March 09, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Ruth Vega-Harjo and Rencie Eteeyan were sworn in as Ethics Commissioners this morning in a ceremony at the Bingo Hall.
Eteeyan will fill the Ethics Commissioner #2 spot and Vega-Harjo the #3 position which now completes the Ethics Commission. Other Ethics Commissioners elected in July were ShirleyTrull, chairperson, Trilby Wahwasuck, vice-chairperson, Virginia LeClere, secretary, and Frank Tecumseh, commissioner #1.
First to take the oath of office this morning was Vega-Harjo followed by Eteeyan which was administered by Joyce Guerrero, vice-chairperson of the Tribal Council. Following the swearing in, well-wishers came forth to receive the new commissioners and then everyone celebrated with cake. Several members of the Tribal Council attended the event along with other PBPN members and employees.
The Ethics Commission was created from an amendment change to the PBPN constitution approved in 2007. The commission is charged with developing a Code of Ethics designed to govern the conduct of all Nation officials and to investigate and hear complaints that may arise under them.