# NEWS FROM THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS (2025)

> Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more.

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_clusi%3A016d4d70ce6ef307

## Record

- **Collection:** Tribal code
- **Document type:** Tribal code

## Text

The Voice of

June 2025

CLUSI

Issue 6
Volume 26
www.ctclusi.org

NEWS FROM THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS

Circles of Healing Program Hosts MMIP Awareness Gathering
on Coos Bay Boardwalk

Photographs courtesy of Wild At Heart Photography

Circles of Healing hosted an event to MMIP movement has not only gained
raise awareness for Murdered and Missing momentum—it has begun to change lives,
Indigenous people on May 10th from 11 policy, and perceptions.
Our entire community has felt the impact
a.m. to 2 p.m. For decades, Indigenous
communities across North America have of MMIP. This event brought awareness
and renewed a sense
sounded the alarm about
of hope that we can
a heartbreaking and
“Our
entire
community
largely overlooked crisis:
stand together to make
has
felt
the
impact
a difference.
Annual
the
disproportionately
events
like
the
National
high
number
of
of MMIP. This event
Day of Awareness for
Indigenous
people—
brought awareness
MMIP on May 5 have
particularly
women,
and
renewed
a
sense
of
drawn
thousands
of
girls, and Two-Spirit
hope
that
we
can
stand
participants, with red
individuals—who
go
missing or are murdered,
handprints,
marches,
together to make a
and digital campaigns
often without resolution
difference.”
symbolizing the silenced
or
media
attention.
voices that can no longer
This ongoing injustice
is known as the Missing and Murdered be ignored.
Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.
Staff presented red dresses and ties,
Today, thanks to relentless grassroots along with posters of the listed Missing
activism, growing public awareness, Indigenous persons in Oregon. The
and
government
collaboration,
the Circles of Healing team was also able to

provide burgers, hot dogs, and cupcakes
to all those that attended. Members of
the community were able to learn about
Missing Indigenous people in Oregon,
data around those that are missing, and
statistics on the rates of indigenous people
who are affected by this epidemic.
The Circles of Healing Team and Social
Services staff would like to thank everyone
that was able to attend, with special thanks
to Wild At Heart Photography for taking
photographs of the event for us, and
the CTCLUSI Maintenance Department
for providing the display and cooking
equipment.
If you or a loved one are experiencing
or have experienced Human Trafficking,
Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or
Stalking, please reach out to the Circles of
Healing team.
We are here to help.
To reach a confidential Advocate, call
541-294-8624 or 541-808-8152.

SALMON CEREMONY
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2025

LOCAL FAMILY CANOE JOURNEY
PADDLE QUUIICH IKT’AT’UU!

Paddle our ancestral waters of the Umpqua River

AUGUST 4 - 7, 2025

Confederated Tribes of Coos,
Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420

Presorted Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Eugene, OR
Permit #481

2

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

Tribal Council Business
Activity of Elected Tribal Council Members from April 13, 2025 - May 10, 2025

Chief Doug Barrett
04/13 Tribal Council Meeting in Eugene
04/14 Mini Canoe and STEAM program planning meeting
04/15 Offshore Wind Roundtable, Senator Merkley’s Meet
and Greet
04/16 Sea Otter Engagement Meeting, MHA/LADPC
Monthly Meeting
04/17 Leaders Circle
04/18 Bi-Weekly Consultation Task Force Meeting
04/21 Culture Committee Special Meeting at Coos Art
Museum
04/24 Meeting Request: Council and CFO, Cultural Items
Task Force Meeting
04/26 Canoe Pull on the Umpqua (iktatu)
04/29 NARA NW Board Meeting, Mini Canoe Planning
Meeting
04/30 BFORB – Tribal Council Business Meeting
05/01 Canoe Journey Planning Meeting
05/05 Finance Dinner at Bon Fire
05/06 Summer Solstice Planning Meeting, Local Canoe
Journey Planning Meeting
05/07 STEP Meeting at the Elks Club
05/08 Leaders Circle
05/09 TRC Foundation Decision Meeting
05/10 Tribal Council Meeting
Total Hours: 153
Brad Kneaper, Chairman
04/13 Regular Tribal Council Meeting, General Council
Meeting: No Quorum, A Discussion was held
04/17 Special Council Meeting; Resolution for
Interconnection with Pacific Power for the
Administration Solar Power Project, now completed,
Leader’s Circle: Radar Hill Generator Discussion;
Clausen Oyster Company Discussions; 25-year
anniversary of PRAISE celebration discussion;
Letter Of Support Discussion - ORKA/NOAA Kelp
Forest Restoration
04/19 Informal meeting with Tribal Attorneys, GFORB
Member in person in Spokane. (No travel or per-diem
claimed)
04/24 Meet with CFO
04/30 Tribal Council Business Meeting (ZOOM due to
COVID)
05/08 Leader’s Circle: Dick Clarkson South Port proposal for
Lot 6, North Spit; DNRC - Intro to Oregon New
Environmental Restoration Program; COO and Tribal
Forester - Forest Update; Formation of LLC;
Discussion on possibility of acquiring addition Forest
Lands
Total Hours: 98

Teresa Spangler: Vice-Chair
04/13 Regular Council meeting
04/15 Senator Merkley’s Meet and Greet with Val Hoyle,
Town Hall in Coos Bay with Jeff Merkley and Val Hoyle
04/17 Special Meeting, Leaders Circle
04/24 Special Meeting
04/30 Business Council Meeting
05/06 Benefits Board Meeting
05/08 Leaders circle
05/09 Foundation Decision Meeting
Total Hours: 72.5
Julie Siestreem
04/13 Tribal Council General Council Regular Monthly
Meeting Coos Bay Oregon
04/15 Offshore Wind Roadmap Roundtable, NASEM Tribal
Liaison Organizational Meeting, Education Committee
Meeting
04/17 NASEM Tribal Liaison Organizational Meeting, Tribal
Council Special Meeting Pacific Power Interconnection
and Net Metering Service Agreement, Tribal Council
Leaders Circle
04/24 Tribal Council Meeting Request from CFO
04/30 Tribal Council GFORB Regular Monthly Meeting
Florence TRC, Tribal Council Business Regular
Monthly Meeting Florence TRC
05/04 Coos Bay Casino 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
05/06 4j Natives Program IPC Emergency Meeting
05/07 Education Committee Meeting to Establish Scoring
Rubric
05/08 Elders Luncheon Coos Bay Community Center, Tribal
Council Leaders Circle
05/10 Tribal Council General Council Regular Monthly
Meeting Eugene Oregon
Total Hours: 100
Debbie Bossley
04/13 Council & General Council Mtg
04/17 Special Mtg & Leaders Circle
04/30 GRORB and Business Mtg
05/04 Three Rivers Casino Resort Coos Bay 10th Anniversary
Total Hours: 48
Iliana Montiel
04/13 Tribal Council Regular Meeting
04/17 Special TC Meeting / Leaders Circle
04/24 Special TC Meeting
04/30 GFORB Special Meeting
05/04 Coos Bay TRC 10th Anniversary
05/08 Leaders Circle
Total Hours: 25

Hidden Image Search: Can You Find Me?
In this edition of The Voice of CLUSI there is a hidden image of a
CAMAS FLOWER exactly like the one pictured at right.
It could be any size and on any page, but will look exactly like the one
shown here.
If you find it, email mgaines@ctclusi.org to have your name entered into a
prize drawing. In your email you must include your name, age, address
(for mailing purposes) and contact phone number.
In your email you must also let us know what page and where on the
page you spotted the CAMAS FLOWER hiding!
Must email by JUNE 15th to be included in the raffle drawing.
April Hidden Canoe Paddle
Winners will be notified by phone or email and their name will appear in
an upcoming edition of the Voice of CLUSI paper. Prizes will vary and are Adult Winner: Sadie Boccard
Youth Winner: Olivia Wisdom
provided by different CTCLUSI Government departments.

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025
QUESTIONS OR SUGGESTIONS?
The CLUSI Tribal Council welcomes your ideas,
comments, criticisms, etc.
Please write to: Confederated Tribes of
Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians
ATTN: Tribal Council 1245 Fulton Ave.
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420
COMMITTEE INTEREST LIST
If you are a Tribal member and interested in being
on a committee, please contact Lorin Krossman at
541-435-7178 or enrollment@ctclusi.org
We are currently keeping a list of those interested
so that when a committee vacancy occurs we
can fill it as soon as possible, so please contact us
whether there is a vacancy or not.

Information

ATTENTION VETERANS AND FAMILIES
Veterans we need your help. Veterans are honored at
the Salmon Ceremony each year. Please contact Lorin
Krossman at 541-435-7178 or at email lkrossman@
ctclusi.org for new requirements needed to be honored.
US FOREST SERVICE
NORTHWEST FOREST PASSES
Now available at the Tribal Administration Building,
Florence and Eugene Outreach offices.
Requirements are: 1. Must be a CTCLUSI Tribal
member. 2. Must be over 16 years old. 3. You may
only be issued one per year. The passes hang from
the rear view mirror and are good for access to some
Forest Service fee areas. Area maps available.

3

CHANGES?
Please let us know if you have a change in
address, phone number, name or addition
to your family. Changes should be submitted
to Enrollment Dept., either online at www.
ctclusi.org/enrollment or mail to Enrollment
Dept., 1245 Fulton Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420.
Phone: 541-435-7178 or Fax: 541-888-2853.
TRIBAL COUNCIL MINUTES
The full meeting video is available at www.
ctclusi.org If you are an enrolled member
of CTCLUSI and would like to receive
typed copies of the Tribal Council Meeting
minutes please submit a written request
to Jeannie Miller at 1245 Fulton Ave. Coos
Bay OR 97420 or lkrossman@ctclusi.org
Please include the meeting date requested,
your name, current address, and Tribal Roll
number for verification.

CTCLUSI Departments, Services & Offices

Government Office
Lee Ann Wander
Chief Executive Officer
lwander@ctclusi.org

Health Services Division
Davon Smith, Chief
Operating Officer
of Health Operations
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-7515
Fax 541-888-5388
dsmith@ctclusi.org

Brian Dubray,
Chief Operating Officer
bdubray@ctclusi.org
Tyler Slyter,
Chief Operation Officer
tslyter@ctclusi.org

Community Health
Diann Weaver, Director
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone: 541-888-7502
dweaver@ctclusi.org

1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-9577
Eugene Outreach Office
149 149 W. 12th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
Phone 541-744-1334
Toll Free 1-800-877-2718
Fax 541-744-1349
Florence Outreach Office
Physical: 3757 Hwy 101
Mailing: P.O. Box 2000
Florence, OR 97439
Phone 541-997-6685
Toll Free 1-866-313-9913
Fax 541-997-1715
Dept. of Human Resources
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone: 541-888-7508
Fax: 541-897-9881
recruitment@ctclusihr.org

Purchased/Referred Care
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-4873
Toll free 1-800-227-0392
Fax 541-888-5388
prc@ctclusi.org
Three Rivers Health Center
150 S Wall Street
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone (541) 435-7200
info@threerivers.health
Three Rivers Pharmacy
150 S Wall Street
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone: (541) 435-7234
Fax: (541) 435-7233

Three Rivers Dental Clinic
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-6433
Toll free 1-877-688-6433
Fax 541-888-7505

Department of Culture and
Natural Resources
Ashley Russell, Director
Phone 541-888-9577
arussell@ctclusi.org
Jesse Beers,
Cultural Stewardship
Manager
Phone 541-997-6685
jbeers@ctclusi.org
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Social Services
Department
Kelly Bradley, Director
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-7537
Toll Free 1-888-280-0726
Fax 541-888-5388
kbradley@ctclusi.org
Tribal Housing Department
Jamie Meyers, Director
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-435-7150
Fax 541-435-0492
jmeyers@ctclusi.org

Tribal Committee Members
Budget Committee

Elders Committee

1. Martin Harris
2. VACANT
3. Margaret Corvi
4. Stephanie Watkins
5. Kerry Brainard
6. Sarah Marcial
7. Roseanna Perry

1. Arleen Perkins
2. Stephanie Watkins
3. Warren T. Brainard
4. Eddie Helms
5. Laura Fortin
6. Stan McNutt
7. Teresa Spangler

Culture Committee

1. Earla Kirk
2. VACANT
3. Alyssa Lydick
4. Nicole Romine
5. Mike Brainard
6. Patricia Whereat-Phillips
Chief Doug Barrett

Education Committee
1. VACANT
2. Julie Siestreem
3. Nicole Romine
4. Ashley Russell
5. Mike Brainard

Enrollment Committee

1. Warren T. Brainard
2. Patricia Whereat-Phillips
3. Skip Brainard
4. Vicki Faciane
5. Teresa Spangler

Housing Committee
1. Kerry Brainard
2. Dan Krossman
3. Enna Helms
4. Tyler Slyter
5. Melinda Sprague

THE VOICE OF CLUSI
If you or anyone in your Tribal family has had
any recent special awards or achievements that
you would like to share, please submit your
information and photos to the newsletter. I
look forward to hearing from you!
-Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist
mgaines@ctclusi.org or 541-888-7536

Language Committee
1. Nicole Mendoza
2. Tammy Evarts
3. Ashley Vandevort
4. Jade Fong
5. Jamie Biesanz
6. Jesse Beers
7. Ayuthea Cisneros

Election Board
1. Jade Fong
2. Mike Brainard
3. Tes Gagner
4. Mark Petrie
5. Kathy Perkins
6. Kimmy Bixby
7. Ashley Russell

Education Department
Jemiah Wassman, Director
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone: 541-888-1314
Toll free 1-888-280-0726
jwassman@ctclusi.org
Elders Activities
Barbara Black
1245 Fulton Ave.
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-7532
Tribal Gaming Commission
Rusty Bossley,
Executive Director of the
Gaming Commission
5647 Hwy 126, Suite 100
Florence, OR 97439
Phone 541-997-2830
Fax 541-997-7293
rbossley@ctclusi.org
Tribal Police
Brian Dubray, Police Chief
5647 Hwy 126, Suite 100
Florence, OR 97439
Phone 541-997-6011
Fax 541-902-6507
bdubray@ctclusi.org
Tribal Court
Karen Costello, Chief Judge
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
Phone 541-888-9577
Toll Free 1-888-280-0726
tribalct@ctclusi.org

Are you a Tribal member
who would like to learn more
about a Tribal Committee, or
are interested in being on a
committee? Reach out to a
Committee Chair person or
a Tribal Government Staff
member.
Committee Chairs are
noted at left with current
sitting members of the
committee at the time of
publication of this paper.
For questions, please
contact Lorin Krossman,
at
541-435-7178
or
enrollment@ctclusi.org
The Tribe maintains a list
of those interested so that
when a committee vacancy
occurs we can fill it as soon
as possible, so please
contact us whether there
is a vacancy or not. Letters
of interest remain on file
for one full year. Members
can serve on up to three
committees simultaneously.

Upcoming Events
Turn to page 19 of this publication for a monthly calendar
of upcoming events or visit the Events Calendar on the tribal
website at https://ctclusi.org/events/

Tribal Council
Doug Barrett, Chief
541-297-2130 (cell)
doug.barrett@ctclusi.org

VACANT

Position #1 Council

Brad Kneaper, Chair
Position #2 Council
541-808-5178 (cell)
brad.kneaper@ctclusi.org

Julie Siestreem

Position #3 Council
541-294-6055
jsiestreem@ctclusi.org

Teresa Spangler, Vice
Chair
Position #4 Council
541-294-3972
tspangler@ctclusi.org

Iliana Montiel

Position #5 Council
541-217-4613(cell)
iliana.montiel@ctclusi.org

Debbie Bossley

Position #6 Council
541-808-5580(cell)
debbie.bossley@ctclusi.org

Council Meeting
June 8, 2025

Regular Meeting 10:00 a.m.
Coos Bay Community Center
338 Wallace Ave.
Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

Please login to the citizen portal of www.
ctclusi.org and click Council Meetings for
the zoom link to this meeting.

Agenda:
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation
3. Approval of Minutes as needed
4. Tribal Council Reports
5. Tribal Chief Executive Officer
Report
6. Chief Financial Officer Report
7. Old Business
8. New Business
9. Other
10. Good of the Tribes
11. Executive Session as needed
Council meeting video available to view at
www.ctclusi.org

4

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

Posted June 1, 2025

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRIBAL MEMBERSHIP
Below is a list of proposed Enrollment. Besides publication in the Tribal Newsletter, according to CLUSITC 7-1-36(i), this information
will be posted in the Administrative Building, Tribal Hall, Outreach Offices, on the Tribes’ website and at Three Rivers Casino for
twenty-eight (28) days from the date listed above.
Mexeye Malcolm Vandevort
Parent: Ashley Vandevort
Lineal Descendant: Roy Robert Brainard
Tribe: Coos
Silas Jacob Woehlert
Parent: Colt Gilbert
Lineal Descendant: Mary Ellen Tronson
Tribe: Lower Umpqua
Bodhi Banks Keller
Parent: Dylan Keller
Lineal Descendant: Tennapah Jane Talbot
Tribe: Coos
Klayven Steel Campbell
Parent: Alexandra Campbell
Lineal Descendant: Louise Jordan Kerns
Tribe: Coos
Oliver Allen Prescott Sheffrey
Parent: Elizabeth Sheffrey
Lineal Descendant: Emil Maxamillion Brainard
Tribe: Coos
Natalie Elise Minden
Parent: Jessica Minden
Lineal Descendant: Bernice Gardner
Tribe: Lower Umpqua
Douglas Mark Fung
Parent: Henry Fung JR
Lineal Descendant: Mabel Bennet Barney
Tribe: Coos

Rowan Maddox Miller
Parent: Tiffany Miller
Lineal Descendant: Etta Carlson
Tribe: Coos
Joseph Brian Chandler
Parent: Carina Chandler
Lineal Descendant: Frances Lowery Billings
Tribe: Coos
Grayson Jordan Isenhart
Parent: Shyanne Gilbert
Lineal Descendant: Mary Ellen Tronson
Tribe: Lower Umpqua
Jack Carter Parrett
Parent: Joshua Parrett
Lineal Descendant: Jane J Jordan
Tribe: Coos
Solomon Luke Alexander Sheffrey
Parent: Elizabeth Sheffrey
Lineal Descendant: Emil Maxamillion Brainard
Tribe: Coos
Daria Iris Faye Smith
Parent: Dylan Smith
Lineal Descendant: Etta Carlson
Tribe: Coos
Zalilah Azaria Garcia
Parent: Trinity Garcia
Lineal Descendant: Florence Garcia
Tribe: Coos

In accordance with CLUSITC 7-1-37(a), Tribal Members shall have the right to protest the recommendation of the Committee
approving an application and must file a written, signed protest with the Committee stating their reasons for believing that an
Applicant(s) is not entitled to enrollment. The protest must be filed with the Committee within twenty-eight (28) days after notice of
the proposed enrollment is posted as described in CLUSITC 7-1-36(i).

Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay
Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Media Contact:
Rich Colton, Director of Marketing
rcolton@threeriverscasino.com

COOS BAY, Ore. – Three Rivers Casino in Coos Bay is proud
to celebrate a major milestone, 10 years of providing top-notch
gaming, exceptional dining, and a welcoming atmosphere on the
Oregon Coast.
Since opening its doors in 2015, Three Rivers Coos Bay has grown
into a local destination, offering more than 250 games, exciting
promotions, and a friendly, vibrant gaming environment. With a
focus on guest experience and continuous innovation, the casino
remains committed to delivering fun and value with every visit.
“Our Three Rivers Coos Bay location has always been about more
than just games,” said Chuck Baker, General Manager of Three
Rivers Casino. “It’s about community. It’s about creating a space
where people feel welcomed, supported, and entertained. Over
the past decade, we’ve weathered challenges and celebrated
successes together, and we’re just getting started.”
A community favorite is Café 1297, consistently ranked among the
top ten local dining spots. Guests can enjoy delicious, comforting
meals while taking in the excitement of the gaming floor just steps
away.

“On the tenth anniversary of the opening of the Three Rivers Casino
Coos Bay, I reflect on how far we have come,” said Brad Kneaper,
Tribal Chair of the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqu and
Siuslaw Indians. “Three Rivers Coos Bay has performed very well
for the Tribe and has become a place that many people enjoy for
meals and for recreational gaming. The Casino helps the Tribal
Government provide essential services to the Tribal Membership
and helps us steward our Trust and Traditional Homelands to protect
the Cultural and Natural Resources found on the lands and Hearts
of the Tribe.”
Behind the scenes, the casino’s success is driven by a passionate
team that prides itself on delivering exceptional service. “The past
decade has tested our collective strength, especially during times
like the pandemic and economic shifts,” added Baker. “But thanks
to the creativity, dedication, and resilience of our team members
and the ongoing support of our guests, we’ve come out stronger
than ever.”

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

5

Resolution Summaries
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-057
Date of Passage:
March 26, 2025
Subject (title): Pharmacy Consultant Agreement
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this
agreement for the Three Rivers Pharmacy.
Vote 5-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-058
Date of Passage:
March 26, 2025
Subject (title): Memorandum of Understanding
Between the Tribe and Coos County Community
Corrections
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this
agreement with Tribal Court and Coos County
Community Corrections to address access
the needs of the Tribal members through the
Tribal Courts Restorative Justice Programs.
Vote 5-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-059
ate of Passage:
March 26, 2025
Subject (title): Genealogy Research Service
Contract
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this
contract to provide support to the Enrollment
Department for genealogy research. Vote 5-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-060
Date of Passage:
March 26, 2025
Subject (title): Culture Committee Appointment
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the
appointment of Patty Phillips and Earla Kirk.
Vote 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-061
Date of Passage:
March 26, 2025
Subject (title): Housing Committee Appointment
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the
appointment of Melinda Sprague. Vote 5-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-062
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Amendment to Resolution 25-031
Additional Funding from Oregon Behavioral
Health Deflection Program
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this
additional funding identified for Behavioral
Health programing. Vote 5-0-1

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-063
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Establish of CLUSITC Chapter 4-9
Guardianship – Minors for Second Reading and
Final Approval
Explanation: Tribal Council reviewed and
approved this new Code for final approval. 6-0-0

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-068
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Professional Service Agreement
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this
agreement for services related to the Health
Department for Good Health and Wellness in
Indian Country Project. Vote 4-1-1

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-064
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Enrollment of New Members
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the
enrollment Max C. Snead, Marley J. Snead,
Madelyn K. Karnes and Lainey R. Walton as
members of the Tribe after no protest received
from the membership. Vote 6-0-0

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-069
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Enrollment Gender Change
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this request
of a Tribal Member per CLUSITC 7-1-143 for final
action. Vote 6-0-0

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-065
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Enrollment Name Change and
Corrections to the Roll
Explanation: Tribal Council approves official
names changes of tribal membership. Vote 6-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-066
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Active to Historic
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the action
to remove the following names for the active
roll and place them on the historic roll of Tribal
members in the Tribal Hall: Harold E. Wondsel,
George L Gardner, Kenneth J Osheroff and
Aubrey Skinner. Vote 6-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-067
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): First Amendment to Contract for
Tribal Defense Advocate Services
Explanation: Tribal Council approves this First
Amendment requested by Tribal Court.
Vote 6-0-0

RESOLUTION NO.:
25-070
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Election Board Member
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the
appointment and reaffirmation of the follow
members to the Election Board: Jade Fong,
Michael Brainard, Tes Gagner, Mark Petrie, Kathy
Perkins, Ashely Russell and Kimmy Bixby.
Vote 6-0-0
RESOLUTION NO.:
25-071
Date of Passage:
April 13, 2025
Subject (title): Appointments and Reaffirmation
of Three Rivers Foundation Board of Trustees
Explanation: Tribal Council approves the
appointment and reaffirmation of the following
members to the Three Rivers Foundation Board:
Doug Barrett, Teresa Spangler, Debbie Bossley,
Cindy Castro, Ryan Ceniga, Pat Farr, Sammie
Arzie and Lori Gates . Vote 5-0-1

In this public paper, some Resolution titles and explanation will not be displayed or have minimal
details due to confidentiality.

Hanis Coos Tribal Citizen Sara Siestreem Awarded
Hallie Ford Fellowship in the Visual Arts

The Ford Family Foundation supports Oregon visual artists who educators; her training began in
have demonstrated sophisticated practice and significant potential the home. Her lifelong mentor is
with annual fellowships. The Hallie Ford Fellowships are the flagship Lillian Pitt (Wasco, Warm Springs,
of the Visual Arts Program. They recognize that the work of the Yakama) and her weaving teachers
Fellows furthers the conversation of contemporary art in the 21st are Greg Archuleta (Grand Ronde)
and Greg A. Robinson (Chinook
century.
Siestreem is a multidisciplinary artist from the Umpqua River Valley Nation).
Siestreem graduated Phi Kappa
on the South Coast of Oregon, working in painting, photography,
Phi with a BS from Portland
printmaking, weaving, and largescale installation. She combines the “I believe art saves State University. She earned an
ceremonial traditions of her ancestors
lives and the canon MFA with distinction from Pratt
Art Institute. She created a selfwith
contemporary
modes
and
is
authored
by
the
sustaining weaving program for
materials at the intersection of social
the Coos, Lower Umpqua, and
and ecological justice, education, oppressed,”
and Indigenous feminism. Siestreem
- Sara Siestreem, Siuslaw Indians.
“She
is
exceptionally
was recently awarded the University
Hanis Coos
professional,
and
has
of Oregon’s CFAR Fellowship, and a
successfully navigated the
Forge Project Fellowship. Her work is in
Sara Siestreem.
collections including the Forge Project,
complex gallery and museum
Photo by Sam Gehrke.
Mahicannituck (Hudson River) Valley, NY; Berkeley Art Museum and landscape for twenty years,”
Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley, CA; Missoula Art Museum, Missoula said Reuben Roqueñi, Executive
MT; Museum of Fine Art, Boston, MA, and the Portland Art Museum, Director of Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA), “In her
Portland, OR. Her artwork was recently included in the landmark own right, she is an activist, carving out space for Native artists in a
2023 book An Indigenous Present, conceived and edited by Jeffrey field that has historically not offered proper recognition.”
Gibson (Mississippi Choctaw/Cherokee). She has an upcoming
exhibition at Elizabeth Leach Gallery in September 2025.
Read more about the Ford Family Foundation and Hallie Ford Fellows online
at https://www.tfff.org/visual-arts/
Siestreem comes from a family of professional artists and

6

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

2025
STUDENT RECOGNITION EVENT
Honoring the Journey,
Celebrating the Future
Date: July 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: CTCLUSI Community Center
Please join us as we celebrate our Tribal graduates.
This annual event honors the academic achievements,
cultural growth, and leadership of CTCLUSI youth and
students.
Food & Refreshments: Catered by Wildflour Café
If you have questions please contact Morgan Cloud at
mcloud@ctclusi.org or scan the QR codes:
Deadline: June 15, 2025
Scholarships:

INFO
CT

CLUS

I

RSVP

I CAN BEAD THAT!

Questions?

Tribal Government
Education Scholarship
Carolyn Slyter Memorial
Chief Doc Slyter
Scholarship

Contact
Morgan Cloud, Higher
Education Specialist
541-888-1319
mcloud@ctclusi.org

APPLY ONLINE www.ctclusi.org/education/

Come participate in our potlatch culture and learn how to make
a hairpipe bone necklace.
*All necklaces made will be added to a cache of gifts that our
tribal government can gift.

Wed
June 11

Eugene Outreach
10:00 am - 2 pm
open to Tribal Members/households
and CTCLUSI Government Staff

*Lunch Provided

VP
se RS d
Plea
ea
ys ah
5 Da
ch
of ea
d
dule
sche
date

For more details and updates about these events, please
contact Alycia Cossey
acossey@ctclusi.org
541-294-1237

Child Care Development Fund –
Public Input Invited

June 6-7
Maple Bark, Hazel sticks, Mugwort, Nettle
etc.
Gathering trips are subject to change
based on the location and season. For the most upto-date information on gathering trips, please RSVP
by emailing or calling us. We’ll add your name to a
direct outreach call, as well we will send a reminder
text message with confirmed details of each
gathering trip 3 days in advance.
Snacks and lunch will be provided.

RSVP for detailed information
Contact: Alycia Cossey
acossey@ctclusi.org or Call: (541) 294-1237

CTCLUSI Education Department is you—whether you’re a parent, guardian,
inviting public input on our Child Care caregiver, or provider—your feedback
Development Fund, CCDF, which helps us strengthen the support we offer. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of
outlines our childcare services for How to Participate:
childcare services for our member community.
eligible members within our 5-county • View the Draft Plan: CTCLUSI Website,
Join us for an online information Session Hearing
Citizen Portal
service area.
on June 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. pst
This plan focuses on ensuring childcare • Submit Comments By: June 20, 2025
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87137246624
remains responsive to the needs of • Provide Feedback:
Meeting ID: 871 3724 6624
tribal families. We want to hear from education@ctclusi.org

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025
Intermediate pull

7
TRIBAL
HALL

JUNE
18-22

2 0 2 5

SU
MMER
S O L S T I C E
G I V I N G

CANOE PULL

*please bring a water bottle*

S U N

Hiking

Weswəs
Making

Shinny

Sweats

Potlach/
Gifting

Food

Songs &
Dances

Cooking

Community

Rest

*Camping available around
Tribal Hall & the Plankhouse*

Please
y
RSVP B
th
0
1
e
Jun

For more Details Contact

g̣edleniiye tɬə qwəle’es daiqwaxam
(sunset bay)
Shinny
Picnic Lunch

Meet at Tribal Hall at 11:00 am.
We will be making a
sack lunch to take with us out to Sunset.

T H E

Canoeing

Talking
Sticks

Sunset Bay State Park
12 pm - 4 pm

T O

Weaving

Plankhouse

June 19th

This pull is part of the Summer Solstice
Activities.

T H A N K S

Alycia Cossey
acossey@ctclusi.org | 541-294-1237

F L I P

T O

S E E

S C H E D U L E

OPEN TO TRIBAL MEMBERS
AND FAMILIES
P BY
RSV 25
0/
6/1

For more Details: Contact Alycia
Cossey
acossey@ctclusi.org
541-294-1237

kids

fresh air
camp
Day Camp Theme: Water is Life

Tribal and staff youth ages 5–17
8:30 AM – 3:30 PM, M–F
Culture + Water = Fun Memories

JULY 14-25
COOS BAY, OR

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT :
ANGELA HENRY - CAMP DIRECTOR
AHENRY CTCLIORG

Need A Ride?
If you are in the five county service area and
need public transportation assistance, please call
Kathy Perkins at 541-888-9577 ext. 7550 or email
kperkins@ctclusi.org
If you are in Coos County, CCAT services are
FREE for all CTCLUSI Tribal Members. This
includes all of the public services, other than their
demand response/ Dial-a-Ride.
*Show your Tribal ID to the driver*

8

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

Back-to-School Clothing
Support Coming Soon!
Be on the lookout for our
Back-to-School Clothing Form
—available soon on the
website!
All K–12 CTCLUSI youth and
youth of CTCLUSI households
are eligible to receive jackets,
shoes, hats, gloves, and
special language patches to
adorn their new gear for the
upcoming 2025 school year.

Order forms will be open
from June 1st – 14th, 2025
www.ctclusi.org

For questions, contact Amanda Craig at acraig@ctclusi.org or 541-513-8799.

NAMING
NAMING

CEREMONY

’

’

haich ikt’ at’ uu

(( f o r m e r l y n a m e d Wa i t e R a n c h))

aturday - uly 26, 22

S




zens

Sacred Ceremony with Tribal Citi

10am
10
am-11
-11am
am

Ceremony continues with project and
community partners

11am
am-12pm
pm
6920
6920 HWY 126,
126, 
lorence

,
,
reon

Please RSVP

541-435-7155

June 2025

A New
Chapter Begins:
Our Free Little
Library is Here!

Contributed by Brandy Lauby, Education Specialist II

We’re excited to announce the arrival of
our very own Free Little Library, a small but
mighty addition to our community that’s all
about sharing the joy of reading.
Located at Qaxas near the mail boxes, the
Free Little Library is a take-a-book, leavea-book spot where neighbors can connect
through stories. Whether you’re in the mood
for a gripping mystery, a classic novel, or a
colorful children’s book, there’s something for
everyone—and it’s all free!
This project was made possible by a grant
from Free Little Library, and we hope it
becomes a place where curiosity is sparked,
imaginations are nurtured, and community
bonds grow stronger.
How it works:
• Take a book: Find something you’d like to
read and take it home.
• Leave a book: Have a book you loved? Leave
it for someone else to enjoy.
• Keep it going: Feel free to return the book or
pass it along to a friend!
Let’s turn the page together and keep this little
library full of big adventures. Stop by, explore,
and help us spread the love of reading—one
book at a time.
Happy reading!

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

Daughters of the American Revolution Visit
lagauwiiyat’as
Gallery to View Coos Dress Exhibit
̣

9

Contributed by Alycia Cossey, Cultural Stewardship Associate

In a moment of meaningful cultural exchange, members of Jessica Olson, Enna Helms, and Ayuthea LaPier contributed
the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) visited the their skill, knowledge, and connection to ancestry in creating
lag auwiiyat’as
gallery, housed within the Confederated Tribes the piece—each stitch and adornment holding stories passed
̣
of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI), to through generations.
For many, seeing the historic and modern
witness an exhibit centered around a piece
dresses side by side sparked reflection,
of living history: the traditional Coos dress “... each stitch and
conversation, and deep emotion. It reminded
commonly known as “Lottie’s dress.” This dress
adornment
holding
us that tradition is not a thing of the past,
was returned to the Tribe by DAR in 2021 and
is currently standing beside a lovingly created stories passed through but something we carry, renew, and pass on.
The gathering offered a time of warmth and
representation of the dress—a reflection of both generations.”
connection—two groups coming together,
remembrance and revitalization.
listening, learning, and honoring the journey
This visit opened a space for shared learning
of a dress that holds more than fabric; it holds
rooted in respect. CTCLUSI staff and one of the
six artisans who worked on the dress, Enna Helms welcomed identity, sovereignty, and survival.
the DAR members and spoke to the deep cultural and ancestral
In this space, where old and new meet, we were reminded
significance of the Coos dress. The exhibit, with the original that honoring our ancestors through stories, regalia, and shared
regalia placed beside its contemporary counterpart, speaks to experience keeps our cultures alive. It strengthens our roots and
the strength, adaptability, and unbroken presence of the Coos invites others to walk with care, humility, and respect beside us
on the long road of remembrance and understanding.
and greater CTCLUSI peoples.
This dress will be house in the lag auwiiyat’as
gallery and open
CTCLUSI staff and cultural leaders guided visitors through
̣
the exhibit, sharing teachings about the regalia’s known history, to tribal member viewing upon request. There will also be an
the making, the traditional materials once used, and the hands open gallery day to view the dresses during Salmon Ceremony
and hearts that brought the new representation dress to life. weekend in August before the dress representation is transferred
Tribal artisans Brenda Brainard, Roseana Perry, Crystal Bishop, to the Newell House in the care of DAR.

Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) pictured
above with Enna Helms, youth and Alycia Cossey of the Confederated
Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians.
Pictured right: Lottie’s historic dress layed down in the center case of
the gallery with replica on display in the rotating corner case.

Enna Helms pictured above, shown working on the
dress fringe.

Ayuthea LaPier working on the Lottie
replica dress

Jessica Olson working on recreating the beaded eagle.

10

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

Invasive Species Removal from Tribal Hall Property
Contributed by Nicole Romine, Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist II

On Saturday, April 12th, 2025 Tribal
families and CTCLUSI Employees worked
to clear invasive species like scotch
broom, English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry,
cotoneaster, and more from the Tribal Hall
Property. The attendees included Tribal
Members, Tribal Spouses, and staff from the
Forestry, Culture and Natural Resources,
and Maintenance Departments! A special
thank you to Maintenance Lead staff, Ty
Walton and family, for assisting with the
heavy duty work truck and wench to pull out
several huge scotch broom stumps!
The Tobacco Prevention Program also
cleared space in the belex tlxanii, Butterfly
Garden, for our Traditional Tobacco, dahai
(miluk), daha (hanis), and chiyuusan
(s.q), also known as Columbian Tobacco
or Nicotiana quadrivalvis var. multivalvis,
where toward the end of the day Traditional
Tobacco was planted in a garden box! A
Tribal Youth participant was excited to help
and asked many wonderful questions about
the tobacco and pointed out a rainbow as
we watered the garden. I would like to thank
all staff who hosted the event and provided
lunch, and thank you to everyone who
participated in helping remove the invasive

Housing
Self Sufficiency
Program
The CTCLUSI Housing Department
is pleased to announce the new Self
Sufficiency Program is up and running. This
new service is available to Tribal Members
who are actively participating in at least one
of our current Housing programs.
Through this program, our Housing Self
Sufficiency Coordinator, Jennifer Emerson,
will collaborate with Tribal Households
to develop a plan to identify opportunities
which may promote financial stability. To
assist in identifying potential barriers or
challenges that may be preventing Tribal
Members from achieving their goals, an
assessment will be conducted.
Once an assessment is completed,
services offered could include; budgeting,
resume review/creation, interview skills
and more. Additionally, referrals to other
services such as; childcare, mental health,
or recovery will be made based on the needs
of the individual and/or family. In the coming
months, we will also be offering workshops
to our Tribal Members on a variety of topics
related to achieving financial independence.
If you have any questions about the Self
Sufficiency Program or would like to discuss
completing an assessment, please contact:
Jennifer Emerson
Housing Self Sufficiency Coordinator
Jennifer.emerson@ctclusi.org
541-294-8548

species to make space for our cultural
significant native plants to thrive. We are
looking forward to the next property cleanup day and please look out for upcoming
activities and events on our social media
accounts, the Voice of CLUSI, the CTCLUSI
tribal website, and please watch for auto
dialer or texts in the future!

LOCAL FAMILY CANOE JOURNEY
PADDLE QUUIICH IKT’AT’UU!

Paddle our ancestral waters of the Umpqua River

August 4 - 7, 2025
Scheduled to directly follow the
annual Sacred Salmon Ceremony
on Sunday, August 3rd

Check future
editions of
The Voice of
CLUSI for more
details.

More
information
coming soon!

Contact Jesse Beers for more information: jbeers@ctclusi.org

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

11

Second Annual Language Revitalization Camp: “Language Strong”
Contributed by Angela Henry, Camp Director

After the success of last year’s Language Camp, we
are excited to invite Tribal Members back for our Second
Annual Language Revitalization Camp, taking place July
21–25, 2025.
Words carry strength. This year’s theme, “Language
Strong,” honors the strength and healing within
reclaiming our ancestral languages. They connect us to
our ancestors, our lands, our waters, and one another. By
speaking our languages, we speak our strength.
We’ve seen real growth in our language program over
the past year, including the expansion of our classes
and hiring Language Nest Facilitators. These dedicated
facilitators now lead weekly programming each Saturday
for our youngest tribal members—ages 0 to 5—planting
seeds of language early. Language revitalization can
begin at any age.
This family-friendly day camp is open to Tribal families,
CTCLUSI staff, language students, and their households.
No matter where you are on your language journey, this
camp is for Everyone. Please join us for a great week
with friends and family—our ancestors are watching us
learn alongside one another.
Held in Coos Bay at Tribal Hall and the Community Center,
we will be providing overnight accommodations available at
nearby Sunset Bay Campground. This camp features engaging
activities, storytelling, songs, tasty meals, and much more! We’ll
learn and grow stronger—together.

Registration Deadline: July 7, 2025

Early registration by June 15 is strongly encouraged to secure a
camping spot.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and celebrate your
identity through language.
All photo’s below are from Language Revitalization Camp 2024

Join us for Language Strong,
July 21-25, 2025 - A family
day camp celebrating the
power of reclaiming our
ancestral language as a path
to healing, strength, and unity.

Open to: CTCLUSI families,
government staff, language
learners, and their households
Camping available for out of
town attendees.
Please register before
July 15, 2025 here:
When we speak our Language,
we speak our Strength.

12

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

quuiich Youth Thorin Gaines Granted
Extraordinary Achievement Recognition Fund
From Marching on Main Street, Mickey Mouse, Lightsabers, and
Rollercoasters, Thorin Gaines had the opportunity to play and
perform with his Grants Pass High School Band at Disneyland!
The band earned this opportunity through competition during the
fall season, and they placed 1st overall at Northwest Association
of Performing Arts (NWAPA) championships at Autzen Stadium
in Eugene against other high school bands from the region.
Through many, many hours of practice after school, on the
weekends, and multiple performances and competitions, Thorin
showed dedication to the Band earning him this trip to perform
with the Band at Disneyland.
Thorin got to utilize funding from the Tribe to help accomplish the
travel portion of this trip through the Extraordinary Achievement
Recognition Fund.
The Band performed “A Friend Like Me” from the movie
Aladdin, and got to experience workshops with Disneyland music
showcase and performers.

The
performance
at
Disneyland,
and
at
the
NWAPA competition, can be
found on YouTube for your
viewing pleasure. The band
also got two days to roam the
park freely, a privilege earned
through all the work they put in
throughout the year.
It is amazing, he plays his
Aunt Morgan’s old trombone
and it still sounds great! We
can’t wait to see him continue
to compete and march with his
band in the future!

Grants Pass High School Marching Band
Perform “A Friend Like Me” in Downtown
Disney

Scan QR Code to watch
GPHS Championship
Performance at Autzen Stadium

Grants Pass High School Marching Band
Students Have Fun Day in Disneyland

Scan QR Code to watch
GPHS Disneyland Performance

Elders &
the Littles

ipads are
available

LANGUAGE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELDERS

Support our littles’ language learning. All levels welcome.
Join the weekly Elders online language support gatherings.
Language Nest Program 0-5 y/o +
Saturdays 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
miluk

hanis

sha’yuushtɬ�a
uɬ quuiich

CONTACT: Enna Helms at (541) 297-7538 or language@ctclusi.org

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

13

Elders Corner
Call for Cultural
Knowledge Holders and
Artisans to Lead Activities
with Youth this Summer

Save The Date
The Confederated Tribes of the Coos,
Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Cultural Knowledge Holders and Artisans are invited
to lead an evening activity with youth during the annual
Seeds of Success Community Fellows field school
to be held June 22 – July 3, 2025, near Deadwood.
There will be about 8 teenagers participating in the
program. OSU is again offering stipends and mileage
reimbursement for participating and supporting the
youth. Note that the terrain at the outdoor camp site
is uneven and may present some mobility issues that
staff should know about.
Please contact Angela Henry, ahenry@ctclusi.org, for
more information.

Wish to invite you to the

26th Annual Oregon Tribal
Elders Honor Day
To be held September 12 & 13, 2025
at the Three Rivers Casino & Resort
(Florence, Oregon)

Supplemental Security Income
Program for Elders 65+
Enrolled CTCLUSI citizens who turn 65 years of age,
can begin to receive an Elders Pension through the
Supplemental Security Income Program.
An application form is required. The form can be
found on the Tribal Government website or using this
web address https://laserfiche.ctclusi.org/Forms/
Elder-Supplemental-Security-Income
Need assistance filling out your application or have
questions about the program? Contact the Enrollment
Department today at 541-435-7178.

Elders Receive Emergency
Preparedness Items

(Registration forms and Agenda will be coming soon)
ALL GUEST MUST BE OVER 55 YEARS OLD WITH EXCEPTION OF
LEGAL SPOUSES, CAREGIVERS AND STAFF

Elders Potluck Luncheon
Hosted by Tribal Elder Eddie Helms
First Wednesday of the month at Tribal Hall
338 Wallace Ave., Coos Bay,
Bring a dish to share - 12 (noon) - 2 p.m.

Tribal Council member Julie Siestreem shared the
photographs at right, taken at the May 7th Elders
Potluck at Tribal Hall.
Tribal Elders gather the first Wednesday of every month
and bring homemade dishes to share. They celebrate one another
and enjoy the company and camaraderie.
In May, the Elders Program and staff, Barbara Black and Doug
Morrison joined them to hand out Emergency Preparedness
buckets for each Elder in attendance. Elders jackets were also
given out to those who had requested them.

Julie shared that the food buckets (2 each per Elder) are an
amazing source of support should they every be needed. She
also shared that the Elders jackets have multiple pockets and
hoods, which are especially great for walking in our sometimes
windy and rainy coastal weather.

14

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

book
basket

axuu(m) axuu(h) q’auq’aunii(sq)

early literacy initiative
Please sign up now with the QR code!

to recieve free developmentally appropriate learning
boxes delivered to families with children from birth to
five years old who are a CTCLUSI enrolled tribal
member (or part of a tribal household.)
This program also includes screening services (ASQ-3
and ASQ:SE-2) and supports families through in-home
(including vitrual) and library-based sessions.

Contact: Jen Barrett-Neet at
jbarrett-neet@ctclusi.org

Virtual Language Classes
10 Week sessions Spring 2025
April 1st through June 6th

Tuesdays, 4:00pm-6:00pm: miluk

Don’t Miss Out
Update Your Contact
Information

Wednesdays, 4:00pm-6:00pm: hanis
Fridays, 4:00pm-6:00pm:
sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich
Please sign up with Enna Helms at
language@ctclusi.org, or by phone at (541) 297-7538

Language Classes

LITTLES
PROGRAM

dai chil sla, shin dai sla,
niishachii chmanii.

Starting April 5th 2025
0-5 YR. OLDS
If you are interested in
joining class and would
like more details please
contact Enna Helms at
language@ctclusi.org or
at (541) 297-7538

Zoom Class Link

Language Resources
can be found on the
Google classroom

miluk class
hanis class
sha’yuushtɬ’a
uɬ quuiich class

Saturdays from
9:00am-10:00am
on Zoom

Contact: Enna Helms at language@ctclusi.org

Is your contact information up-to-date?
Please
contact
the
Enrollment
Department today with your current
contact information.
It is important that your information is
current and accurate so that you do not
miss out on updates regarding Tribal
benefits, programs, invitations to events,
and Tribal Election Ballots.
Forms are also available online to
update your contact information, request
new Tribal ID cards, change of name
requests and more.
Visit https://ctclusi.org/enrollment/
to fill out these forms online. Contact
Enrollment by calling 541-435-7178 or
email enrollment@ctclusi.org

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

15

Ride the current

Stay Connected
as

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EVENTS FLOW YOUR WAY
Get updates on camps
and kits before they
surface!

Citizen Portal Login - www.ctclusi.org

Do you need assistance with registering or re-gaining access to
the Citizen Portal of the Tribal Government website?
I’m here to help! Contact me directly with any Tribal website
access issues that you have.
The Citizen Portal contains the links to the monthly Tribal
Council meeting Zoom links, culturally significant information

and more!
Also be sure to check out the online Events Calendar for
upcoming activities!
Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist:
Cell: (541) 808-7918
Email: mgaines@ctclusi.org

PEACEGIVING
Peacegiving is a traditional Restorative Justice
option available to you for the resolution of conflict.

OSU Extension Service | New Beginnings for Tribal Students

All Peacegiving issues are confidential.

Environmental Leadership for Youth
INDIGENOUS YOUTH CAMP

AUGUST 10 - 15, 2025
at Oregon State University
in partnership with Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and
Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI)

Inviting Native American youth entering 9th - 12th grade in Oregon.
Natural sciences
Steps to college access and financial aid
Stay in the dorms
Environmental careers
Field trips:
Canoe paddle
Challenge course
Hatfield Marine Science Center
And more
$500 completion award

CONTACTS:

More Info and registation at:

OSU Camp Coordinator Bessie Joyce
541-743-6106 bessiejoyce4@gmail.com

Photo by Morgan Gaines

For more information about Peacegiving, please visit the Peacegiving
Website or contact the Peacegiving Coordinator at the
address listed below.
Peacegiving Coordinator
1245 Fulton Avenue
Coos Bay, OR 97420
PHONE: (541) 888-1306 or (541) 888-1316
EMAIL: Peacegiving@ctclusi.org
Website: https://ctclusi.org/tribalcourtpeacegiving

Are you in trouble with the law?
Are you suffering with drugs, alcohol or addiction?
Are you ready to make a change?
What does true Wellness look like for you?
A life without drugs or alcohol is possible for you.

Open Campus Assistant Director Jennifer Boyle
541-420-8222 jennifer.boyle@oregonstate.edu

Make the choice for a better life.

CTCLUSI Education Director Jemiah Wassman
541-888-1318 jwassman@ctlusi.org

https://beav.es/NUc

Confidential
Contact Tribal Wellness Court.
(541) 888-1307

OSU Extension Service prohibits discrimination in all its programs, services, activities and materials. This publication will be made available in an
accessible alternative format upon request. Please contact Bessie Joyce at bessiejoyce4@gmail.com

16

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

The CTCLUSI Forestry Department Continues Forward in
Forest Management Program Planning and Implementation

Contributed by Tyler Slyter,Proud CTCLUSI Tribal Member, Chief Operating Officer of Indirect Services

The last 8 months has been an exciting
time for the CTCLUSI Forestry Department.
After 7 years of hard work and planning,
the Stewardship of the lands is beginning.
These lands were returned to our Tribe
through the Western Oregon Tribal
Fairness Act (WOTFA) in 2018. CTCLUSI
received nearly 15,000 acres in total. Most
of that land is in 3 large sections; identified
as Lake Tract, Smith Tract and Tioga Tract.
In September of 2024, the CTCLUSI
Forest Management Plan (FMP) was
approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
This was a major accomplishment, and one
that a lot of people contributed to for many
years. The FMP is a complete guideline to
CTCLUSI’s plan for stewarding the lands
in perpetuity. The document allows us
to set polices and rules that support the
Cultural goals of our Tribe. In addition,
the document holds us accountable, with
extensive checks and balances.
The Team took 5 minutes to celebrate,
and moved onto the next critical task.
The Indian Asset Trust Management
Plan (ITAMP) is new program from the
Department of Interior that allows Tribes to
self-govern all forest operations. It supports
our status as Sovereign. It removes the
requirements to seek permission from
federal agencies like BIA, Forest Service,
and Oregon Fish and Wildlife. Additionally,
it allows the Tribe to document our own
Environment Impact evaluations, which
would typically fall under the Federal

NEPA program.
In addition to reinforcing our Sovereign
rights, the ITAMP also removes the
lengthy approval time that we experience
when working with the Government. Tasks
that would typically take 6-7 months can
be accomplished in a portion of that time. I
am extremely proud to say that the ITAMP
was signed by the Department of Interior
in January!! There are only 3 Tribes in
the United States with ITAMP status. The
other two are Cow Creek and Coquille.
Both have very organized and efficient
Forest Management Programs.
Stewardship of the lands started with Precommercial Thinning (PCT). This activity
clears the space between younger trees,
so that they can fully grow, without being
restricted by other vegetation. 500 acres
of the Lake Tract have been completed.
With the PCT, the road ways are cleared
to help access our lands, and the thinning
allows more opportunity to walk into the
forests.
Work is almost complete for our first two
Timber Harvests. The locations have been
identified, and boundaries are already
flagged/marked. One is on Lake Tract,
and one is on
Tioga. Both will be
approximately 3040 acres in size.
The Forestry and
DNRC team are
in the process of

ensuring protection of streams, animals
and cultural plants. Additionally, we have
minimum retention rates as outlined in our
FMP, so some trees are left for Habitat
management.
Additional efforts are being focused on
Salvaging storm damaged areas, and also
improving access to our ponds for fire
fighting Helicopters.
As we all have seen on the news, there
is continually mass destruction of Forest
Lands through wildfires. Stewardship
through Timber Harvest is critical to
preventing wildfires on our lands, so they
will be there for all future generations to
enjoy.
Thank you to everyone who has helped
us get to this point. A special shout out
to our current Forestry Team of Ryan
Bronson, Amy Kronsberg and Kyle Terry.
Also, Colin Beck was instrumental in this
process and spent many years preparing
the necessary documents. Additionally, the
Forestry Program would not be possible
without the help of George Smith. George
is a consultant who has been working with
CTCLUSI for many years, and has provided
priceless assistance and guidance.

One of the Ponds considered for Helicopter access, to assist with fighting
Forest Fires
Picture below taken on the Tioga Tract

Pictured above and below:
Lake Tract areas after Pre Commercial Thinning activity

www.ctclusi.org

June 2025

CTCLUSI Community Health Welcomes
Community Health Nurse to the Team

17

Contributed by Diann Weaver, Director of Community Health

I am pleased to announce that we have
hired Kerry Joyce as our Community Health
Nurse. Kerry will be working out of the Coos
Bay Government Offices. As you can see from
the bio Kerry provided, she brings a wealth of
knowledge and experience in community and
public health. We look forward to working with
her. Welcome to the team, Kerry!
“I am very excited to join the Health Services
Division of the Confederated Tribes of Coos,
Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians. My
philosophy of health and wellness is a holistic
model which I believe, along with physical
health, includes: community, place, spirituality
and joy. I moved to the area about ten years
ago from Seattle WA, via San Juan Islands,
Scandinavia and Eastern WA. In my spare time
I enjoy knitting, sewing and cooking yummy
food with my husband and teenager. I also love

to adventure to the local beaches or woods
with my two Australian Shephard fur kids.
I have been a nurse for over 20 years with
a focus on population health. Before attending
nursing school, I was a pediatric medical
assistant for several years. In 2006 I completed
my Masters of Science in Nursing Degree in
Community and Public Health Nursing at
Pacific Lutheran University. I have worked in
Public Health, Maternity Support Services,
Community Health Clinics and Tribal Health
Settings. More recently I was the Director of
the Bay Area Hospital Home Health Agency
until its closure in 2023. I am also an educator
and have taught nursing and allied health at
several community colleges in Washington and
Oregon. I look forward to meeting everyone
and working together to serve our community.”
- Kerry Joyce, RN, MSN

June is Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Awareness Month

Contributed by the CTCLUSI Community Health Department

Is It PTSD?
When you have PTSD, it’s hard to feel safe. The traumatic
event – natural disaster, combat, sexual assault, accident - can
take hold, and you find you can’t stop thinking about it. Maybe
you have nightmares and trouble sleeping. Maybe you feel on
edge and unsettled or don’t find pleasure in things you used
to enjoy. Maybe you feel it’s just easier to be alone. Feelings
like these are common after going through a trauma. For most
people, they pass in a few weeks or months, but for others, they
are long-lasting.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health
problem. PTSD can only develop after you go through or see a
life-threatening event. PTSD symptoms fall into four categories:
reliving or re-experiencing the event, avoiding things or places
that remind you of the event, negative changes in beliefs and
feelings, and hyperarousal or being on guard. For someone to
be diagnosed with PTSD, they need to have symptoms in all
four categories.
PTSD symptoms can happen at any age, and they come and
go. Only a mental health care provider can diagnose you with
PTSD. And, knowing if you have PTSD is the first step to getting
effective treatment. So, it is important to talk with a doctor if you
think you have symptoms. There are effective treatments even
if you have been living with symptoms for years.
Keep in mind that you’re not alone. And, some treatments will
help you feel better and take back control of your life. Be the
advocate – take that first step for yourself. Learn more about
PTSD symptoms at the National Center for PTSD.

Kerry Joyce, RN, MSN

Tribal Court
Welcomes Tribal Court
Administrator and
Outreach Coordinator
Contributed by CTCLUSI Tribal Court and Peacegiving Court

Tiffany Rose is joining the Tribal Court as Tribal Court
Administrator and Outreach Coordinator. She has a B.A. in
Sociology from University of California, Davis, and has a
J.D. from Syracuse University College of Law. She comes
to the Tribe from the City of Coos Bay where she worked as
a Codes/Planning Specialist for a little over two years. Prior
to working for the City, she was in Texas for ten years. She
has worked for the El Dorado County Superior Court in South
Lake Tahoe and the Administrative Office of the Courts for the
Nevada Supreme Court. She has two shiht-zus, Giles and
Anya. In her free time, she enjoys reading and going to the
beach.

Scan the QR Code to
open the National
Center for PTSD
websie to learn more.

Source: https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/stories/ptsd-awarenessmonth/ and https://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Tiffany Rose, CTCLUSI Tribal Court
Administrator & Outreach Coordinator

18

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

It’s Official, We’re Married!
On Sunday, May 4, 2025,

Morgan Gaines married Robert Gaines (Peninger)
in a private ceremony at the

Owen Rose Garden in Eugene, Oregon.

They will host a reception gathering for a group of
friends and family in early June.

Why RSVP for Tribal
Events?
Tribal Department staff who plan events and
activities for the benefit of Tribal Member need
membership to “please reply” when asked to
RSVP when wanting to attend Tribal events.
This ensures the right amount of supplies and
food and beverages
to meet the needs of
those in attendance.
Thank you in advance
for making future
events as successful
as
possible
by
always calling to
RSVP when asked.

RSVP for events
by calling
1-541-435-7155

Invitation for Vendors or Artisans to Submit Products or Services
Dear Vendor or Artisan,
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians
(CTCLUSI) is seeking qualified vendors to provide products or
services in support of our CTCLUSI projects or programs. The
purpose of this invitation is to create a preferred vendor list. We
invite you to submit proposals detailing how your products or
services meet our various program requirements.
Scope of Work:
Please provide a detailed description of the products or services
you provide, include any specific features, requirements, or
technical specifications.
Submission Requirements:
Interested vendors must submit the following:
1. A detailed proposal of products or services including pricing,
timelines, and deliverables.
2. A company or individual profile with relevant experience and
references.
3. Any credentials, warranties, or compliance documentation, if
applicable.
4. Terms and conditions for the proposed product or service.

Deadline for Submission:
Proposals are accepted throughout the year for qualified vendor’s
products or services. Vendor or Artisan must have submitted
proposals prior to the selection of the product or service posted,
to be considered. The proposal will be considered for all requests
after it’s submission.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
• Quality and compliance with our requirements.
• Cost-effectiveness.
• Vendor qualifications and experience.
• Delivery timelines.
Submission Instructions:
Please submit your proposals via mail or email to:
Norbert A. Johnson, MBA, MHEd, RRT
Procurement Manager
1245 Fulton Ave
Coos Bay, Or 97420
njohnson@ctclusi.org

June 2025

Upcoming
Events
www.ctclusi.org

19

Upcoming Events
June 2025
RSVP for events by calling

SUNDAY

1-541-435-7155

TUESDAY

1

2

3

8 SUNDAY

9 MONDAY
2

1

June 2025

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

6

7

10TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY
11

12THURSDAY

13 FRIDAY

14SATURDAY

3

4 Elders Potluck@noon 5

6

7

miluk language class
17 pm - 6:00 pm
4:00

hanis language class
18 pm - 6:00 pm
4:00

19

sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

20

Little Program
Language Nest Zoom - 9am

11

12

13

14 Clothing Deadline

26

27

19

20Summer Solstice

Little Program
28 Nest 9am-10am
Language
Little Program
21 Language Nest 9am

8

10

Regular Council
22 10:00am
Meeting

9 Session Hearing

23(see info page 6)

24

I Can Bead That
Eugene
25 10am

15

16

17

18

Tribal Scholarships
Deadline
29

30

1

2

22

23

24

29

30

SATURDAY

5

Back to School
Clothing Program
16
Application
Opens

Zoom 2 p.m. pst

FRIDAY

4

Siuslaw River Estuary
Restoration Sites Visit
15
10am-2pm
Florence

CCDF Public Info

THURSDAY

Seeds of Success
Field School,
Deadwood, OR

1

25

Maple Bark Gathering/Processing
sha’yuustl’a tl’ai (Siuslaw Lands)

21

Back to School

Canoe Pull Sunset Bay

3

Activities
See Flyer for Activities
4
Page 7

26

27

28Little Program

3

4

5 Little Program

Summer Solstice Day

5

Language Nest
Zoom - 9am-10am

Business Council
Meeting 6:00 p.m.

2Seeds of Success
Field School,
Deadwood, OR

Language Nest
Zoom - 9am-10am

July 2025
SUNDAY
29

MONDAY
30

July 2025

TUESDAY
1

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

2

3

FRIDAY
4

SATURDAY
5

Independance Day
Tribal Offices Closed

Elders Potluck@noon

6 SUNDAY

7 MONDAY

8 TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY
9

THURSDAY
10

11 FRIDAY

29

Language Camp
Registration
Deadline
30

1

2

3

4

Student Recognition
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
5
Community
Center

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Regular Council
Meeting
10:00 am
6

7

8

9 Fresh Air Camp

10

11

12

20

21

22

23

24

25

13

14

15

16

17

18

Naming Ceremony
haich ikt’at’uu (Waite
19 10 a.m.
Ranch)

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

20

21

22

Business Council
23
Meeting
6:00 p.m.

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

1

2

Fresh Air Camp
Language Revitalization Camp

SATURDAY
12

26

Saturday, August 23, 2025
Family Fun Day
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
CTCLUSI Community Center

Carnival Theme
BBQ, Booths, Games and
more!

20

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

June 2025

EUGENE OUTREACH OFFICE OPENS DOORS IN NEW
LOCATION IN DOWNTOWN EUGENE
The New location of the Tribes’ Eugene
Outreach Office is:
149 W. 12th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
The new location is conveniently located within walking distance
of the Eugene Public Library and Public Transit Bus Terminal.
Our phone number remains the same: 541-744-1334.
The Tribes’ Planning Department, with the direction from Tribal
Council, found an office sufficient for the Tribes to purchase in
order to alleviate the long-time expenses of leasing and provide
more space for programs and services in the Eugene Area.

Confederated Tribes of
Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians

Department of
Human Resources
Current Openings as of 05/12/25

There is ample parking located in the back of the building with
ADA access.
This new two-story building will be able to continue to serve the
Tribal membership without interruption from dedicated staff for
Administrative Support, Elders Program and Services, Health
Services, Education, and Social Services.
This location will also allow for future expansion of outreach support
from the Department of Culture and Natural Resources, Planning
Department, Housing Department, and the Health Department.
Eugene staff continue to work through the transistion; please be
patient with staff has they settle into their new work environment.

•

Behavioral Health Assistant – Three Rivers Health
We hope to see you soon and look forward to serving you at this
Center – Coos Bay

•

Charge Capture Specialist – Three Rivers Health
Center – Coos Bay

•

Dental Therapist – Coos Bay

•

Diabetes Educator – Eugene

•

Laboratory Technician I. – Coos Bay

•

Licensed Practical Nurse – Three Rivers Health
Center – Coos Bay

•

Medical Assistant: Primary Care – Three Rivers
Health Center – Coos Bay

•

Medical Director – Three Rivers Health Center –
Coos Bay

•

Nurse Practitioner – Three Rivers Health Center –
Coos Bay

•

Ocean Fishing Deckhand: On-Call – Coos Bay

•

Public Health Nurse - Eugene

•

Special Events – On Call – Varies on Assignment

•

Surveillance Agent I. – Florence

•

Surveillance Agent II. – Florence

Please visit Job Opportunities on the Tribes website for full
job descriptions and benefits available.
You may also apply for any position online. http://ctclusi.
org/jobs
Please email questions to recruitment@ctclusihr.org

new location.

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_clusi%3A016d4d70ce6ef307. Public record. Not legal advice.
