It has been more than five months since Zachary Bearheels died after being repeatedly tased and punched while in Omaha Police custody. A grand jury has begun the process of considering charges against the officers involved.
Shortly after Bearheels' death outside the Bucky's at 60th and Center, Mayor Jean Stothert announced the formation of a Native American Advisory Board.
On Tuesday a group of Native American represenatives walked from the courthouse to Mayor Stothert's office to voice their concerns over what they say has been a lack of progress. Frank Lamere with the Winnebago Tribe says they have not received any communication about the board formation in those five months.
Shortly after their arrival, the group met for about 40 minutes with Mayor Stothert's Chief of Staff Marty Bilek. He told the members that part of the problem was a lack of applicants which slowed the recruiting process.
At the end of the meeting John Pappan, chairman of the Big Elk Native American Center, was hopeful progress is being made. "We fell good about today's meeting, however we are going to be watching and vigilant to make sure things are followed through."
Lamere says they just want to have a seat at the table when it comes to issues involving Native Americans. "There were promises five months ago, there were promises today. We will see what happens in the next days and weeks. We will see if this advisory committee comes together."
The group is also hopeful that two female officers will face charges in Bearheels death. The grand jury could charge former officers Makyla Mead and Jennifer Strudl, who were involved in the encounter with Bearheels. Schmaderer fired them and both are appealing the decision.
Two other former officers, Scotty Payne and Ryan McClarty, were fired by Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer after the June 5 incident.