Pow Wow Committees and Lodging Responsibilities

[nativegal]

I think committees should be held accountable for the type of accomodations they put their guests up in. I've served on committees for dances, and each time we personally checked out the hotels...did a run through of the rooms and all. A general test should be, "Would I let my children sleep here?" If there's any hesitation in answering that, then you've got the wrong place.

Contracts: I've always wondered what the actual legality of these pow wow contracts is. How legit are they? I've been part of many a group that has signed contracts for host gigs, and all of them say something to the effect of the group will be there to sing at these designated times and the committee will offer these rooms at this hotel and this specific amount of $$. What recourse does the committee have if the drum doesn't show up at all? Any? What recourse does the drum have if the committee renigs?

Trust me I would have left when we got in but when we finally got to the top of the mountain, literally the top of the mountain, it was 3:30 am, and there was no motels around for 30-45 minutes. We have decided if we ever go back that we are charging more than they know, more my daughters suffering, and we are requesting motels that are very clean.

[~pathwalker~]

So sorry to hear about your little girl. I pray she recovers quickly.

[WocusWoman]

I think committees should be held accountable for the type of accomodations they put their guests up in. I've served on committees for dances, and each time we personally checked out the hotels...did a run through of the rooms and all. A general test should be, "Would I let my children sleep here?" If there's any hesitation in answering that, then you've got the wrong place.

Contracts: I've always wondered what the actual legality of these pow wow contracts is. How legit are they? I've been part of many a group that has signed contracts for host gigs, and all of them say something to the effect of the group will be there to sing at these designated times and the committee will offer these rooms at this hotel and this specific amount of $$. What recourse does the committee have if the drum doesn't show up at all? Any? What recourse does the drum have if the committee renigs?

I agree that knowing the quality of the motel/hotel is important. Sticking with a chain such as Best Western is a good idea. Our powwow committee became non-profit last year. We have a lawyer that volunteers his time with us, so I don't see any problems with the contract with our drums, because we are,"organized" and frankly if you want your powwow to be good every year you need organization.

[AlmostThere]

YOu guys just brought up some memories and not goot ones!! Couple years ago we went up north to some powwow dont memba which one but all I remember was after a long day of driving and at the powwow til midnite we finally get to our hotel. O my GOD!!! The damn bed was wet the carpet was wet. No towels or wash clothes. A ghetto tv that I only thinK HAD ONE CHANNEL. Talking about didnt want to stay there... The back seat sure helped that night....

[WhoMe]

I have been put up in some extremely nice hotels when I served on head staff postions.

However, I am not above staying in someone's home, especially when we are inside a reserve or reservation. At this point it is hard to drive to some hotels.


But I gotta say, "I DO require airconditioning in the summa' time!"

[nativegal]

Well here's a update:
I am waiting on the culture the doctor did. I called DEHEC and they said that if it is in fact scabies,then it is nonreportable, but if the culture comes back as hepatitis, like the doctor is now thinking, because the rashis getting worse, then that is reportable and they will handle the place that this occured at. The tribal office will not return my calls or emails, so........... go figure!

[~pathwalker~]

You would think that anything contaigous would be reportable. I pray its not hepatitus. KEEP CALLING AND WRITING THEM!

[LSS]

Yeah...ya'll are right....it wasn't funny at the time. But Kris and I sit back and pick w/ one another about it now. She always gets the best of me. LOL

Its bad that committees have had to go to using contracts...but what makes it even worse is that people these days, associated with a drum, does not know how to go off, act cordially and behave while having a good time. It really raises the question of where the break down in communication resides between people who are just now learning and those who've done it for a while. The calibur of the singer really is not what it use to be (sorry if I sound like an old "fogie" now).

Sometimes my wife gets on me for being too up-tight but I also know that somewhere, someone is watching me. I rarely drink and when I do its very light; I'm a fairly small guy and I know my limitations. So, getting a room trashed or not being able to perform the next day is never been an issue with me or for me unlike some other guys. I'm not saying not to have a good time,...just do so respectfully.....On the flip side, it really becomes tough when committees try their best and sometimes their best just is not enough for everyone. This is not to say that they won't get there, b/c I'm sure they will. Just gotta give them time, patience and help wherever you can afford it and they'll accept it.

Native Gal....you keep coming up w/ the bestest avatar....."Where do you get those wonderful toys?" he he he

[nativegal]

Lss- I go into the search engines and free avatars and look at the different ones that are free.

[SingingDeer]

...
Contracts: I've always wondered what the actual legality of these pow wow contracts is. How legit are they? I've been part of many a group that has signed contracts for host gigs, and all of them say something to the effect of the group will be there to sing at these designated times and the committee will offer these rooms at this hotel and this specific amount of $$. What recourse does the committee have if the drum doesn't show up at all? Any? What recourse does the drum have if the committee renigs?

The best way to make sure that the contract is valid for all parties is to have it reviewed by a legal advisor. Also consider having a disclaimer for issues for which the pow wow committee does not want to be responsible for. Without the disclaimer, the committee could be faced with some hefty legal issues if someone out looking for any loophole decides to sue for damages. Again this is best worked out under legal advise.

I've had considerable experience with non-profit orgs where the entry form for an event, whether for a vendor or an entrant, is signed and is valid as a contract. The form also states that the org is not responsible for lodging (the orgs are too small to afford it), and not responsible for damages, theft, or personal injury.

Putting on a pow wow is much more involved than any of the events that those non-profits have ever attempted and a lot of issues need to be considered. The best way to address it is to make a list of possible issues and work toward a solution whereby all parties are best protected.

On the other side of the coin, as an entrant in a contest, it is best to review the contract before you decide to sign it. If you feel that you need to have certain needs met and the contract does not address those needs, you may consider alternatives - either making your own arrangements or choosing not to go to that pow wow. And try to get as many of the facts before you make your decision.

[Smokin' Ace]

Native Gal - that straight up sucks about your baby - man I'd be firing mad!!!! OMG!!!!

I don't know what type of legaleeze you could get into, because, according to the wording, they provided what they said they would. However, scabies wasn't on the contract, and certainly hepititis B wasn't....so - keep us posted. I have many friends who went to this pow-wow too - so...you know the deal. Legal or not - that is just bad azz business. And we all know how the trail is.....

[Shygirl]

Native Gal - that straight up sucks about your baby - man I'd be firing mad!!!! OMG!!!!

I don't know what type of legaleeze you could get into, because, according to the wording, they provided what they said they would. However, scabies wasn't on the contract, and certainly hepititis B wasn't....so - keep us posted. I have many friends who went to this pow-wow too - so...you know the deal. Legal or not - that is just bad azz business. And we all know how the trail is.....

Native-Gal,
I am sorry to hear that this happened to your babies,I would be frigin mad.You may not be able to do anything like legal action agaist the powwow or trible members,because of the contract,but look in to that anyway because they did the booking of that place,But you sure can bring some action on the motel you stayed at.They are supposed to provide you a SAFE and CLEAN place to stay,it sounds like either was met,I, hope it isn't Hep.B,and hope they find out what it is soon,prayers going out to you and your family.
Blessings,Peace,Light,Love..