For over thirty years I have personally and professionally tried to enforce policies and local tribal ordinances that benefit tribal members before contracts go to people with connections inside tribal government. I have failed in those attempts to keep our tribal members up front and benefiting from every aspect of the tribal community and its commerce.

Today was just another reminder of the abusive and demeaning behavior many of us tribal members experience from tribal government and its institutional partners: federal and tribal law enforcement and court actors.

And federal health actors, who purportedly promote the best quality of life for tribal members.

This quality of life was not promoted in my case, as an American Indian, as I was forced to follow a “policy” to get upcoming prescriptions filled.

A few weeks ago I tried to refill some approved medication before the weekend. When I attempted to refill by automation, the system denied me. I was not able to have approved medications for heart and anxiety for an entire weekend. Needless to say, it was not a nice experience. I have arrived at a point in life where some of this medication has to be taken daily for best results.

The clinic shut down my refill and scheduled me a visit for policy enforcement.

As an experienced tribal leader, and executive policy maker and approver, I understand the necessity of policy.

My frustration today comes from years of being denied “policy and law” enforcement in tribal employment and quality of life issues. My most recent attempts at a salaried job with my Master’s degree in Administration failed miserably, again. I lost to “white men,” who often display nepotistic behavior over policy and law enforcement.

I am told the tribal member is honored and given preference in everything.

So why am I complaining to a tribal health employee about the abuse I must endure to get approved medication, let alone a salaried job, before the white man?

The systemic barriers continue for many tribal members, so that non-tribal members experience the best quality of life.

So much for being a tribal elder with years of proven experience in helping others.