CRIT Tribal Council and Administration

Valerie Welsh-Tahbo
Councilmember

Valerie Welsh-Tahbo has found her first term on Tribal Council to be a tremendous learning experience.

"This has been all about learning what needs to be done to help our Tribe," the councilwoman said.

Helping tribal members is why she decided to follow in the footsteps of her father, the late Darwin T. Welsh, Sr., and run for Tribal Council. And since then, she's become particularly focused on the health of Tribal members.

Welsh-Tahbo was diagnosed with diabetes about a year ago, and has lost a significant amount of weight. The disease is so common on the reservation that she said it's a key reason why the Tribal government must focus on health issues.

"We need to take care of our elders, those who have had substance abuse problems, and those who need care after medical problems," she said.

She said that she has always tried to help in the Tribal community in any way possible.

"I've always been involved in the community and have always been interested in the functions and operations of Tribal government," she said. "I just wanted to find ways to give back and help people."

Another way Welsh--Tahbo would like to help people is to encourage an improvement in Tribal housing, one area where she is currently working as a member of the Tribe's housing corporation board.

"We've been working hard, but it still doesn't seem like we are near where we need to be," she said.

She also said the Tribal government should work to be more cohesive in its services to members, as well as working to maintain sovereignty in land, water and farming issues.

And if she had to give tribal members two pieces of advice, the first would be to become more involved.

"I encourage people to come to our Tribal Council meetings on the second Saturday of each month - which we call 'The People's Day,'" she said. "They're our eyes and ears out there and really know what should be of concern to us."

Her second piece of advice would be a little more personal, but is based on her own experiences.

"I hope people will make sure to find time to walk and exercise," she said. "It's the best way to prevent diabetes, which we're so at risk for, and improve our health."