10/06/2026
Continued, post #2, Yurok Tribal election series. We will continue to share candidates' responses as we receive them. True North asked the Yurok Tribal community to submit questions that they had for the candidates for North, Requa, and/or Weitchpec District this election year.
We sent all the questions we received to all 5 candidates who are running for Tribal Council, and invited them to respond to the community's questions.
These responses are from Toby Vanlandingham. You can read his full answers to each question below:
πΈQuestion #1: What are your plans to make the district better for your constituents?
Mostly, I want the Tribe's growth to show up in people's everyday lives. For Weitchpec that means the basics done right: roads that hold up, safe drinking water, housing, phone and internet service you can count on, health care within reach, and strong emergency services.
In my nine years on Council, over $100 million in development, jobs, and infrastructure has come into this district. I'm proud of my part in that, but it was a team effort with the other Councilmembers, Tribal staff, and our community. It gave us a solid foundation, and now we have to build on it.
First step is taking stock of what's still unfinished. Then we sit down with the community, agree on what matters most, and push for the funding and real timelines to get those projects done. We also have to take care of what we've already built, because new infrastructure doesn't mean much if it falls apart in ten years.
Jobs are a big piece of this. People should be able to make a living close to home, whether that's through Tribal enterprises, health and wellness, construction, restoration work, or workforce training.
πΈQuestion #2:
What plans do you have to make working at the Yurok Tribe better for members, and how can you ensure TERO is being applied to positions that require a degree and fair wages compared to a nonmember with a degree?
The Tribe should be a place where our members can build a real career, get paid fairly, and move up. I'll keep pushing for hiring practices, wages, and workplace policies that make that happen.
Earlier this year we started an internal audit of the TERO program, looking at both the law itself and how the department enforces it. That's how we hold ourselves accountable. The audit turned up non-compliance issues, and I want to fast-track the fixes. That means clear responsibilities, firm deadlines, and follow-up, so these things actually get resolved.
I'm always pushing for more education and training for our members. I also push to make sure hands-on experience, proven ability, and practical know-how count for more than classroom time alone. If you've spent years doing the work and building skills, that should be recognized in hiring, promotions, and pay.
That's why I'll keep advocating for a hard look at degree requirements, accepting equivalent experience where it makes sense. Jobs that truly require a specific credential or license are a different story, and I respect that. HR and TERO need to work together so Tribal employment preference is followed, including for jobs that require a degree. Any exceptions should come with documented reasons and a review.
On wages, we need consistent pay ranges and clear standards based on the work being done, the responsibilities, and the qualifications. A Tribal member who qualifies through accepted experience and training shouldn't automatically get paid less than a nonmember with a degree doing the same job. I'll keep pushing for compensation reviews that find and fix pay gaps we can't justify.
A better workplace also means mentorship, room to advance, and a respectful environment where people can speak up without worrying about retaliation. Our members deserve the chance to get hired, and the support to succeed and move up once they're in.
πΈQuestion #3: Do you believe the Yurok Tribe should make campaign contributions to candidates for federal or state office? Why or why not, and what factors and decision-making processes should the Tribal Council consider?
I think contributions are appropriate, but only when they support clearly identified Tribal interests and go through a process that's open and accountable. Every decision should come back to what the Yurok people need and what protects our sovereignty and advances the goals and objectives of the tribe.
When Council looks at a candidate, we should look at their record on sovereignty, native rights, the Klamath River (if applicable), health care, housing, public safety, and the other things that matter to our communities. What someone has actually done, and whether they've shown they'll work with Tribal governments, should count for a lot more than campaign promises or what party they belong to.
I support putting a written policy in place. That means a set contribution budget, the same evaluation criteria for every candidate, disclosure of any conflicts of interest, and a documented Council approval process. Each contribution should get legal review, and our members should be able to see who got Tribal money, how much, and why.
We also have to weigh every dollar against what our own communities need. Political participation helps build relationships and gets our concerns heard, but a contribution is never a guarantee of access or a favorable decision.
My job is to protect Tribal resources and represent our people. Any contribution needs a clear justification tied to that, and we have to keep our ability to hold elected officials accountable whether or not we supported their campaigns.
πΈQuestion #4: What process do you believe would best ensure transparency, accountability, and qualified representation on the Tribe's corporation boards?
I'd start with an open, consistent appointment process: vacancies announced publicly, qualifications written down, and a clear explanation of what each board actually does. Tribal members should get a fair shot at applying and be able to see how appointments get decided.
Applicants should be measured against criteria that fit each corporation's needs. That includes hands-on experience, business management, financial oversight, knowledge of the industry, Tribal governance, and a real understanding of our communities. A degree shouldn't outweigh proven ability and practical experience.
Councilmembers need to disclose conflicts of interest and step out of appointment decisions when it's appropriate. Having served on several of these boards, I know why that matters. The reasons for picking someone should be documented so members can understand why.
Accountability doesn't stop once someone's appointed. I support required board training, regular financial and performance reports, independent audits where they make sense, and clear expectations on attendance, ethics, and oversight. Members deserve updates they can understand on how our corporations are doing, while legitimately confidential business information stays protected.
There also has to be a fair, documented way to handle poor performance, misconduct, or neglect of duty, including removal when it's warranted. Board members are there to ask the hard questions, spot problems, and fix them.
I've served on several of our corporation boards, so I know these seats carry real responsibility. Our corporations belong to the Yurok people. Board service should come down to protecting Tribal assets, creating opportunities for our members, and delivering lasting benefits to our communities.
πΈQuestion #5: If elected, what methods do you plan to use to incorporate feedback from the community and keep your constituents informed and updated on Council actions, priorities, and decisions?
Good representation comes down to listening, being easy to reach, and following through. I'll keep seeking feedback and staying in touch through district meetings, written updates, phone calls, and plain old direct conversation.
Internet isn't dependable for everyone in our district, so communication can't be online only. That means printed information and chances to talk in person. Elders and members who aren't on social media deserve the same access to information as anyone else.
On major proposals that affect our district, I'll look for community input early enough that it can actually shape the decision. Afterward, I'll report back on what was done, how people's concerns were taken into account, and what happens next.
My updates will cover Council priorities, decisions, and how I voted, whenever I'm allowed to share that. When confidentiality limits what I can say, I'll tell you that up front and share as much as I can.
I'll keep pushing to have unfinished matters stay visible under "old business" on meeting agendas. Community concerns shouldn't vanish after one discussion. People deserve to know where outstanding issues stand, what's causing delays, and what's being done to fix them.
I also believe members need to be able to ask tough questions, disagree, and bring up concerns in a setting that's safe and respectful. My job is to listen, give honest answers, and stay accountable to the people I represent.
*As a reminder, the primary election for Yurok Tribal Council is next Wed, Oct 14th. If you have any questions about your ballot or the voting process, please reach out to Krystel Patapoff, the Enrollment/Elections Director at [email protected]
