# NEWS FROM THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS (2026) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_clusi%3Ae38e815d5edd545e ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text The Voice of January 2026 CLUSI Issue 1 Volume 27 www.ctclusi.org NEWS FROM THE CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF COOS, LOWER UMPQUA & SIUSLAW INDIANS Tribal Families Gather for Annual Holiday Celebration Tribal Council celebrate with Santa at the Annual Holiday Celebration. Pictured left to right: Ashley Russell, Debbie Bossley, Iliana Montiel, Julie Siestreem, “Santa”, Teresa Spangler - Vice Chair, Chief Doug Barrett, and Brad Kneaper - Chair Contributed by Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians held their annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Three Rivers Casino Resort in Florence, Oregon. Tribal families gathered to celebrate and were greeted by Tribal Government staff serving up warm welcomes and smiles. Each family received their 2026 Tribal Calendar, wooden die cut ornaments in the shape of snowflakes printed with the CTCLUSI Government Seal, canned salmon and tuna. After a warm welcome by members of Council and an invocation by Chief Doug Barrett, a delicious feast of roast and an assortment of side dishes was enjoyed by all. A selection of hors d’oeuvres were also savored throughout the afternoon, followed by sweet treats including apple pie, cookies, and cobbler for dessert. Families enjoyed visiting with one another and reminiscing over the slideshow of photos from previous holiday gatherings that played throughout the day. A festive backdrop and fun holiday props were provided for families to take photos with and were gifted with prints of these photos throughout the day. Guests also visited the Tribal member run vendor booths and played their odds by purchasing raffle tickets for a gift basket and 50/50 raffle from the Education Department. All proceeds of the two raffles are going towards Tribal Scholarships for youth. Following the meal, Tribal youth and those young at heart joined in singing some holiday songs alongside Tribal Council member Ashley Russell, accompanied by Janet Niessner from the Department of Culture and Natural Resources on the keyboard. The pair delighted guests with the lyrics to sing along with them to an Indigenized rendition of ‘The 10 Days of Solstice’. The next song helped call in the special guest of the evening, Santa Claus! Santa made sure to take time to speak to all the children in attendance and was assisted by his “elves” from Tribal Council, in handing out gifts and stockings to all the children. Tribal Chairman Brad Kneaper and Chief Doug Barrett, along with all Tribal Council helped call out the raffle prize winners. A number of gifts found new homes with lucky winners. The Education raffle basket was won by Jessica Olson and the 50/50 raffle winner was Leann James. Congratulations to them both and thank you to everyone who purchased tickets to go towards scholarships! Tribal members then gathered on the stage, sang and danced a friendship round dance to end the event in a good way. Thank you to all the incredible members of Tribal Government and the Staff at Three Rivers for all of their hard work. Without you, these events would not be possible. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year! More photos can be viewed on page 10 baldija Naming Ceremony February 7, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. see page 4 for more details Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Eugene, OR Permit #481 2 THE VOICE OF CLUSI Tribal Council Business January 2026 Activity of Elected Tribal Council Members from November 9, 2025 - December 14, 2025 Chief Doug Barrett 11/09 Budget Presentation – Tribal Council Meeting 11/10 Sea Otter Recovery Tribal Engagement Meetings 11/11 Moon Complex Cooperator Meeting 11/13 Culture Committee Meeting 11/14 Special Meeting: Election Code Amendment, Connection to Culture for Painted Horse Recovery in Portland 11/15 Harvest Celebration and Drum Making, Confederated Tribes of Siletz 48th Annual Restoration Pow Wow 11/17 City or Florence Proclamation: Native American Heritage Month 11/18 Canoe Carving – Education Afterschool Data Canoe 11/19 MHA/LADPC Monthly Meeting 11/20 Leaders Circle 11/24 GFORB / Tribal Council Business Meeting 11/25 maniis tei hap’ Data Canoe planning meeting / NARA Board Meeting 11/26 Meeting on Sea Otters 11/28 Native Heritage Day 12/03 STEP Meeting 12/04 Peace Givers Training / Special Council Meeting / Leaders Circle, Culture Items Task Force Meeting / Elakha Alliance Board Meeting 12/05 Peace Givers Training 12/06 Peace Givers Training 12/07 Deedee Celebration of life 12/08 Sea Otter Tribal Engagement Meeting / DOC – Tribal Advisory Committee 12/09 Indian Country Elders Knowledge Holders Culture Keepers ECHO 12/10 OYA – NAAC Quarterly Meeting / MHAC Special Meeting / Lane ACT Meeting 12/11 Peace Hike Planning Meeting / maniis tei hap’ Data Canoe Event, Culture Committee Meeting 12/12 Solstice Ceremony Planning Meeting 12/13 Holiday Celebration 12/14 Tribal Council Regular Meeting Total Hours: 172 Brad Kneaper, Chair 11/09 Budget Hearing with Budget Committee, Regular Council Meeting 11/20 Meet (ZOOM) with Legal and CEO for updates, Leader’s Circle: Meet new Director of Oregon Youth Authority; Discussion on state grant; Discuss land acquisition and Fee to Trust; Budget Committee meeting; Various discussion. 11/24 Gaming Operational Review Board, Tribal Council Business Meeting 12/02 Meet (ZOOM) with Oregon Governor discuss Consultation Task Force; Elliot State Forest 12/04 Special Council Meeting: Resolutions: Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) Family Support and Connections Program Grant; PacificSource Funding Request (Health Initiative related to Food and Nutrition); Discussion Blue Earth; Discussion Three Rivers Casino Budget, Leaders Circle: Update on Misery Creek Restoration Property; Discussion with Education and presentation of SB 13 Curriculum 12/05 Meeting (ZOOM) with CEO and Legal regarding budgets 12/10 Meet with TRC CEO, GFROB Chairman, and Legal regarding format of Three Rivers Casino Budget, Meet with Oregon State Police Tribal Gaming Section, and Interim Gaming Commission Director at Florence Outreach 12/13 Holiday Celebration Total Hours: 145 Teresa Spangler, Vice Chair 11/09 2nd Budget Hearing, Regular Council meeting 11/14 Special Meeting (Zoom only) 11/15 Harvest Celebration 11/20 Leaders Circle 11/24 Tribal Council Business Council Meeting 12/04 Special Council Meeting BECF and TRCR Budget discussions, Leaders Circle 12/13 Holiday Celebration Total Hours: 65 Debbie Bossley 11/14 Special Mtg 11/20 Leaders Circle 11/24 Business Mtg 12/04 Special Mtg, Leaders Circle 12/13 Holiday Celebration 12/14 Tribal Council Mtg Total Hours: 70 Julie Siestreem 11/09 2nd Budget hearing Tribal Councilexcused, Tribal Council General Council Regular Monthly meetingexcused 11/13 Elders Luncheon Three Rivers Casino Florence 11/14 Tribal Council Special Meeting, Southwestern Oregon Community College Port Development Discussion Oregon State University Sea Grant Sara Swett 11/15 Harvest Celebration Tribal Hall, Community Center Coos Bay 11/20 Oregon Department of Health Services Transformation Project Kristen Potts zoom, Tribal Council Leaders Circle Coos Bay 11/24 Gaming Operational Review Board Three Rivers Casino Florence, Tribal Council General Council Business meeting Three Rivers Casino Florence 12/04 Tribal Council Special Meeting Blue Earth Federal Corporation and Three Rivers Casino Budget discussion, Tribal Council Leaders Circle Coos Bay, Oregon Legislative Commission on Indian Services Budget Information Session Rep. Sanchez zoom 12/09 4j NATIVES Program IPC meeting Eugene 12/10 4j NATIVES Program Culture Gathering Activities Eugene, Oregon Department Of Early Learning and Care Interview Panel New Administrator zoom 12/13 Annual Christmas Gathering Three Rivers Casino Florence 12/14 Tribal Council General Council Regular Monthly meeting Community Center Coos Bay Total Hours: 130 Iliana Montiel 11/09 Tribal Council Regular Meeting 11/14 Special Meeting 11/15 Harvest Celebration 11/19 Leaders Circle 11/24 GFORB / Tribal Council Business Meeting 12/04 Special Meeting / Leaders Circle 12/13 Holiday Celebration Total Hours: 40 Ashley Russell 11/13 Harvest Celebration Prep 11/14 Harvest Celebration Prep 11/15 Harvest Celebration 11/19 Reviewed Leader’s Circle Packet 11/23 Reviewed Business Meeting Packet 11/24 Business Meeting 12/03 Reviewed Leader’s Circle Packet 12/04 Special Meeting and Leader’s Circle Meeting 12/13 Holiday Celebration 12/14 General Council Meeting Total Hours: 79 Upcoming Regular Council Meetings January 11, 2026 February 8, 2026 March 8, 2026 Election Day - April 12th Regular Meeting begins at 10:00 a.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 www.ctclusi.org January 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. 3 CHANGES? Please let us know if you have a change in address, phone number, name or addition to your family. Changes should be submitted to Enrollment Dept., either online at www.ctclusi.org/enrollment or mail to Enrollment Dept., 1245 Fulton Ave., Coos Bay, OR 97420. Phone: 541-435-7178 or Fax: 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 149 149 W. 12th Avenue Eugene, OR 97401 Phone 541-744-1334 Toll Free 1-800-877-2718 Fax 541-744-1349 Florence Outreach Office Physical: 3757 Hwy 101 Mailing: P.O. Box 2000 Florence, OR 97439 Phone 541-997-6685 Toll Free 1-866-313-9913 Fax 541-997-1715 Dept. of Human Resources 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone: 541-888-7508 Fax: 541-897-9881 recruitment@ctclusihr.org 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 Community Health Diann Weaver, Director 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone: 541-888-7502 dweaver@ctclusi.org Forestry Department Tyler Slyter, Director 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-1311 tslyter@ctclusi.org Purchased/Referred Care 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-4873 Toll free 1-800-227-0392 Fax 541-888-5388 prc@ctclusi.org Department of Culture and Natural Resources Ashley Russell, Director Phone 541-888-9577 arussell@ctclusi.org 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 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 Three Rivers Behavioral Health 250 HullStreet Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone (541) 435-7200 info@threerivers.health Three Rivers Pharmacy 150 S Wall Street Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone: (541) 435-7234 Fax: (541) 435-7233 Three Rivers Dental Clinic 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-6433 Toll free 1-877-688-6433 Fax 541-888-7505 Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager Phone 541-997-6685 jbeers@ctclusi.org 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Social Services Department Kelly Bradley, Director 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-7537 Toll Free 1-888-280-0726 Fax 541-888-5388 kbradley@ctclusi.org Tribal Housing Department Mary Gordon, Director 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-435-7150 Fax 541-435-0492 mgordon@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 Marcial 7. Roseana Perry - Chair Culture Committee 1. Earla Kirk 2. VACANT 3. Alyssa Lydick 4. Nicole Romine 5. Michael Brainard 6. Patricia Whereat-Phillips - Chair 7. VACANT 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. Eddie Helms 5. Mike Lent 6. Stan McNutt 7. Teresa Spangler Enrollment Committee 1. Courtney Krossman 2. Patricia Whereat-Phillips 3. Skip Brainard 4. Vicki Faciane - Chair 5. Teresa Spangler Housing Committee 1. VACANT 2. Dan Krossman 3. Enna Helms 4. Tyler Slyter - Chair 5. Melinda Sprague THE VOICE OF CLUSI If you or anyone in your Tribal family has had any recent special awards or achievements that you would like to share, please submit your information and photos to the newsletter. I look forward to hearing from you! -Morgan Gaines, Communications Specialist mgaines@ctclusi.org or 541-888-7536 Language Committee 1. Nicole Mendoza 2. Tammy Evarts 3. Ashley Vandevort 4. Jade Fong - Chair 5. Naomi Biesanz 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 Are you a Tribal member who would like to learn more about a Tribal Committee, or are interested in being on a committee? Reach out to a 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 Elders Activities Barbara Black, Tribal Navigator/ Community Health Aide 1245 Fulton Ave. Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-7532 bblack@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 rbossley@ctclusi.org Tribal Police Brian Dubray, Police Chief 5647 Hwy 126, Suite 100 Florence, OR 97439 Phone 541-997-6011 Fax 541-902-6507 bdubray@ctclusi.org Tribal Court Karen Costello, Chief Judge 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 Phone 541-888-9577 Toll Free 1-888-280-0726 tribalct@ctclusi.org 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 Committee Chair person or a Tribal Government Staff member. Committee Chairs are noted at left with current sitting members of the committee at the time of publication of this paper. For questions, please contact Lorin Krossman, at 541-435-7178 or enrollment@ctclusi.org The Tribe maintains a list of those interested so that when a committee vacancy occurs we can fill it as soon as possible, so please contact us whether there is a vacancy or not. Letters of interest remain on file for one full year. Members can serve on up to three committees simultaneously. Upcoming Events Turn to page 19 of this publication for a monthly calendar of upcoming events or visit the Events Calendar on the tribal website at https://ctclusi.org/events/ Position #6 Council 541-808-5580(cell) debbie.bossley@ctclusi.org Council Meeting January 11, 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 4 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 Join Us in Returning baldija (Gregory Point) Back to its miluk Name Through Ceremony Contributed by Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager baldija - Gregory Point – baldija, baldija, baldija baldija Naming Ceremony February 7th at 10:00am Come join us in returning Gregory Point back to its miluk name through Ceremony. Imagine our miluk ancestors gathering for dances at baldija, facing the ocean in reverence, canoes tied in the trees to avoid the pounding waves below. For thousands of years or since time immemorial the miluk people lived on baldija they truly were the people of the ocean. Shortly before Euro-American contact the village site was attacked by our southern Athabascan neighbors and most of its inhabitants were killed at this time. This place became a place of remembrance, a memorial. When Euro-Americans came to our lands this is one of the first places they took from the miluk people. Due to its orientation, the United States felt it was perfect for a lighthouse so in 1854 the President of the United States withdrew the lands from public entry. They did this despite the lands not being owned by the United States as the land had not yet been ceded under treaty to the United States (of course, as we know, the treaty of 1855 that would have legally ceded our lands to the United States was never ratified by congress). Regardless the United States occupied baldija, renamed it Gregory Point and built and rebuilt boat houses, crew quarters, keepers quarters, bridges and lighthouses through the years. This place even though owned by the United States continued to be a place of healing and memory for the people. Eventually through the hard work, perseverance and dedication of a few of our Tribal Members Gregory Point was returned to our Tribe in 2013 by the United States Coast Guard. IMPORTANT FITNESS PROGRAM REMINDER: Photo from before the bridge to the island was removed Many of our Tribal Citizens will recognize this place as Gregory Point, or as the site where, in recent years, we have practiced our annual Salmon Ceremony. However, the name baldija was not lost, only sleeping. Our Linguistic staff have been working alongside our Language Committee to bring back the use of these traditional place names. The surviving names of these places hold great meaning for us and for our lands. Please join us on February 7th for the first of many returning place-name ceremonies. Together, we will once again face the ocean in reverence at baldija. RSVP to Jesse Beers at 541 297-0748 as transportation will be available from Tribal Hall. Save the Date: Election Forums Forum Day - Saturday, March 21, 2026 Receipts for July-December 2025 are due no later than January 14, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted. QUESTIONS? Contact fitnessprogram@ctclusi.org Hidden Image Search: Can You Find Me? In this edition of The Voice of CLUSI there is a hidden image of A SNOWFLAKE 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 Snowflake hiding! Must email by January 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. December Cranberries Raffle Winners: Adult - Stan McNutt Youth - No youth entered December raffle The cranberries were hidden in the photo on page 11 (In the basket of the top left photo under Fall Harvest and Drum Making banner) Forums will be held from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Join in person at Community Center 338 Wallace Avenue, Coos Bay, Oregon 97420 or Join Online via Zoom (link will be made available in the Citizen Portal of the www.ctclusi.org closer to date of Forum) Questions? Email enrollment@ctclusi.org Important PRC Application Deadline The Purchased and Referred Care department is now accepting applications for the Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) program for 2026. You must submit a new application each year for each PRC-eligible Tribal member in your household. This year, the deadline for applications is Friday, January 30, 2026. Failure to apply for the program will result in denial of eligibility for the PRC program. If an application is received after January 30, 2026, PRC will only pay claims 90 days prior to the date the application was submitted for that calendar year. You can apply online at www.ctclusi.org. You will see a link at the bottom of the home page that will take you to the online form (or look under Member Services, Purchased and Referred Care). Please be sure to upload the front and back of your insurance card(s) to ensure we have the most current information. You must complete a separate form for each PRCeligible family member. Please call PRC at (541) 888-4873 or (800) 2270392 to have a hard-copy application mailed to you or with any questions. New Limited Benefit PRC is pleased to announce that both Massage Therapy and Acupuncture have been added to your annual Limited Benefits. Starting January 1st, 2026, you will be able to seek Massage Therapy and Acupuncture with a licensed provider. The facility you chose must bill all insurances and be willing to work with the PRC billing requirements. Each benefit will be limited to one visit per month for a total of 12 visits in a calendar year. All remaining Limited Benefits remain the same. www.ctclusi.org January 2026 5 NOTICE IMPORTANT ELECTION INFORMATION YOU MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN ANY TRIBAL ELECTION TRIBAL COUNCIL ELECTION DATE: APRIL 12, 2026 Only registered voters will be sent a ballot POSITION NUMBER INCUMBENT Position #2 Position #4 Position #6 Brad Kneaper Teresa Spangler Debbie Bossley Tribal Council Guidelines per Chapter 7-3 Elections 7-3-22 Public Notice of Upcoming Elections (a) The Election Board must publish in the Tribal Newsletter and post at the Tribes’ Administrative Building, Tribal Hall, Outreach Offices, on the Tribes’ website and in the office of the Gaming Commission, a notice of upcoming regular Tribal Council elections. This shall be done no later than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the scheduled date of a regular Tribal Council election. 7-3-5 Voters List: no later than 90 days prior to an election, Chief Executive Office or the Enrollment Clerk shall furnish a list to the Election Board a list of eligible voters. 7-3-23 Candidate Eligibility According to the Tribal Constitution (Article VIII, Section 4(a), in order to be eligible for election to a Tribal Council position, candidates shall meet the following qualifications: (a) Be a duly enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes. (b) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age; and (c) Never have been previously removed from office for good cause after the date the Tribal Constitution was ratified. (May 23, 1987). Election Day: April 12, 2026 Voting hours shall be from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Election shall be held at the Tribal Hall 338 Wallace Avenue, 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 and sign in to the Citizen Portal to view more details of the 2026 Tribal Council Election. Constitutional Amendment Secretarial Election 1-1-24 Candidacy Procedures Contributed by Lorin Krossman, Enrollment Specialist & Election Clerk (a)Statements of Candidacy (1) Candidates shall file Statements of Candidacy no later than thirty (30) days before the scheduled date of the election. (3) Each candidate shall indicate the position (#2, #4, or #6) for which he or she is filing. Once a person has filed for a position, he or she will not be allowed to change positions or to withdraw and refile for the same election. (All Gov. Offices have this form) Tribal Council would like to update you and provide information on the current efforts to amend the Tribes Constitution. Our Tribe’s Constitution is one of the few that have never been amended since its original final recorded date of June 23, 1987. This process currently requires the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to facilitate the process called a “Secretarial Election”. There will be several areas called “Proposed Constitutional Amendments” you will be able to vote on. A Secretarial Election Board will be established under the BIA to assist with this Election process; this will allow some representation from our Tribe. All CTCLUSI members will be contacted directly by the BIA. First, you must register and then the BIA will create and send those who registered a ballot to vote. The BIA will also make the final determination of result of this Election. Previously, the Tribal Council directed outreach to membership, held question and answer forums and collected comments about various areas of proposed amendments. Council has worked with legal Counsel and submitted proposed language for amendments to the BIA to seek a technical review and ensure all suggested language meets legal sufficiency. The BIA brought back an approval to the request. We will begin again to provide you with information through various methods. Please review these communications when they are received as we move through this historic process together. Please update your information through the website, www.ctclusi.org or contact the Enrollment Department at enrollment@ ctclusi.org for more information. The Candidate Filing Deadline for the 2026 Tribal Council Election Friday, March 13, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. 7-3-24(b) Public Notices and Position Statements (1) Per Article VII Section 4(c) “A Public list of candidates shall be published no later than 20 days before elections for the calendar year. March 23, 2026- in all offices and website. (2) Election Board shall publish in January 2026 issue a notice of Tribal Council Election Deadline for this posting (3) Position Statements: Candidates will be given the opportunity to present a Position Statement for inclusion in February, March or April Tribal Newsletter. The statement must be submitted before the paper’s deadline and shall be no longer than one (1) sheet of 8-1/2” x 11” paper printed on both sides, capable of being copied on a black and white copier. February 2026 Newsletter – deadline is January 15, 2026; March Newsletter – deadline is February 15, 2026; April Newsletter – deadline is March 13, 2026 Ballot Mailing: Once a person has declared to run by filing a “Statement of Candidacy”; if a “Position Statement” is submitted by the final deadline March 13, 2026, it will be included in the ballot mailing. For the complete Election Code and other information please see www.ctclusi. org Tribal Code, Chapter 7-3 Elections or visit the Elections Page. For questions, please email enrollment@ctclusi.org. 6 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 Department of Culture and Natural Resources: Year in Review & Welcoming Our Growing Team dai chil sla (m), shin dai sla (h), nishachii chamanii (sq), Greetings DEPARTMENT relatives, Direct Supervisor: Ashley Russell The Department of Culture and Natural Resources (DCNR) is honored to share highlights from a year of tremendous growth, stewardship, Environmental Sector • Janet Niessner, Laboratory Manager and cultural reconnection. Guided by our mission to braid Indigenous • Jessie Marlenee, Laboratory Technician Knowledge and Western Science, our work supports the health and well• Patrick Winczewski, Quality Assurance Specialist being of our lands, waters, non-human relatives, and people, for the next • Kathryn (Katie) Ribble, Cultural Resources Protection seven generations. Technician II This year, DCNR organized into four sectors, Environmental, Cultural • Sarah Hardisty, Tribal Response Specialist Resources, Language, and Culture is Prevention, to strengthen our • Dan Kirk, Restoration Projects Manager Cultural Resources Protection Sector programs and better serve the community. • Courtney Krossman, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Highlights from 2025 • Tribal Archaeologist, Vacant • Expanded the Air Quality Program and continued monitoring lands Direct Supervisor: Amanda Craig and waters across the Tribe’s Area of Interest. Language Sector • Grew the Environmental Toxicology Lab, adding new testing • Patty Whereat Phillips, Linguist capabilities. • Enna Helms, Contract Language Teacher • Advanced restoration projects, including haich ikt'at'uu (Waite • Ashley Vandevort, miluk tɬiis də yets k’a (miluk Language Ranch) and Misery Creek (Brainard Tract) Nest Facilitator) • Collaborated on new interpretive signage in Coos Bay and • Naomi Biesanze, tɬ’iisu ets’me (hanis Language Nest Florence. Facilitator) • Continued cultural stewardship, artifact care, and practitioner • Kris Wing, wa’asamɬ hiits ‘ii ‘ii hiich (sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ access through the Cultural Resources Protection Program. quuiich Language Nest Facilitator) • Offered subsistence fishing opportunities and provided salmon for • Isa Helms, Language Nest Helper the Sacred Salmon Ceremony. Culture is Prevention Sector • Hosted monthly cultural gatherings and expanded Language • Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager • Alycia Cossey, Cultural Stewardship Associate Program offerings. • Angela Henry, Camps Director • Published 16 early literacy books and a language workbook in the • Nicole Romine, Tribal Tobacco Prevention Specialist II Tribe’s heritage languages. • Sam Riding In, Tribal Youth Engagement Specialist • Acquired the Florence Canoe House and expanded Building C • Isaac Dull, Tribal Youth Engagement Coordinator with new offices and a conference room. • Finalized key Tribal policies, including FPUP, ERA, TCMP, and the We thank Tribal Council, elders, youth, and community members Tribal Forest Access Policy. for supporting this work. Together, we are strengthening our lands • Welcomed 13 new staff across all sectors. and waters, our culture, and our future. Ashley Leadership Russell, Director, Oversees the Department as a whole, with primary leadership of the Environmental and Cultural Resources Sectors, and guides DCNR’s growth through culturally grounded, community-centered leadership. Ashley Russell, a Miluk citizen of the Tribe, serves as the Director of DCNR, a role she officially assumed in October 2024 after working in the department since 2014. Ashley brings over a decade of experience in environmental stewardship, policy development, and cultural resource protection. Her leadership focuses on integrating Indigenous Knowledge with Western Science to protect Tribal lands, waters, and cultural lifeways. Her work centers community stewardship, cultural revitalization, and strengthening opportunities for Tribal citizens of all ages. Amanda Craig, Assistant Director, Oversees the Culture is Prevention and Language Sectors Returned to DCNR in March 2025. Amanda is honored to be back with the Tribe and the Department of Culture and Natural Resources (DCNR), supporting youth, families, and community through culturally grounded programming. Her work centers language revitalization, Culture is Prevention, and intergenerational learning, connecting land, language, and people. Amanda brings a strong interdisciplinary background in cultural stewardship, program development, planning, environmental science and education, landscape architecture, and collaborative leadership. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. Amanda has worked for and with the Tribes for over 14 years, beginning at the age of 16, and brings deep institutional knowledge and long-standing community relationships to her role. She is especially passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces for youth and strengthening partnerships that support longterm community well-being. Tonya Davis, Administrative Coordinator, Supports all DCNR sectors and the Directors. Tonya has lived most of her life in North Bend, with earlier administrative experience in city government, the timber industry, and legal offices. She enjoys reading, hiking, bicycling, and spending time with her family. She and her husband, Chris, have two children, Cooper and Lexi. Meet the Team Angela Henry, Camp Director shin dai sla, my name is Angela Henry, and I am excited to join the DCNR team as the Camp Director. As a Tribal member, mother of two, and dedicated advocate for youth education and development, I bring a deep passion for creating culturally rich, engaging programs for our Tribal youth. Nature has always been a guiding force in my life, especially the ocean. In 2022, along with my husband, Cy, and two kids, Elijah and Shiloh, we moved onto a sailboat in Hawaii and sailed it to Coos Bay then down to Mexico. Since then, we have been splitting our time between sailing and spending time in Oregon. These adventures continually strengthen my appreciation for the environment, our traditions, and the importance of connecting young people to both. As a mother of two, I understand firsthand the impact that meaningful experiences can have on young minds. I am thrilled to step into this role and honored to serve the Tribes by helping create safe, inspiring, and culturally grounded opportunities for our youth. Janet Niessner, Laboratory Manager Janet Niessner is the Laboratory Manager of CTCLUSI’s Environmental Toxicology Laboratory. The Laboratory investigates contaminants of concern for Tribal lands and resources and supports the Tribe in ensuring resource health and prosperity. The Laboratory also supports the Tribe’s cultural collections and curations through the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO), ensuring that materials are accessible to Tribal membership. Janet has a B.A. in Archaeology from George Washington University (2007), and an MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology from Cranfield University (2014). She has strong scientific background and forensic laboratory management experience as well as cultural resource management experience. January 2026 www.ctclusi.org Department of Culture and Natural Resources: 7 Meet the Team Jesse Beers, Cultural Stewardship Manager Dan Kirk, Restoration Projects Jessie Marlenee, Laboratory Niisachii. Jesse Beers namɬiin Manager Technician ɬiin. Sha’uushtɬ’axan uɬ quuiich’axan I’m Dan Kirk, nə Jessie hiich. (hello everyone. My name is hanis coos me (I Marlenee is an Jesse Beers. I am a Siuslaw and am a hanis coos ecologist with Lower Umpqua person.) I am an person) and I’m a background enrolled citizen of our Tribal Nation the Restoration in mycology, and currently I serve as a Cultural Projects Manager. forestry, and Stewardship Manager for our Tribe. I like being on a molecular I live in the Department of Culture and Natural Resources. We work to restore and steward journey with the biology. She the lands and waters that are necessary for our Culture department and the joined the to thrive while also working to restore and steward our Tribe to develop CTCLUSI Culture so that our lands and waters may thrive, bringing and implement Environmental the lessons of our Ancestors into the present so that Testing Laboratory in August 2025 as a our future generations may have healthy and abundant programs and projects that center Laboratory resources and relatives to appreciate. Currently I’m care and healing Technician/Microbiologist. In this role, excited to introduce the community to the siixaiyamɬ of our homelands. Currently, I work with my Jessie tests environmental samples using hiitsii’ii (the canoe’s house). This is the location of my new office and of cultural programing out of the Florence area. department and outside organizations and genetic tools like eDNA and qPCR to track These buildings will be where the family canoe program entities to bring back the full potential of ecosystem health and support restoration will be run and provides a place in between Eugene and natural processes to wetland areas that lack projects. She also helps develop new Coos Bay to base cultural activities, staff and resources. this potential. This might mean increasing testing methods, ensures the lab meets If you’d like to visit me at siixaiyamɬ hiitsii’ii feel free to call native habitats, reshaping how water flows quality standards, and assists with water or text me and set a time at 541 297-0748 and I can give through a wetland, adding more complexity to quality monitoring in the field. Jessie earned you a tour. ailaɬa. channels, removing invasive species, and so her B.S. in Biology from Western Colorado Alycia Cossey, Cultural Stewardship Associate much more. This type of on-the-ground work University and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Alycia Cossey sinsanuu, wen is one way to perpetuate healing and growth Biology from the University of New Mexico. miluk k’a’uu. My name is Alycia of abundance of natural and cultural resources She is passionate about environmental Cossey (formerly Brainard), and within our homelands. While I greatly enjoy stewardship and using molecular tools I am miluk Coos. I am deeply the work in the field, strategizing and project to identify rare or vulnerable species, grateful to serve our people planning, and various other aspects of my document biodiversity, and understand how as the Cultural Stewardship position, what makes my job particularly climate change and related disturbances Associate, now entering my special, though, is weaving this work with the affect natural communities. Jessie is excited second year in this full-time broader scope of restoration and stewardship to learn more about the local ecosystems role. I am always learning (of languages, forests, histories, baskets, and the environmental issues impacting something new and continually etc.) that has and continues to take place at the Tribe, and to use her skills to help striving to grow for the benefit the Tribe. We have the honor, privilege, and manage and protect its natural and cultural of our community and future right to steward the many intersecting pieces resources. generations. that define our cultures, lands, and identities. Katie Ribble, Cultural Resources In this position, I have the rewarding role of helping Protection Technician II to plan and support cultural events for our tribe. These Issac Dull, Tribal Youth Engagement Katie Ribble is a Marine Scientist with include ceremonies, regalia making, gathering traditional Coordinator a strong background in water quality medicines, and harvesting basketry materials, to name I serve as a assessment, harmful algal research, and a few. When I’m not preparing for events, I assist with Youth Engagement environmental outreach. She currently cultural partnership requests within DCNR—supporting Coordinator for serves as a Cultural Resources Protection projects such as interpretive signage, art initiatives, land the Confederated Technician II, where she focuses on water stewardship, and other collaborative efforts. I love the Tribes of Coos, quality monitoring through both fieldwork variety of this work and the opportunity to contribute to Lower Umpqua, and laboratory analysis. our people, our culture, and the well-being of our lands. and Siuslaw Katie holds a B.S. in Marine Science What excites me most about this role is the ongoing Indians within the and an M.S. in Environmental Science opportunity to engage with our community—teaching, Department of from Florida Gulf Coast University. Her sharing, building confidence, and helping to strengthen Prevention and previous roles include conducting research our connection to the traditions and knowledge of our Culture. In this on harmful algal blooms and marine toxins, ancestors and lands. As I continue my own learning, role, as well as leading water quality compliance I hope and aim to be in service to our people and the I help create investigations for the Louisiana Department generations to come meaningful, culturally grounded learning of Environmental Quality. Her work has opportunities that support the growth, Samuel Riding In, Tribal Youth Engagement spanned coastal ecosystems across the resilience, and overall well-being of tribal Specialist Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Maine and now youth. My work centers on sharing traditional I am excited to continue to Pacific Northwest. knowledge, building hands-on skills, and work for the Confederated Outside of the lab, Katie is passionate encouraging healthy, drug-, alcohol-, and Tribes of the Coos, Lower about outdoor exploration and commercial tobacco–free lifestyles. Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians. environmental stewardship. In 2022, Some of the work I’m most I instruct a wide range of outdoor and she thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, an proud of being involved with cultural activities—including archery, hunting experience that deepened her connection has been supporting the and fishing tactics, woodworking, wilderness to the landscapes of the western U.S. and Harvest Party, and Fresh Air survival, and plant identification—designed reinforced her commitment to conservation and Language Camps. Working to strengthen confidence, connection, and with the CTCLUSI community and sustainability. cultural identity. I also help plan and lead youth has been a great experience, She is especially excited about the camps, community events, and preventionand positively impactful for opportunity to focused programming that create safe, both myself and my family who contribute to longhave continued to be welcomed at all Tribal events we’ve supportive spaces for learning and personal term environmental attended. My role as the Youth Engagement Specialist growth. involves working with Tribal youth and promoting the A lifelong outdoors enthusiast, I’m monitoring efforts Culture is Prevention method towards Youth Prevention. passionate about snowboarding, hunting, that are rooted in I look forward to continuing to engage with the Tribal spearfishing, fly fishing, traditional archery, both science and cultural stewardship. community from the Eugene area office, as well as in working with sharp tools, and spending time Florence, and Coos Bay when necessary. She looks forward to Working in the Department of Natural Resources near water and fire. These experiences shape working on projects and Culture has been an honor and I look forward to not only my personal life, but also the way I that directly impact connect with youth and bring authentic, landsupporting traditional cultural activities and events. local ecosystems and based learning into every program I support. communities. 8 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 Department of Culture and Natural Resources: Meet the Team Continued Ashley Vandevort, miluk Language Nest Facilitator dai chil sla. Ashley Vandevort tɬə’nə san. miluk k’a’uu. tɬə’nə halqaima Brainard. tɬə’nə umnatɬ’əch Madeline Knowlton də san. miluk tɬiis də yets k’a. (hello you all. My name is Ashley Vandevort. I am a miluk (Coos) person. My family is the Brainards. My grandmother is Madeline Knowlton. I am the miluk Language Nest Facilitator.) Learning, speaking and teaching my language are all aspects I enjoy about my job. Supporting other learners as they speak miluk in their homes is very rewarding. I love speaking miluk with my k’ilga (baby) and my husband in the home and sharing language with my extended family. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Indigenous Foodways and Heritage Reclamation and a certificate in Culinary Arts from University of Alaska Fairbanks. I enjoy using miluk in the kitchen and cooking with ingredients indigenous to North America. In my free time I enjoy gathering, listening to audiobooks, working on a myriad of different crafts, rock climbing, kayaking and hiking. In 2023 my husband and I hiked the Oregon Coast Trail from Astoria to California. Spending time on the land and water is when tɬə’nə k’ele luwe (my heart is happy). Courtney Krossman, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Naomi Biesanz, hanis Language Nest Facilitator I’m thrilled to be part of the project of bringing our languages back into use! I teach the hanis language nest, our weekly online hanis (Coos) class for children 0-5 years old and their caregivers. I also assist our Tribal linguists with developing educational materials like flashcards, children’s books, and example audio demonstrating pronunciation. I hope to help make learning and using our languages as approachable as possible. Kris Wing, sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich Language Nest Facilitator niishachii! Kris ɬiiniin, quuiichaxan hiich. tain tqauwii quuiich hyatsuuwiiyuus tainat namɬiin qastɬiiuu uɬ namɬiinɬ shiit’a. (Hello all! My name is Kris, I am a quuiich person. I live upriver in Reedsport with my husband and our pets.) I am our sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich Language Nest Facilitator and I am so in love with my role in our community. I am always looking for new ways to bring language into the homes of our tribal families as well as my own. I have a passion for linguistics on its own, but learning our language has made me feel connected to our land and our people in ways that are indescribable. Being able to hear all three of our languages be spoken on a regular is such a special, irreplaceable feeling. I am looking forward to seeing how much our community language use will grow!” Courtney Krossman sinsanuu, wen miluk k’a’uu. My name is Courtney Krossman and I am a miluk coos person. I am an enrolled citizen of CTCLUSI, where I currently serve as the Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, within the department of Culture and Natural Resources. In this role, my focus is the protection of cultural resources within our ancestral territory, cultural continuity, and our sacred places and to ensure that archaeological preservation reflects our Tribal values and cultural protocols. We strive to protect and preserve these resources through engagement, consultation, and collaboration with Federal, State, and local agencies as well as private landowners. Hosting Cultural Monitoring Training has been a highlight the last few years, and I look forward to having more Tribal members trained on cultural preservation in the coming year. Outside of the office, I enjoy raising our four kids within the Tribal community and teaching them our love for the outdoors through harvesting our own food in the garden and hunting in our Tribal forests. Patrick Winczewski, Quality Assurance Specialist Patrick Winczewski (he/him) joined CTCLUSI in December 2024 as the Quality Assurance Specialist for DCNR and the Environmental Testing Laboratory. His work focuses on building and maintaining the lab’s Quality Management System as testing capacity and programs continue to expand. Patrick earned his B.S. in Chemistry with a minor in Nutrition from Oregon State University in 2015. His background includes laboratory work, regulatory compliance, quality assurance in the food industry, and more than 15 years supporting outdoor youth programs. He enjoys learning, and has passion for all things related to environmental science, public health, and is excited to keep growing professionally with CTCLUSI. Outside of work, Patrick loves all things mushroom-related, he forages, cultivates, cooks, and educates about them through a nonprofit he leads. He lives in Albany with his wife, pets, and an ever-growing list of hobbies. Sarah Hardisty, Tribal Response Specialist Hi all - my name is Sarah and I just had my twoyear anniversary working for Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians as the Tribal Response Resource Specialist. I look forward to continue this work ensuring that Tribal land gets assessed and remediated. My background is in biology and marine science, and I have really enjoyed learning about all the marine life that is important to CTCLUSI and exploring the Southern Oregon Coast. I hold a B.A. in Biology and B.S. In Integrative Biology, with a background in computational and laboratory analysis. When not working, I enjoy food, reading a good book, painting, pulling weeds from my community garden, and hiking all over the beautiful PNW rain or shine. Right now is a really expansive time in indigenous science and important time to work in natural resources for a Tribal government, and I am constantly learning and growing! Patty Whereat Phillips, Linguist Patricia Whereat Phillips is a tribal member of miluk descent. She was born and raised on Coos Bay and from an early age was interested in wildlife around her family’s house. She also learned a lot of tribal history from her father Don Whereat. Inspired by her interest in wildlife and Native languages, she earned a BS in biology in 1992 from Oregon State University and an MA in linguistics at University of Oregon in 1996. Since that time she has spent much time researching and teaching the Tribe’s languages; miluk, hanis and sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich. 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) June 20th, 2026 – Coos Bay, Tribal Hall Cedar Bark Cape Workshop (During Summer Solstice) Focus: Cultural teachings, Gathering Cedar & processing, making capes į Registration & Contact: Please RSVP by scanning the code and filling out the attached form  Locations: Florence Canoe House Coos Bay Tribal Hall Eugene Outreach Questions? Contact: Alycia Cossey acossey@ctclusi.org or 541-294-1237 for any questions or assistance with filling out the form www.ctclusi.org January 2026 9 Certification of Two Language Teachers Contirbuted by the Language Sector On Sunday, October 12, the Tribal Council officially approved the certification of our two first Language Teachers: Patty Phillips (miluk) and Enna Helms (miluk). This marks another important milestone in the Confederated Tribes’ Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw continuing commitment to language revitalization and cultural continuity. The overarching goal of the Tribe’s language program is to broaden and strengthen our speech communities for miluk, hanis, and sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich. Extending not only within our citizenship, but also among the descendants of our languages enrolled in neighboring tribes; the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Language revitalization efforts first began through consulting and working with the elders from both the Confederated Tribes’ Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw and Coquille Indian Tribe. Elders recalled words, phrases, songs in the language and stories of their elder’s using language. In total, over two dozen elders recalled. “Working with our elders shifted something within me, both in my passion for language Patty Phillips and Enna Helms revitalization and in the language itself,” said Enna Helms, Language teacher for miluk, hanis, sha’yuushtɬ’a uɬ quuiich. “It rewired language memory and activated pathways of our tribal identity, emotion, and continuity of our culture and language.” Since working with the elders (20172019), the Tribes language sector has continued to grow. The Language committee was established in 2020 to guide language advocacy, policy and education, and our community is celebrating its sixth year of teaching the three different languages. Some of the work includes building dictionaries, developing curriculum and learning materials, producing bilingual and multilingual children’s books, developing the Language Nest Program for young children and their families, and continually working with elders, and shaping policy to support language revitalization. The adoption of the Tribe’s Language Teacher Certification Protocol provides a framework for training, experiential opportunities, and resources to certify and support future language teachers. The certification of Language Teachers Patty Phillips and Enna Helms allows them to apply for the American Indian Languages Teaching License to teach in public schools. Enna said, “It is our hope that this milestone will guide conversations to developing the pathways and capacity for teaching in the local public schools”. Want to learn more about language? Contact the language sector by emailing language@ctclusi.org 10 THE VOICE OF CLUSI Holiday Celebration 2025 January 2026 January 2026 www.ctclusi.org Holiday Celebration 2025 11 12 THE VOICE OF CLUSI Tribe Hires New Diabetes Educator Please join us in welcoming our new Diabetes Educator, Elizabeth “Liz” Escobedo. Elizabeth will be stationed at our Eugene Outreach Office and can be reached at her office direct line of 541-435-7191 or email eescobedo@ctclusi.org. Below is a bio Elizabeth has prepared, together with a photo of her at the beach. “My name is Elizabeth Escobedo and I’m excited to be joining the team in the Eugene Outreach Office as a Diabetes Educator. My background is in medical nutrition and health education. Diabetes education is personal to me. My family’s journey with diabetes inspired me, and I’m excited to support others on theirs. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time outdoors. The photo I’m including is from my Highway 1 drive on my own from the Redwood National and State Parks. One of my favorite nature trips!” Elizabeth will be working directly with the SDPI (Special Diabetes Program for Indians – IHS) and the GHWIC (Good Health and Wellness in Indian County – CDC) grants. In addition, she will be providing prevention education, doing demonstrations of diabetic-friendly recipes, and provide blood glucose testing at certain Tribal events to name a few. We are happy to have Elizabeth onboard and look forward to working with her. January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month Contributed by Elizabeth Escobedo, MS, CHES, Diabetes Educator Did you know that people living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop glaucoma and other eye diseases? The Indian Health Service reports that about 14% of American Indians and Alaska Natives live with diabetes in 2024. This puts our communities at higher risk for vision loss. The good news? Finding it early makes all the difference. A complete eye exam can find eye disease before you get any vision changes. The CDC reports that getting treatment quickly can lower your risk of serious vision loss by 95%. Vision loss happens slowly. You won’t feel it or see symptoms until later. There’s no way to prevent glaucoma, but treatment can help keep it from getting worse. That’s why finding it early is so important. This month, we encourage you to: • Make an appointment with your primary care doctor • Ask about getting a complete eye exam with an eye specialist • Don’t wait until you notice a problem. Early detection helps protect your sight! See the flyers at right for more information about diabetic eye disease. Sources: Indian Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and prevention, Mayo Clinic. January 2026 Diabetic Eye Disease What is diabetic eye disease? Diabetic eye disease can happen when a person has high blood sugar over a long period of time. This causes blood vessels in the back of the eye to leak or bleed. It can occur in one or both eyes. This is called retinopathy. How do you know if you have diabetic eye disease? There are often no warning signs. The only way to know if you have diabetic eye disease is by getting your eyes checked. People with diabetes need to get their eyes checked at least once a year. There are two ways to check: 1 Get a dilated eye exam by an eye doctor. 2 Some clinics can screen for diabetic eye disease by taking pictures of the back of your eyes. You can help prevent or slow diabetic eye disease. Manage your blood sugar and blood pressure. Take your medicines as prescribed. Get an eye exam every year. Produced by the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention in collaboration with the IHS National Diabetes Eye Care Committee. For more diabetes information and materials, visit www.ihs.gov/diabetes 05/2020 Take a picture with your cell phone. Look at the picture later as a reminder! How is diabetic eye disease treated? People who have diabetic eye disease are seen more often by an eye doctor. They may also need the following: • Eye medicines • Laser treatment • Surgery Diabetes increases the risk for common eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma. • Cataracts are cloudy areas in the lens of the eye. • Glaucoma happens when there is increased pressure in the eye. Your eye doctor can check for these eye problems during an eye exam. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, such as dark spots or vision loss, get checked by a health care provider right away. Women with diabetes need to get an eye exam if they are planning to become pregnant and while they are pregnant. Produced by the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention in collaboration with the IHS National Diabetes Eye Care Committee. For more diabetes information and materials, visit www.ihs.gov/diabetes 05/2020 Take a picture with your cell phone. Look at the picture later as a reminder! www.ctclusi.org January 2026 13 Elders Corner Save the Date The Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians Welcome New Tribal Elders Wendi Smith & Dana Sallinger wish to invite you to the 27th Annual Oregon Tribal Elders Honor Day To be held March 13 & 14, 2026 at the Three Rivers Casino & Resort Florence, Oregon We are looking for Veterans to volunteer to carry the flags for the upcoming Elders Honor Day in March 2026. If you are interested, please contact Barbara Black at 541-888-7520 Registration forms and Agenda will be coming soon All GUEST MUST BE OVER 55 YEARS OLD WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LEGAL SPOUSES, CAREGIVERS AND STAFF Free! ‘Trust & Will’ Workshop Informational Series CTCLUSI in partnership with Cow Creek Band Of Umpqua Tribe Of Indians and the Native American Program of Legal Aid Services of Oregon (NAPOLS), present an informational free ‘Workshop Series on Creating Trusts & Wills’. The series is for all adult (ages) and will include an expert and an attorney as presenters. A free binder for storing documents will be given to all participants and this event is intended to promote general information. 3 WEEK WORKSHOP : For All (Adult) Ages in the Tribal Community Collaborative Event Trust & Will Attorney and Expert as Presenters Hybrid (Zoom) and In Person Connect with Attorneys and learn more REGISTRATION INFORMATION : RSVP: 541-435-7190 (leave message) or email: kgillooly@ctclusi.org March 12, 19, & 26th @ 6p - 7:30p Eugene Outreach Office | Coos Bay Tribal Community Center | Online Event We are looking for donations for gifts to be given out at the upcoming Elders Honor Day in March 2026. Your handmade items are special and greatly appreciated by the Elders who receive them. If you would like to donate items for Elders Honor Day please call Barbara Black at 541-888-7520 Save the Date: February Elders Luncheon Thursday, February 12, 2026 Three Rivers Casino Resort Event Center Doors Open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served at 12:00 p.m. Please RSVP by Friday, February 6th to Doug Morrison (541)-997-6685 or toll free 1-(866) 313-9913 Limited transportation is available from the Coos Bay and Eugene Offices (Elders Committee Meeting to Follow Lunch) 14 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 CALLING ALL TEENS! JOIN OUR COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING TEAM Are you 14 or turning 14 before March 20th? Do you love working with kids, enjoy being a role model, and want to build real leadership and job-training skills? This is your chance to shine! Become part of CTCLUSI’s growing Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program! Explore culture, gain hands-on experience, develop confidence, and have fun while making a difference in your Tribal community. Why Join the CIT Program? Build valuable job and leadership skills Work directly with youth and mentors Learn more about culture and community Become a positive role model Start your path toward future youthprogram jobs! Ready to take the next step? Fill out the Special Events Employee Application and start your CIT journey today! Need help with your application? Contact Lexi Sterling at recruitment@ctclusihr.org or call 541-435-7193 Questions? About camp programing: Email Angela Henry at ahenry@ctclusi.org Scan QR Code: Fill out the Special Events Employee Application Today! Why Should YOU Join Our Team? Contributed by Sailee Baldwin, Youth Mentor, DCNR/Education Intern Becoming a camp counselor is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss. It’s more than a job—it’s becoming part of a community in a way you never have before. Nothing compares to the warmth of early mornings in the plank house, sitting around the fire with fellow CITs and campers. In those moments, you feel a sense of belonging that’s impossible to replace. It’s a place where everyone is welcome and where strangers quickly become family. As a counselor, your role is to help campers learn, grow, and try new things—but what people don’t realize is that the campers teach you just as much. Every day they show you something new, whether it’s patience, a new game, or a different perspective. They’re not just faces you see daily; they become your little family. And even when campers aren’t with you, the fun doesn’t stop. Between activities and the 4 o’clock meeting, the real memories are made—archery tag, inside jokes, late-night snack runs, and friendships you never expected. You might not show up looking for friends, but you’ll definitely leave with more than one. Sure, the job can be tiring, but by the end of the week the feeling of community makes it all worth it. The connections I’ve built with other CITs are some of my favorite friendships, and I know I’ll still think about these moments decades from now. Even doing dishes becomes fun when you’re with people who make you laugh—and honestly, there’s no group I’d rather do them with. Scan QR Code to fill out special events employee application today! Make Frienships That Last A Lifetime! each T & n Lear kills S l a n io Tradit www.ctclusi.org January 2026 15 SUMMER CAMP OPPORTUNITIES — JOIN OUR TEAM! Camp season is right around the corner, and we’re looking for enthusiastic adults 18 and older to help create meaningful memories with our Tribal youth. Come share culture, connection, and community this summer! NOW HIRING! UPCOMING EVENTS CULTURAL-DCNR Winter 2025 - Summer 2026 · Camp Counselors (18+) January 17th · Camp Cook (25+) – Must be able to drive a CTCLUSI vehicle Cedar Cape Workshop Series (Eugene, LCC Longhouse) · Drivers (25+) – Must be able to drive a CTCLUSI vehicle · Elders & Artisans – Half-day opportunities (4 hours) March 7th If you’re passionate about supporting youth and celebrating culture, we’d love to have you join us! all-gender sweat April 18th & 19th invasives removal + planting dahai, daha, chiiyuusan Need help with your application? Contact Lexi Sterling at recruitment@ctclusihr.org or call 541-435-7193 Scan QR Code: Fill out the Special Events Employee Application Today! Questions? About camp programing: Email Angela Henry at ahenry@ctclusi.org Culture & Natural Resources and Education Departments Excited to Have Tribal Intern Aid with Youth Outreach Contributed by Sailee Baldwin, Youth Mentor, DCNR/Education Intern Dai sla! My name is Sailee, and I’m your new youth mentor! In this role, I will be working with both the Cultural & Natural Resources Department as well as the Education Department. As a youth mentor, I will support youth outreach and help strengthen connections with our tribal youth aged 12–24. One of my main goals is to encourage more youth involvement in cultural, educational, and community-based events. I’m excited to create meaningful opportunities for our young people and help them feel supported, heard, and engaged. A little more about me personally: I’m currently still in school and graduating this coming June. Alongside this new position, I also work a part-time job as a barista for Mad Boba and Espresso in Springfield, OR. Growing up, I was very involved in youth events within our tribe. I’ve also spent time working at tribal camps for our community and for other tribes, which allowed me to build strong relationships and deepen my commitment to supporting the next generation. Outside of work, you’ll usually find me with my dog Duke, at the movies, and taking spontaneous adventures. I’m excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to build connections with our youth and be someone they can come to. If you’d like to reach me, you can contact me at: sbaldwin@ctclusi.org luuwii—I’m excited for the journey ahead! May 22nd medicines, basketry, and Cedar gathering (location TBD) June 5th & 6th Maple Bark Gathering/processing June 20th During Summer Solstice, Cedar Bark Cape Workshop More to Come... Look for more events and event information in the coming months newsletter. email Alycia Cosseyacossey@ctclusi.org if you would like to sign up to have direct communication about upcoming cultural events. Please Note: Dates and locations are subject to change as we work with community schedules, weather, and the natural seasons. These gatherings are guided by availability of materials, teachers, and the flow of community life — thank you for your understanding and willingness to adapt as we move together in a good way. 16 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 Resolution Summaries Number 25-130 25-131 25-132 25-133 25-134 25-135 25-136 25-137 25-138 25-139 25-140 25-141 25-142 25-143 25-144 25-145 25-146 25-147 25-148 25-149 25-150 25-151 25-152 25-153 25-154 25-155 25-156 25-157 25-158 25-159 25-160 25-161 25-162 25-163A 25-163 25-164 25-165 25-166 25-167 25-168 25-169 Date Subject/Title 07/13/2025 Approval and Submittal Authorization of FY 26 O’Link 78 Memorandum of Agreement 07/13/2025 Amendment to Chapter 1-1 Tribal Court for First Reading 07/13/2025 Enrollment of New Members 07/13/2025 Enrollment Name Change and Corrections to the Roll 07/13/2025 Enrollment - Active to Historic 07/13/2025 Contract 07/13/2025 PacificSource Health Plans Non-Disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement and Tribal Council Approval Thereof 07/13/2025 Education Committee Appointment 07/13/2025 Recruital LLC Master Service Agreement and Tribal Council Approval Thereof 07/30/2025 Tribal Participation in Nationwide Elder Needs Assessment 07/30/2025 Approval to Submit ODOT Mobility Management Grant 07/30/2025 Oregon Tribal Early Learning Alliance Appointments 07/30/2025 Florence Outreach Center Trust Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 07/30/2025 Approval of Amazon Voucher Program Funding Support 07/30/2025 Gaming Machine Order 07/30/2025 Master Agreement 08/01/2025 Organization and Operations of CTCLUSI Forest Management LLC 08/10/2025 Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Fish Passage Funds for haich ikt’at’uu (Formerly Waite Ranch) Implementation 08/10/2025 FY23 Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Grant Monetary Amendment for haich ikt’at’uu (formerly Waite Ranch) 08/10/2025 Approval of Administration Facility Elevator Modernization Project 08/10/2025 Approval of Heluu Timber Sale 08/10/2025 Approval of Hawatsit Timber Sale 08/10/2025 Approval of Taqnis Salvage Timber Sale 08/10/2025 Enrollment Committee Appointment 08/10/2025 Budget Committee Appointment 08/10/2025 Law Enforcement RMS Purchase/Agreement for Tribal Police Department 08/27/2025 Change Order #2 for Final Phase of Construction at haich ikt’at’uu (formerly Waite Ranch) 08/27/2025 Canoe Cultural Center Trust Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 08/27/2025 Florence Outreach Center Trust Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 08/27/2025 Hatch Tract Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 08/27/2025 Hatch Tract II Trust Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 08/27/2025 Hatch Tract III Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation 08/27/2025 LNW Gaming Inc Master Agreement 09/04/2025 Gaming Machine Order 09/14/2025 Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Membership Delegate Appointment and Membership Dues 09/14/2025 Walmart Purchase Program Accountholder Agreement 09/14/2025 Amend Chapter 3-3 (Violations) on an Emergency Basis 09/14/2025 Approval to Submit ODOE C-REP Grant Application 09/14/2025 Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) Delegate and Alternate Delegate 09/14/2025 ALSCO Agreements 09/14/2025 Amendment of CLUSITC Chapter 1-1 Tribal Court for Second Reading and Final Approval Vote 7-0-0 Number 25-170 Vote 7-0-0 25-176 25-177 Date Subject/Title 09/14/2025 Establishment of Culture Coalition Committee Code for First Reading 09/24/2025 Request for Waiver of Requirement to Collect Forest Management Deductions 09/24/2025 Approval of CTCLUSI Representative to Board of Tenmile Lakes Basin Partnership Watershed Council 09/24/2025 Interlocal Memorandum of Agreement with United States Coast Guard 09/24/2025 OVC FY25 Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Formula Program 09/24/2025 FY 2026 Health Center Program Service Area Competition Grant 09/24/2025 Three Rivers RV Park Project 09/24/2025 Three Rivers Coos Bay Cafe Expansion Project 7-0-0 25-171 7-0-0 7-0-0 25-172 25-178 25-179 25-180 25-181 09/24/2025 09/24/2025 10/12/2025 10/12/2025 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-1-0 7-0-0 25-182 25-183 10/12/2025 10/12/2025 25-184 25-185 25-185A 10/12/2025 10/12/2025 10/29/2025 25-186 10/29/2025 25-187 10/29/2025 25-188 10/29/2025 25-189 10/29/2025 25-190 10/29/2025 25-191 25-192 25-193 25-194 10/29/2025 10/29/2025 10/29/2025 10/29/2025 25-195 10/31/2025 25-196 11/09/2025 25-197 25-198 11/09/2025 11/09/2025 25-199 11/09/2025 25-200 11/09/2025 7-0-0 25-201 11/09/2025 7-0-0 25-202 25-203 11/09/2025 11/14/2025 25-204 11/14/2025 25-205 11/24/2025 7-0-0 5-2-0 6-0-1 25-173 25-174 25-175 7-0-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 7-0-0 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 6-0-0 5-0-1 5-0-1 6-0-0 6-0-0 6-0-0 6-0-0 6-0-0 6-0-0 6-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 Elders Committee Appointment Designation of TRC Distribution Approval of Forest Products Use Policy Resolution to Certify Language Teachers for miluk, hanis and sha’yuushtl’a ul quuich Enrollment of New Members Enrollment Name Change and Corrections to the Roll Enrollment - Active to Historic Gaming Machine Order Misery Creek Brainard Tract Floodplain Restoration Project - Funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Misery Creek Brainard Tract Floodplain Restoration Project - Funds from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Focus Investment Partnership Application to the Oregon Department of Education’s Tribal Early Literacy FY26 Grant CY2026 Indian Health Service Special Diabetes Program for Indians Community-Directed Grant Program Continuation Application (SDPI) Approval to Award Environmental Services Contracts Approval to Award 105(I) Lease Appraisal Services Contract Gaming Machine Order Gaming Machine Order Approval of Property Purchase Emergency Amendment of Tribal Code Section 7-121 Disenrollment and Section 7-1-122 Suspension of Tribal Benefits Emergency Tribal Member General Welfare Assistance for FY2025 Memorandum of Understanding with Adapt Integrated Health Care Title VI Grant Application Establishment of CLUSITC Chapter 7-15 Cultural Coalition Committee for Second Reading and Final Approval Establishment of Chapter 7-16 Visions Committee Code for First Reading and 28 day Comment Period Amendment to Chapter 7-8 GFORB (Gaming Facility Operational Review Board) for First Reading Three Rivers Health Center Trust Acquisition & Reservation Proclamation Food Security Assistance Grant Amendments to Chapter 7-3 Elections for First Reading Approval of CTCLUSI Representative to the West Coast Ocean Alliance Child Care Infrastructure Funding Application 7-0-0 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 5-1-1 6-0-1 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 7-0-0 7-0-0 6-0-0 5-0-1 5-0-1 5-0-1 6-0-0 4-0-2 5-0-1 6-0-0 5-0-0 6-0-1 6-1-0 www.ctclusi.org 17 Three Rivers Health Center Launches Behavioral Health Deflection Program January 2026 Resolution Summaries Number 25-206 25-207 25-208 25-209 25-210 25-211 25-212 Date Subject/Title 11/24/2025 Misery Creek Restoration - Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board Tribal Project Development Grant 11/24/2025 2025 Forest Lands Road Budget Resolution 11/24/2025 Human Resources Staffing Agreement 11/24/2025 Rescission of Resolution No. 25-185 regarding Arbon Equipment Quote 11/24/2025 Approval of Three Rivers Health Center - Hull Center Project Budget 11/24/2025 BEFC Contract 11/24/2025 Gaming Machine Order Vote 6-0-1 6-1-0 6-0-1 6-0-1 5-1-1 7-0-0 6-0-1 In this public paper, some Resolution titles and explanations will not be displayed or minimal details due to confidentiality. Oregon Tribal Student Grant Funding is now available for undergraduate and graduate student college costs for enrolled members of: • Burns Paiute Tribe • Confederated Tribes of Siletz • Confederated Tribes of Coos, Indians Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw • Confederated Tribes of the Indians Umatilla Indian Reservation • Confederated Tribes of Grand • Confederated Tribes of Warm Ronde Springs • Coquille Indian Tribe • Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians • Klamath Tribes Eligibility Awards The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is available to new and existing students. Eligibility requirements are: The Oregon Tribal Student Grant is expected to pay for most or all public college-related expenses not covered by other grants for students pursuing their first Associate, Bachelor’s, or Graduate degree. Award amounts will vary depending on where the student attends school and the degree pursuing. • • • Must be an enrolled member of an Oregon federally recognized tribe Enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an Oregon college or university Working towards earning first associate, bachelor’s or graduate degree Application • • • Complete a grant application Submit a Free Ap-plication for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Oregon Student Aid Application (ORSAA) See website for additional information Funding is available for the 2022-2023 academic year for undergraduate and graduate students. Grant renewal is dependent on funding being allocated for the 2023-2024 academic year by the Oregon State Legislature. Undergraduate Public Colleges or Universities: Award will be calculated based on the Average Cost of Attendance (COA) reduced by the amount of state/ federal grants and scholarships Undergraduate Private Universities: Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public university reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships Undergraduate Other Private Institutions: Award will be calculated based on the average COA at the highest cost public community college reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships Graduate Student Awards: Award will be calculated based on the average undergraduate COA at the highest cost public institution reduced by the amount of state/federal grants and scholarships Award amounts cannot exceed the student’s actual cost of attendance. Additional information can be found on our website: OregonStudentAid.gov/Oregon-Tribal-Student.aspx Contributed by Kelli Bosak, Behavioral Health Director, LCSW In April of 2025 the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua, and Siuslaw Indians (CTCLUSI) received a grant from the State of Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission to start a Behavioral Health Deflection program. This funding would allow CTCLUSI to increase its capacity to serve tribal members needing treatment for mental health and substance use issues. In September of 2025, a team was assembled under the umbrella of Three Rivers Health Center’s Behavioral Health Department and led by Behavioral Health Director Kelli Bosak, LCSW. The team comes equipped with many years of lived and professional experience in behavioral health as well as an in-depth understanding of substance abuse and its treatment. CTCLUSI has a long history of providing transformational support to tribal members and families impacted by substance use disorders, including programs through Social Services, Wellness Court, Culture and Prevention, Community Health and more. We aspire to learn from the work and continue the tradition of collaboration through prevention, intervention, treatment, and supporting longterm recovery. So, what is deflection? Behavioral Health (BH) Deflection is a voluntary program to help individuals with unmet behavioral health needs, such as mental health or substance abuse problems, to get screening for treatment and access recommended services. BH Deflection is often designed as a collaborative program between law enforcement agencies and behavioral health entities to prevent worsening health outcomes or involvement in the criminal justice system. Within CTLCUSI, BH Deflection continues this key pillar of deflection through collaboration with Tribal Police and expands its partnership to all departments in the government, tribal members and families, and community partners. Here are a few ways the BH Deflection team provides help: • Wrap-Around Support. Participants will be assigned to our Deflection team who will provide wrap-around peer support, navigation, and case management. • Connection to Care. Referrals will be coordinated and provided to programs (mental health and/or substance use) within CTCLUSI/TRHC and community programs to help promote recovery and restore wellbeing. • Resources. Resource and/or treatment assistance will be available to some eligible participants. • Rapid Low Barrier Access. Individuals can be referred to BH Deflection and connected the same-day with a Peer Navigator and/or Case Manager for services. The BH Deflection team can travel to meet participants in the community, at other government offices, or when interacting with Tribal Police or other criminal justice entities within the 5-county service area. Eligibility: • Native Americans and Alaska Natives over the age of 18 who are experiencing a behavioral health need and at risk of criminal justice system involvement. o Order of priority: CTLCUSI tribal members, enrolled members of other federally recognized tribes, and others identifying as Native American or Alaska Native. o Family members of Native Americans and Alaska Natives are eligible based on program capacity. o Exclusionary criteria will apply depending on ongoing legal involvement and/or behavioral health needs. Referrals: • Referrals to Deflection can be made for people who are accused of or charged with some crimes related to addiction. • Referrals to Deflection can be made for people who are not accused of a crime and may benefit from peer navigation and intensive case management services for mental health and substance use issues. • All referrals will receive outreach and screening. Eligibility and admission decisions will be made by the BH Deflection team. • If you think treatment or wrap-around case management services might help someone, please consider BH Deflection. Hours of Operation and Contact Information: • Deflection operates 5 days a week, Monday-Friday, from 8am5pm. • Call the BH Deflection line at 541-435-7222 to arrange for outreach to an individual in the community, email deflection@ ctclusi.org, or stop by TRHC 250 Hull St in Coos Bay (MondayFriday, 8am-5pm). We’re here to help - refer today! 18 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 CTCLUSI Human Resources recruitment@ctclusihr.org COOS BAY JOB OPPORTUNITIES Department Human Resources Health Services Three Rivers Health Center Education Special Events Natural Resources & Culture Job Title Human Resources Coordinator Community Health Nurse* Patient Services Representative Status FT FT FT Age 25+ 25+ 18+ Starting Wage $55,300/yr - DOE $83,430 /yr - DOE $22.00/hr - DOE Education Outreach Advocate Depends on Assignment Tribal Archaeologist** FT OC FT** 25+ 14+ 25+ $22.66/hr - DOE Depends on Assignment $68,000/yr - DOE FLORENCE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Department Gaming Commission Special Events Natural Resources & Culture Job Title Licensing Associate Depends on Assignment Tribal Archaeologist** Status FT OC FT** Age 21+ 14+ 25+ Starting Wage $22.30/hr - DOE Depends on Assignment $68,000/yr - DOE EUGENE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Department Health Services Special Events Natural Resources & Culture Job Title Public Health Nurse* Depends on Assignment Tribal Archaeologist** Status FT OC FT** Age 25+ 14+ 25+ Starting Wage $83,200/yr - DOE 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: 12/02/2025 PEACEGIVING Peacegiving is a traditional Restorative Justice option available to you for the resolution of conflict. All Peacegiving issues are confidential. Photo by Jesse Beers For more information about Peacegiving, please visit the Peacegiving Website or contact the Peacegiving Coordinator at the address listed below. Peacegiving Coordinator 1245 Fulton Avenue Coos Bay, OR 97420 PHONE: (541) 888-1306 or (541) 888-1316 EMAIL: Peacegiving@ctclusi.org Website: http://ctclusi.org/peacegiving www.ctclusi.org January 2026 19 Upcoming Events RSVP for events by calling 1-541-435-7155 January 2026 SUNDAY 28 MONDAY 29 TUESDAY 30 WEDNESDAY 31 New Year’s Eve 4 New Year’s Day 1 Tribal Offices Closed 2 Peace Hike Yachats, Oregon 7 8 9 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm Culture Committee Meeting 4pm wa’as class 4pm 12 13 14 15Council candidate 19 miluk class 4pm 2025 Fitness Program Reimbursement Deadline hanis class 4pm 20 21 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm 27 28 25 26 Cedar Cape Workshop Series,Eugene Martin Luther King Jr. Day All Tribal Offices Closed miluk class 4pm SATURDAY 3 Littles Program Language Classes Orientation Regular Council Meeting 10:00 am 18 FRIDAY Scholarship 6 Tribal Applications OPEN 5 11 THURSDAY Deadline for Tribal to run Position Statement in February paper 22 29 hanis class 4pm 10 wa’as class 4pm Littles Program Language Class 9am Littles Program 17Language Class 9am Cedar Cape Workshop Series, Eugene LCC Longhouse 23 24Language Class 9am wa’as class 4pm Cedar Cape Workshop Series,Eugene Program 16 Fitness Reimbursement Deadline for 2025 Littles Program PRC Application 30 Deadline 31 wa’as class 4pm Littles Program Language Class 9am February 2026 SUNDAY 1 MONDAY 2 8 9 Regular Council Meeting 10:00 am for Tribal 15 Deadline Council candidate 16 to run Position Statement in March paper 22 1 23 2 TUESDAY 3 WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 4 5 FRIDAY 6 SATURDAY Program 7 Littles Language Class 9am baldija Naming Ceremony 10 a.m. miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm 10 11 12 13 14 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm Save the Date Elders Luncheon wa’as class 4pm Littles Program Language Class 9am 17 18 19 20 21 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm 24 25 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm 3 4 miluk class 4pm hanis class 4pm wa’as class 4pm wa’as class 4pm 26 5 Littles Program Language Class 9am 27 28 wa’as class 4pm Littles Program Language Class 9am 6 7 wa’as class 4pm Littles Program Language Class 9am hiisəch hai - with a good heart 20 THE VOICE OF CLUSI January 2026 Social Services Shares Important SNAP Update for Oregon Residents Contributed by Nichole Benner, ICWA Case Manager The Social Services Department would like to share important updates regarding recent state changes to eligibility requirements for the SNAP assistance program. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact SNAP at 833-947-1694 📢 Important SNAP Update for Oregon Residents . New Work Rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) Effective December 1, 2025 Starting December 1, 2025, new federal rules mean that AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) in all Oregon counties must meet updated SNAP work requirements. If these requirements are not met, SNAP benefits may end after three months. 🔍 Who Must Meet ABAWD Work Rules? You may be required to follow the ABAWD Work Rules if: • You are 18–64 years old, and • You do not have a child under age 14 on your SNAP case. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you must notify SNAP, and you must report exemptions each time you renew your SNAP benefits. 🛠 What Are the Work Requirements? If the ABAWD rules apply to you, you must complete 80 hours of work activities each month through one or more of the following: • Paid work (including self-employment) • Unpaid work, such as volunteering or bartering (working in exchange for housing, goods, or services) • Participation in a SNAP Employment & Training Program • A combination of the above activities ⏳ SNAP Time Limits If you must follow the ABAWD rules but do not meet the monthly work requirement, you can receive SNAP benefits for only 3 months during the current three-year period: January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2027 ✔️ You May Already Be Meeting the Work Rules You may already satisfy the ABAWD requirements if you can provide proof of: • Working 30+ hours per week, or earning $935.25 per month before taxes • Self-employment income of at least $935.25/month (no business costs) or $1,870.50/month (with business costs) • Working 20 hours/week (80 hours/ month) in exchange for money, goods, or services • Volunteering or community service • Receiving or applying for unemployment benefits 🧩 Exemptions from ABAWD Work Rules You may be exempt if one or more of the following apply: • A child under 14 receives food benefits with you • You are pregnant • You are enrolled in school at least half-time • You are the caregiver for someone unable to care for themselves, even if they don’t live with you • You are in an alcohol or drug treatment program (not including AA or NA support groups) • You are receiving (or have applied for) unemployment benefits • You work 30+ hours/week • You earn $935.25+ per month in paid work • You earn sufficient self-employment income • You receive disability income • You cannot work due to physical, behavioral, or mental health reasons • You are participating in a refugee resettlement training plan (such as IRCO) • You are working, volunteering, or bartering (proof required) • You or an immediate family member are enrolled in a federally recognized tribe • You are eligible for services through Indian Health Service, Tribal Health Clinics, or Urban Indian Clinics If you think you qualify for an exemption, contact SNAP right away. Exemptions must be verified and reported at every application or recertification. 📞 Need Help? Contact SNAP To report an exemption, ask questions, or submit proof of work hours: 📱 Phone: 833-947-1694 📧 Email: snap.abawdteam@odhsoha.oregon.gov Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific Time --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_clusi%3Ae38e815d5edd545e. Public record. Not legal advice.