Angela Brandt
Havre Daily News
abrandt@havredailynews.com
ROCKY BOY'S INDIAN RESERVATION - The new wellness center averaged 300 people a day in its first week, but a few kinks still need to be worked out.
Center director Mike Sangrey, after attending a Rocky Boy tribal council meeting Thursday, said one of the major issues was the posting of rules and consequences for those who do not obey the rules. He said he expected to post the rules - one says parents must watch over their young children in the pool - on Friday.
Sangrey went to the council for guidance on issues that came up during the center's first week of operation. The $2.9 million center opened last Monday and includes an Olympic-sized pool, hot tub, walking track, saunas, steam rooms, a gym, and an exercise room, which includes free weights, weight machines and treadmills.
Sangrey said a lack of posted rules had led to bickering and confusion.
Tribal Council chair John “Chance” Houle told Sangrey that Sangrey was in charge of the center.
“You're the sheriff there. Do what it takes,” Houle said to Sangrey.
Sangrey also said a night custodian would help staff members keep the center clean, and Houle said he would look into hiring someone.
Sangrey said rule breakers will be asked to leave for the remainder of the day for their first offense, banned for a week for their second offense and kicked out for a month for their third.
He said kids were “hanging out” and not exercising at the center so he kicked some of them out for a few days. He said the teens he had kicked out showed up two days later wearing tennis shoes and ready to sweat.
Tribal council member Jonathan Windy Boy read his “wish list” to the audience of about 40 center staff members and community members. His list included uniforms to identify staff, which are on order, mirrors on the walls and security cameras.
Business hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekends. Membership dues are still being worked out by the center's staff.
