STATEMENT FROM FORMER PLEASANT POINT PASSAMAQUODDY TRIBAL GOVERNOR RICK DOYLE
March 28, 2005

My name is Rick Doyle and I am a Passamaquoddy Man. I have served my people in many capacities, foremost as a previous Tribal Governor. As a Passamaquoddy leader I am very aware of the challenges that face the Tribe. I know that our people must be included in the process of steering our common destiny, more than just voting on proposals put in front of the Tribal Chief. The Tribe needs to act respectfully to all
the Passamaquoddy Tribe and include them in formulating OUR vision of the future, that we can set the Chief and Council to work on. If we return to our Tribal ways, that incorporates our spiritually for all things and our stewardship of the Great Mother in our decision making process, then the Tribe and this land will develop in a manner harmonious of who we are as Tribal people.

I am probably reacting to recent news regarding the LNG project. I think it is now the time to come off the laissez faire fence and stand on my feet. Though there is light I still cannot envision where I will land, yet I am jumping in the direction of the opposition. I guess in this life we all must take our risks. My main assertion this morning is that the dominant culture's style of majority rule democracy does not lend itself to Tribal values and customs. A consensual manner is more appropriate here on Rez. I cannot support the type of control and
insolence that Quoddy Bay is perpetrating upon our Tribe. Making decisions behind closed doors, forcing us to sleep with an enemy, and flashing their greenbacks to buy their way at the expense of Passamaquoddy values and spirit. Since this project is void of Native character, I can no longer remain silent. It is my heartfelt belief
that our future must be guided and instilled with our character and heritage. LNG does not do that for me.

By no means do I want to suggest that the Tribe should not pursue economic development or seek to create jobs. I think sensible development is a valuable, needed, and worthy ambition. Yet, I feel that a Community Development approach to business creation is more in tune with our native ways. There is strength among the Passamaquoddy
that can be tapped when we return to acting like native people, strong in spirit. This strength is only found when we are united as Tribe and
determined as one People. Let all of us sit and talk about our visions for our future. Let us not forgot our duty to the Great Mother and the
Great Father. Let us not forget the prophecy of the Seven Fires which warns us of technology not nurtured by spiritual principle will be all
of our destruction. Never let us forget that our actions today affect many generations after us.

I do not want the Tribal leadership to sell my culture and diminish my heritage. I know we are in desperate times; however, it has been shown
time and again that when we stand together, Scikins (Indian people) can endure any hard times. This is the strength of the Tribe that has let us survive through the years. LNG and all there money is not our savior, only the Great Father can claim that title. How much integrity
can each of us claim if we can sell out, commit cultural and physical suicide, for the green paper? Is our destiny worth only money? I know
from my experiences that LNG is not our only option. We as Tribal People need to be self determining as to the direction of our future.
Let us work together to find a safer path that can lead us to our goals in harmony with the Great Mother and the will of our Creator.

Thanks for letting me share the words in my heart.

Rick Doyle