Ta’c léeheyn! I am Ashton Theodore Picard and am running as an incumbent for Seat 2 of the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee (NPTEC). My parents are the late Andre Picard, Sr. and Leanna Lewis. My grandparents on my father’s side are Eugene Picard and Theodora Allman. On my mother’s side are Etta Conner and Harry Lewis. My great grandparents are Marie Arthur-Allman, William Allman, Clarence Picard, Elizabeth Reynolds, Gilbert Conner, Elsie (Spokane) Conner. I am married to my beautiful wife Sandra Picard, and have seven children Malacoy, Calaio, Kiolah, Zarious, Xylee, Bethani, and Gilbert. During my first term on the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee, I have had the opportunity to serve on all six sub-committees including Human Resources, Budget and Finance, Law and Order, Climate Change, Natural Resources, and Land Enterprise Commission. I was able to Chair Natural Resources, Law and Order, and Budget and Finance. As member of NPTEC, I have also been elected to the officer positions of Chaplain, Treasurer, and Vice Chairman. Through my role as Vice Chair and Chairman of Natural Resource Subcommittee, I have also had an opportunity to serve a delegation as Commissioner for the Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission in which I am currently serving as Chairman of CRITFC.Prior to being elected to NPTEC, I served as Chairman of the Resolutions Committee. Along with Chair of the Early Childhood Development Program Parent Committee. Experience I have gained through employment with the Nez Perce Tribe include an Internship with the Fisheries Program, a Youth Advocate for the I-Vision Program, an Education Trainer with the Indian Child Welfare Program, and Career Readiness Coach with the Education Program. My educational background includes a Bachelor or Arts Degree from the Northwest Indian College in Tribal Government and Business Management, an Associate of Arts & and Science Degree, and a High School Diploma from Lewiston High School.
As a member of the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee, I believe that dialogue, research, and a commitment to work together will continue to pave the path forward, understanding that no action good or unfavorable is made without the table in whole. During my first term, I’ve supported initiatives for our youth, elders, language, and culture. It became a priority for me to research and gain as much knowledge as I could in preparation for actions related to grants, contracts, and other policies discussed at the table. Understanding that balancing consistent tribal economic growth, protecting our natural resources, and being prepared for financial hardships among our tribal people is the daily mission. While the overall mission is to uphold and protect our treaties with every practice of our sovereign rights.
Ee’mak-is qa’tsii yaw-yaw iinim him himyuma ka law-tiwama. It has truly been an honor and privilege to represent and serve the Niimipuu these past three years. Guided by the advice, encouragement, and inquiries from tribal members by phone, email, and in person at numerous community events on and around the Nez Perce Reservation, I feel it is important to host NPTEC meetings at all the various communities so we can truly hear from all the people. Qe’ciyéw’yew, Yo’x kalo!