Candidates for Chairman of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb

John W. Procell- Incumbent- I am asking for your vote to re-elect me John W. Procell, Tribal Chairperson/Chief of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb.
The quest for Federal Recognition continues to be my top priority. We are a state recognized tribe but federal recognition will bring many benefits to our people. We the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb deserve to be recognized. I have fought to bring your voice to our tribal council meetings. I want you all to know about our tribe and its operations. We the people are the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, not the ten who sit at the meetings every month. Our tribe continues to show a sharp increase in enrollment. My goal is to make the enrollment process less time consuming. Many of our goals have been achieved, yet we have a way to go. Under my leadership we have:
I personally met with Sabine River Authority to negotiate and obtain a thirty acre tract of land near Ebarb High School for permanent pow wow grounds, an American Indian museum and culture center, walking trails, picnic areas and other projects. The lease is for 99 years at no cost to our tribe, Met with the Department of Housing representatives and now have information on grants and low interest loans available at the tribal office for our people. Met with LOUISIANA Governor, Bobby Jindal, State Representative Frankie Howard, Senator Gerald Long in an attempt to secure support for federal recognition application. Organized a Federal Recognition committee that meets on the 4th Monday each month at 6:p.m.. Met with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Chief Gregory Pyle in Shreveport, LA in an effort to gain access to programs to help our people. Continue to work with Desoto Parish Office of Community Services in order to provide monthly energy assistance sign up at our tribal office for our tribal members and community. I continue to work with the educational system to introduce American Indian culture and traditions in our school system. I have traveled at my own expense to Indiana, Tennessee and other states to attend grant workshops in order for our tribe to be aware of grants available. I am the Chairman of the Board of the Intertribal Council of Central Louisiana I am Chairman of the Board of Central Louisiana Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program. I worked with a local organization Hogg Wild , which is a motorcycle group that raised $5,000.00 for the development of our tribal land that was obtained from the SRA. Honored and recognized our tribal elders at our first ever Elders Festival Gathering. The second one will be held July 29th. Erected a tribal monument and flag poles on our tribal grounds to honor our tribal veterans. This was done by working with the Hog Wild Club who held a fundraiser and donated $5,000.00 for this purpose. Began “Education Day” a day for our youth at our annual pow wow. Reorganized the tribal web site so you the members will have access to tribal minutes, news, pictures, and programs. Council meetings are now held every month instead of every three months so tribal members can be aware of what is happening in our tribe. Organized the annual Easter Egg Extravaganza for our youth and young adults. Worked with local motorcycle groups “Hog Wild” and “Noble Sons” to initiate the Toys for Tots program that provided local youth toys for Christmas. Obtained a drum for our tribe and worked with Northwestern State University in Natchitoches to initiate drum classes for our youth and tribal members. I continue to represent our people of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb at pow wows throughout the southern United States as Head Gourd. Objectives: 1. Gain federal recognition for the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, 2. Maintain our Native American culture among all age groups of our people. 3. Support efforts to bring more business into our area in order to provide more jobs.
Military Service
Enlisted in United States Army, May 12, 1962, Served in Vietnam 1968-1969, Honorable Discharge (E/4) July 12,1969, Disable Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient .Education Attended Ebarb High School 1962, Sabine Valley Vocational-Technical 1974-1975
Employment Experience Logger 1969-1983 Medically Retired 1983-Present Leadership
Choctaw Apache Tribal Chairman 08-02-08-Present, Head Gourd Dancer at various tribes 1983- Present
I ask for you vote so that I can continue to represent you the people of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb. John W. Procell.

James Doug Laroux- Graduate of Zwolle High School 1960, 2 years Lee Junior College in Baytown, Texas. Self employed in Zwolle for 18 years. Then worked in the oilfield and retired from offshore in 2002.
I have been involved in the Choctaw Apache tribal government for 18 years. I have served as a council member for 3 terms, as Vice Chairman for 3 terms, Chairman of Committee for Federal Recognition. I chaired the committee for the Constitution,. Served as Chairman of Pow Wow Committee for 10 pow wows. I am on the board of Directors for CLIVR (Vocational –Rehab) for 10 years. I have served on Board of Directors for Indian Education for the state of Louisiana, Board of Directors for Indian Parents Committee for Ebarb High School, and Board of Directors for I.T.C.C.L.A.- the Intertribal Council of Central Louisiana.
I am a lifetime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Zwolle and a 30 year member of the Knights of Columbus.

Tommy W. Bolton- Tribal Chairman 1993-2008. I think we came a long way under my leadership. We did not have an enrollment system or genealogy database before I come on board. We did not have a powwow that was an idea I had about how to get our people more involved with the tribe. A great deal of the history was done by a small group of people, most of whom were spouses of tribal members, and me. We went from a rented tribal office, to one bought and paid for with donations from members and supporters. The Central Louisiana Intertribal Vocational Rehabilitation (CLIVR) program, that helps handicapped members start a business, go to school, or get training for a job… yes, I had a finger in getting that operation going also. Would I be willing to run for Chairman, again…sure.

Candidates for Vice Chairman of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb

Pat Ebarb Sr.- Son of the late Martin and Marie Ebarb and a 1961 graduate of Ebarb High School. Served four years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in San Francisco, California. Met and married the former Linda Seals of Sacramento, California in 1964 and have three children, Mark, Pat II, and Tina, and four grandchildren, Matthew, Elyssa, Jessica, and Devin.
Attended Pennsylvania State University for fire sprinkler apprenticeship and worked as a Union Fire Sprinkler Fitter for 10 years. In 1975 became a Fire Sprinkler Contractor, and owned and operated Ebarb Automatic Fire Protection ( licensed in California and Louisiana) until retirement in 2003.
Council member and CLIVR member of the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb since 20087, and a member of St. Joseph Church of Zwolle.

Jason Rivers- Hello everyone, my name is Jason “Big Jake” Rivers. I am the 40 yr. old son of Wilford “Tank” and Gayla Bebee Rivers. I am married to Manda Etheridge. We have one son , Jacob. My Grandparents are the late Phillip and Maggie Rivers and James and Helen Bebee. I can trace my bloodline to all 21 clans of the Tribe.
Education- St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Zwolle, La until closure, 1989 Graduate of Zwolle High School, 2005 Master Logger Certification dealing with soil and water conservation and erosion control,. 2008 Graduate of Alexandria Regional Police Academy ( Criminal Justice).
Employment- 1989-1994 Wilford Rivers and Son Logging, 1994-1999 Jason Rivers Logging (self –employed), 1999-2003 Zwolle Police Department ( part-time) and Phillip Rivers Logging (full time), 2003-2008 Jason Rivers Timber Co., 2008 Institute for Indian Development Youth Coordinator for Choctaw Apache Tribe, 2008- present Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Department (Detective).
Tribal Involvement- Central Louisiana Intertribal Vocation and Rehabilitation (CLIVR) board member, Project Venture Youth Coordinator until state funds were cut, Red Ant Drum Sponsor ( youth drum group), Special Events Committee (Tribal Easter Egg Hunt, Elder’s Festival and Veterans Day), Tribal Toys for Tots Run for Christmas, Organized Tribal education days at local schools, Organized an auction at motorcycle rally netting $5,000.00 for the clearing of tribal lands, assisted Chief Procell with public functions representing the Tribe (bike blessings, speeches, etc.), Served on the Pow Wow Committee, Social and Economic Development Grant Committee, I have missed only 3 Tribal Council meeting sing the last 3 years., Federal Recognition Committee.
I would like to ask for your vote and support as your Assistant Chairman for the Choctaw-Apache Tribe of Ebarb. I am willing to work TOGETHER with the council to better our people and community. Being Native American is not a claim to the past for me, It’s a way of life. I feel I can work with anyone willing to move our people forward without personal agendas or bias.

Candidates for Treasurer of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb

Virginia L. Malmay- Incumbent- I would appreciate your vote on August 1, 2011, so that I can continue to work for the Tribe and the future of our children.
I have served on the Tribal Council since 1999, three years as council member and the last nine years as Treasurer. I have also served on the Pow Wow Committee and the Constitution Committee. I have been involved in all other tribal activities and work shops over the years. I graduated from Zwolle High School in 19528, went to work for the U.S. Postal in 1961 and retired in 1997. After retirement I attended Louisiana Technical College for 3 semester taking accounting. I have used this knowledge in my work for the Tribe. I am also Enrollment Officer doing this for the last eight years.

Kenneth Garcie- Zwolle High School Grad, Associate Degree- La Technical College and Council Member.

Candidates for Secretary of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb

Pam Cartinez- High School graduate from Zwolle High School. I am married to Jerry Cartinez we have two children and four grandchildren. A member of St. Joseph Church. A retiree of the Sabine Parish School Board with 23 years of service. I have worked with the Indian Education Grant with the Sabine Parish Schools.
Your vote & support will be greatly appreciated.

Candidates for Tribal Council of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb

Robert Caldwell- I am the great grandson of George and Susan Remedies. My education includes Bachelors degrees in both History and Anthropology. In May 2011, I graduated from NSU with a Masters Degree in Heritage. My main academic interest includes our peoples’ history and culture.
Since 2009 I have been doing volunteer work, including photography of tribal events, writing for the Anoli, and most recently, work on the Federal Recognition Committee, where my education is most useful.
I have experience in the field of non-profit organization and administration. This includes grant writing, finance, public meeting notices, office administration, and volunteer coordination.
I hope that you will give me the opportunity to put my talents to work for our tribe.

Elizabeth Ione Procell Durr- Incumbent: Personal: Daughter of Elmer “Babe “ Procell and Dorothy Marie Ezernack, married 29 years to Chester Durr, lifelong resident of Ebarb, owner of Chester’s Grocery for over 20 years, Mary Kay Consultant. .Education Valedictorian of Ebarb High School, Graduate of Northwestern State University/Natchitoches. Community: Ladies Auxiliary-Zwolle/Ebarb Post, Ladies Auxiliary- Disabled American Veterans, Honorary member of St Labie Indian School, Cheyenne River Indian Outreach (Sacred Heart Center)-Helping abused Native women and children. Religion: Lifelong member of St. Ann Catholic Church –Ebarb, Served on several church committees/positions: Religious Education, Finance and Council –Several years, Chairperson St. Ann ‘s St Vincent DePaul, Eucharistic Minister. Tribal Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb: Tribal Council for 3 years, Project Director for Susan G. Komen Foundation Grant, Veterans Day Event, Gathering of Elders Festival, Special Events Committee, Toys for Tots Program for Native children, Local motorcycle group., Committee helping organize fundraising for tribal land, Native American Heritage Pow Wow –Ebarb School, Chairperson flag/monument on tribal grounds, Anoli Staff member, Website Coordinator and Federal Recognition Committee.

Reggie Ezernack- Hello, My name is Reggie Ezernack and I would appreciate your vote for a position on the council of the Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb. I am a life long resident of Ebarb, Louisiana. I would like to represent the people of the Choctaw Apache Tribe to the best of my ability. I feel that I can bring new ideas and approaches to the council. I have volunteered for years now in fundraising, pow wows, youth organizations, working with the elderly and promoting the Choctaw Apache Tribe. Again, I ask for your vote in the upcoming election. Thank you.
Graduate of Ebarb High School-1980, Volunteered with Project Venture Youth Group, Assisted with Tribal Education Days at schools, Volunteered with Toys for Tots Christmas Drives, Gave many donations for different tribal events, Cooked for several events, Easter Egg Hunts.

Rhonda Gauthier- Objective- Use my experience to produce my best work and be open to learn new ideas and methods to further my ability to be productive.
Experience- 2008-Present Interpretive Ranger Fort St. Jean Baptist State Historic Site Natchitoches, LA., 2003-2008 Creole Heritage Center, Natchitoches, LA., Community Coordinator- Grant Writing, Research and development of projects, NSU Accounting FRS office system, Property control, scheduling appointments, basic typing, filing, Project coordinating and community liaison. 2001-2003 NSU Los Adaes Program, Natchitoches, LA. Archaeologist Assistant- Office duties, receptionist, ordering supplies, filing etc., Assisted with school programs at Los Adaes State Historic Site, Assisted with site excavations, Archaeology Lab Tech, Overseeing and managing student workers in lab, Typing and cataloguing artifacts, Coordinate Faience Conferences. 2000-2001 NSU Regional Folklife, Natchitoches, LA. Office Assistant- Receptionist, typing , filing, Trancriver/interviews. 1999-2000-CRT Los Adaes State Historic Site, Natchitoches, LA. Interpretive Ranger-Research, Development of educational programs for students and general public, Planning daily programs, Cultural Resources Management, Public Relations, Supervision of Temporary seasonal workers, Assisting site Archaeologist with excavations. 1996-1999 CRT Fort St. Jean Baptist State Historic Site Natchitoches, LA Illustrator and Lab Tech-Illustrator of wood and metal artifacts from the East Port and Dix project Electrolysis of metal artifacts. Education - 1993-2000 Northwestern State University, B.A. Anthropology; NSU Graduate Program 26 hrs. Writings/Research- Grants: Did Your Grandparents Ever Tell You?, Grandpere: Augustine Metoyer a Portrait,Badin-Roque:A Glimpse at Real Life in the 19th Century, Maize to Masa a Tradition. Research- Badin-Roque Exhibit Materials, Mardi Gras exhibit materials, Cane River Genealogy, Natchitoches Parish Court House French Archives, Associations- Anthropology Club, Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb and Temporary Youth Coordinator, Louisiana Ass of Museums, St. Augustine Historical Society, Cane River Friends Group. Conferences/Activities Anthropology Symposiu 1998, Healing of the Word Conference, UNITY Conference, Choctaw Apache Pow Wow Committee, Annual Basket Day 1995-2010, NSU Folk Festival, Creole Consortium, Badin-Roque Preservation Project, National Park Service Local History Workshop, Creole Heritage Day, CHERS Conference, Louisiana State Library Workshop, LA Association of State Museum, Cane River National Hertage Area, Genealogy Workshop, Immaculate Conception Church, Interpretive Rangers Conference, Louisiana Associations of Museums Workshop, Rapides Foundation Workshop, Grant Writing and Non Profits, Old Courthouse Museum Natchitoches Grant Writing and Resources Workshop, 2006-2008 Copied and data based Natchitoches Parish Courthouse French Archives Index, European Travel United Kingdom and Paris France in February 2009,:Notre Dame, Eifel Tower, Louve:

Susan King –Lee-Incumbent- I am the daughter of Elsie Parrie McLendon and granddaughter of Elvie and Henry Parrie. I attend St. John Catholic Church where I lead the rosary on Sunday mornings and am also Eucharistic Minister. I have a degree in Nursing from Northwestern State University which consist of BSN in nursing and minor in anthropology. I currently work at Sabine Rehab and Retirement as Treatment Manger. I am the mother of 2 girls and grandmother of 3. For past 3 years I have served of the Council and also youth coordinator. While being youth coordinator The youth group has traveled to OK to Bell Pow Wow. Establish elder Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas Basket to the elders. Also chairperson for special events committee which started Elder Festival in July. I will continue to work hard for the tribe and youth if elected. But all of this could not be done without help of youth coordinator and Special events Committee. Thank you for your vote.

Terry Wayne Leone- Zwolle High School, University of Maryland ( Criminal Justice), Northwestern State University ( Criminal Justice)
U.S. Army 22 years retired, Vice President of Federal Police Union ( Ft. Polk), Freteral order of Police ( Trustee Tiger Land Post), Life time member Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Andrew T. Martinez- Son of Lonnie Martinez, Ebarb High School Graduate. Self Employed- Martinez Grocery, Keatchie Timber Co., Shadow Fax, Inc. Helped the tribe with tribal grounds clearing and allowing tribe the use of my property.

Anna Remedies- Meshell- My parents are Doug & Terry Remedies. I am a high school graduate of Zwolle High School. I am currently a student at NSU, working Social Work Degree. I was a coordinator for the Rising Sun Youth Group. I attended the Annual Pow Wows with my family and my children dance.

Thomas N. Rivers- Son of the late James C. and Elaine Sepulvado Rivers.
1982 graduate of Ebarb High School,
ANA Grant Proposal Committee
Bus Driver for Ebarb School.

Rebecca Meshell Samples- My name is Rebecca Meshell Samples. My parents are Lennis Meshell of Zwolle, LA and Linda King Banta of Channelview, TX. My grandparents are Marjorie Meshell Craig of Converse, LA and the late Joseph J (Nuke) Meshell. Ebarb High School is where I attended K-12th grade. I graduated in 1994 with honors. I attended Louisiana Technical College-Sabine Valley Campus, where I earned an associate’s degree in Accounting. I’ve bee employed at Julian Foy Motors, Inc. since 2002. I’ve been the business manager for the past 3 years. Also, I’ve served on the advisory committee at Louisiana Technical College-Sabine Valley Campus for 8 years.
Along the way, I have tow beautiful daughters. Erica, 12 years old and Baylee, 4 years old. My daughters and I are involved with the Rising Sun Youth Group. Erica is their ambassador and I serve as a coordinator. We have traveled near and far to numerous pow wows. We have learned a lot about our culture and are interested in being more involved and learning more.
After consideration, I feel I have the needed experience, interest, and ideas to seek election for Choctaw Apache Tribe of Ebarb, tribal council.

Joanne Sepeda-Incumbent- My name is Joanne Sepeda and I am running for Tribal Council. I have retired after 43 years as a hair dresser.
I served on the Tribal Council for three years 2008-2011. I am on the Federal Recognition Committee and am Chairman of the Pow Wow Committee. I also work in the office helping Ms. Virginia Malmay to update our files.
If you vote for me, I will continue to work with our Tribal Council to help get our Federal Recognition. Thank You, Joanne Sepeda.