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Tusker Nation asks Lewiston for public water connection for community system
Summary
At the June 22 meeting, Timothy McKe of the Tusker Nation asked the Lewiston Town Board to provide a public water supply so the Nation can operate a community water system on its territory; board members asked staff to meet with the Nation and Indian Health Service to review a proposed memorandum of agreement.
At its June 22 meeting, the Lewiston Town Board heard a request from the Tusker Nation for a public water supply that would enable the Nation to construct and operate a community water system on tribal land.
"My name is Timothy McKe. I belong to the deer clan of the Tusker Nation," McKe said, noting the Nation has prepared a memorandum of agreement with the Indian Health Service outlining the proposed supply arrangement. He asked the town to provide the public water supply the Nation needs to run its system.
Board members responded that this was the first they had heard of the latest plan and asked McKe to meet with town staff and Renee Rickard to align the proposal with prior discussions. The chair told McKe the board looks forward to meeting and working with the Nation and requested that McKe or Rickard call staff to arrange follow-up discussions.
The request reflects a proposed change from earlier plans the Nation discussed with town staff and highlights that further technical and intergovernmental coordination is required. The town’s department head for water was not present at the meeting; board members said they want to review details — including the memorandum with the Indian Health Service — before taking formal action.
The board did not take a vote on the request at the meeting; members asked the Nation to meet with staff to clarify the plan and its operational and legal implications. A follow-up meeting or a more detailed submittal to the town was requested so staff can prepare information on feasibility, connections, and any necessary approvals.
Next steps: McKe and representatives were asked to contact town staff and Renee Rickard to set a meeting and provide the memorandum of agreement for review.
