Charles Brothers Trio

VOTE for Ben K. Charles, Sr. for Lower Elwha Klallam Tribal Council 2012.
My name is Ben Charles, Sr.. I am from Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe where I grew up and now live with my wife and daughter.

Over a period of about 45 years, I have served as speaker, minister, and youth worker of Native Churches in Nisqually, Lower Elwha and two location in B.C. Canada.

During this time, and after retiring from pastoring, I was employed in positions for the tribes, including, but not limited to: Community Resource Coordinator, Adult Education, Vocational Rehab and Voc Ed, Indian Child Welfare, Fisheries Department, Tribal Store, Benefits Coordinator for National Indian Council on Aging (for SPIPA), and currently for Elwha on maintenance crew.

Education: Graduated Chemawa Indian School, Seattle Bible College, and completed hundreds of hours of trainings specific to each of my tribal employment positions, as well as hundreds of hours of independent study. (I love to read and study for learning about business and self-improvement.)

This year I felt compelled to be a candidate for Tribal Council. Here are some of my thoughts on this.
.. A position on the Council holds a responsibility for caring about, and attending to the needs and concerns of the tribe and developing methods to help fulfill these. Every person has value and potential as human beings, and deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
.. We need to hold ourselves to a higher standard as leaders of the community and be accountable for our actions. We can be successful as we work together, striving to benefit the families and the community.
.. By setting our values and goals to a high standard and building on the achievements of the past, we can continue to accomplish things that will benefit our people and ultimately our tribe.

It's good to see the tribe helping individuals develop their abilities and skills for making their own living and realizing their potential.
I'd like to see us provide more opportunity for the Youth to develop their potential and fundamental life skills. I'd like us have a fund to assist people who have business ideas, ways they can make a living, help, or contribute to the community. Whether it's using our job training center, offering more job opportunities or helping create and grow local small businesses, each effort will strengthen our people and our community. This is my heart and my desire for our people.

I look forward to serving on the Tribal Council.
Sincerely,
Ben K. Charles, Sr.

Ben and his family lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, USA.

John has four children, several grand children, and one great grand child. Ben has two grown children, and a few young grandchildren. Fred has two children and some grandchildren.

Sadly, brother Fred was killed in a tragic logging accident in 1964. And brother John passed away in 2007. They are sorely missed!

Brothers Ben and John sang together for various church and community gatherings up until around 2006 - voices still blending in such sweet harmony.

Ben Charles is called upon for Culture presentations and traditional Storytelling of Native stories, legends and oral history of his tribe. Ben's animated storytelling keeps his audience rivited to his presentation.

Ben and Sue have been married 49 years. They have grown children and grandchildren, all of whom they cherish and adore.

Ben came out of retirement a couple times. He helps out as an artist / illustrator for his son's family-owned art and jewelry business. Also works for the Tribe in Maintenance department.

Ben is no longer pastoring a church, but is still called upon to officiate for weddings, funerals and cultural gatherings and events.

He often continues to serve as a Speaker, and Native Culture presenter.

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