Salvation Army Tribal Identification Card Policy

Below is a an email I sent to the Salvation Army in regards to the story
reported in the Yakima Herald today.  It was very disheartening to me so I
thought I would try and influence change.  I have no idea if it will make a
difference, but it is worth a try.  Please feel free to foward to anyone who
may be intersted.  If I hear back from the Salvation Army, I will let you
know.

Kristin


Ms. Melissa Temme and Ms. Shanti Hahler:

While reading this morning's paper I was outraged to discover that a Spokane
based Salvation Army shelter turned away a family of Native American's
simply because they used identification issued by their tribe, the Turtle
Mountain Chippewa.  The story reports further that the elderly couple was
forced to sleep in a car during subzero temperatures.  The newspaper quoted
the shelter's business administrator Richard Silva as stating "They (tribal
identification cards) are generated by the local tribal office and there is
no way to verify that that is their true name or that they are related in
some way."  This statement is a great insult to sovereign tribal nations and
appears reflective of the prejudice that Mr. Silva may feel towards tribal
nations and their members.

I am requesting that the Salvation Army immediately adjust their policies
regarding the acceptance of tribal identification at shelters throughout the
country.  This policy is ignorant of the professionalism that tribes execute
in the conduct of their government business and shows a great disrespect to
the sovereign status of Native American tribes.

I would also like to remind you that Indian tribes have made substantial
contributions to the Salvation Army.  In September of 2006, the Coeur
D'Alene Tribe located less than 50 miles from Spokane , pledged a million
dollar donation to support the Salvation Army's Kroc Community Center .  In a
media release prepared by the Salvation Army it was noted that this donation
was the largest ever received.

I am hopeful that the Salvation Army will quickly amend this policy and open
their doors to help all tribal members in need, just as the Coeur D'Alene 's
and many other Indian nations have helped your organization.  If this
doesn't occur, I personally will never make another donation to the
Salvation Army.  Additionally, I will make certain that every Tribe in the
Nation is made aware of this story so they too can evaluate if the Salvation
Army deserves future financial support.

Sincerely,

Kristin Lumley
Enrolled Member of the Yakama Nation #12254