- So then I had to do a resolution to the tribal council because they had to approve the purchase.

The day before I knew it was coming up, I knew I had to stand before council.

It was not an easy night before and it wasn't easy as I came into work that day.

I was full of anxiety.

I was in my office and I was alerted that the resolution was getting ready to hit the floor.

I came and sat down on the front row, which is where we usually sit, and then the chairman calls me up.

It's when I get to the podium that my knee starts shaking, thinking they're gonna fight me on this one.

And the chairman says, "Chief, can you talk to us about this?"

And so I began to tell them how we have an opportunity here to purchase 300 and something acres that have such a great importance to the tribe.

You know, it goes around for any comments or someone asks, "Well, what are we gonna do with this land?

We can't do anything with it because we're buying a graveyard."

And I believe my response was "More so the reason we should buy it, because those are the graves of our ancestors."

When the chairman called for the vote, I waited and watched.

And when the vote came, it was unanimous.

And I think I said, "Thank you."

And I promptly went back to my office and sat down.

I believe I probably cried 'cause it was over and we were on our way.

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