TNT (Tennessee Native Times) is a grass roots project designed to provide news and information concerning American Indian issues in the State of Tennessee.

             

Web Site Design By  WAE Media © 2008-10

Updated 29 December '09
2009 Election Information and History
of the Tennessee Native American Convention's Metro Elections
To become familiar with candidate requirements & the election process review the SOP.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2009 CAUCUS ELECTIONS

TCIA Positions Opening for Metro Areas:
Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville & Chattanooga
Candidates for (TCIA, ACTIA & TNNAC) must reside within one of the four metro areas:
Shelby (Memphis), Davidson (Nashville), Knox (Knoxville) or Hamilton (Chattanooga),
or a county contiguous thereto.

The following TCIA Commissioners term will expire 31 October 2009
Bill Wells - Nashville           Alice Henry - Memphis
Jeanie King - Knoxville           Tom Kunesh -Chattanooga


Candidates seeking TNNAC's recommendation  for the following State Boards or Commissions
refer to each for information on positions opening and requirements.
Archaeological Advisory Council, Arts Commission, Historical Commission, & Human Rights Commission
 

View Map of TN Counties
Map Courtesy of Digital-Topo-Maps.com

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Important Dates

01  March '09 (Sun.)                       Applications Open
29   April '09 (Wed.)                      Applications Close  Extended
20 May '09 (Wed.)                         *Applications Close
                                          *Applications must be received by TNNAC secretary E. Lynch, NLT 5/20
13 June '09 (Sat.)                          Caucus Elections  Postponed
01 August '09 (Sat.)                      Caucus Elections-Open to All Legal TN Residents 18 yrs & up
11 September '09 (Fri.)                  Convention Gathering Cancelled
12 September '09 (Sat.)                 Convention Elections  Postponed
31 October '09 (Fri.)                      Applications Open for Memphis Candidates (more details)
07 November '09                          *Applications Close  
                                                              Applications may be filed online or by Hardcopy
                                                     *Applicants filing hardcopy only, must be postmarked no later than 7 Nov. '09
14 November '09 (Sat.)                 Memphis Metro Caucus Elections
05 December '09 (Sat.)                 Convention Election-Open to Caucus Delegates 

Applicants must be 18 years of age at time of the caucus. Other applicant requirements are specified in
   TNNAC's SOP.

On 3 May '09, the decision to extend the application period to 20 May '09 was made due to TNNAC receiving less than 2 applications  in 3 of the 4 metro areas. Nashville, Memphis & Knoxville had received only 1 application each, Chattanooga had received 2 applications as of the original deadline. Genealogy Committee Members:
Herstle Cross, Van Lynch, Chrisie Moore, Sandi Perry and Scott Sanders. Application Review Meetings were conducted on 3 May and 31 May 2009. 

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Caucus Information, Locations & Contacts

Per TNNAC's current SOP: Voting is open to all members of the public who are legal residents of Tennessee and 18 year of age or older on or before the date of the caucus election. Voters do not have to be registered to vote in the State of Tennessee, but must be able to provide identification, proof of age and proof of residency. A voter registration card can be substituted for other ID. School, military and tribal IDs are not acceptable substitutions. Voters can only vote at an election site in the caucus area in which they legally reside.
Caucus elections allow for individual participation and local initial choice. Voters at the caucus elections decide on endorsement or rejection of any local commission candidates, candidates for other boards and commissions, and state-wide referendums that will move forward to the conventions election. Commission candidates must receive a majority (51%) of the vote in at least one relevant caucus area to move forward to the convention ballot. A candidate to another board or commission must be endorsed by at least four (4) caucus areas to be placed on the convention ballot for ratification of the convention.  For more info refer to TNNAC's SOP (page 4), for voter eligibility refer to page 6. Jump to list of candidates.


Caucus Elections:                              13  June '09 Cancelled
                                                                      1 August '09                    

Times: Caucuses run 1 hour only                           6pm to 7pm Central
                                                       7pm to 8pm Eastern
Caucus Locations:                                                         
                                               
Nashville....................................... Brenthaven Cumberland Presbyterian Church
                                                                     516 Franklin Road
                                                       Brentwood, TN 
                                                                     (get directions)
                                                                     Contact: Dale Mitchell 

Memphis....................................... Highland Heights Methodist Church [Fellowship Hall]
                                                       3476 Summer Ave. 
                                                       Memphis, TN                                 
                                                                     (get directions)
                                                                     Contact: Ed Vinson

Memphis....................................... St. Ann Catholic Church [Family Life Center]
14 November '09                              Madonna Hall
4:00 PM                                           6529 Stage Road 
                                                       Bartlett, TN                                 
                                                                     (get directions)
                                                                     Contact: Marcia Cross or Ramona Reece

Knoxville....................................... Knights of Columbus Hall [Suite 4-5 ~ Plaza]
                                                       5710 Kingston Pike
                                                       Knoxville, TN                                
                                                                    (get directions)
                                                                                           Contact: Herstle Cross  

Chattanooga................................ State Building
                                                                    540 McCallie Ave.
                                                      Chattanooga, TN
                                                                    (get directions) 
                                                                    Contact: Wally Leary 
 
West TN........................................ Woodmen of the World Activity Center
                                                       579 N Trenton St.
                                                       Rutherford, TN
                                                       (get directions)
                                                                     Contact: Patty Beecham  

Middle TN..................................... Holiday Inn Express [Conference Room]
                                                      700 Sango Road (Hwy. 76)
                                                      Clarksville, TN
                                                                    (get directions)  
                                                                    Contact: Ramona Reece 

East TN........................................ The Renaissance Center [Room 239]
                                                      1200 East Center St.
                                                      Kingsport, TN
                                                      (get directions)
                                                                   Contact: Billy Joe Nuckles 

Caucus Notice  to be given to all American Indian organizations in the state and to all individuals who request to be notified. Refer to page  6 of SOP.

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Convention Information

Per TNNAC's SOP: Convention elections are open to caucus delegates and TNNAC members. Convention elections determine both final nomination and rank of nominees. Because each commissioner serves all Native American Indians in the state and not just those in their respective caucus areas, the convention provides a check and balance to the caucus elections and ensures the choice of the larger state-wide community. Delegates from across the state vote on each candidate on the ballot. The outcome determines which candidates selected at the caucus elections are submitted to the State, and the order of preference in which they are submitted.

NEW Location:                             St. Ann Catholic Church
                                        Family Life Center – Madonna Hall
                                                      6529 Stage Road
                                                     Bartlett, TN 38134
                                                                       (get driving directions)
                                    
Date & Time:

11 September '09 (Fri.)                 Gathering - 6pm Cancelled
12 September '09 (Sat.)                Convention:
                                                  Dinner & Entertainment - 7pm Cancelled

05 December '09 (Sat.)                 Convention:
                                                  Delegate Sign-In Period 9-10am
                                                  Convention Convenes 10am
                                                  Candidate Forums
                                                  Lunch
                                                  Entertainment - Jimmie Yellowhorse & wife Tammera
                                                  Convention Reconvenes (Voting Begins)
                                                    Note: Times are  Central Time

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SOP
Approved by TNNAC 18 Oct. '08

Candidate Nomination Signatory Sheets
Metro Nashville
Metro Memphis
Metro Knoxville
     Metro Chattanooga

 Nominee Application Form
(View and/or Print)
Return application and supporting signatures to:
TNNAC . c/o Evangeline Lynch . 73 Baseline Road . Dyer TN 38330

Fill Out Nominee Application Form Now
(this link will take you to the online application on TNNAC's website)
This form may also be used by individuals seeking TNNAC's recommendation to serve on other state commissions.

List of Candidates Date indicates which application period candidate applied (4/29 original deadline, 5/20 extended period for all caucus areas or 11/7 Memphis caucus ) Candidate's Bios Convention Results

Nashville Charles Lawson (5/20/09) Enrolled member, Chikamaka Band. Nominee chose to participate in the TNNAC Indian preference process. Indian preference granted by TNNAC 2009. Received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat Clifford "Bill" Wells - Incumbent (4/29/09) Indian preference N/A - not American Indian. Received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. .

Chattanooga John Wayne Anderson (5/20/09) Enrolled member, Iroquois Nation, Ohsweken, Ontario.  Indian preference granted by TNNAC 2003. Received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. *Tammera  D.  Hicks (4/29/09) Cherokee ~  Enrolled TCIA's Commission's Rolls  TNNAC granted Indian preference in 2009 *Recognition formally & officially accorded by the previous Tennessee Commission of Indian Affairs. The decisions by the former Commission recognizing 89 individuals as Native American Indians remains in force and effect by operation of law. Applicants had to meet the TCIA's Native American Indian recognition criteria  under Rule Chapter 0785-1. Review Rule Chapter 0785-1 Administrative History. Candidate was endorsed by more than the required number of caucuses to receive TNNAC's recommendation  for positions on the Archaeological, Historical & Human Rights Commission. Candidate also received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. Thomas "Tom" Peter Kunesh - Incumbent (4/29/09) Mother member Standing Rock Sioux.  TNNAC granted Indian preference in 2003. Candidate was endorsed by the Chattanooga caucus to serve on the TNNAC and ACTIA board Candidate was not endorsed by the required number of caucuses to receive TNNAC's recommendation for positions on the Arts or Human Rights Commission. Did  not  receive  sufficient  votes  at  caucus  election  to  proceed  to Convention for TCIA seat.

Knoxville Christine M. R. Goddard (4/29/09) Enrolled member, Upper Cumberland Cherokee (also known as the United Eastern Lenape Nation). Nominee initially chose to participate in TNNAC’s Indian preference process, prior to completion chose to use state’s guidelines for Indian preference, [RE: TCA 4-34-104 (b) (3) Preference in selection of at least five (5) Indian commissioners shall be given to Native American Indians, i.e., persons having origins in any of theoriginal peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.] Candidate was endorsed by the Knoxville caucus to serve on the TNNAC board Candidate also received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. Cheryl Ann Sherrill (5/20/09) Enrolled member, Upper Cumberland Cherokee (also known as the United Eastern Lenape Nation). Nominee did not request Indian preference from TNNAC, chose state’s guidelines for Indian preference, [RE: TCA 4-34-104 (b) (3) Preference in selection of at least five (5) Indian commissioners shall be given to Native American Indians, i.e., persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.] Received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. *Joseph E. Vinson IV (5/20/09) Cherokee/Chickasaw ~ Does not request Indian preference from TNNAC *Candidate Withdrew

Memphis Alice Gwin Henry - Incumbent (11/7/09) Enrolled member, Tanasi Council of the Far Away Cherokee. Nominee did not request Indian preference from TNNAC, chose state’s guidelines for Indian preference, [RE: TCA 4-34-104 (b) (3) Preference in selection of at least five (5) Indian commissioners shall be given to Native American Indians, i.e., persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America, and who maintain cultural identification through tribal affiliation or community recognition.] Candidate was endorsed by more than the required number of caucuses to receive TNNAC's recommendation  for positions on the Arts Commission & Human Rights Commission. Candidate also received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. Phillip  Stevens  (4/29/09) Enrolled member Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. TNNAC granted Indian preference 2009. Received sufficient votes at caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat. Helen Wagner-Vinson (5/20/09) Enrolled member Monacan Indian Nation. TNNAC granted Indian preference 2009. Candidate did not eceived sufficient votes at 11/14 caucus election to proceed to Convention for TCIA seat.

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Tennessee Native American Convention?
TNNAC's purpose is to democratically elect representatives from the Native American community to represent Native American interests in and to the State of Tennessee.

Is TNNAC a state commissioned body?
No. TNNAC is a (non-profit) private organization.

Who is responsible for oversight of TNNAC?
Oversight responsibility for TNNAC falls to its members and members of the public.

Is TNNAC recognized in state statutes concerning appointments to the State Archaeological Advisory Council, State Historical Commission, State Human Rights Commission and State Arts commission?
No. However, TNNAC does submit names of individuals it recommends to hold select seats on each of these state boards and commissions.

What is a caucus?
A caucus is a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy ; also : a group of people united to promote an agreed-upon cause.

Who can participate in caucus voting?
Voting is open to all members of the public who are legal residents of Tennessee and 18 years of age or older on or before the date of the caucus election. Participants do not have to be (TN) State registered voters.

Is ID required to vote?
Yes. Valid ID, proof of age and TN residency is required. A voter registration card can be substituted for other ID.  School, military and tribal IDs are not acceptable substitutions.

Can an individual vote in more than one caucus?
No. A Voter can only vote once and at the election site in the caucus area in which they legally reside.

If an individual misses the caucus election can they vote at the convention?
Only caucus delegates and TNNAC members are permitted to participate in convention elections.

What is a delegate?
A delegate is a person acting for another: as a representative to a convention or conference.

What is a convention?
A convention is the summoning or convening of an assembly; an assembly of persons meeting for a common purpose ; especially : a meeting of the delegates of a political party/faction for the purpose of formulating a platform and selecting candidates for office.

Can an individual run for more than one position in TNNAC elections?
Yes. Individuals may run for as many positions and offices as they choose. However, seats with regional or other qualifications require such to be met by applicants.

What counties are contiguous to the metro areas?
Nashville (Davidson): Cheatham, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson and Wilson.
Memphis (Shelby): Fayette and Tipton.
Knoxville (Knox): Roane, Anderson, Union, Grainger, Jefferson, Sevier, Blount and Loudon.
Chattanooga (Hamilton): Marion, Sequatchie, Bledsoe, Rhea, Meigs and Bradley.

How many supporting signatories must an applicant obtain?
Applicants must obtain at least 21 supporting signatories. It is recommended to obtain more to ensure the minimum requirement is met at the time signatures are verified.

What are the requirements for signatures to be considered valid?
All signatories must be registered voters within the applicants area or a contiguous county thereto in order to qualify as a valid supporting signatory. Additionally, all signatory information must be complete and residential addresses must be listed, the use of post office boxes or business addresses will cause the signature to be considered invalid.