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SILETZ NEWS
Delores Pigsley,
Tribal Chairman
Kurtis Barker
Chief Executive Officer
and Editor-in-Chief
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Vol. 52, No. 1
Siletz News
Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
January 2024
Presorted
First-Class
U.S. Postage
Paid - Permit
No. 178
Salem, OR
Rep. Hoyle’s bill to restore fairness, help invalidate Consent Decree, passes U.S. House
WASHINGTON – On Dec. 11, U.S.
Rep. Val Hoyle’s (OR-04) bill to restore
fairness for the Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians (Siletz) passed in the U.S.
House of Representatives by voice vote.
The legislation will provide the
legal ability for the Siletz and the State
of Oregon to change a discriminatory
legal clause that has severely limited the
hunting, fishing, trapping and gathering
abilities of the Siletz. Sen. Jeff Merkley
leads the Senate version of the bill.
“The Siletz Tribe never should have
been forced to give up their sovereign right
to hunt, fish and gather on their ancestral
lands,” said Hoyle. “We have a responsibility to right this historic wrong and ensure
the Siletz are treated as other Tribes are.
As a new member of Congress, I am grate-
ful to have had the opportunity for this
important bill to be my first standalone
bill to pass in the House. I hope the Senate
will move it forward as soon as possible
so it can become a law.”
“I want to thank Rep. Hoyle for her
commitment to setting history straight
for the Siletz Tribe and its members,” said
Siletz Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley.
“House passage of her legislation is an
important milestone and its enactment
will be the most significant, positive act
of federal policy since Congress restored
federal recognition to the Confederated
Tribes of Siletz Indians.”
“The Confederated Tribes of Siletz
Indians were forced to give up their traditional ability to hunt, fish and gather on
Tribal land as the price to restore their
homelands. This historic injustice has
stood for far too long,” said Merkley. “I
am thrilled Rep. Hoyle ensured this legislation, which I’ve been leading in the
Senate, passed the House. This is a critical
step toward justice. I will keep pressing for
the Senate to do the same.”
Hoyle’s bill, H.R. 2839, will allow
the Siletz Tribe to return to federal court
to request the termination or modification of the consent decree from 1980 that
unfairly forced the Siletz to give up their
traditional hunting and fishing activities
as a condition for having their land and
status restored.
While the Oregon Fish & Wildlife
Commission recently approved a historic
new hunting and fishing agreement with
the Siletz Tribe, the State of Oregon
can choose or be forced by litigation to
return to the previous unconscionable
agreement. The legislation is necessary
to invalidate the consent decree.
See Consent on page 18
Breaking news
on Dec. 19
The U.S. Senate also has
passed the bill. It is on its way
to President Joe Biden for
his signature.
NCAI creates new foundation to help
Tribal nations forge path to prosperity
WASHINGTON – In a historic move coinciding with National Philanthropy Day
in November 2023, the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) announced the
launch of its philanthropic arm, the NCAI Foundation (NCAIF). This marks a profound
and unprecedented commitment to supporting Tribal nations on their transformative
journey toward shared prosperity and resilience.
“Today marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing journey towards equity and empowerment for Tribal nations,” said Greg Masten (Yurok), president of the newly formed
NCAI Foundation. “The NCAIF is not just a foundation; it’s a beacon of hope and a
testament to our unwavering commitment to uphold Tribal sovereignty, empower our
leaders and build a resilient future for our youth and our nations. Through the NCAIF,
we are forging true partnerships between Tribal nations and philanthropy, dedicated to
creating a future where Tribal nations thrive, supported by the resources and recognition they rightfully deserve.”
The NCAI Foundation’s mission is multifaceted, focusing on four core areas:
Upholding Tribal Sovereignty, Empowering Tribal Leadership, Cultivating Youth Leadership, and Fortifying Tribal Nations.
By offering grant funding under the Fortifying Tribal Nations program, NCAIF
aims to be a catalyst for change, providing more than just financial resources but also
serving as a pivotal connecting point for Tribal nations and the philanthropic sector.
Despite American Indians and Alaska Natives representing nearly 3 percent of the
U.S. population, they have historically received less than 0.5 percent of philanthropic
dollars for their strategies or initiatives. NCAIF seeks to address this disparity by
ensuring that more resources are directed toward supporting Tribal communities in
diverse areas of work.
A cornerstone of NCAIF’s approach is the innovative Equity and Sovereignty
Framework. This will guide the foundation’s grantmaking processes, ensuring they are
deeply rooted in principles of equity and respect for Tribal sovereignty.
The framework will also inform NCAIF’s approach to addressing the philanthropy
sector’s interaction with Tribal nations, emphasizing collaboration, respect for Tribal
governance and the promotion of culturally appropriate practices. It’s a significant
step toward rectifying historical imbalances and fostering true, respectful partnerships
between philanthropic entities and Tribal nations.
See NCAI Foundation on page 18
Changes to Candidates Fair
For the 2024 Tribal Council election, we have reserved the ballroom at Aces
Sports Bar & Grill in Lincoln City, Ore., for the Candidates Fair on Jan. 6, 2024,
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will have lunch (on your own) from 12-1 p.m.
We’ll have our usual three hours in the morning for statements and questions, break for lunch, then return for two hours in the afternoon in order to hear
more from our candidates.
Please join us in person or view the Candidates Fair online in the Member
Area of the Tribal website.
Photo by Diane Rodriquez
Natural Resoures Director Mike Kennedy get wrapped in a Pendleton blanket by
Tribal CEO Kurtis Barker after being named 2023 Employee of the Year. His nomination reads as follows: “Mike, who plans to retire in early 2024, worked tirelessly
on the new Hunting and Fishing Program this past year. His efforts, involving coordination with various entities, led to a significant accomplishment—an agreement
with the State that has been a goal for many years.”
The new agreement with the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife expands the
hunting and fishing area that Tribal members can use. The Tribe is now able to issue
its own licenses. The agreement also has the Tribe working cooperatively with the
state on projects to enhance fish and wildlife.
Siletz Tribal offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1,
for New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 15,
for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Tribal offices also will be closed Monday, Feb. 19,
for Presidents’ Day.
Chairman’s Report
Restoration Celebration
Consent Decree
Our Restoration Celebration was a
great one and was well-attended. I spoke
of our early leaders who worked tirelessly
to have our government once again recognized as a sovereign Tribe.
Back in the day it was a lengthy and
difficult process with no funds to cover
expenses. It was almost an impossible
task. But those early leaders worked tirelessly and used their own funds to accomplish Restoration of the Tribe.
Tribal members have much to be
thankful for today as a result of those early
Tribal leaders who paved the way for all
the benefits we enjoy today.
Tribal Council members Bud Lane,
Buddy Lane and I recently traveled to
Washington, D.C. Bud attended the White
House Tribal Nations Summit hosted by
the Department of Interior.
We all visited with our Oregon congressional delegation and others regarding
our Consent Decree legislation and other
important Tribal issues. We were very
pleased to learn that the legislation to
amend the Reservation Plan was moving
forward in both the House and the Senate.
Upon returning home, I received a
phone call from our U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle
Siletz Tribal Athletic Commission Vacancy
The Athletic Commission was formed to promote and offer different types of
sports activities at the Siletz Tribe’s gaming center and/or at other locations on Tribal
trust land. The Athletic Commission was established to create rules and regulations
for the conduct of each sporting activity and to regulate each sporting activity that is
authorized by the Tribal Council.
The Athletic Commission consists of three members and a Tribal Council member.
Two of the three members may be a non-Tribal member with experience in the conduct
and regulation of sporting activities.
The Athletic Commission shall permit and regulate only those sporting activities
specifically authorized by Tribal Council and permitted by applicable law. The following activities are authorized by Tribal Council: boxing (amateur and professional),
wrestling (amateur and professional) and mixed martial arts (amateur and professional).
The Athletic Commission shall be responsible for regulation of any sporting activity
that occurs on Siletz lands to ensure that the conduct of such sporting activity comports
with all Athletic Commission regulations and applicable laws. Athletic Commission
members shall be reimbursed for approved travel, subject to the availability of funds.
If interested in an appointment to the Siletz Tribal Athletic Commission, please
complete a résumé and submit to Tribal Council, Attn: Executive Assistant to the
Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549 or email celestal@ctsi.nsn.us.
There is one vacancy with a term ending in 2027. Appointment will be made at
the Regular Tribal Council Meeting in February 2024. The deadline to submit your
résumé is Feb. 7, 2024.
Siletz News is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a $12
annual subscription fee applies. Please make checks payable to CTSI and mail
to Siletz News.
Name: _______________________________________________________
Address: ____________ _________________________________________
Phone:_ _______________________________________________________
Change of address: Tribal members – contact the Enrollment Department
at 541-444-8258; 800-922-1399, ext. 1258; or enrollment@ctsi.nsn.us. All
others – call the newspaper office.
Deadline for the February
issue is Jan. 10. Submission of
articles and photos is encouraged.
Please see the Passages
Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages.
Send information to:
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
541-444-8291 or
800-922-1399, ext. 1291
Fax: 541-444-2307
Email: PIAS@CTSI.NSN.US
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Siletz News
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January 2024
informing us of the passage of the legislation in the House of Representatives
(see page 1). We now await news from the
Senate; the bill is ready to pass at the first
opportunity there. Both senators, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, are in full support.
Celebrate with Family
Our Christmas season began with our
Solstice celebration at the Dance House.
Hopefully we all were able to gather with
our families to celebrate Christmas vigils.
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas – and
Happy New Year to each of you.
Delores Pigsley
Elders Council Meeting
The Elders Council will host an in-person/Zoom hybrid meeting on
Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Shasta room at Chinook Winds
Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Ore.
If you have any questions, please contact the Elders Program at
541-444-8212.
For information about the Siletz Tribe, visit our
website at www.ctsi.nsn.us.
SIGN UP TODAY FOR WINTER ON-LINE
LANGUAGE CLASSES
L e a r n- y a '
e
e
w
u
Nu
(OUR LANGUAGE)
Mondays, Jan. 8-Mar. 11
4:00 PM-immersion learning support
Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Mar. 12
6:00 PM-Beginning Conversation 1
6:45 PM- Beginning Conversation 2
Thursdays, Jan. 11-mar. 14
12:30-Language and Lunch
To sign up contact Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-484-4234 x1757
Most Often Requested Numbers
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians –
800-922-1399
Siletz Community Health Clinic –
800-648-0449
Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494
Siletz Behavioral Health – 800-600-5599
Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512
Chinook Winds Casino Resort –
888-244-6665
Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234
Purchased Referred Care (PRC) –
800-628-5720
Tribal Veterans Rep – 541-444-8330
or 541-270-0569
Chemawa Health Clinic – 800-452-7823
Bureau of Indian Affairs – 800-323-8517
Website – www.ctsi.nsn.us
CTSI Virtual Culture Nights
Upcoming Dates:
January 17 at 6 pm: Restoration
In-person Language and
culture classes
January: Bear Grass Braids
Siletz (Community Center)-Monday, January 8 at 6 pm
Portland Area Office -Thursday, January 18 at 6 pm
Eugene Area Office-Monday, January 22 at 6 pm
Salem Area Ofice-Monday, January 29 at 6 pm
February: Nee-dash 'vm-nitlh-ts'it (Learning
Feather Dance)--MAKE UP DATES
Come and learn our traditional dances. Both sessions open to all:
Siletz (Community Center): Monday, February 5 at 6 pm
Valley (Salem Area Office): Monday, February 26 at 6 pm
Sponsored by the Education and Culture Departments
Contact Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-484-4234 x1757
USDA distribution dates for January
Siletz
Thursday
Friday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Jan. 4
Jan. 5
Jan. 8
Jan. 9
Jan. 10
Salem
1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz Tribal
FDPIR. We would like to see more people
sharing their recipes on our FB page.
Jan. 16
Tuesday
Wednesday Jan. 17
Thursday Jan. 18
9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
By appt only
Sammy Hall, USDA Program Director
541-444-8279 or 541-390-0763;
sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us
Fax: 541-444-8306 or 503-391-4296
2024 Standing Committees
Applications due by Feb. 7, 2024
Any Tribal member interested in consideration for serving on a committee
for a two-year term are encouraged to fill out this form and return it to the council
office prior to Feb. 7, 2024. Please mail or fax your application to Confederated
Tribes of Siletz Indians, Attn: Executive Assistant to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549,
Siletz, OR 97380-0549; fax: 541-444-8325.
Name: Roll No:
Address:
City: State: ZIP:
Telephone: Day (
)
Evening (
)
Email Address:
If you only want to be considered for one committee, please indicate by
inserting the number 1 next to the committee of interest. If you have interest in
more than one committee, please indicate by numbering your preference, 1 (first
choice), 2 (second choice) and 3 (third choice).
____ Education Committee (3)
____ Natural Resources Committee (3)
____ Health Committee (3)
____ Cultural Heritage Committee (3)
____ Housing Committee (3)
____ Pow-Wow Committee (2)
____ Budget Committee (1)
____ Enrollment Committee (3)
Committee appointments will be made at the Regular Tribal Council meeting
in February 2024. If you have any questions, please call the executive assistant to
Tribal Council at 800-922-1399 or 541-444-8372.
January 2024
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Siletz News
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3
Native Youth Summit thanks sponsor, the College Fund
By Tiffany Stuart
I would like to say thank you to the
American Indian College Fund for sponsoring $2,500 for the Native American
Ledger Art Workshop facilitated by myself
and for the youth wellness sweatshirts.
On Nov. 27, 2023, the Lincoln County
School District (LCSD) held its Native
Youth Summit in Newport, Ore. The day
started off with youth drumming with
Siletz Tribal member Ron Butler, followed
by Dr. Majalise Tolan (LCSD superintendent) as the guest speaker.
The sessions included our talented
teachers and mentors in our community: Jen Metcalf and Nicole Rariden
Congratulations to Jeidah
DeZurney on your new position as
the program manager for Native youth
and family support for the Multnomah
Education Service District. Everyone
is so proud of you!
Love, Savanna and Enzo
Courtesy photos
A student’s ledger art
from Phoenix Wellness Center, Theresa Smith from Siletz Valley Schools
(SVS), Jeff Sweet from the Siletz Tribe,
Melaia Kilduff from PAADA (Partnership Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse),
Rachelle Endres from Siletz CARE Program, Crystal Taylor Hinds from LCSD
and myself.
Over the years as an artist I started
gifting ledger art pieces with our Siletz
Census and other documents as the canvas.
Through this storytelling, youth were able
to express and discuss their interests and
hopes in life. I piloted this holistic learning workshop at SVS’s Native American
Club during November.
Everyone who attended received a
sweatshirt with the 4R’s. Through my journey with my dissertation, I am utilizing Dr.
Bryan Brayboy’s Indigenous methods of
the 4R’s: Respect, Relationality, Reciprocity and Responsibility. The signs with the
hands I developed to remember the 4R’s.
This framework has guided me
through this process and will structure my
research for my doctoral degree from the
University of Arizona.
Thank you to everyone who helped
with the youth summit and I look forward
to the spring youth summit and round
dance (March 15-16, 2024).
Izayah Aviles (left), Miles Case and Tommy Metcalf brainstorm ideas together at the
youth summit.
The Portland Area Office
is now located at:
3220 SW First Ave., Suite 200
Portland, OR 97239
Phone: 503-238-1512
Fax: 503-238-2436
Nutrition as a flow: Food choices matter for growth, repair, maintenance of body
By Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD,
Siletz Tribal Head Start Nutritionist
As part of my role as a consultant
nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start,
I offer information for families. This
segment focuses on nutrition as a flow,
without requiring science knowledge as
the primary guide.
Nutrition can be thought of as a flow.
We eat food and much occurs as the food
flows through our bodies. Digestion and
absorption happen, without us telling
our bodies what to do. We have choices
about what we consume and thereby what
we provide to our bodies as materials for
growth, repair and maintenance.
Despite my interest in science, as a
nutritionist I realize that teaching scientific principles of nutrition isn’t fully what
guides our choices. When we can tune into
the flow that supports us, this is a subtle
form of guidance. When we are aware of
clear benefits, our choices become natural
and logical.
An experience of flow-state can support our motivation to make food choices
that further this state. If we don’t associate our food choices with how we “feel”
and how we “function,” we are left with
many “shoulds.”
These “shoulds” are mental constructs vs. our internal body wisdom. For
example, we are left with the teachings of
what we “should do” or “should teach our
children.” The real benefits occur when we
embody the food and its wisdom as we put
it into our bodies.
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Siletz News
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After all, the food we eat becomes
part of our body. Our bodies are made up
of food materials. Food is what helps our
bodies to grow, to repair and even to think.
Our food choices matter.
How can we flow naturally with our
nutrition so that it becomes more personal
and less mental work? Some people “feel”
the energy in the food they eat. They may
feel a vibration or the vitality of food. They
may also feel the joy or the sorrow that
occurred as the food was grown or raised
and prepared for consumption.
Be aware of what energy and emotion goes into your food. This includes
who you purchased the food ingredients
from, as well as who prepared what you
consumed. This can be the energy and
attitudes of many people and conditions
in the food chain.
Giving thanks and praying over food
helps align our food with our bodily needs
so it will be received and used properly.
Eating in community with others, where
we are loved and supported, helps prepare
us to receive our foods in more positive
and effective ways. These ideas may not
seem like nutritional principles, but they
lead to ideal nutrition. The positive familystyle setting is part of Head Start nutrition.
Personal choice is another Head Start
principle. The science of nutrition occurs
behind the scenes in what is served.
Children are encouraged to explore food
choices through taste, smell, sound, sight
and touch. Conversation also supports the
learning process. This experience leads to
personal choice.
Children are ideally encouraged to
serve their own food, which supports and
January 2024
empowers personal choice. Children naturally observe the personal choices that others make, including their parents, teachers
and peers. Please remember how powerful
the actions and modeling of adults are as
teachers for our youth.
Pleasure is often a source of confusion around nutrition. Because we often
think of sweet and salty snacks as junk
foods, we may feel conflicted when we
experience pleasure.
Pleasure isn’t just limited to the short
term. Pleasure includes knowing our
relationship with the food, such as where
it came from. Pleasure includes experiencing food in season, when it is at its best
and most vibrant state.
Pleasure includes the attitude we
bring to the table and how we feel after
we leave the table. There is pleasure in
our ability to think, grow and learn as we
choose foods that support our ideal function. These are among the concepts that
lead to ideal nutrition without requiring
label-reading skills.
Speaking of label reading, naturally
wholesome foods that are close to the
way they come in nature are not generally
packaged and therefore don’t even have
labels. Some of the pleasure in sweet and
salty foods is actually addiction and not
lasting pleasure.
As we step into the flow-state more
often with our foods, we can begin to
sense the difference between addiction and
wholesome pleasure. Quite frankly, food
addiction is very complicated. In simple
terms, if we can’t stop and therefore overeat
them, or can’t live without them or experience a high followed by a low, these might
be addictive foods. Asking these questions
can be part of feeling into your ideal foods.
Knowing when we are hungry and
when we are full is another concept that
is deeply personal and part of finding our
flow. If children are told to eat at a certain
time or asked to finish food on their plate,
they may not develop a sense of their own
internal body cues.
It is important for children to have a
safe space to discuss bodily sensations
so they can learn to honor personal needs
rather than overrule them at the requests of
others. This does not imply disrespect of
elders, but it honors awareness of oneself
and where it fits with the whole.
In my desire to contribute to the
world, I’ve come to believe that the best
way to affect change is through personal
experience. This may mean a one-on-one
conversation with another person. It may
mean an article, such as this, which when
read by one person inspires deeper understanding and action. That spark may be
passed on to another, shared with a child
and rippled outward to others.
In this new year, may your experience
have a ripple effect toward the flow-state of
vibrant nutrition and health for you, your
children and the entire community.
Please know that Siletz Tribal Head
Start offers nutritional support at no cost
to Head Start families. This usually occurs
over the telephone. If you have nutrition
concerns about your Head Start child or
want to discuss family nutrition concerns,
please contact your teacher or the director
and ask to speak to the nutritionist. We
want to support your children and families.
Reminder
Siletz Community Health Clinic
200 Gwee-Shut Rd
SIletz, OR
from
PRC
Save Our
New
Number
5414449677
The Purchased/Referred Care
Phone Number Has Changed!
As a Reminder, you can call PRC directly at
541-444-9677
All of the old PRC Phone numbers will be deactivated within
the coming months
This update allows you to contact PRC directlyno more transferred calls or phone trees!
Did you know?
You can also contact PRC by email at
SiletzPRC@ctsi.nsn.us
January 2024
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Siletz News
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5
JANUARY IS HUMAN/SEX
TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
“Indigenous people make up only 1.1% of the United States population, yet they
account for nearly 25% of human trafficking victims.”
Twenty-six percent of gay men, 37 percent of bisexual men and 29 percent of
heterosexual men have experienced physical violence, experienced rape and/or
stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime (Ncadv.Org, 2021).
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. It involves
buying, selling and/or transportation of a person for the purpose of exploiting them for sex or forced labor. A trafficker
uses force, fraud or coercion to obtain and maintain control
over the victim.
Human trafficking can happen to anyone, but statistics show
that people of color and LGBTQ2S suffer the highest rates of
victimization. These populations are made vulnerable through
centuries of generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination and racism. Social and economic inequities play a significant role in their victimization.
SURVEY TIME
THE CARE PROGRAM
WANTS YOUR FEEDBACK!
All participants will
be entered into a
raffle!
We are always looking at more opportunities and funding
to help our Tribal member survivors and their families.
Below is a link you can type into your
search bar to participate.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3H3DLWB
Traffickers will look for perceived vulnerabilities to target
potential victims. They often primarily target women and girls
who are affected by poverty, the lack of access to education
and economic opportunities, and chronic unemployment and
discrimination, which is known to disproportionately exist in
Native communities. Traffickers recognize these common
vulnerabilities associated with their victims.
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the
National H/T Hotline at 888-373-7888 or the CARE Program
at 541-444-9680.
JUST END IT!!
INDICATORS OF
HUMAN/SEX
TRAFFICKING
RECRUITMENT
METHODS
Promises of romance,
love and acceptance
Living with employer
Poor living conditions
Signs of physical abuse
No identity documents
Tattoos of ownership
Submissive or fearful
Few personal belongings
Excess amounts of cash
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Scripted answers
•
Provocative clothing
Siletz News
•
January 2024
Meeting the need for
food, clothing and shelter
Offers of independence,
luxury items and cash
Flattery, lies and
manipulation
Exploiting vulnerability
or desperation
Exploiting person of
authority
See more Siletz Community Health Department information on pages 5 and 8.
2024 New Year - Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs)
Wireless emergency alerts are short emergency alerts authorities can send to any WEA-enabled mobile device in a locally
targeted area. Alerting authorities who are authorized to send WEAs include state, local, Tribal and territorial public
safety officials, the National Weather Service, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the president
of the United States.
WEAs look like text messages but are designed to get your attention with a unique sound and vibration repeated twice.
WEAs are not affected by network congestion and will not disrupt texts, calls or in-progress data sessions.
You are not charged for receiving WEAs and there is no need to subscribe.
Children will also receive alerts on their WEA-enabled mobile devices. Parents and guardians - talk to your children
about WEA alerts and staying safe in an emergency.
If you are not receiving WEAs, here are some tips to troubleshoot your mobile device:
Check the settings on your mobile device and review your user manual (you may be able to find this online too).
Older phones may not be WEA capable and some cell phone models require you to enable WEAs.
Some mobile service providers call these messages “Government Alerts” or “Emergency Alert Messages.”
Check with your wireless provider to see if they can resolve the issue.
All major phone providers and some smaller providers participate in WEA.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has a registry of WEA providers.
To provide comments or concerns about WEAs sent in your area, contact local officials directly.
For more information, please visit https://www.ready.gov/alerts.
January 2024
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Siletz News
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7
#WinterReady
Winter storms can range from moderate snow over a few hours to a blizzard
with blinding, wind-driven snow that lasts for several days. Many winter storms
are accompanied by dangerously low temperatures and sometimes by strong
winds, ice, sleet and freezing rain. We want everyone to be #WinterReady –
know your winter weather risk, be fire safe, travel with supplies and caution,
and take steps now to prepare.
Before a winter storm hits:
Download free smartphone apps,
such as those available from FEMA
and the American Red Cross, which
provide information about finding
warming shelters, providing first aid
and seeking assistance for recovery.
Be prepared for a power outage and for roads to become difficult to
traverse.
Ensure your medications are stocked and you are able to safely remain
in your home.
Install battery-operated carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on
every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early
warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
Be prepared to bring your pets/animals inside in the event of a winter
storm. Move animals and livestock to a sheltered area with non-frozen
drinking water.
During a winter storm:
Siletz Tribal Behavioral Health Programs
Prevention, Outpatient Treatment, and Women’s and Men’s
Transitional Living Center
Narcotics Anonymous Toll-Free
Help Line – 877-233-4287
Siletz: 800-600-5599 or
541-444-8286
Eugene: 541-484-4234
Salem: 503-390-9494
Portland: 503-238-1512
For information on Alcoholics
Anonymous: aa-oregon.org
Siletz Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program
(STVRP)
STVRP is here to help members of ANY federally recognized Tribe (living within the
Siletz Tribe's service area) with barriers to employment. We work with individuals
who have disabilities.
Examples of Services
• Guidance and counseling
• Culturally relevant and
• Referral to employment services
individualized services
• Résumé writing
• Evaluations, assessments and training
• Interviewing techniques
placement opportunities
• Job coaching
• Adaptive equipment
Keep your windows covered and
insulated to keep heat in.
Keep freezers and refrigerators closed to
keep food from going bad.
Do not use a gas stove or oven to heat
your home.
Have alternate plans for refrigerating
medicines or using power-dependent
medical devices.
Know where warming shelters are located in case cold is extreme and
you can't heat your home.
While traveling:
Check your local weather and traffic
reports before heading out.
Have a point of contact who knows your
route and anticipated arrival time, and
ask them to check in.
Keep an emergency supply kit in the
trunk with supplies to keep you fed and
warm.
If stranded, run the engine for about 10
minutes per hour to run the heater and charge your cellphone. Open a
window slightly to let fresh air in and avoid carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning.
While these are some steps you can take to prepare for a winter storm,
get #WinterReady at Ready.gov.
To use mail order pharmacy to order your refills after hours and on weekends:
Call the Siletz Clinic 7-10 days before you need your refills. This allows us time
to contact your provider, if necessary, and for mailing.
• Call 800-648-0449; enter 1624 as soon as the clinic’s message begins – you’ll
be transferred to the refill line.
• Or call the refill line direct – 541-444-9624.
For more information about STVRP, please inquire at 800-922-1399. We also
maintain resource and employment boards, so please make an appointment if
you're interested. You can speak to VR staff in the following locations:
8
Makayla Jackson
Job Development Specialist
Eugene Area Office
2468 W 11th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97402
541-484-4234, ext. 1752
Toni Leija
Job Development Specialist
Salem Area Office
3160 Blossom Drive NE, STE 105
Salem, OR 97305
503-390-9494, ext. 1861
Tamra Russell
Self-Sufficiency Counselor 1
Portland Area Office
12790 SE Stark St., STE 102
Portland, OR 97233
503-238-1512, ext. 1411
Jamie Bokuro
Job Development Specialist
Siletz Area Office
201 SE Swan Ave.
Siletz, OR 97380
541-444-8266
•
Siletz News
•
January 2024
“Hi, I can help
with OHP.”
Do you need help with OHP?
You don’t have to leave your home
to apply!
Applications can now be done
online or over the phone.
The Health Care Marketplace is
open now through May 15, 2021.
541-444-9611
Shop for health plans at
https://or.checkbookhealth.org/
or call direct at 855-268-9767.
Family Literacy Night
Siletz Tribal Community Center • Nov. 29, 2023
Photos by Andy Taylor
Above: The Lussier family plays a game against Raina Mason.
Above right: Lena Cordova sits by as Head Start teacher Robin Limbert picks
word bingo cards.
Right: Maurice Knott and Octavia Knott participate in a game.
Far right: Michael Fisher sorts cards.
General Council
Meeting
Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024
1 p.m.
Siletz, Oregon
Call to Order
Invocation
Flag Salute
Roll Call
Approval of Agenda
Approval of Minutes
Program Reports
Clinic Report – PRC and
Phone Improvements
Announcements
Adjourn
Hunting & Fishing Legislation
Tribal Member Concerns
Chairman’s Report
Please note the General Council
Meeting will be livestreamed through
the Tribe’s website.
Indigenous author, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer receives OSU’s 2024 Stone Award
By Molly Rosbach, molly.rosbach@
oregonstate.edu
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Indigenous
author, botanist and professor Robin Wall
Kimmerer has been named as Oregon
State University’s 2024 recipient of the
Stone Award for Literary Achievement.
Kimmerer will give a public reading,
followed by a question-and-answer period,
at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 17, in OSU’s
Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx), which opens April 6.
The Stone Award, which includes a
$20,000 honorarium, recognizes major
American authors with bodies of critically
acclaimed work that influence multiple
generations of writers, readers and thinkers. It was last awarded to writer and
cartoonist Lynda Barry in 2021.
“In keeping with our previous Stone
Award recipients, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s
selection points to the crucial role that
telling stories, and teaching our students
to tell stories, plays in the College of Liberal Arts,” College of Liberal Arts Dean
Larry Rodgers said. “Like Kimmerer, we
are committed to addressing the most
challenging and fraught issues around
residing together as humans on a precious,
fragile planet.”
Kimmerer is best known for her bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass, in which
she explores the reciprocal relationship
between humanity and the natural world, and
the need for greater ecological awareness.
Courtesy photo from OSU
Robin Wall Kimmerer
Her first book, Gathering Moss, was
published by Oregon State University
Press and teaches readers about how
mosses live and are intertwined with other
living things, both in scientific terms as
well as in the framework of Indigenous
ways of knowing.
“Robin Wall Kimmerer is not merely a
writer; she’s a scientist, a storyteller and a
philosopher. I can’t think of another author
who examines the relationships between
human and landscape with such wisdom
and clarity – not to mention delight,” said
Elena Passarello, associate professor and
director of the Masters of Fine Arts in
Creative Writing program at OSU. “Welcoming her and watching her interact with
our students and community is going to
be the highlight of my year.”
During her visit to OSU, Kimmerer
will meet with undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Writing,
Literature and Film. School director Tim
Jensen said Kimmerer will also have an
opportunity to connect with OSU students
and faculty in the natural sciences about
the importance of storytelling in engaging
environmental issues.
“The shortest distance between two
people is a story and Kimmerer’s writing excels at bringing people together,”
Jensen said.
Kimmerer is an enrolled member of
the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, a State
University of New York Distinguished
Teaching Professor of Environmental
Biology at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and the
founder and director of its Center for
Native Peoples and the Environment.
Organizers will collaborate with
Tribal leaders to ensure access to the event
for Tribal members.
The Stone Award is one of the largest
prizes of its kind given by an American
university. It was established in 2011 by
Patrick and Vicki Stone with a gift to
the OSU Foundation to spotlight OSU’s
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
program in the School of Writing, Literature and Film. Past award recipients
include Colson Whitehead, Joyce Carol
Oates, Tobias Wolff and Rita Dove.
For more information, visit https://
liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/featurestory/2024-stone-award-winner-robinwall-kimmerer.
January 2024
•
Siletz News
•
9
First Quarter Awards
Second Quarter Awards
Employee Suggestion/Invention
Adam Caba
Employee Suggestion/Invention
Kelley Ellis
Performance Bonuses
(Outstanding Performance)
Kaitlyn Dick
Renee Mooney
Anna Renville
Danelle Smith
Extra Effort Award
Employee Morale Award Committee
Danise Barker
Lori Christy
Rebekah Goulet
Candace Hill
Miranda Williams
First Quarter Award Winners
Photos by Diane Rodriquez
Jamie Bokuro
Ronald Butler Jr.
Joyce Dukes
Angelica Espino
Makayla Jackson
Tamra Russell
Kenny Stricklin
Performance Bonuses
(Outstanding Performance)
Pam Ben
Dee Butler
Dianna Edenfield
Alicia Keene
Misty Reed
Samantha Williams
Special Acts or Service Award
Jen Jackson
Shannon Parsons
Time Off Award
Kyanna Fisher
Katrina Hudson
Sheila Jordan
Alicia Keene
Shay Robertson
Kenny Stricklin
Jasmine Whitehead
Employee of the Quarter
Dan McCue
Willie Metcalf
Second Quarter Award Winners
Third Quarter Awards
Extra Effort Award
Robert Arce-Torres
Jamie Boe
Jesse Boe
Lynetta Cuomo
Kelley Ellis
Candace Hill
Katrina Hudson
Jen Jackson
Carter Mallaburn
Jeff Shepard
Doug Stinson
Stuart Whitehead
Third Quarter Award Winners (above)
Fourth Quarter Award Winners (below)
Performance Bonuses
(Outstanding Performance)
Ronald Butler Jr.
Melissa Clawson
Norma Hernandez-Arenas
Celesta Lee
Danica Lundy
Oliver Yardley III
Special Acts or Service Award
Isaac DeAnda
Casey Godwin
Peter Hatch
Teresa Hill
Brett Lane
Buddy Lane
Cova Metcalf
Rose Stone
Rachel Zinn
Employee of the Quarter
Robert Smith
10 •
Siletz News
•
January 2024
20 Years of Service: Pam Ben (l), Selina Rilatos and Robert Smith. Not pictured:
Alissa Lane-Keene
30 Years of Service: Robin Limbert (l) and DeAnn Brown
15 Years of Service: Frank Aspria (l), Robert Arce-Torres, Jamie Bokuro and Buddy
Lane. Not pictured: Jeremy Mason
Fourth Quarter Awards
Employee Suggestion/Invention
Alison Noble
Extra Effort Award
Jeff Green
Alex Lane
Sonya Moody-Jurado
Chelcy Villanueva
Photos by Diane Rodriquez
Five Years of Service: Sydney Somes (l), Christine Marceau-Perkins and Corey Strong
10 Years of Service: Joyce Dukes (l), Ron Butler Jr., Dana Burden-Rodriguez, Katherine Daniel, Kiesha Metcalf, Jeff Sweet,
Isaac DeAnda, Tiffany Haynes, Cova Metcalf and Jason Butler
Performance Bonuses
(Outstanding Performance)
Sami Jo Difuntorum
Angelica Espino
Robert Smith
Jeff Sweet
Special Acts or Service Award
Norma Hernandez-Arenas
Alex Lane
Time Off Award
Kimberly Lane
Employee of the Quarter
Miranda Williams
Employee of the Year 2023
Mike Kennedy
January 2024
•
Siletz News
•
11
NRCS asks for input
AGENCY: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service – Lincoln County
Local Work Group Meeting
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024
Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: OSU Extension Service Office, 1211 SE Bay Blvd., Newport, OR
97365 and Zoom online meeting
https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1600350174?pwd=T3FSNURHYytlb2FSVnlvR1
hmUml1Zz09
Meeting ID: 160 035 0174
Passcode: 028988
To join by phone dial 669-254-5252
Purpose: Make your voice heard. NRCS is seeking input from farmers, ranchers, small woodland owners, Tribes, agency staff, and agriculture and conservation
organizations regarding natural resource conservation priorities and opportunities
in Lincoln County.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
A request for accommodations for persons with disabilities should be made
48 hours before the meeting. For questions or concerns, please contact Annie
Marion at 541-563-5627 or anna.marion@usda.gov.
Willamette ESD requests comments
The Willamette Education Service District will hold a public meeting at 6
p.m. at the Willamette Education Service District, 2611 Pringle Road SE, Salem,
OR, 97302, on Jan. 9, 2024. During this session, we will discuss the intent to
apply for a Title VI Consortium Grant to help meet the needs of American
Indian/Alaska Native students in our region.
Please submit your public comments to Tishri Tucker (tishri.tucker@wesd.
org), executive assistant to the superintendent.
CTSI Jobs
Employment information available at ctsi.nsn.us
Note: “Open Until Filled” vacancies
may close at any time. The Tribe’s Indian
Preference policy will apply. Tribal
government will not discriminate in
selection because of race, creed, age,
sex, color, national origin, physical
handicap, marital status, politics,
membership or non-membership in an
employee orgnization.
CTSI constantly is looking for
temporary employees to cover vacancy,
vacations, maternity leave and extended
sick leave. If you are looking for temporary work that can last from 2-12
weeks, please submit an application for
the temp pool.
Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow
Attention Siletz Tribal Artists
The Pow-Wow Committee is once again having a logo contest for the upcoming pow-wow in August 2024. All Siletz Tribal artists are encouraged to submit
a pow-wow-themed logo.
The winning logo artist will receive a cash prize of $350 and a professional
banner with your logo. The winning artist will have their logo highlighted on
Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow flyers and merchandise.
Please submit your artwork to the cultural education director’s office at the
Tribal Community Center or mail it to Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Attn:
Pow-Wow Logo Contest, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549.
All entries must be received no later than Feb. 29, 2024.
Royalty Crown Proposals
The Pow-Wow Committee is now accepting proposals for 2024-2025 royalty
crowns. Proposals are being accepted for Miss Siletz, Junior Miss Siletz and Little
Miss Siletz.
Proposals for a crown are required to include art design, size of the crown
and a bid for the crown or crowns of your interest. Proposals can be submitted for
individual crowns, two crowns or you can submit a bid for all three crowns.
Crown proposals must be turned in to the committee no later than Feb. 29, 2024.
Proposals can be sent to Siletz Pow-Wow Committee, P.O. Box 549, Siletz,
OR 97380-0549.
If you have any questions on either of these two items, contact Buddy Lane at
800-922-1399, ext. 1230; 541-444-8230; or buddyl@ctsi.nsn.us.
12 •
Siletz News
•
January 2024
For more information about the Siletz Tribe,
visit ctsi.nsn.us.
ABC’s of Siletz Tribal Athletes
By Tiffany Stuart
The journey of Siletz Tribal athletes started in 2020. I wanted to write a story that
my son and Tribal youth would be interested in reading.
I interviewed 24 people and researched the other athletes in this book. I conducted
all the interviews over the phone during the pandemic. These pages are just a glimpse
into the lives of Tribal people. I hope to put all the interviews together in another collection for our Tribal museum.
I completed this work in my own free time. I have a list of more Tribal athletes to
interview when time allows. If you have a Siletz Tribal athlete you think should be in
this collection, please email me at siletztiffanydawn@gmail.com.
Thank you to everyone who has helped with this book. In the upcoming months,
you can enjoy reading these stories in our Siletz News.
Community Christmas Party
Siletz Tribal Community Center • Dec. 13, 2023
Photos by Andy Taylor
Above: Head Start students sing Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer for their
parents and guests.
Below: Cookie decorating super stars
Bottom: Tay-Tay Gonzales and Jewel Howell stand in the front row of their
class to sing.
January 2024
•
Siletz News
•
13
CTSI College
2023-2024Nights
Information
CTSI College
6PM VIA ZOOM
Information Nights
Sponsored by the
Education Department
Topics include: Financial Aid (FAFSA); Oregon Tribal
Student Grant; Tribal funding; Meet representatives from
S p o n s o rhere
e d b yin tOregon
he
colleges
and across the nation and more!
Education Department
6PM VIA ZOOM
10/26/23
CollegeFinancial
Information
Night Oregon
I
Topics include:
Aid (FAFSA);
Tribal
@ 6PM
via representatives
Zoom
Student Grant; Tribal funding;
Meet
from
https://zoom.us/j/99737664949
colleges here in Oregon and across the nation and more!
College
College Information
Information Night
Night III
10/26/23
01/25/24
College Information
Information Night
NightIII
II
College
01/25/24
04/25/24
@
Zoom
@ 6PM
6PM via
via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/99737664949
https://zoom.us/j/96048817766
@
Zoom
@ 6PM
6PM via
via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/96048817766
https://zoom.us/j/97441781453
C o n t a c tCollege
a n E d uInformation
c a t i o n S p e cNight
i a l i s III
t t o S i04/25/24
gn Up!
Jeff Sweet
Katy Holland
@ 6PM via Zoom
Siletz & Out-of-Area
Portland & Washington
https://zoom.us/j/97441781453
JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us
KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us
C o n Sonya
t a c t Moody-Jurado
a n E d u c a t i o n S p e c i a lCandace
i s t t o Hill
Sign Up!
Website is one-stop shop for college grants
The Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) encourages
students and families preparing for college to go to OregonStudentAid.gov to
check out the more than 500 grant and scholarship opportunities.
It’s a one-stop shop for information, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), Oregon Promise and the Oregon Opportunity Grant.
14 •
Siletz News
•
January 2024
Salem Area
Jeff Sweet
SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us
Siletz & Out-of-Area
JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us
Eugene Area
Katy Holland
CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us
Portland & Washington
KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us
Sonya Moody-Jurado
Salem Area
SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us
Candace Hill
Eugene Area
CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us
For more information about the Siletz Tribal
language program, visit siletzlanguage.org.
Scholarships
•
Fastweb (scholarship search engine)
•
Big Future (scholarship search engine)
•
Pacific Northwest Scholarship
Guide (scholarship search engine)
•
OregonStudentAid.gov
•
AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality
Scholarship
Deadline: April 26, 2024
•
LA Tutors Innovation in Education
Scholarships
Deadline: 20th of each month
•
CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship
Deadline: Monthly
•
Christian Connector $2,500 Scholarship
Deadline: Quarterly
•
Scholarship for Social Impact
Deadline: Rolling
•
AIS Scholarship
Deadline: Varies
•
Open Education Database Graduate
and Ph.D. Scholarships
Deadline: Varies
•
•
Nitro College Scholarship
Deadline: Monthly
American Indian Service Scholarships
Deadline: Ongoing
•
•
Smart Owl Scholarship
Deadline: Monthly
American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Scholarships
Deadline: Ongoing
•
American Meteorological Society
Minority Scholarships
Deadline: Ongoing
Internships
•
Wisdom of the Elders ITEK Internship
Deadline: February 2024
•
Wisdom of the Elders Multimedia
Internship
Deadline: February 2024
•
Habitat Restoration Internship
Deadline: Various
Meta (Facebook) Data Center Engineering Internships
Deadline: Various
•
Cronin and Company
Deadline: Open
•
•
Roku
Deadline: Multiple/Open
•
•
Nike N7 Undergraduate Internship
Deadline: Multiple
•
•
Nike Internships
Deadline: Multiple
Code Switch Internship
Deadline: Various
•
HP 3D Printing Engineering Intern
Deadline: Open until filled
•
WOTE Agricultural Incubator Intern
Deadline: Various
•
Saturday Academy Internships
Deadline: Multiple
•
EPA Environ. Research/Bus. Support
Deadline: Multiple
•
DMS Internships
Deadline: Ongoing
•
Apple Business, Marketing and G&A
Internships
Deadline: Multiple
•
Amazon Undergraduate Program
Internships
Deadline: Multiple
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Scholarship Points $2,500 Scholarship
Deadline: Monthly
Be Bold $25,000 Scholarship
Deadline: Monthly
January
Tribal College/University Scholarships
Deadline: Ongoing
•
•
Important information for college-bound
Tribal seniors
Other Opportunities
FAFSA forms must be submitted by
June 30. Do not delay, start on this.
Complete scholarships that are due.
Check for Student Aid Report (SAR
on the FAFSA website several days
after filing out the FAFSA).
Request mid-year transcripts be sent
to colleges to which you have applied.
Request transcripts needed for OSAC
scholarship application.
Send thank you notes to people who
have helped you.
Students who plan to apply for Tribal
assistance for college must apply for
FAFSA by June 30 at fafsa.ed.gov.
•
•
•
•
•
•
First semester grades and mid-year
reports are sent to some colleges.
Check your school counseling office
or ASPIRE center for scholarship info.
Complete scholarships.
Check with colleges applied to for
verification they have received all necessary documents. Continue to monitor status of submitted applications.
Check to see if your mid-year transcripts have been sent to the schools
to which you have applied.
Wrap up scholarship application, essays
and activities chart (for OSAC). Early
bird deadline is in February for OSAC.
Fellowships
•
O’Brien Fellowship in Public Service
Journalism
Deadline: Jan. 19, 2024
•
MBL Logan Science Journalism Program Fellowship
Deadline: Jan. 25, 2024
•
•
Public Lands Internship Program
Deadline: Various
NOAA Internships
Deadline: Ongoing
February
•
Ferriss-UC Berkeley Psychedelic
Journalism Fellowship
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024
Kennedy Krieger Institute Dr. James
A. Ferguson Emerging Infectious Diseases Research Initiatives for Student
Enhancement Fellowship Program
Deadline: Jan. 31, 2024
The Knight-Wallace Fellowship
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2024
•
MLB.com Digital Content Fellowship
Deadline: Feb. 1, 2024
•
Tribal Agricultural Fellowships
Deadline: Feb. 2, 2024
•
Native American Journalism Fellowship (The Oklahoman)
Deadline: Various
•
NHPR Reporter/Producer Fellowship
Deadline: Various
•
MBA Special Advisor Fellowship
Deadline: Ongoing
•
Franklin Talent Exchange Program
Deadline: Ongoing
•
NYT Local Investigations Fellowship
Deadline: Rolling
Siletz Tribal Members
Online Academic Support
Free Virtual Tutoring!
* 24/7 On-Demand Access to Online
Professional Tutors
* GED Support
•
Oregon Promise Grant
•
•
Portland Community College Career
Pathways Program
Fund for Women Journalists
Deadline: Rolling
* All Subjects and Grade Levels- From
Kindergarten through College/University
•
•
UO Home Flight Scholars Program
Fund for Indigenous Journalists
Deadline: Rolling
* Individualized Help in All Subjects
•
Oregon Tribal Student Grant
•
Amber Grants
Deadline: Rolling
•
UC Native American Opportunity Plan
•
•
John Bartlow Martin Award
Deadline: Jan. 26, 2024
NAYA Ninth Grade Counts
Deadline: Rolling
•
•
Metcalf Institute’s Annual Science
Immersion Workshop for Journalists
Deadline: Feb. 12, 2024
Dept. of Energy Scholars Program
Deadline: Ongoing
•
•
THRIVE Conference (Portland, Ore.)
June 24-28, 2024
National Park Service Tribal Stewards
Inclusion Program
Deadline: Ongoing
•
NPAIHB Youth Intern Host Sites
Deadline: Rolling
•
Fund for Indigenous Journalists:
Reporting on MMIWG2T
Deadline: Rolling
•
Center for Native American Youth at
the Aspen Institute – Generation Indigenous Network Youth Ambassador
•
National Youth Leadership Forum
STEM Program Nomination Form
Deadline: Various
* SAT & ACT Prep; College Course Level
Help and More
* All Tribal Students Eligible to Apply,
Regardless of Residence.
Contact your local Education Specialist to sign up:
Siletz & Out-of-Area
Jeff- JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us
Portland
Katy- KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us
Salem
Sonya- SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us
Eugene
Candace- CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us
Please Note:
Students MUST complete a Tutoring Application to register. Tutoring hours are
available on a first come first serve basis as resources are available.
January 2024
•
Siletz News
•
15
Tribal Council Timesheets for November 2023
Frank Aspria – 11/1/23-11/30/23
Bonnie Petersen – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
2.5
4.5
Ind
2.25
4.25
Gmg
.5
STBC ED Tvl
1
11/1-3
11/4
TC
1.25
.75
Ind
1
.75
4
3.75
4.25
5.75
4.25
2.5
2.5
5.25
3.25
2.5
3.5
5
3.25
2.75
3.5
3.75
3.75
1.5
1.5
1.75
1.75
1.25
2.5
4
1.25
2.5
4
1.25
1
.75
.75
2
3.25
3
4.5
4
1
3.5
3.25
2
4
1
3.5
3.25
2
1
.5
2.75
2
1
.5
.25
Econ dev, email, updates
Health, Housing, General
Council, email
11/6-9 Econ dev, email, packets
11/10
CWCR budget wkshp
11/11-13 Consent Decree, email, packets
11/14
Regular TC, email
11/15-17 STBC mtg, email
11/18
Restoration events, rep for Tribal
member, email
11/20
Special TC, email
11/21-28 Econ dev, email, packets
11/29-30 Enrollment, Housing & STAHS
wkshps, packets, email
Loraine Y. Butler – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
3
4
6
2.5
3
Ind
3
4
5.75
2.5
3
Gmg
STBC ED Tvl
5.5
3
7.5
.25
2.5
7.5
.25
2.5
2
11/1-3 Packets
11/4
Health, Housing, General Council
11/5-9 Culture Cmte, CPT, packets
11/10-13 Gaming budget wkshp, packets
11/14
Regular TC
11/15
STBC mtg
11/17-19 Restoration events
11/20
Special TC
11/28-29 Enrollment, Housing & STAHS
wkshps, Culture, packets
Sharon Edenfield – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
.75
1.25
Ind
.75
1.25
Gmg
STBC ED Tvl
1.5 11/3
.5
11/7
STCCF awards
Culture Cmte, Consent Decree,
econ dev
11/9
Gaming bdgt pkt
11/10
Gaming budget wkshp
11/13-14 Regular TC, packet
11/15
STBC mtg
1.5
6.5
4.25
4.25
1
Alfred Lane III – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
5.25
2.5
Ind
5.25
2.5
3.5
.75
.5
3
3.75
.75
.5
3
Gmg
1
STBC ED Tvl
8
11/1-2
2
11/3
11/4
11/7
11/13
11/14
11/15
2.75
RUN mtg
Hunting/fishing mtg, Audit &
Investment Cmte, charitable
reception
Health, Housing, General Council
Congressional Leg mtg
Packet
Regular TC
STBC mtg
Alfred Lane IV – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
1.75
4
1.25
.75
Ind
1.75
4.25
1.25
.75
.5
.5
.5
.5
Gmg
STBC ED Tvl
11/2-3
11/4
11/6
11/7
4
5.5
1.25
3
16 •
1.25
3
Siletz News
1.5
•
Email, packets, minutes
Health, Housing, General Council
Natural Resources Cmte
Z o o m w / C o n g re s s re p,
attorneys & lobbyist
11/8
Casino town hall mtg
11/9
Reading, email
11/10
CWCR budget wkshp
11/11-13 Email, packets
11/14
Regular TC
January 2024
Gmg
STBC ED Tvl
.25
11/1
11/2
2.75
1.5
.25
.25
.25
Econ dev, email, meeting prep
Tribal Caucus SAHMSA TOR,
11/3
NPAIHB emerg mtg, OHA mtg,
11/4
Health, Housing, General
Council, email
11/5
Email, packets, reports, meeting
prep
11/6
Health Cmte, Education Cmte,
11/7
NPAIHB update, email, meeting
prep
11/8
CPT, TOR consultation, email,
meeting prep
11/9-13 CWCR budget mtg, email,
meeting prep
11/14
Regular TC, email
11/15-16 STBC, email
11/17-18 Restoration set-up & event
11/20-28 Special TC, econ dev, email
11/29-30 Enrollment, Housing & STAHS
wkshps, email, calls
Delores Pigsley – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
6.25
3
Ind
6.25
3
Gmg
4.25
4.25
2.5
2.5
.25
4
4
1
.5
3.5
.5
3.5
6
4
1.75
4
1.75
6
6
6.25
1.75
3
6.25
1.75
3
1
1
STBC ED Tvl
6
11/1-2
2.25 11/3
3
.5
RUN mtg, mail, prep for council
Investment & Audit Cmte, Zoom
calls, legislation, charitable
reception
2
11/4
Health, Housing, General
Council, mail
11/5-6 City of Keizer mtg, mail, agenda
items
1.5
11/7-9 Zoom – H&F leg, econ dev,
mail, meeting prep
2.5 11/10
Gaming budget wkshp, mail
11/11-13 City of Salem mtg, mail, agenda
items, prep for council
3
11/14
Regular TC, water resource event
1.25 11/15-16 Gaming mtg, STBC mtg, mail,
agenda items
1.5 11/17-18 Restoration event, Chemawa
School Board mtg, mail
1
11/19-27 Special TC, mail, agenda items
11/28
Chemawa mtg, mail
11/29-30 Enrollment, Housing & STAHS
wkshps, mail
Angela Ramirez – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
6
4
5.5
1.5
Ind
5.75
4.25
5.5
Gmg
1.5
5
3
3
1
.5
6
.25
1
.25
6
.25
STBC ED Tvl
.5
2.5
11/1-15 Packets, email
11/4
Health, Housing, General Council
11/5
STAHS
11/6
Education Comm, packets
11/10-12 Budget wkshp, packets
11/14
Regular TC
11/15
STBC mtg
11/16
STAHS
11/16-30 Packets, email
11/17-19 Restoration activities, STAHS
11/29
Workshop
Timesheets continue on page 19
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Siletz News
•
17
US to consult with Tribes on how to best protect Tribal intellectual property
Washington – On Oct. 24, 2023,
the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
(USPTO), Department of Commerce
published a notice in the Federal Register
on Formal Tribal Consultation on World
Intellectual Property Organization Intergovernmental Committee Negotiations.
The National Congress of American
Indians (NCAI) and the Native American
Rights Fund (NARF) applaud the decision
to hold this long overdue consultation.
Since 2016, NCAI, represented by
NARF, has called on the federal government to engage in government-to-government consultation on Tribal intellectual
property issues. These efforts included
NCAI passing resolutions in both 2016
and 2022 calling for immediate and
direct consultations regarding international negotiations happening at the
World Intellectual Property Organization
(Resolution PHX-16-054 and Resolution
SAC-22-038).
“The United States federal government needs to ensure free, prior and
informed consent from Tribal nations as
it develops positions to be taken in these
international negotiations around genetic
resources, traditional knowledge and cultural expressions. Tribes have sovereign
rights and authority as the holders and
guardians of these aspects of our cultures
that must be respected by the United
States. The upcoming consultations are a
necessary step to ensure that these legal
and moral requirements are met,” said
NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.
“The United States Patent and Trademark Office has taken positions in
negotiations at the World Intellectual
Property Organization more aligned with
corporations that want to access and use
Indigenous peoples’ genetic resources,
traditional knowledge and cultural expressions than with the United States’ role
as trustee for Tribal nations. The United
•
•
Webinar dates
The webinars for federally recognized
Tribal nations and their proxies will be
held Jan. 16, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. ET and
Jan. 17, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. ET.
The webinars for state-recognized
Tribes and other Tribal members, Native
Hawaiians and their representatives, and
inter-Tribal organizations will be held Jan.
19, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. ET and Jan. 23,
2024, from 3-5 p.m. ET.
Register in advance to participate in
one of these webinars at https://cvent.
me/b ZRP3L. More details are available at https://www.federalregister.gov/
documents/2023/10/24/2023-23386/
formal-tribal-consultation-on-wipo-igcnegotiations.
Siletz Holiday Bazaar
Traditional philanthropy vs. Equity and Sovereignty Framework
Siletz Tribal Community Center • Dec. 22, 2023
Shared Ownership: The new framework ensures that Tribal nations are active
participants in decision-making, creating solutions that are rooted in their lived
experiences.
Cultural Respect and Integration: While traditional philanthropy may sideline
Native wisdom, the equity and sovereignty approach centers connection and respect.
Long-term Solutions: Rather than temporary fixes, this approach seeks sustainable, regenerative change, grounded in the unique needs and aspirations of each
Tribal nation.
“As we stand at the threshold of a new era with the launch of the NCAI Foundation,
I am reminded of the profound responsibility we carry as stewards of our communities’
future,” said NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr. (Ponca Tribe of Nebraska). “Our
leadership is charting a strategic course for the organization and the NCAI Foundation
that is a journey of both honor and duty. The Equity and Sovereignty Framework is
more than just a policy tool; it is a commitment to Tribal nations that every decision
we make, and every partnership we forge, will be done with the utmost respect for
our sovereignty and with an unwavering focus on equity. This is our pledge to create
a lasting impact that honors the past while building a resilient and prosperous future
for Tribal communities.”
The foundation will soon announce various opportunities for Tribal nations to
apply for grant funding. These initiatives, which reflect the priorities identified by
Tribal leaders and representatives in recent dialogues, emphasize areas such as education, infrastructure, cultural preservation, economic development, environmental, and
addressing social inequities.
NCAIF is set to redefine the philanthropic landscape for Tribal nations. By embracing the wisdom and expertise of Tribal Nations, the foundation is poised to foster
strategic partnerships and drive significant change.
The initiative is more than just a response to historical disparities; it is an opportunity to embark on a transformative journey, forging pathways to a future of shared
prosperity and resilience for Tribal nations.
For more information, visit www.ncai.org.
18 •
Tribal members, Native Hawaiians and
inter-Tribal organizations.
The USPTO also invites written comments to be submitted by Feb. 23, 2024.
NCAI Foundation, continued from page 1
Traditional philanthropy often operates with a top-down approach, where donors
decide what is best for beneficiaries, which can unintentionally perpetuate systemic
inequities. The Equity and Sovereignty Framework includes:
•
Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples recognizes Indigenous peoples’ rights to their cultural
and intellectual property, as well as the
obligation for the United States to take
measures to protect those rights. It is good
that the United States is living up to its
obligation to consult with Tribes and the
concern now is to ensure that the consultation is meaningful and actually impacts
the United States’ negotiation positions,”
explained NARF Staff Attorney Sue Noe.
In the upcoming consultation, the
USPTO will seek Tribal input on how to
best protect genetic resources, traditional
knowledge and traditional cultural expressions as they are being discussed at the
World Intellectual Property Organization.
The Federal Register notice provides
details for online webinars to be held this
month. Two of the four webinars will be
for federally recognized Tribal nations and
two will be for state-recognized Tribes,
Siletz News
•
January 2024
Photos by Diane Rodriquez
Shoppers visit the community center for gifts, including screen-printed T-shirts and
sweats plus beautiful hand-crafted items, at the Siletz Holiday Bazaar coordinated by
Rusty Butler.
Consent, continued from page 1
The Siletz Tribe has more than 5,000
enrolled members and is headquartered on
Oregon’s coast. The Confederated Tribes
of Siletz Indians and the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde are the only Tribes
in the country that have consent decrees
that legally prevent them from negotiating
for traditional hunting and fishing activities on their land.
Rep. Hoyle also supports similar legislation, H.R. 2850, which would address
the consent decree that restricts the Grand
Ronde Tribe. Merkley also leads the Senate version of that bill.
Legal Aid Services of Oregon
and the Oregon Law Center, civil
legal service providers for low-income
Oregonians, operate a public benefits
hotline where low-income Oregonians
can talk to lawyers and paralegals to
get advice on public benefits, including
unemployment benefits:
800-520-5292
Oregonlawhelp.org.
Kotek statement on
Siletz Consent Decree
passage
SALEM, Ore. – Gov. Tina Kotek made
the following statement on Dec. 20 after
it was announced that, earlier this week,
the U.S. Senate passed the Confederated
Tribes of Siletz Indians (Siletz) Consent
Decree. The legislation gives the Siletz
and the State of Oregon the legal ability
to change a discriminatory legal clause,
restoring the Siletz Tribe’s right to gather,
hunt and fish on their ancestral lands. The
U/S. House passed H.R. 2839 on Dec. 11.
“Each Oregon Tribe deserves their
sovereign right to hunt, fish and gather
on their ancestral land. This legislation
passed by the U.S. Congress rightly counters a 1980 decree that forced the Siletz to
lose those rights in exchange for getting
their status and land restored. No Tribe
should have to choose between restoration
or the right to hunt and gather on their
land. I am appreciative of Congresswoman
Val Hoyle and Sen. Jeff Merkley for their
advocacy to set history straight for the
Siletz, and I strongly encourage President
Biden to sign this legislation into law.”
Timesheets, continued from page 16
Selene Rilatos – 11/1/23-11/30/23
TC
1
3.25
4.5
3.25
1.75
2.5
.75
2
4
.75
4
.75
4.75
3
Ind
1
3.25
4.5
3.25
1.75
2.5
.75
2
4
.75
4
.75
4.75
3
Gmg
5.5
STBC ED Tvl
.25
11/1
Econ dev, email
11/2-3 OHA mtg, packets, email
11/4
Health, Housing, General Council
11/5-6 Health Cmte, email, packets
1
11/7
TICCC mtg, email, packets
1
11/8-9 NPAIHB mtg, email, packets, calls
2.5 11/10
CWCR budget wkshp, packets
11/12-13 Packets, email
1
11/14
Regular TC, email
2
2.5
11/15-16 STBC, ECHO, email
2.5 11/17-19 Restoration events, email, calls
11/20
Special TC, email
11/21-27 NPAIHB, email, packets, calls
11/29-30 TC wkshps, email, packets
Dear friends and relatives:
Happy New Year! I hope that the holidays were warm and full of joy for you and yours.
It is Siletz Tribal Council election season again. I took a year and rested and am
feeling reinvigorated – and ready to serve again if it is the wish of the people.
I have been concerned over the past year and more with the direction taken by some
of our elected leadership. The three incumbents in this election were among five named
in a lawsuit filed in our Tribal Court last year. The court opinion did not get released
until after the last election, but found all five had violated Tribal laws. Later, an ethics
investigation found all five had engaged in ethics violations.
It is critical that we elect members who obey and stand up for the laws we have
passed to govern ourselves. I have served 18 years and been a strong advocate for fair
and equal treatment of all and accountability within our government.
Damage has been done to our systems of operating not just our government, but
employee morale and administration functionality. We need to make amendments to
our laws to protect us from a majority of elected officials who act in violation of our
laws without legal remedies to correct their unlawful actions in short order and sanction them for their actions.
I would be honored if you considered me for one of your three votes in this coming February’s election.
Sincerely,
Robert Kentta
Lincoln County Jail seeks volunteers
The Lincoln County Jail in Newport, Ore., is seeking additional cultural
practitioners to provide services to American Indians who are incarcerated. They
are seeking both female and male practitioners to provide online, one-on-one
and group guidance (once it is safe to hold in-person meetings).
If you have questions, please contact Lisa Norton at lisan@ctsi.nsn.us. If
you want to volunteer, contact Dennis Buckmaster (dbuckmaster@co.lincoln.
or.us) to start the process. This process does include a background check, but
all situations will be considered individually.
Tribe seeks to update its record of
Tribal veterans
It is important for the Tribe to
keep a current updated record of our
Siletz Tribal veterans. So often we are
totally unaware of Siletz veterans who
have served our nation, especially our
younger veterans.
We are also trying to track how
many Vietnam-era veterans have served
and also how many were “boots on the
ground.” I would appreciate it if you
could help supply us with this muchneeded information. Thank you!
Tony Molina, Tribal Vet Rep.
Low voltage license #2025LEA
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
800-922-1399, ext. 1330
Direct: 541-444-8330
Cell: 541-270-0569
Information for Veterans
A veteran or a family member
whose veteran is enrolled in the
VA only has 72 hours to report a
non-emergency room hospital visit
so as not to get billed.
There is a new program for veterans
called Veterans Appeal Improvement Modernization Act – for
those veterans who have been waiting too long for their appeal to be
addressed. Again, this is a new
program.
For veterans who are enrolled into
the VA system – you can also apply
to join My Healthy Vet to have
access to your local VA doctor,
prescriptions, etc. This is a very
useful tool.
Also, some veterans have joined
EBenefits to try to take care of their
VA needs online, but first you must
be eligible to apply for VA benefits.
I’m here to help you in that VA
enrollment process. It’s your choice
to try EBenefits or let me assist you.
The VA can be a very complex
program and very trying to one’s
patience – and I have experienced
certain road blocks. So please give
me a call and I will do everything
within my means to make sure you
can enroll in the VA system.
Our VA presumes that spinal bifida
in biological children of certain
Vietnam-era veterans who were
exposed to Agent Orange was
caused by the veteran’s military service. Eligible children may receive
VA benefits.
Contact Molina if you have questions on any of these items.
Siletz News Letters Policy
Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is
published once a month. Our editorial policy encourages input from readers about
stories printed in Siletz News and other Tribal issues.
All letters must include the author’s signature, address, and phone number in
order to be considered for publication. Siletz News reserves the right to edit any
letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of
a letter that may contain profane language, libelous statements, personal attacks
or unsubstantiated statements.
Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of Siletz News, Tribal employees, or Tribal Council.
Please type or write legibly. Letters longer than 450 words may be edited for
length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142.
Please note: The chief executive
officer of the Siletz Tribe is the editorin-chief of Siletz News.
Editor-in-Chief: Kurtis Barker
Editor: Diane Rodriquez
Assistant: Andy Taylor
January 2024
•
Siletz News
•
19
Jeidah: Happy Birthday from all of
your Rilatos family. We love you and are
proud of you always!
Passages Policy
Submissions to Passages are limited to two 25-word items per person, plus one
photo if desired.
All birthday, anniversary and holiday wishes will appear in the Passages section.
Siletz News reserves the right to edit any submission for clarity and length.
Not all submissions are guaranteed publication upon submission.
Please type or write legibly and submit via e-mail when possible.
Free child ID kits from the Oregon State Police
503-934-0188 • 800-282-7155
child.idkits@state.or.us
Happy 68th Anniversary to Vern and
Donna Kessinger!
Happy special day to Elias Fandel. Happy 5 years old! We are so blessed to have
you in our lives.
Love, Grandma and Grandpa Bell
Need Rental Housing?
The Siletz Tribal Housing Department encourages you to apply for the
Low-Income Rental Program waiting list in Siletz (1-4 bedrooms) and
Lincoln City (2-3 bedrooms – Neachesna Village).
Applications can be obtained at any Tribal area office (Eugene, Salem, Portland,
Siletz) or online from the Tribal website – ctsi.nsn.us; follow links – Tribal
Services-Housing-Low Rent Apartments & Home Ownership.
Questions? Call 800-922-1399,
ext. 1322, or 541-444-8322;
fax: 541-444- 8313
Building Plant Relationships: Camas
Siletz Community Garden • Dec. 22, 2023
Photos by Andy Taylor
Top left: Several participants stop their work for a group photo.
Bottom left: CJ Carmona plants camas bulbs.
Below: Garden Manager Zeph Mullins shows Creed Taylor, James Pearson and
Jordan Taylor how to plant camas bulbs.
20 •
Siletz News
•
January 2024
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.