends changes to the personnel policies which go to the Tribal Council as needed. The board is also instrumental in the process of reviewing applications/resumes and interviewing candidates for top managerial positions and making recommendations to the Council who has final appointment authority.
Potawatomi Planning Commission
The Planning Commission consists of four nation members and three non-nation members, all whom reside on the reservation or within two miles. Members of the Planning Commission, appointed to three-year terms, meet once a month to review all Special Use Permits (which include manufactured housing use); any variances for Building Permits; and re-zoning and lot split applications. They also make recommendations for updates to the Land Use Plan and Zoning Regulations for the Potawatomi Reservation. The Planning Director serves as staff for the Planning Commission.
Prairie Band Potawatomi Interagency Coordinating Council
The Council is comprised of agencies on the Potawatomi Reservation that serve pregnant mothers and children from infancy to five years. The Council meets quarterly and provides guidance and community input to the Ben no tteh Wigwam. The agencies and individuals represented include Community Health Representatives, Indian Health, Haskell Dental, Social Services, Jackson County Public Health, District 337, Parents as Teachers, WIC, Even Start, Early Head Start, Head Start, Child Care, Part C Infant/Toddler Services, KU Speech and Language Department, Dr. Nicole Meerpohl, Dr. Richelle Roy and the Tribal Council.
Soldier Creek Watershed Partnership
Established in 1999, this working group was organized to encourage partnerships among the people and agencies who work toward swimmable and fishable waters within the Soldier Creek Watershed. Directives from EPA and the Clean Water Action Plan include assessment of conditions, development of restoration and conservation strategies and implementation. The group encourages the public to tour projects, exchange information and provide input. Staff from the Planning and Environmental Protection Department with the Jackson County NRCS agent coordinate the quarterly meetings which are open to the public. Representatives from the Kansas Water Office, KDHE, EPA, NRCS, the Kansas Rural Center and landowners or leases of reservation lands are regular participants.
Tribal Emergency Response Committee
Responsibilities of the TERC include development of a PBP Emergency Management Plan, community preparedness, training and education. Members of this committee represent many of the PBP departments and emergency agencies. The Core Command Team for emergencies consists of the TES/Fire Director, Tribal Police Chief, Tribal Council Chairman, Executive Director, Tribal Planning Director, Road & Bridge Director and Prairie Band Casino and Resort Facility Director. The committee meets monthly to discuss budget issues and to hold simulated emergency situations and community training sessions. Mutual aid agreements are being developed for consideration with other local communities.
Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors
The primary goal of the Board of Directors is to assist the Director in providing an environment to aid in the development and enhancement of the spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical well being of all young people in the surrounding area by providing a safe positive place to learn and grow.
Charitable Contributions Committee
The Charitable Contributions Committee is responsible for recommendations to the Tribal Council on giving of outside donations. A complete set of guidelines has been developed to prioritize giving.
Education Committee
The Education Committee assists the Education Program in making recommendations in the implementation of the Education Program and in approving educational grants for students.
Indian Education Committee
The Indian Education Committee assists in carrying out the goals and objectives of the Johnson O’Malley program. The primary goal to provide financial assistance to meet specialized of Indian Children.
Employee of the Month Committee
The Committee chooses the employee that is designated as the Employee of the Month and of the Year.
Health Board
The Health Board is an Advisory Board to the Tribal Council and meets monthly to review all Prairie Band Potawatomi Health Clinic business and recommendations. The Board will also grant clinic privileges and designate a Health Services Liaison who will represent the Board and provide the clinic with a local point of contact for day to day operational issues.
Pow Wow Committee
The Pow Wow Committee plans and carries out the annual pow wow and American Indian Day celebration. The Pow Wow is the second weekend in June and the American Indian Day Celebration is the last Saturday in September.
Solid Waste Committee
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee is a nine-member board representing community perspective on solid waste issues and concerns on the Reservation.
For a complete list of committee members, please contact the Tribal Secretary Office.
Tribal Review Committee
The committee's primary goal is to evaluate the financial and programmatic processes utilized by the governing body by helping ensure that the safeguards of the nation's holdings are monitored continuously and reliably. The committee assists with the selection process for the independent auditor who prepares the nation's financial statement audit. The committee also monitors the progress of the financial statement audit and evaluates the results; the committee monitors the adequacy of the internal controls structure on an outgoing basis; and the committee serves as a direct communications link between the Tribal Council, the Gaming Commission, the independent auditor and the General Council.