Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority

The Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority’s Indian Community Development Block Grant project is now underway on the oldest Mutual Help Projects located in Busby.  The Mt Project 12-01, which consists of 9-Mutual Help homes, were built in the 1960’s and they were the very first project to receive HUD funding through the Housing Authority. The Homebuyers were required to contribute many man-hours in the building of these houses through a program known as ‘Sweat Equity’. Those homebuyers grasped the idea of ownership and contributed in making the project a success.

Over the last 40-years, there hasn’t been much, if any, funding available to assist any Mutual Help projects from HUD. Under the Mutual Help and Occupancy Agreement (MHOA), it clearly states that the Homebuyer is solely responsible for the Maintenance and Upkeep on all Mutual Help homes. The Housing Authority has been able to assist in some cases where Construction Deficiencies can be proven. Other than that, there has been no help or assistance under the Law.

Last year, the Tribal Council directed the NCTHA Staff to apply for this funding through HUD and focus it on weatherizing those old mutual help homes in the Mt. 12-01 to Mt. 12-04 projects. The result of that direction was a First-time ICDBG grant to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority to be used to help these homeowners.

Kenneth Beartusk, a 12-01 homeowner had this to say on the work being started; ”I am glad to see this work being done. Living on a fixed income is tough. I and my wife, Florine, are Elderly and we can’t afford to repair our home, a home that I helped construct and build back in the 1960’s. I am so glad that there are people on the Tribal Council and at the Housing Authority who still care. I am very thankful to them for this work that is being done on our home”

The work on these first 9-houses in Busby should be complete by the first of the year. The Housing Authority is using a mixture of Force account workers and contractors to complete the work.

Michael Speelman –Tax Credit Project Manager

Hi, I am Michael Speelman, I have been with the NCTHA now for the past seventeen (17) years.  It has been a great time having the Honor to serve my fellow Cheyenne’s.  On August 17th 2009 I was assigned to be the Project Manager for our first Tax Credit rehabilitation project  at the Shoulderblade Complex (SBC).  It has been a pleasure with addition of Ernest Robinson to our team, his brilliance, and energy is great. We will have our hands full but I’m very optimistic we will make our schedule.

Since that time I have been working with Travois our Design firm and our staff to get this project off the ground.  I’m happy to report that we are on our way; to a newly rehabilitated living facility for our Tribal Elders. I would like to Apologize in advance for any inconvenience this construction may cause, I assure you that we will do everything we can to keep these to a minimum.

Phase one will include the complete rehabilitation of 18 units, and an addition of a Library open to the residence. We have done the Abatement of any Asbestos that may have been used in the original construction materials,we also are completely giving the complex a makeover, in safety as well with State of the art, fire alarm system as well as security cameras.  Phase one is scheduled to be completed on 12-31-09, the second phase to be completed by June 30, 2010.

We have a very aggressive schedule to keep, we need the first 18 units to be completed and ready for tenants by December 31, 2009. We have elected to keep a couple of our men on staff to stay ahead of the contractor’s.

I look forward in keeping you all updated as the project moves ahead.

Ha Ho !

The Arts & Crafts Center along U.S. Highway 212

If you haven’t noticed already, the Art’s and Craft’s center located in front of Chief Dull Knife College and right next to highway 212, is getting remodeled and will be open again soon. This building has been somewhat of an Icon for the Lame Deer Community and has been sitting vacant for many years now. Last year, the EDA Committee decided to do something about it.

This undertaking started when they applied for and received funding from the State of Montana to renovate the building. The EDA Committee signed into a MOU with the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Housing Authority earlier this year to develop the scope of work for the project and to provide manpower to complete the work.

Tribal Contractor, Big Improvements, owned by Brandon Small, received a contract from the Housing Authority to complete the work on the building. Brandon’s crew started the work in August and are working on the middle of October as the completion date for this work. The scope of work includes; A new Steel roof, paint, exterior doors, complete interior remodel, a bathroom, a covered walkway, new shades on the grounds and a renovated parking area for visitors.

The EDA Committee will be hiring a tribal member to run the business once it has been remodeled. That person will be purchasing beadwork, regalia, and other gifts from local artisans to sell once the building is up and running. Look for this Iconic Building to be in full swing this Fall and ready for the 2010 Tourist Season.