WELLNESS/SUBSISTENCE REIMBURSEMENT

2024 is coming to the end, January brings on new budgeted programs with updated amounts in availability.

Unfortunately, we have been receiving numerous requests for purchases to be made on behalf of tribal members upwards of $1800/member, for wellness and subsistence. VOS has a select few business credit cards on hand which primarily cover travel expenses, operating bills, office orders, expenses to manage and operate/run the tribe. If we were to offer everyone the opportunity to make online purchases for each of you, we’d need unlimited available funds for each card. I was not anticipating the requests to come in the way that they have recently and I would just like to offer a friendly reminder;

I have been working with the tribe for over a decade. I have gotten to know many of you, and assist/support most programs we offer to our community members- please do not take advantage of these resources, or navigate away from the intended purposes of each program. If you have to question an eligible reimbursable expense - or, if you purchase something and expect a reimbursement, or rely on VOS to make a certain purchase on behalf of you, then VOS should be improving the management of the programs. VOS is reliant upon grant funding programs to serve the tribe as a whole in several capacities- but if VOS is awarded a certain pot of funding - it is up to the Tribe to manage and implement program design and carry out the program. It is at VOS’ discretion, not a requirement of VOS.

We will work better on communicating and reiterating program eligibility, resources, additional resources (outside of VOS), criteria enforcement and requested proof to ensure that our programs designed to support Tribal Wellness and Traditional Subsistence activities - to be clearly defined and reviewed by our auditors without a question in whether or not the program has served the tribal community appropriately.

VOS has done amazing work to serve our community members and we do what we can to provide that support to our households. When I say we, it is a collaborative team effort from the Council and Staff. Don’t forget, our Council and our Staff are here to serve you and yours - it is not always easy to manage it all with limited capacity, AND it is truly impossible to make everyone happy.

Let’s all work toward being a bit more Merry, a tad more Grateful, an ounce more Cheerful and a ton more of Kindness toward all of our VOS leaders and staff who work so hard at making these programs and previous programs possible.

Appreciate you all,

Deilah Johnson

Tribal Resources Director