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

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The Voice of

CLUSI

April 2026

Issue 4

Volume 27

www.ctclusi.org

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

CTCLUSI Joins the Nine Tribes of Oregon for Legislative Government Day at State Capitol

Chief Doug Barrett, Tribal Council Member and LCIS Representative Julie Siestreem, along with Cultural Stewardship Manager Jesse Beers attended and

showcased our continued strength thru demonstration and cultural displays at the annual LCIS Nine Tribes of Oregon Legislative Government Day

Contributed by Julie Siestreem, Council Position #3

The Confederated Tribes of Coos Lower Umpqua and

Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) Chief Doug Barrett, Tribal Council

Member and Legislative Commission on Indian Services (LCIS)

Representative Julie Siestreem and, Cultural Stewardship

Manager Jesse Beers attended and participated in the annual

LCIS Nine Tribes of Oregon Legislative Government Day March

2, 2026, in the Oregon State Capital Building.

Secretary of the Senate Obie Rutledge’s office organized the

Invocation to be given to the Senate. Primary contact was Bonnie

Allen, Senate Reading Clerk. Carol Suzuki, Deputy Chief of Staff

for the Senate, and President Rob Wagner helped as well. Chief

Doug Barrett and Council Member Julie Siestreem participated

in a shared Invocation with Grand Ronde Council Member Jon

George. Chief Doug Barrett used a clacker stick, Council Member

Jon George used a drum, and Council Member Julie Siestreem

used a rattle as they sang a Grand Ronde prayer song chosen

and led by Council Member Jon George.

Cultural Stewardship Manager Jesse Beers tabled a

presentation of cultural items from the CTCLUSI archives. Jesse

also included recently created language books and dictionaries.

Jesse engaged in conversations with children, parents and adult

visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. sharing information about our

tribal cultural practices, languages and history.

We were all fortunate to see Sara Siestreem’s etched glass

artwork installation on the entryway stairwell and read her words

explaining why she chose the assorted Basket Pattern designs.

“In the 1850’s attempted genocide violently interrupted Tribal

material culture, The physical objects: tools, clothing, and art

were erased from our memory and in many cases destroyed.

I center my research on reclamation of our basket pattern

traditions in both meaning and form. All world cultures practice

some variety of hardedge geometric abstraction made possible

through the matrix of the woven object.

When you are on this land mass those traditions are part of

the Indigenous people’s intellectual property and should be

understood as unique to that particular culture.”

We were thankful for the kind and respectful engagement

with the LCIS Executive Director Patrick Flanagon, LCIS

Commission Assistant Adrienne Fischer and LCIS State Physical

Anthropologist Dr. Ellissa Bullion throughout the day’s activities.

Sara Siestreems etched glass art installation at the Capital Building

Save the Dates:

Tribal Council Election Day: April 12, 2026

Secretarial Election Timeline Updates

See page 5

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

Tribal Council Business

April 2026

Activity of Elected Tribal Council Members from February 8, 2026 - March 8, 2026

Chief Doug Barrett:

02/08 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

02/09 DOC/Tribal Advisory Committee

Meeting, Sea Otter Recovery Tribal

Engagement Meeting

02/11 Noble Creek Hatchery visit, Lane ACT

Monthly meeting

02/12 maniis tei hap’ mini canoe Planning

Meeting, Elders Lunch, Culture

Committee Monthly Meeting

02/17 Representative Val Hoyle in person

meeting on Coquille MOU

02/18 Culture interviews in Coos Bay, MHA/

LADPC Monthly meeting

02/19 Leaders Circle

02/20 Winter Storytelling Event 2026

02/22 Painted Horse, Chief Barrett, Recovery

Center Anniversary

02/23 NAAC – OYA Monthly Meeting

02/24 NARA NW Monthly Meeting

02/25 GFORB – Tribal Council Business

Meeting

02/28 Education Department, Round One

Arcade in Eugene

03/02 Tribal Government Day at the Capital

building in Salem, Teresa’s Retirement

Gathering

03/05 Leaders Circle

03/07 Feather Dance on the beach in Lincoln

City

03/08 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

Total Hours: 147

Chair Brad Kneaper:

02/08 Regular Tribal Council Meeting

02/13 ZOOM Meeting with REDW, Finance,

CEO Legal and Planning regarding

Request for Proposal (RFP) for

future financial planning strategies.

ZOOM Meeting Debrief following above

meeting. ZOOM Meeting with Mapetsi,

Dept Cultural and Natural Resources,

and Planning Pre-meeting regarding for

2/17/26 meeting with Representative

Val Hoyle

02/17 In Person meeting with Representative

Val Hoyle at Three Rivers Casino

regarding Coquille Tribe Land Bill

02/19 Leader’s Circle: Meet with Eugene City

Planner and staff: introductions; Canoe

Journey Discussions; Secretarial

Election discussion.

02/21 CTCLUSI Tribal Employee Praise

Dinner. (Funded by voluntary employee

Praise donations) (No mileage or other

Tribal Expense for my attendance)

02/23 Meet with CEO, Legal, and Mapetsi (our

Federal Lobbyists), follow-up to

Representative Hoyle meeting on 2/17)

02/25 Gaming Facility Operational Review

Board (GFORB). Meet with CEO

and Staff, updates. Tribal Council

Business Meeting.

03/02 Attended Retirement Gathering for

Vice Chair Spangler, retired from Three

Rivers Casino with 20 years

03/05 Leader’s Circle: Review Restoration

Project Videos (X3) for approval;

Planner review Education building

redesign; Secretarial Election updates

Total Hours: 151

Vice Chair Teresa Spangler:

02/08 Regular Council meeting

02/17 Meeting with Rep Val Hoyle

02/19 Leaders Circle

02/20 Winter Story Telling

02/21 Praise Annual Staff Dinner

02/25 Business Council Meeting

Total Hours: 65

Debbie Bossley

02/17 Meeting with Rep Val Hoyle

02/19 Leaders Circle

02/21 Praise Annual Staff Dinner

02/25 Tribal Council Business Meeting

03/05 Leaders Circle

03/08 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

03/10 Meeting w/Merkley & Wyden Staffers

Total Hours: 50

Julie Siestreem

02/08 Smudge Ceremony Three Rivers

Casino Coos Bay Oregon Chief

Barrett, Vice Chair Spangler, Site

Manager Chuck Baker and, myself

02/09 Tribal Council Regular Council Regular

Monthly meeting Community Center

02/10 4j Natives Program IPC meeting Josh

Davies Eugene Oregon

02/11 4j Natives Program Culture night Josh

Davies Eugene Oregon

02/12 Elders Luncheon Three Rivers Casino

02/17 Special Meeting Tribal Council with US

Representative Val Hoyle Three Rivers

Casino Florence Oregon

02/19 Tribal Council Leaders Circle meeting

Community Center Coos Bay Oregon

02/20 7th Annual (Winter Story Telling) basaq/

hecht/hatk Sponsored by the Cultural

Coalition Community Center Coos Bay

02/21 PRAISE Annual Employee Dinner and

Recognition gathering Kokwell Casino

Resort Salmon Room North Bend

Oregon

02/24 Education Committee meeting zoom

02/25 Gaming Facility Organizational Review

Board Regular Business monthly

meeting Three Rivers Casino Florence

02/25 Tribal Council General Council Regular

Business monthly meeting Three Rivers

Casino Florence Oregon

03/02 Legislative Commission on Indian

Services Nine Federally Recognized

Tribes of Oregon Tribal Government

Legislative Day Capital Building

Salem Oregon Chief Doug Barrett,

Cultural Stewardship Manager Jesse

Beers and, myself

03/05 Tribal Council Leaders Circle

Community Center Coos Bay Oregon

03/08 Tribal Council General Council Regular

Monthly meeting Community Center

Total Hours: 130

Iliana Montiel

02/08 Tribal Council Regular Meeting

02/17 Meeting with Rep Hoyle

02/19 Leaders Circle

02/25 Tribal Council Business Meeting

(via Zoom)

03/05 Leaders Circle

Total Hours: 25

Ashley Russell

02/17 Meeting with Rep Hoyle

02/18 Reviewed Leader’s Circle Packet

02/19 Leader’s Circle

02/21 Praise Annual Employee Dinner

02/24 Reviewed Business Meeting Packet

02/25 Business Meeting

03/04 Reviewed Leader’s Circle Packet

03/05 Leader’s Circle Meeting

03/07 Reviewed Regular Meeting Packet

03/08 Tribal Council Meeting

03/10 Meeting with Senator Merkley’s

Southern Oregon Field Representative,

Dahna Black

Total Hours: 60.75

Tribal Council

Upcoming Dates

Tribal Council

Election Day - April 12th

Regular Council Meeting

April 12th at 10:00 a.m.

General Council Meeting

April 12th at 1:00 p.m.

UPDATED DATE

Secretarial Election Day April 28th

Regular Council Meeting

May 11th at 10:00 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

June 14th at 10:00 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

July 12th at 10:00 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

August 9th at 10:00 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

September 13, 2026 at

10:00 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

October 11th at 10:00 a.m.

General Council Meeting

October 11th at 1:00 p.m.

CTCLUSI Community Center

338 Wallace Avenue,

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Join by Zoom link by logging

in to the Citizen Portal of

www.ctclusi.org

Full list of Tribal Council

Regular and Business

Meetings avaialbe in the

Citizen Portal

www.ctclusi.org

April 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

1245 Fulton Ave.

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-888-7532

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

Tyler Slyter, Director

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-888-1311

tslyter@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

Mary Gordon, Director

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Phone 541-435-7150

Fax 541-435-0492

mgordon@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. Martin Harris

2. Allen “Butch” Swigert

3. Margaret Corvi

4. Stephanie Watkins

5. Kerry Brainard

6. Sarah Marical

7. Roseana Perry - Chair

Education Committee

1. Lorin Krossman - Chair

2. Julie Siestreem

3. Nicole Romine

4. Ashley Russell

5. Michael Brainard

Elders Committee

1. Arleen Perkins - Chair

2. Laura Fortin

3. Warren T. 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. VACANT

5. VACANT

Culture Committee

Jesse Beers,

Cultural Stewardship

Manager

Phone 541-997-6685

jbeers@ctclusi.org

1245 Fulton Avenue

Coos Bay, OR 97420

Enrollment Committee

1. Earla Kirk

2. VACANT

3. Alyssa Lydick

4. Nicole Romine

5. Michael Brainard

6. Patricia Whereat-Phillips

- Chair

7. VACANT

1. Courtney Krossman

2. Patricia Whereat-Phillips

3. Skip Brainard

4. Vicki Faciane - Chair

5. Teresa Spangler

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

Housing Committee

1. VACANT

2. Dan Krossman

3. Enna Helms

4. Tyler Slyter - Chair

5. Melinda Sprague

Language Committee

1. Nicole Mendoza

2. Tammy Evarts

3. Ashley Vandevort

4. Jade Fong - Chair

5. VACANT

6. Jesse Beers

7. Ayuthea Cisneros

Election Board

1. Jade Fong

2. Michael Brainard - Chair

3. Tes Gagner

4. Mark Petrie

5. Kathy Perkins

6. Kimmy Bixby

7. Ashley Russell

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, 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

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

April 12, 2026

Tribal Council Election Day

Regular Meeting 10:00 a.m.

General Council Meeting 1:00 p.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

April 2026

Council Corner

Greetings everyone. I hope all are safe and well.

I wanted to touch on a couple of things that are happening

around the Tribe and the State of Oregon.

First thing, there is a group in Oregon gathering signatures to

get an Initiative on the November ballot in Oregon. IP 28, also

known as the PEACE Act, would ban hunting and fishing within

the State of Oregon, as well as other activities related to raising

livestock. This group has twice attempted to get similar initiatives

on the ballot. This year, they are close to having the signatures

required to get it on the ballot. There are numerous articles and

news reports which seem to confirm that it would ban hunting and

fishing. I have forwarded this to our attorney for clarification and

to develop recommendation for a Tribal response. Reading the

draft initiative, it appears to remove exceptions from the existing

animal cruelty laws for (among other things) “Lawful Fishing,

Hunting and Trapping.”

I am opposed to any law that would take the ability to Hunt

and Fish responsibly from our citizens. If passed, it would have

a disastrous effect on our ability to engage in our inherent right

to sustenance hunting and fishing as our people have done for

thousands of years. This may also affect our ability to receive

even hatchery salmon for our ceremonies and cultural practices.

This could result in Oregon farmers and ranchers going out

of business and remove those sources of protein and dairy

products, necessitating out of state sources, greatly increasing

costs for consumers.

Given the importance of

hunting and fishing to the

Tribe, I will continue to

closely monitor this and will

recommend that the Tribe take

action to protect the rights of

the Tribal membership.

As you are probably aware,

the BIA will be conducting a

Secretarial Election for our

Tribe for membership to vote

on proposed Constitutional

Amendments. This is the first

time since its adoption that

any amendments have been

proposed to the Constitution.

These amendments propose

changes to a number of

areas, including enrollment,

tribal council qualification,

Chairman Brad Kneaper

and BIA’s role in future

amendment elections.

now, you should have received from the BIA a registration form

that was sent to everyone 18 years and older to vote on the

proposed amendments. I hope that everyone registered to vote.

It is your right to consider and vote in all elections and I hope that

you exercise that right. Please vote!

In the meantime, be safe and well!

Resolution Summaries

Number

26-034

26-035

26-036

26-037

26-038

26-039

26-040

26-041

26-042

26-043

26-044

26-045

Date

Subject/Title

02/25/2026 Approval to Purchase Tribal Police Vehicle

02/25/2026 Approval of Oregon Health Authority Healthy

Fish Consumption Program Funding

02/25/2026 Professional Services Agreement

02/25/2026 Change order #4 to approve 2026 Scope of

Work for Final Phase of Construction at haich

ikt’at’uu (formerly Waite Ranch)

02/25/2026 Lease Agreement with Pitney Bowes and

Tribal Council Approval Thereof

02/25/2026 Practice Agreement with Delta Dental and

Tribal Council Approval Thereof

02/25/2026 Participating Insurance Provider Agreement

(TRHC)

02/25/2026 Designation of TRC Distribution

02/25/2026 Euna Solutions Order

02/25/2026 Approval to Submit DOT BUILD Grant

Application

02/25/2026 Donation Acquisition of Property

02/25/2026 TRC Furniture Purchase

Hidden Image Search:

Vote

6-0-0

5-0-1

6-0-0

5-0-1

6-0-0

6-0-1

7-0-0

5-0-1

If You Need to Talk,

the 988 Lifeline is Here

At the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we understand that life’s challenges can

sometimes be difficult. Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional

distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, our caring

counselors are here for you.

You are not alone.

The 988 Lifeline is for everyone. Through the 988 Lifeline, you have access to

free, quality, one-on-one assistance. Skilled, judgment-free counselors provide

compassionate support. You deserve to feel heard and cared about anytime,

anywhere, 24/7/365. Learn more online at https://988lifeline.org/

Dial or Text 988

Can You Find Me?

In this edition of The Voice of CLUSI there

is a hidden image of an Arrow 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 ARROW hiding!

Must email by April 15th 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.

Questiosn?

Contact mgaines@ctclusi.org

March Trillium Raffle Winners:

Adult - Beth Hager

Youth - Myrtle Gaines

The trillium flower was hidden on page 10,

in the top right hand photo of Miss Congeniality’s

bouquet.

www.ctclusi.org

April 2026

Tribal Council Election Process

TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECTION CANDIATES

April 12, 2026 – FINAL

All Registered Voters having Signature Cards on

file shall be mailed a ballot after the closing date for

filing but no later than fourteen (14) days prior to the

scheduled election date.

For Positions #2, #4 and #6

POSITION NUMBER

Position #2

CANDIDATE

Brad Kneaper - Incumbent

Sarah Marical

Howard Roy

Position #4

Teresa Spangler - Incumbent

Tyler Slyter

Jack Garcia

Position #6

Debbie Bossley - Incumbent

Justin Krossman

Mailed ballots received by the date the scheduled

election is held shall be counted in the vote tabulation.

The independent third party, as outlined in CLUSITC

7-3-25 (e)(1), will assist the Election Board on Election

Day.

Election Day: April 12, 2026

CANDIDATE FORUM INFORMATION

The Election Day voting hours shall be from

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Saturday March 21, 2026

Event Time - 12:30 p.m. (Light lunch served at 12:00 noon)

The election shall be held at

the CTCLUSI Tribal Hall,

338 Wallace Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN ANY ELECTION

You can register and vote in person on Election Day

during Voting Hours.

Candidates are not required to participate; however, there will be an opportunity for any

candidate to meet with the membership and have a question/answer session.

Location in Person: The Community Center in Coos Bay.

Virtual: A Zoom link will be provided.

(Only registered voters will be sent a ballot)

April 12, 2026 is Election Day

Voting hours shall be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Election shall be held at the

No write-in candidate will be allowed. Any ballot

containing a write-in candidate will be disqualified as

to the position for which a write-in vote was made.

338 Wallace Ave, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420

You can register and vote in person during this time.

Please reach out to enrollment@ctclusi.org to verify your registration is valid.

Visit www.ctclusi.org under Election for more details of the 2026 Tribal Council Election.

Please reach out to enrollment@ctclusi.org to verify

your registration is valid, or should you have any

questions about the election process.

Tribal Hall

2nd NOTICE – REVISED

Secretarial Election For Constitutional Amendments

APRIL 28, 2026 – Secretarial Election Day

Tribal Hall 338 Wallace Ave. Coos Bay, OR 97420

A Secretarial Election facilitated by the Bureau of

Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Secretarial Election Board

to amend the Constitution of the Confederated Tribes

of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

You will be receiving a letter from the Bureau of Indian

Affairs (BIA) with a corrected Registration packet

explaining to you about a technical error that occurred

causing changes to the color of text to some areas of

the document BIA sent and the corrective measures

the Secretarial Election Board took to remedy this

error. This error was created by a technical glitch

from the software used by the vendor from the BIA in

which no words were changed in the documents, only

colors were transposed in areas of blue and red text.

All information from the Tribe has been consistent.

Questions about the Secretarial Election Process can be

directed to SecretarialElectionBoard@ctclusi.org

Secretarial Election Dates are Hereby Revised

• March 30, 2026. Voter Registration Deadline

• April 2, 2026. Voter Registration Deadline

Challenge

• April 3, 2026. Ballot Mailout for Registered

Voters

• April 28, 2026. ELECTION DAY

• May 3, 2026. Deadline, Election Results

Challenge

Ballot Drop Off ONLY – 12:00p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

NO IN PERSON VOTING

A Secretarial Election is a Federal Election by the Bureau

of Indian Affairs (BIA) and the Secretarial Election Board

to amend the Constitution of the Confederated Tribes of

Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

FORESTRY

OUTREACH NIGHT

Join the Forestry Team to learn about our

Forest Management Plan

Forest Products Use Permits

Current & Future Projects

THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026

5:30 - 7:00 P.M.

CTCLUSI COMMUNITY CENTER

Cultural

Event Interest

Questionnaire

- For CTCLUSI Tribal

Members & Families

The Department of Culture and

Natural Resources (DCNR) Culture

Sector would like to hear about current

community interests to make sure our

programs and offerings are aligned

with what our tribal community is

wanting and needing at this time.

Please take a minute to fill out this

form individually or as a family.

k’ele nəluwehe, luuwii niluwechise,

hiisəch hai (with a good heart)

RSVPs encouraged

aabarca@ctclusi.org

(541) 435-7194

Scan the QR Code below or visit

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/

QDZPKPS

Remote participation welcome!

Teams Meeting ID: 222 055 971 017 42

Teams Passcode: Kq3RW6ne

to fill out the survey today!

Open to CTCLUSI Tribal Members and Government Employees

Make Parenting

a Pleasure

Free Parenting Workshop Series via Zoom!

2026 Cedar Cape Workshop Series

*dates updated*

Hosted by the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua & Siuslaw Indians

Join us in community to learn the traditional art of creating cedar bark capes —

from identifying and gathering cedar to making cordage and constructing

finished capes for all genders.

Workshop Series Dates Time & Focus: 10 am - 4 pm

January 17th 2026 – LCC Longhouse

Focus: Cultural teachings, Cape assembling

May – 22nd - Focus: cultural teachings, gathering cedar

(location TBD, date subject to change depending on cedar readyness)

May 12th to June 16th

Tuesdays 6pm-8pm

June 20th, 2026 – Coos Bay, Tribal Hall Cedar Bark Cape Workshop

(During Summer Solstice)

Focus: Cultural teachings, Gathering Cedar & processing, making capes

Registration & Contact:

Please RSVP by scanning the code and filling out the attached form

Sponsored by the CLUSI Social

Services Dept. & In Partnership with

the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua

Tribe of Indians & the Confederated

Tribes of Siletz Indians

Locations:

Florence Canoe House

Coos Bay Tribal Hall

Eugene Outreach

Please RSVP Shayne Platz

541-297-3450 or Nichole

Benner 541-888-9577

Questions?

Contact: Alycia Cossey

acossey@ctclusi.org or 541-294-1237

for any questions or assistance with filling out the form

www.ctclusi.org

April 2026

GATHERING TRIPS FOR

BARKS, WEAVING &

MEDICINES

For

CTCLUSI

Tribal

Families

May 22nd (Cedar Bark focused)

June 5th (Maple Bark focused)

*Gathering trips are subject to change based on

location and season. For the most up-to-date

information, please RSVP by email or phone.

Once you RSVP, we’ll add you to our outreach

list and send a reminder text with confirmed

details for each gathering trip three days in

advance.

Snacks and lunch will be provided*

RSVP for detailed information

Contact: Alycia Cossey, DCNR, Cultural

Stewardship Associate

acossey@ctclusi.org or Call: (541) 294-1237

Tribal Citizen

John Schaefer Returns

to Department of Culture

and Natural Resources

Contributed by Ashley Russell, Director DCNR

I am pleased to share that John Schaefer has returned

to the Culture and Natural Resources Department.

John is a Hanis Coos Tribal member and Elder who

worked for the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower

Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians from 2005 to 2023 as a

Water Quality Specialist and Biologist. After taking a twoyear hiatus to care for family, he has returned to resume

his work with the department.

In his role, John will be leading the Tribe’s Air Monitoring

Program while also assisting with water quality monitoring,

the Big Canoe Program, and the Tribe’s Native Plant

Nursery.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a

marine emphasis from Oregon State University. Prior to

working for the Tribe, he spent 10 years with the Oregon

Department of Fish and Wildlife as a Shellfish Biologist

and Research Diver in the Charleston office.

Over the years, John has helped locate and reestablish

several rare and culturally significant plants in our area,

including giant chain fern, native cranberry, wapato

(Indian potato), and viable seeds of our sacred tobacco

that had long been thought to be extinct. He has extensive

knowledge of the plants, animals, and ecosystems of the

Oregon coast.

Outside of work, John is an avid first foods forager with

interests in horticulture and mycology. He also teaches

mushroom identification each fall at the South Slough

National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Please join me in welcoming John back to the Tribe.

John Schaefer pictured below during lingcod fishing trip

A T T E N T I O N ! We Want to Hear From You!

We are looking at overhauling our website ctclusi.org and would love

your feedback on how we can improve the website user experience, and

any changes or features you would like to see.

Please share any recommendations or requests by emailing

news@ctclusi.org or contact 541-435-7175.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

OSU Extension Service | New Beginnings for Tribal Students

New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS)

Collaborative Gatherings

CTCLUSI members, families, and community partners are warmly invited to join us for an

evening of connection, conversation, and shared learning.

NBTS program leaders will share updates about the program, listen to community

experiences with education, and gather input to help guide our work supporting Tribal

and Indigenous youth and students.

All ages are welcome

What to expect:

Dinner and refreshments

Games and prizes

Community conversation and

storytelling

Space for our youth, families, and

Elders

Have fun, reflect, and build

community

Dates & Location:

April 3rd in Coos Bay, 5:30-7:30 pm

at the Tribal Hall

338 Wallace St., Coos Bay, 97420

April 10th in Eugene, 6-8 pm at the

Lane Community College Longhouse

Longhouse BLD 31

4000 East 30th Avenue

Eugene, 97405

Childcare available upon request

RSVP here: scan the QR Code,

or visit

Connect with US:

beav.es/qXs

Erika Carrillo-Program Coordinator

erika.carrillo@oregonstate.edu

Jesse Beers-CTCLUSI Cultural Stewardship Manager

jbeers@ctclusi.org

Jemiah Wassman- CTCLUSI Director of Education

jwassman@ctclusi.org

The USDA/NIFA funds this program

In partnership with: Department of

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation

Sciences

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 Erika Carrillo erika.carrillo@oregonstate.edu

Apply for CTCLUSI

Tribal Scholarships

Today by scanning the

QR Code at right or

going online to

www.ctclusi.org/

education/

April 2026

www.ctclusi.org

April 2026

Education Department

Bring Education Outreach Advocate Cheri Moos On Full Time

Contributed by Jemiah Wassman, Education Director

I’m pleased to share that Cheri Moos has officially joined

the CTCLUSI Education Department as our Education

Outreach Advocate as a full-time staff member. This position

is fully supported through the Empowerment, Prevention, and

Sustainability grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental

Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Many of you already know Cheri through the work she has been

doing with our team over the past year and a half as a contractor

supporting Tribal students in local school districts and through

the after-school program. During that time, she has built strong

relationships with students, families, school staff, and community

partners while helping us strengthen our presence in the K–12

education system.

Through her work in the schools, Cheri has helped:

• Support Tribal students with advocacy and guidance within

school systems

• Build positive relationships with teachers, counselors, and

administrators

• Connect students and families with Education Department

resources

• Support cultural connection and representation for our

students in school environments

• Help us better understand the day-to-day needs and barriers

our students face in the classroom

As Education Outreach Advocate, Cheri will continue

strengthening our relationships with local school districts while

supporting CTCLUSI students across the K–12 system.

Her work will focus on helping students and families navigate

school systems, supporting academic success and engagement,

coordinating with school partners, and helping expand culturally

grounded

educational

opportunities for our youth.

This role will also be

an important part of

our broader efforts to

strengthen outreach to

Tribal students, support the

implementation of Tribal

History/Shared

History

work in schools, and help

ensure our students have

the support they need to

thrive academically and

culturally.

Please

join

welcoming Cheri into this

role and in supporting the

important work she will

continue doing on behalf of

our students and families.

Spring Language Classes 2026

CTCLUSI Tribal Families and Households are invited to join us for Spring Language Classes.

March 31st through June 2nd

Last class for all languages Tuesday, June 2nd

Chapter 7-5 GENERAL COMMITTEE

CODE 7-5-1; General Policy; Committees

are established to assist the Tribal Council

in carrying out its responsibilities, to provide

quality services to the Tribal membership and

to develop, maintain and protect the assets

and interests of the Tribes.

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

Wednesdays, 4:00-6:00 pm: hanis

QRC for

Language Class

Fridays, 4:00-6:00 pm: wa’as

✔ High Schoolers: Earn your Seal of Biliteracy

✔ College Students: Complete your Language Requirement

✔ Classes are fun, engaging, and open to Tribal member household!

Contact: language@ctclusi.org

(541) 888-1303 -the Language Team

CLAS

SES

’

SPRING LITTLE

LANGUAGE

dai chil sla, shi

WHERE: VIRTUAL ON ZOOM

ALL 3 LANGUAGES:

sla

n dai

, nii

hmanii.

hachii c

FOR AGES:

FOR

AGES:

0-5

SCAN THE QRC TO

CLASSES OR GO TO:

HTTPS://LASERFICHE.CTCLUSI.ORG/F

ORMS/LANGUAGE-CLASS-SIGN-UP

This program will be geared towards 05 year olds with parental support on

zoom.

If you are interested in joining class or

would like more details please see the

contact information below.

If you are unable to make class times we

have material and support available and

would love to connect.

Tribal Committee appointments are made

by Tribal Council and are for a four (4) year

term. Tribal Code allows for you to be on no

more than three (3) committees at a time and

you may only server two (2) terms, unless

special consideration is necessary. You

must complete a Letter of Interest Form to be

considered by the Tribal Council.

Below is a list of Tribal Committees:

Budget Committee

Culture Committee

Cultural Coalition Committee

Education Committee

Elders Committee

Election Board

CTCLUSI Tribal Families and

miluk, hanis,

Households are invited to join us as

sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich

we continue our Littles Language

Program this spring.

WHEN: SATURDAY 9:OO - 10:OOAM

Join a Tribal

Committee

Enrollment Committee

DATES:

Housing Committee

April 4

April 11

April 18

April 25

May 2

May 9

May 16

May 23

May 30

Language Committee

CONTACT: language@ctclusi.org (541) 888-1303 - the Language Team

Visions Committee

Letters of Interest forms can be found on the

Tribes’ website: www.ctclusi.org. Questions?

If you would like to know any further details,

please contact: Lorin Krossman by email,

enrollment@ctclusi.org or call 541-435-7178

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

Commercial Tobacco Prevention Program Review of 2025

dai, chil sla, Nicole sinsanuu, miluk coos k’a’uu, (Hello, all

cousins, Nicole I am called, I am a miluk coos person)

Nicole Romine, Tribal Tobacco Prevention Program Specialist

II. In my position, I get the opportunity to engage tribal families

and our wider community to educate and advocate for our

Traditional Tobacco and Culture Is Prevention Programming.

The program is geared toward tribal membership and tribal

families to create opportunities to engage in culture and provide

space for drug, alcohol and commercial tobacco free activities. I

enjoy being able to support the community and I appreciate the

aspects of my position that allow me to cultivate and grow the

Sacred Tobacco that has been utilized by our ancestors since

time immemorial and the extraordinary opportunity to gift the

Tobacco back to the people and lands its inhabited for thousands

of years. I get to work with a relatively understudied and unknown

species of Tobacco-dahai (m), daha (h), and chiiyuusan (s.q),

Columbian Tobacco (Nicotiana quadrivalvis var. mutlivalvis) and

share that knowledge. I have been asked to explain my job and

its many facets for the last 3 years, yet I have still not been

able to articulate the impact this position has in the indigenous

communities or the personal growth this position has provided

me, and I am eternally grateful for this opportunity.

If you would like Tobacco leaves, seeds, or starts please reach

out to Nicole Romine at nromine@ctclusi.org or 541-294-9341

for more information.

Tobacco Program Highlights for 2025

•

Hands of Harvest Voucher Food Accessibility Program

with the Coos Bay Farmer’s Market 150 Families received

vouchers and overall, 423 persons benefited from the

program. This program was open from May 2025 to late

October 2025, and a few generous market vendors donated

food items toward a couple of Elder’s Luncheons, Summer

Solstice Ceremony, Fresh Air Camp, Language Camp and

the Local Rivers Canoe Journey this summer. The Fresh Air

Day camp youth had an excursion to the Famer’s Market to

enjoy purchasing a few items and engaging the community

resources available. Please look for more information about

the program in the April Newsletter.

Glass Float Hunt, Narcan Training and Beach Cleanup

Day which had 53 attendees and we ran out of Narcan kits

to distribute. This year’s event is scheduled for the first

weekend in May 2026. Please watch the April newsletter for

more information. If you are interested in receiving Narcan,

please reach out to the CTCLUSI Police Department or

Social Services.

•

Float Hunt 2025, Florence, Oregon

•

Pumpkin Patch and Prevention in Coos Bay featured

Upper Coos River stories told by Patty Whereat-Phillips and a

pumpkin harvest at Mahaffy Ranch with 55 people attending.

Pumpkin Patch in Eugene at Putter’s Pizza and pumpkin

harvest at Thistledown Farms and had 45 people in

attendance.

Haunted Halloween and Prevention Event had a prize

table, games, candy apple station, zombie cake walk,

cookie decoration, and

more with a total of 83

people in attendance this

year. Thank you to all the

families willing to travel in

the storm that night.

Pictured at right: The Haunted

Halloween and Prevention Event

saw lots of creative costumes

including the Pitch Lady from some

of our own Tribal lore

•

Canoe Pull Munsel Lake and Tobacco Starts Gifting

Tobacco Planting and Invasive Species Removal at Tribal

Hall

Earth Day Community

Outreach and Invasive

Species Removal with Coos

Watershed at Empire Lakes.

Presented at the Oregon

Suicide

Prevention

Conference to highlight

the Sources of Strength

Training and edits to include

cultural

practices

and

programming. The Sources

of Strength Training is an

upstream prevention geared

program to teach youth and

adults to recognize and

build support systems within

their own lives and

communities.

Invasive Species Removal at

• Presented at The

Tribal Hall, Coos Bay, Oregon

National Native

Seed Conference on the Traditional Tobacco

species Nicotiana quadrivalvis var. multivalvis

and assisted in establishing an Intertribal Plant

and Seeds Collaborative with North and South

American indigenous peoples and programs.

• Cultural History Presentation at Coos History

Museum for Leadership Coos Program with Patty

Whereat-Phillips.

• Facilitated Sources of Strength Suicide

Prevention Youth and Adult Training Sessions.

• Certified in Postvention Training, training for posttrauma events to assist families and communities.

• CTCLUSI Health and Prevention Materials

Carnival in August 2025 to engage tribal community

and families to give out life jackets, bicycles

helmets, gun lock boxes, fire alarms, emergency

preparedness information, dental kits, and other prevention

items. The carnival featured a dunk tank, and Chief Doug

Barrett volunteered to get dunked!

Community Health Fair with Reedsport High/JH Charter

School with Circles of Healing and Education Staff for

prevention outreach around domestic violence, suicide

prevention, and commercial tobacco and oral nicotine

cessation.

Cultural Educational Outreach and Prevention community

engagements and presentations include tsalila,

North Bend High School Science Honor Society,

Mayfly Festival, Folk Art Society, Matson Native

Plant Nursery, North Bay Elementary, and more.

April 2026

www.ctclusi.org

Prevention Review continued...

Pictured above and at left: Canoe Pull at

Munsel Lake, Florence, Oregon.

Fire and gifting tobacco starts.

Multivalvis tobacco plant growth stages pictured in above four photographs.

Top left, new sprouting tobacco plant. Top rigth, seed pod left behind after

flower bloom. Bottom left, tobacco plant in full bloom. Bottom rigth, tobacco

leaf. Photographs provided by Nicole Romine.

If you would like Tobacco leaves, seeds, or

starts please reach out to

Nicole Romine at nromine@ctclusi.org

or 541-294-9341 for more information

THE VOICE OF CLUSI MONTHLY TRIBAL PAPER

If you or anyone in your 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!

Visit www.ctclusi.org/events to view the online event calendar

Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist

Office: (541) 888-7536

Cell: (541) 808-7918

Email: mgaines@ctclusi.org

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

Elders Corner

27th Annual Elders Honor Day

Contributed by Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower

Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI)

celebrated their 27th Annual Elders

Honor’s Day on Friday, March 13, 2026 at

the Three Rivers Casino Resort (TRCR) in

Florence, Oregon. Close to two hundred

Elders from the Nine Federally Recognized

Tribes of Oregon, as well as extended

Tribal Nation guests were in attendance.

Upon entry into the event, Elders were

greeted with a warm welcome, programs

with the schedule of events, a t-shirt

Tribal Citizen Morgan Gaines, as well as

raffle tickets with a chance to win “King or

Queen for the Day”!

Tribal Chairman Brad Kneaper of

CTCLUSI took to the stage to welcome

the honored Tribal Elders to TRCR. He

expressed his appreciation for all those

joining us there in person, and those with

us in spirit to celebrate our esteemed

honorees.

Tribal Elders, you are the heartbeat of

our Tribes. Your wisdom and leadership

have helped shape our Tribal Nations into

what they are today. You are the source

of our spiritual knowledge, and we thank

you for keeping our traditional wisdom

alive. Thanks to your perseverance and

resilience we are still here, and we will

continue to always be here.

Chair Kneaper had the Color Guard,

Chief Warren Brainard, Kyle Gaines, Roy

Brainard, and Chief Doug Barrett, post the

flags after walking in to the Warrior Song

sung by Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship

Manager. Chief Doug Barrett then gave an

invocation to start the day in a good way.

Chief Barrett and Chair Kneaper then

welcomed Jesse Beers back up to

the stage. Beers gave a brief history

presentation of CTCLUSI and the local

area of flants (Florence) as well as an

introduction to canoe protocol when

asking to come ashore in neighboring

lands. He held up a canoe paddle to

explain how the shapes of the paddles let

people know where you come from. Beers

welcomed everyone “ashore” to flants and

then helped lead a few CTCLUSI dancers

in a demonstration of the dip net song and

dance. Tribal Citizens Zhade Beers, Alycia

Cossey, Enna Helms and daughter, along

with Kyle Gaines, Chief Barrett and Jesse

Beers danced and then invited everyone

to join them in a friendship round dance.

Many Elders joined them in dancing, with

happy hearts and big smiles.

A special honoring of the eldest Elders

occurred after dancing. Elder Edmund

Ben from the Siletz Tribe graciously asked

Chair Kneaper to select the next eldest

Elder, as he had received the honor many

times over the years. The honor went to

Tom Brainard of CTCLUSI and Maxine

Marlow, also from CTCLUSI. Tom and

Maxine were presented with a gift basket

by Barbara Black as the representative of to retire the colors. Elders continued to

the CTCLUSI Elders Program.

visit and enjoy one another’s company.

Chair Kneaper then drew the raffle Breakfast was served the following

tickets for the lucky winners of King and morning in the TRCR event center for any

Queen of Elders Honors Day. Siletz Tribal Elders who attended before their journey

Elder Lydia Kentta was awarded the honor home.

of Queen, while our very own CTCLUSI

hiisa (sha’yuushtt’a ut quuiich), luuwii

Tribal Elder Steve Bouman was crowned (hanis), k’ele (miluk), thank you to

King. Lydia and Steve were showered with CTCLUSI Tribal Council, Government and

amazing gifts for winning King and Queen; Casino Staff, and to all our Honored Tribal

from CTCLUSI, a beautiful Pendleton Elders for making the 27th Annual Elders

blanket, necklaces made by CTCLUSI Honor’s Day an event to remember.

Tribal Elder Arleen Perkins, and cedar

crownw to wear for the rest of the evening.

Some of the Tribes in attendance also

gifted CTCLUSI for hosting the event.

The Siletz Tribe gifted a beautiful wool

blanket, the Confederated Tribes of Warm

Springs gifted a basket of multiple items

featuring hand crafted beaded necklaces,

tiny weaved baskets, along with a

handmade blanket, and the Ko’Kwel also

gave CTCLUSI a canvas bag featuring

a beautiful trillium flower along with a

blanket, note cards, salmon, waxed fire

started, and magnet.

A light lunch of soups, sandwiches and a

selection of fruits was enjoyed by all before

the excitement of Bingo began! Bingo

winners shouted out their victories for all to

hear and were given a prize. Raffle prizes

were also drawn throughout the day’s

events, and the Chinese Freedom game

was also played. Winning participants had

Color Guard Posting the Flags

a chance to win either luggage, Cuisinart

toaster oven, or a glass float.

Many items won were gifted to

the Elders Honors Day event

by CTCLUSI Tribal Council

member

Julie

Siestreem,

CTCLUSI Elders Jill Barrett

and Mary Adamec, along with

CTCLUSI member brother and

sister duo Kyle and Morgan

Gaines.

The evening feast featured

a selection of Salmon, roast

beef, mashed potatoes and

vegetable sides, along with

an assortment of delicious

desserts and fry bread made

Pamela Davies, Julie Siestreem and Donna McNutt

and served by TRCR staff.

Casino staff also hosted a

photo booth in the corner of the

events center, where Elders

could take group photos and

have them printed out on the

spot.

Chair Kneaper announced

that today was also CTCLUSI

Tribal Elder Pam Davies’

birthday. The entire event

center sang “Happy Birthday!”

in unison. Kneaper closed

out the evening by asking the

Color Guard of Chief Warren

Brainard, Kyle Gaines, Roy

Brainard, and Mitch Harper

Rhonda and Mitch Harper

www.ctclusi.org

April 2026

Elders Corner

“Queen” Lydia Kentta

“King” Steve Bouman

Chief Doug Barrett, Vice Chair Teresa Spangler, Iliana Montiel,

Julie Siestreem and Chairman Brad Kneaper

Phyllis Howlett, Janet Thorn, Tommy Thorn, Lynette Gaines, Gloria Miller and Jim McGlothlan

Tom Brainard, Honored Eldest Man

Maxine Marlow, Honored Eldest Woman

Arleen Perkins, Angela Bowen and Earla Kirk

Howard Roy and Phyllis Howlett

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs gifted a basket

Singers and Dancers from CTCLUSI

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

Elders Corner...Honors Day continued

Scott Krossman and James Baughman

Shana Swigert, Kathy Swigert and Butch Swigert

Lynette Gaines and Jim McGlothlan

James and Margaret Young

Warrior Song is Sung for Color Guard to Post the Colors

Welcome New Tribal Elders

Patrick Brainard

Jason Lobland

Chad Elliott

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/ElderSupplemental-SecurityIncome

Need assistance filling

out your application or

have questions about the

program?

Contact the Enrollment

Department today at

541-435-7178.

Guests join in for a friendship dance

April 2026

www.ctclusi.org

CTCLUSI Field School Inspires the Next Generation of Stewardship

Contributed by Angela Henry, Camp Director

Last summer, the CTCLUSI Field School brought youth

together for an immersive learning experience focused on forest

stewardship, climate resilience, and cultural knowledge. The 2025

program welcomed nine youth interns, including CTCLUSI Tribal

members, youth from CTCLUSI families, and participants from the

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.

Using a Two-Eyed Seeing approach, the program braided

Indigenous Knowledge with Western science. Youth learned directly

on Tribal lands while working alongside staff from the CTCLUSI

Department of Culture and Natural Resources and Forestry, as well

as researchers from Oregon State University. Participants gained

hands-on experience in forest ecology, soil science, pollinator

habitat, and fire stewardship while learning to use professional

forestry tools and monitoring techniques.

Evenings were filled with cultural activities such as archery,

beading, weaving, fishing, swimming, and storytelling. These shared

experiences strengthened youth connections to culture, community,

and the land.

Building on last year’s success, the Confederated Tribes of Coos,

Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians Field School 2026 will continue

to provide Tribal youth with hands-on learning opportunities and

exposure to careers in natural resources and forestry.

The CTCLUSI Field School is designed to introduce Tribal youth

to workforce opportunities and practical skills within the Tribe’s

Natural Resources and Forestry Departments. Through field-based

learning and workshops, participants gain real-world experience

while exploring potential career pathways.

This year’s Field School is open to Tribal youth, youth living in

Tribal households, and youth from neighboring Tribes. As well as

youth of CTCLUSI Staff. This program is open to youth 14-18 years

of age.

Participants will attend workshops and take part in forestry and

natural resource field activities throughout the week.

Program Length: One Week

Dates & Schedule

Sunday, June 28: Set-Up & Family Salmon Cook

Monday, June 29 - Thursday, July 2: Field Days

Friday, July 3: Camp Wrap-Up, Clean-Up, and Pick-Up

The CTCLUSI Field School is a paid workforce program. This

program only has 15 spots available. Interested youth must fill out

an application. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of CTCLUSI

employees from both the Forestry Department and the Department

of Culture & Natural Resources. Applicants will be notified by email

if they are selected. Accepted participants will receive additional

information regarding required gear, employment paperwork, and

program logistics.

Application Deadline:

May 15, 2026

To apply, please complete the

registration form here: https://

laserfiche.ctclusi.org/Forms/FieldSchool-2026

For questions, please contact:

Angela Henry – Camp Director

Email: ahenry@ctclusi.org

Cell: 541-294-9602

Scan QR Code for Application

CTCLUSI Field School Participants from 2025

Photograph below shows Field School Participants learning in the field

Photograph bottom left: fish trap basket being worked on with materials from Tribal forests

Through programs like the CTCLUSI Field School, the Tribe

continues to invest in the next generation of Tribal land

stewards who will help care for Tribal lands, culture, and

natural resources for generations to come.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

April is Move More Month!

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

Sources: National institute on Aging, American Heart Association, Beyond Type 1, IHS Webinar: physical Activity’s Effect on Diabetes Management- Russell Price,

B.S., CSCS

Let’s Get Moving!

Moving your body is one of the best things you can do for your health, and it

doesn’t have to be hard. Small steps add up to big changes.

Types of Exercise:

You don’t need to do all of them at once. Just start somewhere!

Want to get moving?

Simple Guidelines Before You Start

ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR

BEFORE STARTING A NEW EXERCISE

PROGRAM

It’s not safe to exercise when blood sugar is below

90mg/dL or above 250 mg/dL. Always check first!

Here are some goals to aim for:

► 150 minutes of movement each week

Try different types

of exercise!

► Stretching or mobility work most days

► Strength training 2-3 times a week

► About 10,000 steps per day

Aerobic

Muscle-strengthening

Balance

Aerobic exercises improve the

health of your heart, lungs,

and circulatory system.

Muscle-strengthening exercises

can help you stay independent

and prevent fall-related injuries.

Balance exercises help

prevent falls and can

improve stability.

To learn more about older adults and exercise, visit: www.nia.nih.gov/exercise.

Did You Know?

Moving your body lowers blood sugar, helps insulin work better, and keeps

your heart healthy. Even a short walk makes a real difference!

Think of it as an exercise snack is just a few minutes of movement spread

through your day. You don’t have to do it all at once! A little here and a little

there. It all counts.

MAKING IT STICK

Choose What Works for You!

Find something you love

Any movement that brings you joy is good movement!

Dancing, gardening, walking your pet. It all counts!

Start Small

Stepping stones, not boulders. Just starting out? Try

a 5-minute walk before a 50-minute one. The first

step is always the hardest part.

Try habit stacking

Pair a new habit with one you already have. When

you lay out your things for tomorrow, set out your

walking shoes too! Ready shoes = ready you!

Make it Fun!

► Invite a friend or family member

► Listen to music or an audio book

► Reward yourself! Try a new snack, like a

dragon fruit!

► Need help building habits? Check out those

short videos from Habit Coach!

Scan QR Code to visit the

Habit Coach Website

www.heart.org

6 Essential Exercises for

Seniors to Stay Moving, Fit &

Pain Free Video on Youtube

Beginner Get Moving

Workout in a Chair Video

(Seated Exercises)

Captain Don Takes Tribal Citizen’s

Out on Another Successful Steelhead Fishing Trip

“Thank you for organizing this

fishing trip for my nephew and

I we have landed five fish and

we’re even blessed with one that

we could keep for dinner.”

-Loren Furber

“Had a great time fishing with my

uncle. Thanks for getting us out

there! Also captain Don is great

captain and fun guy to hangout

with.”

-Tristan Furber

Interested in going on a fishing

trip on “The Big Canoe”? Sign

Up! Call DCNR 541-435-7151

April 2026

www.ctclusi.org

Now Offering Online Patient Portal

Using Intelichart

Our new Patient Portal makes it easier than ever

to access your medical records and manage your

health.

With our Patient Portal, you can:

• Schedule appointments online

• Request medication refills online

• Receive reminders to your cell and email

• Send secure messages to your provider

Patients will automatically receive an email

invitation with a PIN to register for the portal after

their appointment, typically within 24 hours.

If you wish to enroll before your appointment,

you will need to contact the clinic to obtain a PIN.

Scan QR Code to

Visit Patient Portal

Preventative Steps in Protecting Your Home and Property

Contributed by Leslie Thompson, Housing Assistant

Have you ever been the victim of theft? It can leave you any broken windows, doors, or property damage. Contact your

feeling violated, vulnerable, disgusted or even enraged. When it insurance company and notify them of what has occurred, as

happens in your personal space such as your vehicle, property, you may be able to file a claim and get reimbursed.

Check with your local law enforcement agency as they may

or in your home these feelings can be amplified.

Let’s look at some preventative measures to avoid this from be able to perform a home safety assessment. These are

conducted by trained law enforcement officers that survey and

happening, and some measures to take if it does happen.

One of the most basic, but important preventative measures identify vulnerabilities in and around your home. Some local

is locking your doors and windows to not only your home, law enforcement agencies may even have a Vacation Check

but those of your garage, vehicle, or storage facilities. Many Program – where law enforcement conduct perimeter checks

thefts are crimes of opportunity – meaning they’re looking for on you home while you are on vacation to ensure there are no

something easy. Don’t make it easy, make sure all entry points signs of forced entry to your home.

are locked and secured. Don’t leave tempting valuables in easy

For more information: https://dps.usc.edu/safety-tips/theft-prevention/

to spot or reach places that would make an individual want to https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/vehicle-theft-prevention https://

take that chance.

consumer.ftc.gov/identity-theft-online-security https://www.nicb.org/

While researching this subject, many common practices kept

reappearing such as having dark areas around your home

well lit. This can be with a porch light, or a motion sensor

light. You can even have automatic timers on some lights.

People who commit acts of crime don’t want others to

BUDGETING

see, having light acts as a deterrent and highlights their

GUIDANCE

actions.

Another common practice is trimming shrubs and

bushes around your home; this reduces the availability of

hiding places and dark corners.

If you’re going to be out of town, tell a trusted neighbor

RESUME

so they can keep an eye out. Leave a hallway light on, or

even a radio on. These create the illusion that someone

BUIDLING &

is home and can help deter malicious activity. Have

ASSISTANCE

someone check your mail and your home. You may even

want to think about asking the post office to hold your

mail until you get back into town.

Never leave a spare key outside, instead give a copy to

a trusted family member, friend, or neighbor.

RENTAL &

Do you have homeowners or renter’s insurance? Great

if you do, but have you made a list of all your valuable

HOME

possessions and their approximate worth? If not,

OWNERSHIP

there’s no time like the present. Having a list of items,

COUNSELING

their approximate worth, along with receipts, identifying

markings/ serial numbers and photos can help if you ever

have to report a theft to the police department or to your SELF -SUFFICIENCY PROGRAM

insurance company.

There are many home security options nowadays. This The Housing Department offers a self-sufficiency program

LIFE SKILLS

includes sensors placed at entry points such as doors or designed to assist Tribal Members in reaching their full

potential.

With

this

program,

the

Housing

Self-Sufficiency

windows, along with indoor/outdoor cameras that have

COACHING

night vision capability – even doorbell cameras. Smart Coordinator collaborates with Tribal Households to assist in

identifying and planning opportunities that promote financial

home systems are another option, they can be monitored stability and independence.

or unmonitored systems, wireless or wired systems. If you

CTCLUSI HOUSING

are looking at these options think about the installation, Services can include but are not limited to developing time

DEPT.

the cost, and the security type. Always do your research management and money management skills, resume creation

1320

Neese St.

and building or referrals for childcare and employment. Please

as you know your situation and home best.

Coos Bay, OR 97420

What happens if I am a victim of theft? Report it to law contact the housing department for more information.

(541)-888-1310

enforcement immediately, this creates a record of the

Monday-Friday

crime. Make sure you get a case number, the officer’s

name or business card so that you may contact them for

8am-5pm

any useful information or future questions you may have.

Document everything, this includes a list of stolen items,

Gui

CTCLUSI

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

CTCLUSI Human Resources

recruitment@ctclusihr.org

COOS BAY JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Health Services

Tribal Dental Clinic

Planning

Gaming

Special Events

Natural Resources &

Culture

Job Title

Clinical Pharmacist

Dental Assistant I

Project Manager*

Surveillance Agent I

Depends on Assignment

Tribal Archaeologist**

Status

Age

18+

25+

21+

14+

25+

Starting Wage

$127,874/yr - DOE

$22.30/hr - DOE

$74,159.64/yr - DOE

$22.50/hr - DOE

Depends on Assignment

$68,000/yr - DOE

FLORENCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Gaming

Administration

Special Events

Natural Resources &

Culture

Job Title

Licensing Associate

Administrative Assistant II*

Depends on Assignment

Tribal Archaeologist**

Status

Age

21+

25+

14+

25+

Starting Wage

$22.30/hr - DOE

$22.00/hr

Depends on Assignment

$68,000/yr - DOE

EUGENE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Department

Special Events

Natural Resources &

Culture

Job Title

Depends on Assignment

Tribal Archaeologist**

Status

Age

14+

25+

Starting Wage

Depends on Assignment

$68,000/yr - DOE

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

** This posting represents one full-time position offered across multiple locations; applicants may select

their desired location.

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: 02/12/2026

Human Resources Welcomes

New HR Coordinator to the Team

Contributed by Shelby Erickson MHRM, THRP, CTCLUSI Human Resources Director

Please join me in welcoming

Crystal Johnson, who joined the

HR department today as our new

HR Coordinator.

Crystal grew up in Austin,

Texas, and recently relocated

to Coos Bay to be closer to her

family. She is a proud mom

who loves spending time with

her daughters and enjoys

reading, attending country music

concerts, and making the most of

the outdoors. Crystal especially

loves the beach and boating, so

she’s excited to explore all that

the coast has to offer.

We’re excited to have Crystal

join our team and look forward

to the experience, energy,

and support she will bring to

CTCLUSI. Please join me in

welcoming her!

ATTENTION!

We Want to Hear From You!

We are looking at

overhauling our

website ctclusi.org

and would love your

feedback on how we

can improve the

website user

experience, and any

changes or features

you would like to see.

Please share any

recommendations or

requests by emailing

news@ctclusi.org or

contact 541-435-7175.

www.ctclusi.org

April 2026

Upcoming Events

RSVP for events by calling

1-541-435-7155

April 2026

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Tribal Council Election Day

Regular Council

Meeting 10:00 am

General Council

Meeting 1:00 pm

Secretarial

Election Day

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

wa’as class 4pm

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

Elders Luncheon

Springfield, 11:30 am

NBTS Gathering

LCC Longhouse, Eugene Littles Program

Language Class 9am

6pm-8pm

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

Forestry Outreach Night

Community Center or

Online via Teams, 5:30pm

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

miluk class 4pm

Business Council

Meeting 6:00 pm

hanis class 4pm

SATURDAY

Secretarial Election Day

FRIDAY

NBTS Gathering

Tribal Hall, Coos Bay

5:30pm-7:30pm

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

Tobacco Planting/

18 Invasives Removal

wa’as class 4pm

Tribal Hall, 9:00 a.m.

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

2 Narcan Training

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Glass Float Hunt and

Florence 11:30 a.m.

May 2026

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

Glass Float Hunt

2 & Narcan Training,

wa’as class 4pm

Florence 11:30 a.m.

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

Siletz Elders Honor Day

miluk class 4pm

10 Mother’s Day

Parenting Workshop

hanis class 4pm

12 Online via Zoom

Regular Council

Meeting 10:00 am

miluk class 4pm

hanis class 4pm

Workshop

19 Parenting

Online via Zoom

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Scholarships

Deadline!

Field School Application

Deadline!

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

miluk class 4pm

Memorial Day

25 All Tribal Offices

Closed

Parenting Workshop

hanis class 4pm

26 Online via Zoom

miluk class 4pm

Business Council

Meeting 6:00 pm

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Cedar Bark

Gathering

wa’as class 4pm

Littles Program

Language Class 9am

30 Language Class 9am

wa’as class 4pm

hiisəch hai - with a good heart

Littles Program

Salmon Canning

TRHC on Hull St.

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

THE VOICE OF CLUSI

April 2026

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.