Haliwa-Saponi Chief Brucie Ogletree Richardson discussed the needs of the tribal community and offered her support for partnerships with Halifax County government.

Richardson spoke during the public comment section of Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting held at Hollister Elementary School. The commissioners agreed last year to take several of their meetings on the road.

Housing

“One of the most pressing challenges facing our tribal community is housing and its basic infrastructure,” she said. “Some of our families live in older homes that have not kept up with modern safety standards.”

She said there are homes in the community with inadequate heating and cooling and septic systems that no longer function properly. “These conditions directly impact the health, safety, and quality of life — especially for children and elders.”

Richardson said there is data that consistently shows there are more households that are significantly likely to lack the needed resources for major repairs. “In our tribal community, that reality is often more pronounced. Safe housing is not a luxury. It’s a foundational infrastructure just like roads and water systems. It deserves the same level of attention.”

Addressing these needs, she said, “benefits everyone — not just our tribal households. It’s not just a tribal issue — it’s a countywide issue.”

Richardson told the board that public health and safety concerns are closely tied to housing, water, and wastewater issues. “These problems are not only a burden on families, but a public health concern for the county as a whole.”

Broadband

Another concern is broadband access, she said. “While progress has been made, many Haliwa-Saponi households still lack reliable internet service. Students struggle to complete their homework. Elders face barriers for health, and families cannot easily access online services for medical needs.”

Economic development

Within the tribal community, there is a need for economic and workforce development, Richardson told the board. “Our people want to work, own businesses, and stay in the community they call home. When Native families succeed, the county gains a stronger workforce, increased consumer spending, and long-term stability.”

Building relationships

“We are here to continue to build relationships and work together,” she said. “Too often, tribal communities are unintentionally left out of planning conversations and data collection. When that happens, needs go unmet — not because of lack of concern, but because of a lack of consultation.”

Richardson said the tribe is respectfully asking for continued and intentional collaboration by including the tribal community in county planning efforts, exploring joint opportunities, and maintaining open communication.

She suggested having Zoom updates between the tribal government and the commissioners.

Federal recognition

“Lastly, we want to ask you for your continued support for our federal acknowledgement efforts. We are ready to be partners and offer solutions that improve housing, infrastructure, medical needs, and economic opportunities for everyone. The Haliwa-Saponi people are committed to this county and its future. When our community is strong, the county is stronger.”