NEWS FROM THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS (2026)

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Text

The Voice of

August 2026

CLUSI

Issue 8

Volume 27

www.ctclusi.org

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

Student Recognition and Language Ceremony 2026

High School Graduates pictured left to right:

Ramil Beers, Natasha Tervort, Isa Helms, Sawyer Kilbourne, and Enza Hall

College Graduates pictured left to right:

Isabelle Green, Conner Tervort, Ashley Russell, and mok (Mark) Petrie

Contributed by Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Tribal families gathered to celebrate

the accomplishments of our students at the annual Student

Recognition and Language Ceremony held in the Tribal Community

Center in Coos Bay, Oregon.

Education Director Jemiah Wassman shared a warm welcome

to attendees for gathering to celebrate the achievements of our

Tribal Students. Wassman asked members of Tribal Council

to share a few words with this year’s students. Chief Doug

Barrett, along with council members Julie Siestreem, Ashley

Russell, and Chair Teresa Spangler all spoke about how proud

they are of our students and how excited they are to see where

their journey’s take them. Council members, Iliana Montiel and

Debbie Bossley were also in attendance to support the students.

After an invocation by Chief Doug Barrett, attendees enjoyed a

delicious meal, filling our bellies as full as our spirits. Following the

meal together, Mapleton High School Graduate and Valedictorian,

Ramil Beers shared some key words. “I think one of the most

important lessons we’ve learned is that progress doesn’t always

look the way you expect it to. Sometimes it’s slow, sometimes it’s

frustrating, and sometimes it feels like you’re not moving forward at

all. But looking back now, it’s clear that every step mattered.”

mok (Mark) Petrie, a graduate of Portland State University with his

Master of Social Work also spoke during the event. Petrie shared

that “pursuing this pathway had its challenges…social work hasn’t

Story continues page 6

After 15 Years, haich ikt’ at’uu Comes to Siuslaw Estuary

Coalition celebrates breach of levee, adding a connection to traditional waterways

Brian Bull, June 3, 2026 - Underscore Native News

On the foggy morning of May 29, a thick, earthen barrier was

the only thing separating a restored dairy farm from its reclaimed

destiny: an estuary to welcome back the Salmon People, as well

as lamprey, shorebirds, and numerous plants not seen on the

premises since the mid-1800s.

Tall, dinosaur-like excavators stood on either side of the levee,

with a crowd of people from the Confederated Tribes of Coos,

Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CLUSI), the McKenzie

River Trust, and the Siuslaw Watershed Council watching from

roughly 50 feet away on a raised mound of earth, clad in hard

hats and reflective vests.

Nearby, Dan Kirk, the restoration projects manager for CLUSI,

waved a smoldering bundle of sage across the damp landscape.

“This is a big moment that a lot of our project partners and

community members have been waiting for,” smiled Kirk. “It’s

going to be really beautiful and amazing for everyone.”

Blessings have been done nearly daily for about a month, at

a site that has undergone an incredible transformation since

redevelopment began in the late summer of 2023. Contractors

leveled out the terrain and removed drainage ditches and other

agricultural fixtures, while in June 2024, CLUSI officials approved

a new name for the 217-acre expanse: haich ikt’at’uu. It means

“heart of the river.”

“It makes me think of heartbeat and pulse,” said Kirk, as they...

Story continues, see haich ikt’ at’uu page 8

C TCLUSI

C ULTURE

Save the Date:

Summer Culture Camp

August 23-27, 2026

Deadline to sign up: August 10th

Turn to Page 4 for sign up information

SUMMER CAMP

August 23 - 27, 2026

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

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

August 2026

Tribal Council Business

Activity of Elected Tribal Council Members from June 14, 2026 - July 12, 2026

Chief Doug Barrett:

06/14 General Tribal Council Meeting

06/15 NAAC OYA Meeting

06/16 Coos Bay Tribal Staff Solstice lunch &

Teachings, Tribal Consultation Task

Force SB 770

06/17 NNLPC 250 Years as “Merciless Indian

Savages”, Coos County Historical

Society Award for Patty Phillips and

Steven Dow Beakham, MHA/LADPC

Monthly Meeting

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation Lunch and

Grant Awards Celebration

06/19 – 06/22 Summer Solstice Celebrations

and Ceremonies

06/23 Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap

Roundtable at the Ko-Kwel Casino

Resort, Northwest Land Camp – Tech

Check

06/24 Northwest Land Camp – Keynote

Speaker, GFORB Casino Meeting –

Tribal Council Business Meeting

06/25 Northwest Land Camp – Breakfast

06/26 Meeting

06/27 Coquille Indian Tribe 37th Restoration

Day Celebration

06/29 Bonfire Meeting

06/30 Field School Dinner and Rattle Making

Activity

07/02 Southern Sea Otter Recovery Plan

Discussion

07/07 “Lift Off EUG” Event at the Eugene

Airport, AERI Monthly Partner Meeting

07/08 South Slough Reserve Ribbon Cutting

Ceremony – New Roads & Parking

Expansion

07/09 Special Meeting – Leaders Circle,

Culture Committee Meeting

07/11 Student Recognition Lunch Celebration,

Grand Round Veterans Pow Wow

07/12 Tribal Council General Meeting

Total Hours: 169

Teresa Spangler, Chair:

06/14 Regular Council meeting

06/16 Tribal Government Staff Solstice Lunch:

Staff learned about our culture and

played games. It was a great experience

for everyone who participated.

06/17 Special meeting on Committees and

upcoming meetings with Council,

Meeting with Stephen Dow Beckham.

Discussion on the long history he has

had with the tribe. Really positive

learning experience for myself and

all who attended. Event at the Coos

County Historical Museum. Patty

Whereat Phillips received the Nathan

Douthit local historian award! Stephen

Dow Beckham did a power point at the

same event about his personal history,

which was fascinating.

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation Luncheon.

There were 83 grants given to different

nonprofits.

06/21 Summer Solstice event

06/23 Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap

Roundtable

06/24 Washington Association of Land Trusts.

Chief was a Keynote speaker talking

about the restoration of haich ikt’ at’ uu.

Business Council Meeting

06/26 Attorney General Rayfield requested a

meeting to check in with the tribe. Met

with Tribal member at the Deadwood

property regarding restoration plans.

06/29 Met with possible vendor in Florence.

(More to come soon)

06/30 Second meeting with possible vendor

in Coos Bay. 9 Tribes meeting. (General

discussions). Dinner with the Field

School students. Everyone did a quick

round of high low Buffalo, a highlight

from their day, a challenge or low point,

something surprising, fun, or unexpected.

It was great to hear what the students

were getting out of the camp. Very

impressive! The food was fantastic as

well.

07/06 Met with our Lawyer, CEO and Vice

Chair about being double booked and

where we need to put our resources to

best serve the tribe

07/07 Lift Off EUG Expansion Showcase. Took

a tour and looked at plans the Eugene

Airport has for future expansion. Visit to

Lake Tract Property

07/08 Ribbon Cutting at South Slough Visitor

Center. Made improvements to the

entrance to accommodate more visitors.

07/09 Special Meeting: Working on potential

contract there will be (more to come on

this matter as soon as possible). Working

on updates to committee codes. Will

send out to committee members when

finalized. Discussion on Visions

committee. No action taken. Leaders

Circle

07/11 Student recognition Luncheon. Staff did a

wonderful job; the students and adults all

had a great time!

Total Hours: 148

Brad Kneaper, Vice Chair:

06/14 Tribal Council Regular Meeting.

06/16 Tribal Government Staff Solstice Lunch.

06/17 Special Council Meeting: Discuss

upcoming Committee Meetings (no

action taken). Council Meeting with

Stephen Dow Beckham on local tribal

history.

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation Luncheon.

06/24 Meet with Tribal Gov Management and

staff, prior to Business Council Meeting.

Gaming Facility Operational Review

Board. Tribal Council Business Meeting.

06/26 Meet with Oregon Attorney General Dan

Rayfield at his request: Discussion of any

items of interest to the Tribe.

06/29 Meet with potential Contractor at Three

Rivers Casino.

06/30 9 Oregon Tribes Meeting by ZOOM

07/06 Meet with Chair, CEO and Legal

regarding upcoming committee meetings.

07/07 Attend the City of Eugene “Lift Off EUG

Expansion Showcase” at the Eugene

Airport, Chief, Chair and CEO also

attended.

07/09 Special Council Meeting: Discuss

potential contract with a company;

Committee Code Updates discussion;

Visions Committee Updates. Leader’s

Circle: Meet with Gov Kotek Staff

(Asked for a Consultation - Didn’t

happen); Meet with Sue Wilson

Mapleton School District Superintendent;

Meet with Budget Committee; Meet with

Enrollment Committee; Discuss Dept of

Interior Tribal Advisory Committee.

Total Hours: 127

Debbie Bossley:

06/16 Tribal Government Staff Lunch

06/17 Special Meeting, Stephan Dow Beckham

Meeting, Coos Historical Museum Award

Ceremony

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation Lunch

06/23 Offshore Wind Roundtable

06/24 Tribal Council Business Meeting

06/26 Council meeting with AG Rayfield

06/29 Lobbyist meeting

06/30 Lobbyist meeting

07/09 Special meeting/Leaders Circle

07/11 Student Recognition Dinner

07/12 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

Total Hours: 80

Julie Siestreem:

06/14 Tribal Council General Council regular

monthly meeting Coos Bay

06/16 Tribal Government Staff Solstice

luncheon Tribal Hall Plank House, Sweat

Lodge Coos Bay, Education Committee

meeting zoom

06/17 Visions Committee Special meeting

Coos Bay, NNLPC: 250 Years as

“Merciless Indian Savages” zoom, Tribal

Council Steven Dow Beckham Tribal

History presentation Coos Bay, Steven

Dow Beckham Coos Bay History

presentation Coos County History

Museum/Patty Whereat Phillips Coos

County Historical Society Award

Recognition

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation Grant Awards

Presentation TRC Florence

06/19 – 06/21 Summer Solstice Ceremonies,

Tribal Hall, Community Center, Plank

House, Sweat Lodge, Sunset Beach

Coos Bay

06/23 State of Oregon Offshore Wind Energy

Roadmap Roundtable all day KoKwell

Casino Conference rooms

06/24 Tribal Council GFORB regular monthly

meeting TRC Florence, Tribal Council

Business regular monthly meeting TRC

Florence

06/25 Tribal Council Oregon AG Rayfield

06/27 Coquille Indian Tribes 37th Restoration

Ceremony Coos Bay

06/29 Tribal Council PACE LLT meeting

07/07 Lift Off Eugene Airport Expansion Project

07/08 South Slough Entrance Project

celebration Charleston

07/09 Tribal Council Special meeting Coos Bay,

Tribal Council Leaders Circle meeting

Coos Bay

07/11 Student Recognition Luncheon

Ceremony Coos Bay

07/12 Tribal Council General Council regular

monthly meeting Coos Bay

07/12-07/13 Elders Honor Days Grand Ronde

Total Hours: 130

Iliana Montiel:

06/14 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

06/16 Tribal Gov Staff Solstice Lunch

06/17 Meeting with Steven Dow Beckham

06/18 Three Rivers Foundation – Grant Awards

Celebration

06/24 GFORB / Tribal Council Business

Meeting

06/26 Meeting with AG Rayfield

06/29 Meeting with PACE LLC

06/20 Meeting with PACE LLC - tour

07/09 Special Meeting / Leaders Circle

07/11 Student Recognition Lunch

Total Hours: 50

Ashley Russell:

06/16 Reviewed Special Meeting Packet

06/17 Special Meeting and Coos County

Historical Society Award Recognition for

Patty Whereat Phillips

06/23 Reviewed Business Meeting Packet

06/24 Business Meeting

06/26 Meeting with AG Rayfield

06/29 Meeting with Lobbyist

06/30 Meeting with Lobbyist, Field School

Dinner

07/08 Reviewed Leader’s Circle Packet,

Leader’s Circle

07/09 Special Meeting and Leader’s Circle

07/11 Student Recognition Dinner; Reviewed

Tribal Council Meeting Packet

07/12 Tribal Council Meeting, Drafted and

submitted Council Business Report

Total Hours: 67.75

www.ctclusi.org

August 2026

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.

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: 541888-2853.

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

Brian Dubray,

Chief Operating Officer

bdubray@ctclusi.org

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-888-9577

Eugene Outreach Office

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

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

Department of Culture and

Natural Resources

Ashley Russell, Director

Phone 541-888-9577

arussell@ctclusi.org

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Education Department

Jemiah Wassman, Director

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone: 541-888-1318

Toll free 1-888-280-0726

jwassman@ctclusi.org

Three Rivers Health Center

150 S Wall Street

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone (541) 435-7200

info@threerivers.health

Amanda Craig,

Assistant Director

Phone 541-435-7164

acraig@ctclusi.org

149 W. 12th Avenue

Eugene, OR 97401

Elders Activities

Barbara Black, Tribal

Navigator/ Community Health

Aide

250 Hull Street

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-888-7520

bblack@ctclusi.org

Three Rivers Behavioral

Health

250 Hull 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

Dept. of Human Resources

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone: 541-888-7508

Fax: 541-897-9881

recruitment@ctclusihr.org

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

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

Forestry Department

Brian Dubray, Interim

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-888-1311

rbronson@ctclusi.org

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

Brian Dubray, Interim Director

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-997-6011

Fax 541-435-0492

bdubray@ctclusi.org

Tribal Gaming Commission

Brian Dubray, Interim

Executive Director of the

Gaming Commission

5647 Hwy 126, Suite 100

Florence, OR 97439

Phone 541-997-2830

Fax 541-997-7293

bdubray@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

Tribal Committee Members

Budget Committee

1. VACANT

2. VACANT

3. Margaret Corvi

4. Stephanie Watkins

5. Kerry Brainard

6. Sarah Marical

7. Roseana Perry - Chair

Education Committee

Enrollment Committee

Elders Committee

Housing Committee

1. Lorin Krossman - Chair

2. Julie Siestreem

3. Nicole Romine

4. Ashley Russell

5. Michael Brainard

1. Arleen Perkins - Chair

2. Laura Fortin

3. Warren (Tom) Brainard

4. VACANT

5. Mike Lent

6. Stan McNutt

7. Teresa Spangler

Cultural Coalition

Committee

1. Enna Helms

2. Cynthia Hovind

3. Pam Stoehlser

4. Kyle Gaines

5. VACANT

Culture Committee

Jesse Beers,

Cultural Stewardship

Manager

Phone 541-997-6685

jbeers@ctclusi.org

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Election Board

1. Earla Kirk

2. Kyle Gaines - Chair

3. Alyssa Lydick

4. Nicole Romine

5. Michael Brainard

6. Patricia Whereat-Phillips

7. Chief Doug Barrett

1. (Expired) Jade Fong

2. Michael Brainard - Chair

3. Tes Gagner

4. Mark Petrie

5. Kathy Perkins

6. Kimmy Bixby

7. Ashley Russell

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

1. Courtney Krossman

2. Patricia Whereat-Phillips

3. Skip Brainard

4. Vicki Faciane - Chair

5. Teresa Spangler

1. Andrew Brainard

2. Danny Krossman

3. Enna Helms

4. Tyler Slyter - Chair

5. Sarah Marical

Language Committee

1. Nicole Mendoza

2. Tammy Evarts

3. Ashley Vandevort

4. Jade Fong - Chair

5. VACANT

6. Jesse Beers

7. Ayuthea Cisneros

Tribal Council

Doug Barrett, Chief

541-297-2130 (cell)

doug.barrett@ctclusi.org

Ashley Russell

Position #1 Council

541-808-4455 (cell)

ashley.russell@ctclusi.org

Brad Kneaper, Vice

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, 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

All committee

members with an

expired term have

been notified and are

encouraged to submit

a letter of interest for

reappointment.

If you wish to no longer

participate as an active

member, please send

an email to

enrollment@ctclusi.org

Interested in being on

a committee? Submit

a letter of interest

(can be found on the

Enrollment page on the

Tribal website).

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/

Position #6 Council

541-808-5580(cell)

debbie.bossley@ctclusi.org

Council Meeting

August 9, 2026

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

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

C TCLUSI

C UL TURE

August 2026

CTCLUSI Summer Culture Camp

The Deadline to sign up for camp is

August 10, 2026.

Open to CTCLUSI Tribal

Youth, Youth in Tribal

Households, Youth

of neighboring Tribes

and Youth of CTCLUSI

Staff ages 8-18. Join

us in learning, growing,

connecting, and having fun!

SUMMER CAMP

August 23 - 27, 2026

Hidden Image Search:

Can You Find Me?

In this edition of The Voice of CLUSI there is a hidden

image of a CALYPSO ORCHID exactly like the one

pictured here.

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 CALYPSO ORCHID

hiding!

Must email by August

14th to be included in the

raffle drawing.

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

provided by different

CTCLUSI

Government

departments.

Thank you to all of the Tribal Government Departments

that donate raffle prizes!

Thank you to everyone for playing, and for your

patience as the raffle prizes for the winners are mailed

out.

Questions? Contact mgaines@ctclusi.org

July Flicker Feather Raffle Winners:

Adult - Amanda Craig

Youth - No Youth Entered into the July Raffle

The Flicker Feather was hidden on page 15, Picture

of all the Tribal Flags on display, about the center of

the right edge of photo.

Camp will be held at Camp

Lutherwood.

Scan QR Code to register

Questions? Call Angela Henry at 541-294-9602

Email ahenry@ctclusi.org

Three Rivers Casino RV Park

Construction Update

Contributed by Drew James, Project Manager

Construction on the Three Rivers

Casino RV Park continues to make

steady progress, and we’re excited to

share the latest developments.

All of the RV hookup bollards and utility

pedestals have now been installed and

poured. Bringing us another step closer

to welcoming guests.

The registration building is taking

shape, with the walls now standing and

the first phase of the roofing system

currently being installed.

Work has also begun on the shower

building. The initial phase includes

pouring the concrete foundation, which

will allow construction of the walls to

begin, followed by the masonry work

for the shower stalls.

In addition, bids have been received

for the final phase of the project, which

includes landscaping, sidewalks, and

paving throughout the RV park.

We’re excited to see

this

project

continue

to come together and

appreciate

everyone’s

hard work in bringing this

vision to life. Our goal

is to create a premier

stopping point along the

Oregon Coast, offering

guests a comfortable

and enjoyable stay while

providing easy access to

the outstanding dining,

gaming, and amenities

available at Three Rivers

Casino.

Shower House construction

Registration Building Progress

August 2026

Planning Department

Welcomes Tribal Citizen

Drew James to the Team

Contributed by Jeremy Doze, Director of Planning

Please join me in welcoming Drew James to the

organization as our new Project Manager within

the Planning Department.

Drew brings more than 12 years of Heavy Civil

Construction experience and is also a CTCLUSI

Tribal Member. His background, knowledge, and

perspective will be an invaluable addition as we

continue to expand the Planning Department’s

project management efforts and strengthen

oversight of capital projects across both the

Government and Gaming segments of the

organization.

We are very happy to have Drew on board and

look forward to the contributions he will make in

support of our team and the Tribe’s ongoing work.

Please take a moment to say hello and

welcome Drew when you have the chance.

www.ctclusi.org

Cafe 1297 Project Update

Contributed by Drew James, Project Manager

We’re excited to share that the front-of-house bar is now complete and fully

operational! With this major milestone behind us, construction is moving into the

next phase on the café side, where work is underway on the new kitchen and

expanded seating area.

During this phase of the

project, Café 1297 will

operate with a limited menu

as food service operations

are temporarily relocated to

the Three Rivers food truck.

The limited menu will remain

in place until construction is

complete.

This project represents a

significant investment for

Three Rivers Casino Coos

Bay,

expanding

seating

capacity for our guests while

creating a more functional and

efficient kitchen for our team

members. We’re excited to

see this vision come together

and look forward to providing

even

better

dining

experience for our guests.

Thank you for your patience

and support as we continue

building toward the future of

Café 1297!

dai (hello)!

C o n fe d e r a t e d Tr i b e s o f C o o s , L o w e r U m p q u a

and Siuslaw Indians Social Ser vices

4th Annual Crime Summit

Strengthening Families!

CTCLUSI

Social Services

Presents:

Drew James, Project Manager

Need a Ride?

If you live within our five-county service area

and need help accessing public transportation,

please contact Kathy Perkins at 541-888-9577

ext. 7550 or email kperkins@ctclusi.org

Albert Pooley

THURSDAY

SEPT

10-11

FRIDAY

Three Rivers Casino Resort, Florence, Oregon

5 6 47 O R -1 2 6 , F lo re n c e , O R 974 3 9

For Coos County Tribal Members

All CTCLUSI Tribal Members can ride CCAT

public transportation services free of charge.

This benefit includes all regularly scheduled

public transit routes.

Please note that demand-response services,

such as Dial-a-Ride, are available only to

riders who are 65 years of age or older or who

have a qualifying disability. Assistance with the

application process is available if you would like

to apply for these services.

When boarding, please present your Tribal ID

to the driver to receive your free fare benefit.

2026 Register Today by Scanning QR Code

hiis haiyach (with a good heart)

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

August 2026

Student Recognition & Language Ceremony continued from cover page...

always been a positive field for our families, with policies that were

not so positive for us.” He went on to share that by entering this

field he wants to make a difference for Tribal people experiencing

hardships with behavioral health and support programs that support

Tribal youth. He shared how important it is to lean on community

and that he would always lend a hand to those in need of support.

Tribal Council member Ashley Russell, who received her Master of

Natural Resources from Oregon State University, also shared some

inspirational words about her experience as a full-time professional,

leader, and student.

Language teachers Patty Whereat Phillips and Enna Helms gave

a presentation about the Language Revitalization Program, giving

special recognition and thanks to all the Language Nest Facilitators;

Kris Wing, Ashley Vandevort, Tammy Evarts, language committee

members, and all those who continue to support the growth of the

language program. Together, Patty and Enna brought Isa Helms up

to be honored. Isa Helms graduated this year from South Eugene

High School and earned the Oregon Seal of Biliteracy for the miluk

language. She is the first student in Eugene School District 4J to

earn a Seal of Biliteracy for an Indigenous language. In honor of

her incredible accomplishment, Isa was gifted an Eagle feather with

beading on leather made by Tribal artisan Amanda Craig.

Opening her speech with miluk coos, Isa Helms shared about

her language journey. “I started my language learning journey

because it was a chance to feel more connected to my culture and

community. Growing up, my mom made sure Chinuk wawa and

the miluk coos language had a place in our home through songs,

conversations, cooking, cleaning, and everyday moments. She

taught me that our languages were something to value, protect,

and carry forward.” Her words of encouragement to other youths to

learn their traditional language were impactful and heartfelt. Before

KEEP

LEARNING

thanking her language teachers and all those who supported her

language journey, she shared “If I could leave one message with

the younger people here today, it would be this…don’t be afraid to

begin.

Every speaker starts with their first word, and every word you learn

is another step toward strengthening yourself, your family, and our

community. I hope more Tribal youth choose this path, not because

of an award or recognition, but because our language is a gift. It is

a source of strength, belonging, and identity.”

Tribal students from each age group were invited up to share their

name and what grade they are going into next year before receiving

a gift from the Education Department. Youth grades K-12 were

followed by the graduating seniors from the Class of 2026. The

High School graduates were each draped in a Pendleton blanket by

members of Tribal Council.

College graduates were also honored with a blanket draped upon

them by members of Tribal Council. They were each gifted with a

beaded dentalium necklace made by several Tribal artisans, made

especially for Higher Education graduates. In a poignant moment

all the other women currently on Tribal Council came together to

wrap college graduate and Tribal Council member Ashley Russell

in her Pendleton blanket.

Throughout the day, more fun was had as folks took turns sitting

for a caricature artist, taking pictures in front of the balloon backdrop,

or enjoying the fun bounce house options outside in the sun. By the

end of the afternoon, nearly everyone won a raffle prize from the

generous gifts provided by the Education Department.

Thank you to Tribal Council for your continued support of our

youth, to the Education Department team of Jemiah Wasson,

Morgan Cloud, Daylen Cossey, Cheri Moos, Lyndsay Carroll,

and Sam Chase. Special thanks to the Department of Culture

and Natural Resources Language Sector and

Language teachers Patty Whereat Phillips and

Enna Helms for their dedication to language

revitalization, and all those extra supportive

players who worked tirelessly to put the event

together. Thanks also go to those who continue

to support our youth and students growing and

learning, always.

T H IS S U M M E R !

WORRIED ABOUT THE

SUMMER SLIDE?

The CTCLUSI Education Department is here to help!

AVAILABLE TO CTCLUSI

HOUSEHOLDS ONLY

We are offering free professional tutoring,

both in person and virtually, for K-12

students, GED learners, and higher

education students.

Weekly tutoring is available now and will

continue throughout the 2026/2027 school

year.

Whether your student wants to stay

sharp over the summer, catch up in a

challenging subject, or get a head

start on the upcoming school year,

weʼre here to help.

FREE

Profes

sional

Tutori

ng!

Patty Whereat Phillips, Isa Helms and Enna Helms

OUR TUTORS CAN PROVIDE

INDIVIDUALIZED ASSISTANCE WITH:

Homework

Assistance

Study Skills

College Placement

Exam Preparation

Professional

Certificate

Coursework

College

Coursework

GED Preparation

Reading

Writing

Math

Science

REQUEST TUTORING HERE:

http://laserfische.ctclusi.org/Forms?ED-Tutor-Request

QUESTIONS?

Contact the CTCLUSI Education Department

at 541-888-1314

We look forward to helping

students of all ages achieve

their educational goals!

Graduating High School Senior Natasha Tervort

August 2026

www.ctclusi.org

Student Recognition & Language Ceremony continued from cover page...

High School graduate Ramil Beers

The women of Tribal Council pictured left to right: Julie Siestreem, Chair Teresa Spangler,

Iliana Montiel and Debbie Bossley wrap college grad and Council member Ashley Russell in

her honor blanket

College graduate mok (Mark) Petrie

Above:The Eagle feather and necklaces gifted to the

graduates

Left: High School graduate Enza Hall

College graduate Conner Tervort

High School graduate Sawyer Kilbourne

Siblings Myrtle and Thorin Gaines pose for a fun fantasy

caricature

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

haich ikt’ at’uu continued from cover page...

walked to the levee. “That’s what I get

excited about, is just seeing the rhythm of

the river do its thing.”

The McKenzie River Trust acquired the

Waite Ranch site for $750,000 in 2010

with a grant from the Oregon Watershed

Enhancement Board. Since then, the

total cost has been roughly $16 million,

according to Kirk. A large portion of that

is a 1.2 mile earthen ridge -or berm- that

protects the section of Highway 126 that

runs adjacent to the estuary.

“Today we will be reconnecting the tidal

Siuslaw River into the site,” said Kirk, as a

survey team put up a wide yellow barrier

called a silt curtain between the Siuslaw

River and the levee. “So creating about 180

acres of new wetland that was historically

tidal wetland before the mid-1800s when it

became a dairy farm.”

Huddled with the observers was Margaret

Treadwell, the central coast conservation

program manager for the McKenzie River

Trust. She had never seen a levee breach

before, and was excited for what was to

happen in the next few minutes.

“The waters of the Siuslaw River are

going to come back into this place from the

tide for the first time in probably over 100

years. It’s returning the natural processes

to this place.”

Breaking down to rise up

At 7:33 a.m., an excavator lowered

its toothed bucket against the earthen

levee, and readily broke it apart as the

onlookers cheered. River water coursed

in immediately, seeping quickly into the

area that hadn’t touched brackish water

for generations.

“Keep an eye out for animals coming

back in,” said Treadwell. She said wildlife

has a way of knowing when things like

breaches happen, and return to their

ancient habitat.

“It’s a pretty good feeling,” said CLUSI

Chief Doug Barrett. He’d performed a short

ceremonial drum song to complement

Kirk’s blessing of the estuary. Until this

moment, he’d only really known of the site

as farmland. Barrett was excited to see

this transformed into a special place for

the wildlife significant to his tribe.

“This is a pretty awesome place now

to call our home,” he said, as the waters

began to rise higher along the estuary

channel. “And our salmon to call their

home, and our lamprey.”

A trending push to reclaiming the land

and the waters

The CLUSI is one of several Pacific

Northwestern tribes that have reclaimed

and restored coastal areas since the

beginning of the millennium. In 2015,

a levee breach was carried out by the Tulalip

Tribes of Washington State, assisted by

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Service, and the City of Marysville, among

others. Named the Qwuloolt Estuary, the

breach connected 354 acres of historic

wetlands to the Salish Sea, which also

created more favorable passage and

conditions for salmon.

And at Similk Bay on the south side of

Fidalgo Island in northern Washington

state, a habitat restoration project is in the

works that could help reverse the trend

for chinook salmon, which are listed as

an endangered species. The Swinomish

Tribe and the Skagit River System

Cooperative are collaborating on a 17acre parcel of saltwater marsh habitat for

juvenile chinook, namely a pocket estuary

coordinators say will help the fish rebound.

At last check, the project is expected to

wrap up this summer.

Mizu Burruss of the Siuslaw Watershed

Council said partnerships between tribes

and nonprofit organizations like hers are

essential as resources and bandwidth can

be tight for just a lone group to tackle.

“They make them richer, better, more

complex and diverse projects,” said

Burruss. “When we’re talking about

ecosystem restoration, that’s what we

want.”

Closing ceremony through canoe

With the Siuslaw Estuary steadily filling

up with river water, Chief Barrett made his

way back to Florence. There, he joined the

CLUSI tribal council and other officials at

the Port of Siuslaw, and boarded “Lottie”,

a 32.5-foot cedar canoe.

With oars at the ready, the dozen-person

crew launched into the dark green waters

of the Siuslaw River, and paddled roughly

four miles eastwards towards the newlyopened channel of haich ikt’at’uu. Several

seals and a sea lion were spotted on the

way, and a small armada of kayakers

August 2026

joined the canoeists in the final leg of the

journey.

The image could not have been more

iconic of the traditional and modern worlds:

the dugout canoe with its crew wearing

woven basket-hats approaching a restored

space still flanked by dump trucks and

excavators, while several drones hovered

above. Some people in the craft sang, as

Chief Barrett and others threw tule seeds

and tobacco into the estuary.

Jesse

Beers,

CLUSI’s

cultural

stewardship manager, carefully placed a

woven grass mat bearing the remains of

a salmon into the current, which swept it

away towards the newly-formed habitat.

“We came in and did a protocol

ceremony,” said Beers, after the canoe

docked. “When we were in the channel,

it almost brought tears to my eyes.” He

said the salmon remains were to let the

Salmon People know that this was a “good

place” to come again, to “fatten up and be

healthy.”

Beers said as the increasingly salty

water flows in from the ocean, there’ll be

less invasives and briars to contend with,

and more cattail and tule growing across

the restored space.

“Just seeing the breach actually happen

after this long, it’s just an amazing

experience.”

One last piece remains: a canoe landing

which wasn’t installed yet by the time

of the levee breach. The landing was

suggested by CLUSI youth, who wanted

cultural access to the area to interact

and learn with the estuary’s environment.

Organizers expect the canoe landing to be

done sometime in July.

This story originally appeared on Underscore

Native News by Brian Bull.

Photos provided by Elizabeth Goward and

Margaret Treadwell with McKenzie River

Trust and Tim Moffett with the Siuslaw

Watershed Council, Owen Cass with the Oregon

Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Hunter

White, Project Engineer, ESA

August 2026

www.ctclusi.org

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

August 2026

Congratulations High School Graduates Class of 2026

Avri Ludwig

Cash Gorman

Sailee Baldwin-Garcia

Ramil Beers

Avri Ludwig graduated from

Homer High School in Homer,

Alaska.

Avri plans to attend Fort Lewis

College in Durango, Colorado to

earn a Bachelors in Engineering,

and participate in their Lacrosse

Club.

Cash Gorman graduated from

Sprague High School in Salem,

Oregon.

Cash will be attending Southern

Oregon University in Ashland,

Oregon to follow his dreams of

being in theater and to pursue a

minor in business.

Sailee Baldwin Garcia graduated

from Sheldon High School in

Eugene, Oregon where she was

a member of the Native American

Student Union and Latin Student

Union. Sailee is a CTCLUSI Youth

Ambassador planning to pursue a

nursing degree and attend Lane

Community College.

Ramil Beers graduated

Valedictorian of his class

from Mapleton High School in

Mapleton, Oregon

Ramil will be attending Oregon

State University in Corvallis,

Oregon in the Fall to major in

Psychology and Neuroscience.

Natasha Tervort

Enza Hall

Jordan Davies

Isa Helms

Natasha Tervort graduated from

Elko High School in Nevada

where she was a member of

the Speech and Debate teams.

Natasha will be attending Great

Basin College in the Fall with the

goal to become a high school

English teacher.

Enza Hall graduated from Nelson

High School in Happy Valley,

Oregon.

Enza will be attending the

Academy of Art University in

San Francisco, California this

fall for fashion design and

communication.

Jordan Davies graduated from

Sheldon High School in Eugene,

Oregon where he participated

in Future Build where he

received certifications in multiple

construction areas.

Jordan would like to continue his

soccer career in college.

Isa Helms graduated from South

Eugene High School with honors

and earned the Seal of Biliteracy

in miluk language.

Isa plans to pursue a Bachelor

of Science in Chemistry with the

goal of becoming a scientist.

Are you a 2026 Graduate?!?

We want to celebrate

YOU!

Mayah Wisdom

Mayah Wisdom graduated

Valedictorian from Elma High

School in Washington where she

was president of both the Choir

and Theater clubs and a member

of the National Honor Society.

Mayah will be attending George

Fox University in Newberg,

Oregon to pursue a Major in

English and Minor in Theater.

Sawyer Kilbourne

Sawyer Kilbourne graduated

Valedictorian of his class at John

F. Kennedy High School in Mount

Angel, Oregon where he earned

his FFA State Degree and served

as President of the National

Honor Society as his class ASB

Representative.

Sawyer plans to be a Doctor.

Daniel Schmidt

Daniel Schmidt graduated from

Montesano High School and

completed an intense yearlong preEMS/Firefighter training. Danny

plans to continue at Gray’s Harbor

College where he’s participated

in the running start program to

complete his AA, then onward to

Eastern Oregon University’s Fire

Science Program.

Send in your photograph and

graduation information to be

futured in a future edition of

The Voice of CLUSI paper and

on CTCLUSI Social Media pages

Scan QR code to fill

out the Student

Recognition Form

or email

Morgan Cloud

mcloud@ctclusi.org

or Morgan Gaines

mgaines@ctclusi.org

www.ctclusi.org

August 2026

Congratulations College Graduates Class of 2026

Ashley Russell

Jorney Baldwin

mok (Mark) Petrie

Ashley Russell earned her Master of Natural

Resources Degree from Oregon State

University.

Ashley is a first-generation college student,

working professional, mother of three, and

Tribal Council leader. She completed the

graduate program while continuing to serve

the Tribe and Community as a sitting member

of Tribal Council and The Director of Culture

and Natural Resources.

Jorney Baldwin graduated from the University

of Oregon earning her Master in Couples and

Family Therapy and a Master in Strategic

Communications. Jorney is also the recipient

of the Future Steward Award.

After graduation, Jorney plans to backpack

through Southeast Asia before beginning her

role as a mental health therapist at Bethel

Health Center in Eugene, Oregon where she

will continue working with youth and families.

mok Petrie graduated with a Master of Social

Work from Portland State University.

mok earned his degree while interning with

the CTCLUSI Behavioral Health Program

at Three Rivers Health Center in Coos Bay,

Oregon. mok wants to continue to support

Tribal programs that support Tribal youth and

families within the Behavioral Health and

Social Services fields.

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Scholarship Recipients were announced at the

Student Recognition & Language Ceremony on

July 11, 2026

2026 Elders

Kirsten Casillas

Alhana McNutt

2026 Mitsis

Devin Clark

Alhana McNutt

2026 Pepsi

Kirsten Casillas

Devin Clark

Tyler Garcia

Naomi Green

Sawyer Kilbourne

Erin Kowalski

Jaid McNutt

Emma-Leigh Moore

Bryton Pender

Jack Sallinger

Heidi Schmidt

Haylie Tobel

Shasta Wing

2026 Chief Doc

Slyter

Jacob Carnation

Evan Ellefsen

2026 Carolyn Slyter

Erin Kowalski

Shasta Wing

2026 Tribal

Government

Beers, Ramil

Blankenship, Aurora

Bolling, Adam

Bradley, Levi

Brainard, Lee

Brainard, Tyler

Branco, Clayton

Byer, Tanner

Carnation, Jacob

Carroll, Lyndsay

Casillas, Kirsten

Clark, Devin

Ellefsen, Evan

Folkes, Maleyia

Gagner, Conor

Garcia, Tyler

Hall, Enza

Harmon, Aaron

Kilbourne, Griffin

Kilbourne, Sawyer

Kimura, Sydnie

Kowalski, Erin

Lozeau, Brody

Lum, Sydney

McNutt, Alhana

McNutt, Alyssa

Moore, Emma Leigh

Norton, Carter

Pender, Bryton

Sallinger, Jack

Sallinger, Ryan

Schmidt, Daniel

Schmidt, Heidi

Tervort, Conner

Tervort, Natasha

Tobel, Haylie

Vielma, Isa

Wisdom, Mayah

Wright, Abbie

Wright, Isaac

Kaylynne Grigsby

Conner Tervort

Conner Tervort earned his Associates of Arts

Degree from Great Basin College in Elko,

Nevada.

Conner persevered and found his path after

changing majors and facing challenges in

his academic career, and is now on his way

to earning his Bachelor’s Degree in English

from Great Basin College for a future career

in Publishing and Editing.

Isabelle Green

Isabelle Green earned her Associates in prenursing. Isabelle will be joining the Registered

Nursing Program at Umpqua Community

College in Roseburg, Oregon this fall.

Kaylynne Grigsby earned her Certified

Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification from

Lane Community College.

After completing her final exam, she was

immediately hired at the Peace Health Peace

Harbor Medical Center in Florence.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

Elders Trip to Grand Ronde

August 2026

Contributed by Kimmy Bixby, Community Health Representative

On July 12th, CTCLUSI Elders loaded up the vans and bus from

Coos Bay, Florence and Eugene to head out to Spirit Mountain

Casino for the night.

Once everyone arrived and checked in, we met for dinner at

Mountain View Restaurant inside the casino. From burgers,

sandwiches, fish & chips and salads, we all seemed to enjoy our

food, along with a little dessert afterward.

Some gambling may have gone down that night before lights

out. Congratulations to all who won!

The morning of Grand Ronde’s Elders Honor Day, we met

outside the events center dressed in our ribbon skirts and shirts.

Everyone settled at their tables with a yummy breakfast while

waiting for the event to begin. After Color Guard presented flags

and Opening Prayer, Chairwoman Cheryle Kennedy announced

that anyone who didn’t have a ribbon skirt could come up and pick

one to borrow for the day!

After raffle drawings and socializing, we got to hear from Grand

Ronde’s Canoe Family about their journey, before we began lining

up for lunch.

During the delicious buffet lunch, Grand Ronde’s Tribal Children

introduced themselves and entertained us all with a beautiful

song and dance. The cultural sharing through drumming, singing

and dancing was wonderful and enjoyed by all. Cheryle then

announced that the ribbon skirts were in fact NOT lenders, but

a gift from their Tribe! One of our Tribal Elders, Veteran Peggy

Shobe was gifted with a beautiful red and blue ribbon skirt. She

accepted with tears of happiness.

Before closing and retiring of the flags, we all played 5 rounds

of Bingo. Many of our CTCLUSI Elders won!

When the event was over, some of our Elders headed to view

the Longhouse, while others headed home.

Thank you to the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde for their

hospitality and entertainment!

Supplemental Security Income

Program for Elders

On December 18, 2026 Tribal Council approved Resolution

25-217 to Increase the Tribal Elders Pension and Supplemental

Security Income beginning on January 1, 2026. Tribal Elders

aged 65 and up are eligible for this $1,000 monthly supplemental

security Income.

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-SecurityIncome

Need assistance filling out your

application or have questions about

the program?

Contact the Enrollment

Department today at

541-435-7178.

www.ctclusi.org

August 2026

Elders Corner

BARBARA BLACK,

TRIBAL NAVIGATOR/COMMUNITY HEALTH AIDE

IS MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION!

New address is :

Three Rivers Health Center

250 Hull Street , Coos a( , R 7420 .

Phone : 54 - 888 - 7520

Cell : 54 - 24 - 5472

September 10th, 2026

Florence Outreach Office

(Blue Room Conference Area)

3757 Hwy 101

Florence, OR. 97439

Door open 11:30am

Lunch at Noon

Also moving with her are the Frozen meals ,

Fresh Vegetables , and ver - The - Counter

medications .

Please RSVP By Friday September 4, 2026

To Doug Morrison (541) 997-6685

Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians

Health and Social Services Division

Welcome New Tribal Elder

Doreen Belcher

CTCLUSI Tribal Offices

Holiday Closures

All CTCLUSI Tribal Government Offices will

be CLOSED in Observance of these holidays

SAVE THE DATE

Eugene Elders Luncheon

Thursday, October 8, 2026

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: TBD

We hope to see you there!

Labor Day - Monday, September 7

Native American Day - Friday, September 25

Indigenous People’s Day Monday, October 12

CTCLUSI Restoration Day - Saturday,

October 17, observed Friday, October 16

Veteran’s Day - Wednesday, November 11

Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26

Native American Heritage Day Friday, November 27

Staff Appreciation Day

(Christmas Eve) - Thursday, December 24

Chirstmas Day - Friday, December 25

3rd Distribution for the

Hands of Harvest

Farmers Market Program

Application Opens August 16th

Close September 15th

Scan QR Code to open and fill out Hands

of Harvests Application Form.

CTCLUSI Enrolled Tribal Member

Households Required.

First-come, first-served system!

Be sure to apply as soon as possible if

you are interested in utilizing the Farmers

Market Program in Coos Bay & Eugene,

Oregon.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

Culture Sector DCNR Gatherings

August 2026

Honoring Our Relationships with Land, Season, and Community

Contributed by Alycia Cossey, Cultural Stewardship Associate

to learn alongside one another and carry

these teachings forward.

Isaac Dull also crafted cedar prying and

scraping tools from ocean spray specifically

for the harvest. These handmade

tools worked exceptionally well and

demonstrated the knowledge, creativity, and

resourcefulness that comes from working

with materials provided by the land.

Beyond the cedar itself, the day was

filled

with laughter, storytelling, and shared

Cedar Gathering – May 22

knowledge.

Participants

strengthened

On May 22, Tribal citizens gathered with relationships with one another, with the cedar

support from the Department of Culture & trees, and with the lands that continue to

Natural Resources (DCNR) Culture Sector sustain our people.

for our annual cedar harvest on sha’yuushtɬ’a Gatherings

tɬ’a’ai (Siuslaw homelands). The gathering these

remind

offered an opportunity to reconnect with cedar us that cultural

and learn the teachings surrounding respectful teachings are not

harvesting like understanding when and how simply preserved;

to harvest, taking only what is needed, and they are lived,

caring for the trees so they can continue to practiced,

and

heal and thrive for future generations.

strengthened

A meaningful moment of the day was through

our

witnessing youth Ray Cloud and Elder Roy relationships with

Brainard harvest cedar for the first time. each other and all

Their participation reflected the importance of our relations.

creating opportunities for multiple generations

Throughout the year, the DCNR Culture

Sector hosts gatherings that create

opportunities for Tribal citizens and families to

reconnect with cultural teachings, strengthen

relationships, and spend time together in

community. These gatherings are not simply

events, they are opportunities to practice,

learn, and carry forward the teachings that

continue to guide our people.

Ray Cloud Pulling Red Cedar for the first

time, with Isaac Dull, Jesse Beers, and elder Roy

Brainard. Photo Credit: Alycia Cossey

Pictured left: Ocean spray tool created by Isaac

Dull aka ‘Stickie’ Photo Credit: Alycia Cossey

Elder Roy Brainard Pulling Red Cedar for the first

time. Photo Credit: Alycia Cossey

Isaac Dull and iila Kirk Processing Cedar

Photo Credit: Alycia Cossey

August 2026

www.ctclusi.org

Culture Sector DCNR Gatherings

Honoring Our Relationships with Land, Season, and Community

Contributed by Alycia Cossey, Cultural Stewardship Associate

Summer Solstice – June 19–22

From June 19–22, Tribal citizens and

families gathered to celebrate the Summer

Solstice, honoring the sun for its long days,

warmth, energy, and life-giving power while

acknowledging the gradual return of shorter

days.

Throughout the weekend, community

members participated in activities that

connected us to seasonal teachings,

including the building of a traditional earth

oven, cultural learning, weaving, personal

projects, songs, dances, and shared

meals. Participants also took part in several

sweats throughout the gathering, including

a women’s sweat, men’s sweat, and a hijii,

xe, s’a (he, she, they) sweat for relatives

who identify outside the male/female

gender binary. Many women participated in

sweat for the first time and shared that the

experience was meaningful and healing for

both body and spirit to say the least.

Meals throughout the weekend highlighted

many First Foods (foods Indigenous to the

Americas) including blue corn pancakes,

pine nut butter, shore pinecone syrup,

salmon, venison, pickled sea asparagus,

and other seasonal foods alongside familiar

favorites.

On June 21, community gathered at

Sunset Bay to spend time together through

games, a barbecue, and connection on the

beach. That evening, Chief Barrett offered

a ceremonial blessing for the solstice fire,

and Mok Petrie tended the fire throughout

the night and into the following day, ensuring

it remained burning for the duration of the

ceremony.

Each evening, community gathered in the

plankhouse to practice songs and dance

together. The Solstice Feast featured

smoked steelhead chowder, hominy stew,

microgreens salad, berry cobbler, and

s’mores. Before the dances began, Elder

Brenda Brainard shared stories about

Tribal Hall and why this place holds such

significance for our people. Dancers then

shared with the community a few traditional

dances, including the dip net dance, feather

dance, and all who were able joined in the

friendship dance. The evening concluded

with community gifting, where relatives

Isaac Dull shows prepared salmon wrapped with fresh vegetables

and skunk cabbage leaves before cooking in the earth oven. The

salmon was provided through the Tribe’s annual salmon allotment,

the vegetables were sourced from the local farmers market, and the

skunk cabbage was respectfully gathered on miluk homelands in

coordination with South Slough Reserve. Photo Credit: Nicole Romine

Earth Oven

Prep laying down

Sword Ferns and

skunk Cabbage.

Mok Petrie,

Ashley

Vandevort,

Mexeye

Vandevort, Isaac

Dull, and Eddie

Helms

Photo Credit:

Nicole Romine

Earth oven Prep. Roy Brainard, Isaac Dull, John Schafer, mok Petrie,

and Eddie Helms. Photo Credit: Daylen Cossey

brought and shared gifts with one another.

Approximately 50–60 community members

participated each day, including many people

attending their first cultural gathering. It was

beautiful to welcome both familiar and new

faces into a space centered on connection,

learning, and belonging.

Summer Solstice is a gathering for Tribal

members and their families. We recognize

that entering cultural spaces can sometimes

feel intimidating, especially as many

teachings continue to be reclaimed within

our community. Everyone is encouraged

to ask questions, connect with knowledge

holders, and spend time in community.

There is no expectation that anyone already

knows everything. Each person carries

unique gifts, experiences, and teachings

that strengthen our community when they

are shared.

Through gatherings like Cedar Harvest

and Summer Solstice, we continue to nurture

relationships with the land, our ancestors,

our teachings, and one another. Culture

remains alive through the ways we gather,

practice, and care for each other.

Shinny and hanging out at Sunset Beach

Photo Credit: Alycia Cossey

Getting ready to dance in the Plank house

Ashley Vandevort, Alycia Cossey, Enna Helms and Daughters Isa and Liila

Photo Credit: Daniel Vandevort

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

August 2026

Good Things to Come in August

Contributed by: Elizabeth Escobedo, MS, CHES, CNC Diabetes Educator

Sources: American Diabetes Association, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Health, Indian Health Service (IHS)

August is a special month for our community. It is National

Wellness Month. It is also a time when we honor the salmon, a

fish that has nourished our tribes for generations. This month,

those two things come together beautifully on one plate.

Coastal Salmon BlackBerry Salad

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

3 cups Blackberries

3 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar optional

1 1/2 tablespoons Maple Syrup

2 Wild Salmon fillets, 3oz. each

1/2 cup Spinach or Claytonia Perfoliate

Salmon: Honored Then and Now

Salmon is something special to our community. This month, we

gather to honor it. From the catch, the fish, and even the bones. Our

tribes have known this long before any study.

Today, science agrees. The American Diabetes Association says to

eat fatty fish like salmon at least twice a week. Salmon has omega-3

fats. These are healthy fats that help protect your heart. Salmon is also

high in protein. Protein helps you feel full after a meal.

Blackberries Bring More Than Sweetness

Wild berries have long been part of traditional foods, and for good

reasons. Studies show that eating berries often is linked to a lower risk

of type 2 diabetes and a reduced risk of heart attack. Blackberries are

also full of fiber. Fiber slows the flow of sugar into the bloodstream,

leading to a gradual, gentle rise rather than a quick spike. This is good

for everyone, whether you have diabetes or are working to prevent it.

1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt optional

/ teaspoon Black Pepper optional

1/2 cup Feta Cheese crumbled optional

3/4 cup Walnuts chopped

3 4

Image and recipe from: eatfresh.org

Instructions:

1. Prepare a small pot over medium heat. Wash produce items before use.

2. Add 1 cup of blackberries, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup to small pot. Mash blackberries as they

become heated. Simmer sauce for 15 minutes and remove from heat. Sauce will thicken as it cools.

3. Prepare to grill salmon fillets. Oil the grill. Wash and pat salmon dry. Lightly coat with olive oil cooking

spray and sprinkle with salt and pepper(optional). For best quality and to prevent flaking use a fish

grill basket.

4. Grill salmon covered for 7-10 minutes, turning one time. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily.

5. Put spinach greens on two plates. Top with the remaining blackberries, cheese, walnuts, and optional

balsamic vinegar dressing. Place grilled salmon on top and cover with blackberry sauce.

A Plate Full of Good Things

Scan the QR Code at left to visit https://eatfresh.

org/recipe/main-dish/coastal-blackberry-salmonsalad/for full recipe, step by step instructions with

photos and full nutritional facts.

This is what wellness looks like in our community, not rules or

restrictions. It is about eating foods that have always been good for us.

A piece of salmon. A handful of blackberries. Some fresh greens. Good

food that connects us to the land, traditions, and each other.

This salad is for everyone. Living with diabetes. Supporting someone

who is. Or just looking for a fresh summer meal. This one is for you.

Resolution Summaries

STAY

Number

CONNECTED

Update you information with the

Enrollment Department to ensure you

receive the latest information about

upcoming events and more!

26-129

26-130

26-131

541-888-9577

26-132

1245 Fulton Avenue,

Coos Bay, OR. 97420

26-133

26-134

26-135

enrollment@ctclusi.org

https://ctclusi.org/events/

26-136

26-137

Date

Subject/Title

06/24/2026 Approval of Emergency Amendment

to CLUSITC Chapter 3-4 Hunting

Fishing Trapping and Shellfish Gathering section 3-4-23

06/24/2026 2026 Hunting and Fishing Regulations

06/24/2026 OHA (Oregon Health Authority)

THHGP (Tribal Healthy Homes

Grant Program) Data Sharing Agreement

06/24/2026 TruNarc Delta Handheld Narcotics

Analyzer Purchase

06/24/2026 Gallagher Proposal of Insurance

06/24/2026 Silviculture Budget

06/24/2026 Approval of Amended Project Budget for the 1275 Ocean Blvd Project

06/24/2026 TRC Machine Order

Vote

7-0-0

6-0-1

7-0-0

FACEBOOK

CTCLUSI

ON SOCIAL MEDIA

www.ctclusi.org

INSTAGRAM

www.ctclusi.org

August 2026

Housing and Social Services Relocation Notice

Dear Tribal Citizens,

The Housing Department and Social

Services Department will be relocating

to the Tribe’s new Outreach location at:

1275 Ocean Blvd.

Coos Bay, OR 97420

The newly remodeled location is nearly

complete, and our target date to be fully

operational at the new site is August

3rd. Please plan any visits on or after

August 3rd accordingly.

For reference, the new Outreach

location is located on Ocean Blvd.,

right between EZ Mini-Storage and

Coos Bay Marine.

During the transition, including staff

relocation and equipment setup, there

may be temporary delays in email and

phone responses. For urgent matters,

please contact the Coos Bay Tribal

Government Office at: 541-888-9577.

We look forward to welcoming you

at the new location and continuing to

provide services to the community.

Photographs shared by Melanie Mateski, Housing Navigator, show the progress as of 7/14/26.

Wildfire Season is Here

Contributed by Leslie Thompson, Housing Assistant

Did you know that wildfires only need dry fuel, air, and heat to

ignite? Typical wildfire season runs between June and October,

however in more recent years they are starting earlier and last

longer into the year with increased intensity. They can cause loss

of life, property damage, air pollution, and exacerbate already

delicate medical conditions.

Low-Income units in

Coos Bay/ North

Bend & Florence

____

Steps to prevent wildfires

Completely extinguish campfires: Douse them with water,

suffocate them with dirt, stir the ashes and keep repeating

this process until the ashes are cool to the touch.

• Follow local regulations: Research and determine the local

fire regulations for your region, and follow them. Contact you

local fire department, county emergency management office,

state forestry agency, or public land agency that manages

the area you live/ plan to visit.

• Create/ Maintain a defensible space: At least 100 ft around

your home. Remove dead vegetation, trim and remove tree

branches, keep grass and shrubs well-watered and trimmed.

• Dispose of burning butts properly: No matter what kind,

never discard of burning butts on the ground or out a vehicle

window. Use designated containers and dispose of them

responsibly.

• Equipment safety: Use equipment that can generate sparks

such as chainsaws or lawnmowers during non-risk periods

(early morning-late night). Double check to make sure that

any equipment that is used outdoors has spark arresters.

• Practice safe burning: Follow local regulations, never leave

a burn pile unattended, always have water and tools nearby

to control the fire if needed.

• Use fire resistant plants: Fire resistant plants are plants that

don’t readily ignite from a flame or other ignition sources.

Although fire-resistant plants can be damaged or even killed

by fire, their foliage and stems don’t contribute significantly

to the fuel and, therefore, the fire’s intensity.

The Housing Department wants everyone to stay safe, and have

a happy, healthy summer. We can all do our part to keep our

homes and community around us safe by preventing wildfires

from igniting.

CTCLUSI Tribal

Preference

•

____

CTCLUSI

TRIBAL HOUSING

Tribally Owned HUD Housing

Did you know that if you meet CTCLUSI’s program criteria, you

may qualify for low-income housing where you only pay 20% of

your adjusted gross income towards rent?

We have single-family units, duplexes, and 4-plexes with 1-4

bedrooms, depending on the need and availability.

Be a part of your

community!

____

Build your rental

history!

____

information below

All of our units are maintained by the CTCLUSI’s Maintenance

Dept., and rent is paid directly to CTCLUSI’s Housing Dept. This

program utilizes waitlists when units are unavailable.

CTCLUSI

Housing Dept.

1320 Neese St.

Coos Bay, OR 97420

(541)-888-1310

Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

https://ctclusi.org/housingdepartment/

For more information regarding fire resistant plants, and/ or other information

about wildfire season:

https://wfca.com/wildfire-articles/oregon-fire-season/

https://www.oregon.gov/odf/fire/pages/firestats.aspx

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/pnw-590-fire-resistant-plants-homelandscapes

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

August 2026

CTCLUSI Human Resources

recruitment@ctclusihr.org

COOS BAY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Special Events

Health Services

Forestry

Health Services

Housing

Health Services

Natural Resources &

Culture

Health Services

Education

Job Title

Depends on Assignment ⁂

Clinical Pharmacist

Community Health Nurse*

Director of Forest Management*

Charge Capture Specialist

Director of Housing*

Pharmacy Biller

Language Program Manager⁂*

Status

Age

14+

18+

25+

19+

25+

18+

25+

Starting Wage

Depends on Assignment

$127,874/yr – DOE

$83,430/yr - DOE

$92,680.79/yr - DOE

$60,640.32/yr - DOE

$82,678.03/yr - DOE

$24.65/hr - DOE

$74,159.64/yr - DOE

Medical Assistant

Youth Workforce Participant

Temp.

18+

14+

$22.00/hr - DOE

$18.75/hr

FLORENCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Special Events

Natural Resources &

Culture

Job Title

Depends on Assignment ⁂

Language Program Manager⁂*

Status

Age

14+

25+

Starting Wage

Depends on Assignment

$74,159.64/yr - DOE

EUGENE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Special Events

Natural Resources &

Culture

Job Title

Depends on Assignment ⁂

Language Program Manager⁂*

Status

Age

14+

25+

Starting Wage

Depends on Assignment

$74,159.64/yr - DOE

*Position requires a valid driver’s license and ability to be insurable by CTCLUSI’s insurance agency.

⁂ This position is posted for various locations. Please see the job posting for more details.

Please visit Job Opportunities on the Tribes website for full job descriptions and benefits available.

You may also apply for any position online. https://ctclusi.org/human-resources-job-opportunities/

Tribal Members please log in to your Citizen Portal to access additional CTCLUSI Tribal Member Job

Opportunities as they become available.

Updated: 07/21/2026

Seeking Qualified Candidates for

Blue Earth Federal Corporation Board of Directors

Contributed by Kerry Brainard, President-Blue Earth Federal Corporation

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower

Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) invites

enrolled Tribal members and qualified applicants

from the public to apply for open positions on

the Board of Directors of Blue Earth Federal

Corporation.

Blue Earth is a federally chartered, 100%

Tribally-owned corporation focused on creating

sustainable economic opportunities, generating

revenue for the Tribe, and building long-term

prosperity for our people. As a board member,

you will play a key leadership role in setting

strategic direction, exercising strong financial

oversight, and advancing projects that honor

Tribal values and priorities.

Ideal candidates will offer:

• Significant

business,

financial,

operational expertise

• Deep commitment to Tribal sovereignty

and economic self-sufficiency

• Integrity, strategic vision, and collaborative

leadership skills

Ability to attend regular board

meetings

and

contribute

actively

This is a meaningful opportunity to

serve your Tribe and help guide one of

CTCLUSI’s most important economic

engines. Board service carries

important fiduciary responsibilities

and the chance to create lasting

impact.

How to Apply: Submit a letter of

interest and current resume to:

Kerry Brainard, President Blue Earth

Federal Corporation Email: kerry.

brainard@blue-earth.us Phone: 541953-2854

Applications reviewed on a rolling

basis until positions are filled.

Help build a stronger, more diverse

economic future for our people.

Apply today!

•

www.ctclusi.org

August 2026

Upcoming Events

Be on the Lookout:

Fall Equinox Box signups will be opening

in early August! The

registration link will be

posted on the website,

socials, and sent out via

text. Keep an eye out so

you don’t miss it.

RSVP for events by calling

1-541-435-7155

August 2026

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Breakfast Sponsored by

Salmon Ceremony

baldija (Coos Bay)

Salmon Remains

Return (Umpqua)

Salmon Remains

Return (Siuslaw)

Elders Trip - Leavenworth, WA.

Culture Committee

Meeting TBD 4pm

Social Services