Meet the 2023 Catawba Nation Election Nominees: Donna Brown Bruce
"Mother. Wife. Catawba. I am honored to be all three of these. I would be honored if elected to be your EC member."
Update (May 10, 2023): This and other articles has been updated to reflect the title of “nominee” rather than “candidate”. Sources from the Catawba Nation Longhouse have advised that the final list of candidates may not be available until late May 2023.
Editor's Note: Catawba Future is publishing these statements word for word as received through our Catawba Nation Election Candidate Survey - no edits have been made. Our goal is to provide transparent insight directly to Catawba Citizens from Catawba Nation election nominees independent of the Catawba Nation tribal government. The nominee responses have been verified by phone to ensure they are straight from the source. The responses of the candidates represent their own opinions and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of the Catawba Future team. This article is not intended nor should be interpreted to endorse any specific nominee or candidate.
Donna Brown Bruce is running for the position of Executive Committee Member at Large. Check out her responses to our questions below:
What is the most important issue for your platform in this election?
Remembering our past, maintaining our presence and fighting for our future!
What do you believe qualifies you to be elected for this position?
I am a very logical person that always tries to do things that make a lasting impression to the benefit of many. I worked for ISWA for 11 years and I know the guidelines to their program. I was on the Headstart board many years ago and with the help of some wonderful women we come up with a way to fund the first Fall Festival with nothing but household donations to start. I know grants management, contracts and accounting through my work experience. Anyone that knows me knows that I am not afraid to fight for what is right.
What do you feel you can do for the Catawba Tribe?
I am only one person but I am someone that will fight for our people. I will not sit back and be a person that goes with something because it’s easy. If something is not right I will point it out. If something can’t be done or should be done I will point it out. I will do my utmost best to get more housing opportunities for our tribe. More assistance for our Seniors and our youth. One thing that I will not allow is for the benefits, livelihood and future of our members to be jeopardized by any means.
What steps would you take to build Citizen trust in Catawba institutions?
First and foremost our tribe needs more transparency from our EC. I will not lie about any problems or issues no matter how bad it is. I would rather tell you the truth and ask for help to work through something than to tell a lie. We all make mistakes no one is perfect and it’s best to own those mistakes and ask for help than to try and sweep it under the rug until it gets so lumpy with dirt that the rug gets torn.
What do you believe is the best way for the Election Committee to stay in touch with Catawba Citizens?
There are so many options for this. Not everyone has email. Not everyone uses text. Mail can get lost. How about we simply ask the tribal member their preference.
What's one policy or project you would work to implement during your time in office?
I do not want to limit myself or your Elected EC to one project. I think that we should work on many. They are all important and our GC should be involved and informed during any process.
What is your favorite food?
Pizza the most versatile food there is.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Mother. Wife. Catawba. I am honored to be all three of these. I would be honored if elected to be your EC member.