29/07/2026
As the run-off election for Vice-Chairman and District 5 Legislator approach, we will re-run candidate statements and Q&A submissions from the March-June Hownikan editions. An additional set of candidate Q&A responses will be published in print and online in early August.
Candidate responses appear exactly as they were submitted without editing for content or style.
Q: How could you, as an elected official, help Tribal members who feel disconnected from the Tribe?
Vice-Chairman Candidates
Charles Scott | Wenbisa
A: As Vice Chairman, my phone number will always be available and published, 918-650-8631, my door will always be open and I will hold regular meetings with our citizens, in state and out of state.
I will also advocate for fulling funding a Cultural and Language program that eventually will grow into a primary school, then elementary school. I envision a cultural immersion school in which each citizen can use their College scholarship to attend our Immersion School. Learning about culture, language, traditions, heritage, building a community, that’s what connects us.
Jason Smalley | Msko Mko Mnedo
A: I believe this begins with better communication and genuine outreach. Many people who feel disconnected are often searching for purpose, involvement, and a sense of belonging. As a leader, I believe it is our responsibility to help place people in positions where both they and the Nation can thrive. I want Tribal members to know that their voice matters, their input is valued, and their involvement is important. My goal would be to help people reconnect, find their calling, and in turn help others do the same. When one of us rises, we all rise together.
Martha Kimberly Nootbaar | Niganbekwe
A: They think the leadership doesn’t really care about them. We need to work hard to include everyone, to explain decisions, and to assimilate infomation. That goes back to communication and transparency. We need to teach them about their families and their rich history. So many ancestors gave up much for their families to flourish and grow to give us a future. We have elders that can teach us. They should be shared, honored and celebrated.
District 5 Candidates
Ryan Hubble | Msko Mtek
A: As I’ve stated before, I plan to reach out to the members of District 5 and get to know them, and hopefully by doing so, I can learn about their needs and how the Tribe can help them connect again to the great culture we have.
Lorrie Underwood | Pėtëgizhgokwé
A: I hope to meet with and talk to each district citizen on an individual level so I can understand how each person can feel more connected. Each person will have a unique situation and there is no cookie cutter method to understanding each person’s disconnect. A legislator’s hands are tied regarding District member’s contact information; we don’t have it. The responsibility is then thrown back onto each individual citizen to know and reach out to their own legislator for help. The legislature should be allowed to be more independent in solving individual members’ challenges.
