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SILETZ NEWS

Siletz News

Confederated Tribes of

Siletz Indians

P.O. Box 549

Siletz, OR 97380-0549

Delores Pigsley,

Tribal Chairman

Kurtis Barker

Chief Executive Officer

and Editor-in-Chief

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Vol. 54, No. 01

Presorted

First-Class

Mail

U.S. Postage

Paid - Permit

No. 178

Salem, OR

January 2026

All tribal offices will be closed Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Start the New Year by taking charge

and making your health a priority

By Andy Taylor

As the calendar turns to January, many of us set goals for fitness,

finances, and personal growth. But

one of the most important resolutions

you can make is to schedule you and

your family’s annual health checkups.

Beginning the year with a physical

exam, an eye exam, and a dental visit

is a simple and powerful way to invest

in your well-being.

Putting your health on a cycle

like timing it with the New Year,

Hibler, awarded employee of the year

can make it easier to remember to

get your health checks. Similarly to

how we change out the batteries on

the smoke detector during daylight

savings. It makes it routine and easy

to remember!

However, your annual physical

is more than a routine appointment,

it’s a first action towards preventive

care. These visits allow your healthcare provider to check for conditions

New Year, on page 9

Photo by Andy Taylor

Jessica Hibler (center) was awarded 2025 employee of the year. Kelley Ellis

(left) and Stormie Ehret (right) presented the award.

Photo by Andy Taylor

Siletz Community Health Clinic

Drumming up joy for tribal elders

At the Winter All-Staff meeting,

Eugene Area Office supervisor, Jessica Hibler was awarded the 2025

employee of the year for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the

membership.

She paves the way for staff to be

successful and support their needs.

Under her leadership the Eugene

office provides meal services to the

membership offering a food pantry

and fresh weekly produce.

She is inventive in new ways to

grow and serve. Great job Jessica!

All-Staff, on page 13

Catching crabs at Yaquina Bay

Photo by Andy Taylor

Cameron Pearson, throwing his crab pot into the Yaquina Bay

Photo by Andy Taylor

Ramona Luledjian wearing a festive prop from the photo booth

More from the elders party, on page 15

A cultural opportunity offered

Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Yaquina Bay

Bridge pier offered members a lesson

on crabbing.

This experience was offered in

partnership with behavioral health,

community health and natural

resources. Members were shown by

tribal experts in fishing, how to anchor

the crab bait in the pot, tie off thier

line on the pier and how to properly

identify a crab.

Identifying a crab is more than

color. It’s the legal size of the crab, as

well as know that females get returned

to the ocean. This lesson and many

more were shared and appreciated by

all attendees.

Crabbing, on page 10

December was an active and

festive month for the tribe.

We celebrated the holiday season

with the community and the tribal

membership through several successful fun events.

On December 10, we hosted the

Community Christmas Program,

which featured photos with Santa,

gifts for children, a raffle, and Christmas carols sang by the Siletz Tribal

Head Start class. Each attendee also

received a full-size ham to take home.

The event was well-attended and

brought joy to many families.

The Elders Department held its

holiday party at the Siletz Community

Center. The gathering was filled with

laughter and camaraderie. Transportation was provided from each area

office to ensure accessibility. This

event was a tremendous success.

We completed staff training and

team-building activities during the

Winter All-Staff event. This biannual

event is essential for supporting and

strengthening our workforce. Additional details can be found on page 13.

Administrative updates include

finalizing the 2026 budgets, which

reflects an increase in the elders’ stipend and departmental funding for

the year.

We also received the 2024 audit

report, which confirmed a clean financial audit. We extend our gratitude to

all staff for their dedication and hard

work in achieving this outcome.

Looking forward to the New Year

We are excited about the projects

planned for 2026. The new Eugene

Area Office will be completed to better serve our membership, and the

new recreation center is scheduled

for completion this summer, providing expanded opportunities for tribal

health and wellness.

Please be following the official

CTSI Facebook page for the latest

information and updates. There we

post live information like office clo-

sures, emergency numbers, events

and reminders. In the Facebook

search bar simply type in CTSI.gov,

to follow us.

You can also find the Salem,

Portland, and Eugene area offices for

information in your area.

If you want to keep up on youth

and family activities, the Siletz Tribal

Farm, Education and Youth Activities, Sports & Recreation, Healthy

Traditions, and Clinic all post new

information, so be sure to check them.

Proposed Edits and Public Comment Period

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is putting forward the edits to The Confederated Tribes of

Siletz Indians of Oregon Application for Enrollment

for public comment.

The proposed edits will be available on the

tribal website from January 2, until February 2,

2026. Public comments regarding The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon Application

for Enrollment can be submitted online at https://ctsi.nsn.us/policiesopen-for-comment/ or send via email to EnrollmentDepartment@ctsi.

nsn.us. Alternatively, you can scan this QR code.

Purchased Referred Care update

Beginning in January 2026, all Tribal Members will be required to

return to the nearest IHS facility. Please finish all current dental work

at the facility you are going to and do not start any new treatment plans.

The nearest IHS facilities are:

Chemawa Indian Health Center - 503-304-7600

Grand Ronde Health & Wellness Center - 503-879-2002

Siletz Community Health Clinic - 541-444-1030

Elders Council Meeting

The Elders Council will host an in-person/Zoom hybrid meeting

on Saturday, January 17, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Ace’s in Lincoln City, Ore.

If you have any questions, please contact the Elders Program at

541-444-8212.

Contact methods

for the Public

Information team:

Email: PIAS@ctsi.nsn.us

Deadline for the February

issue is January 9, 2026. Submission of articles and photos

is encouraged.

Please check the Passages

Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages.

Siletz News

P.O. Box 549

Siletz, OR 97380-0549

For questions, call

541-444-8293

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Siletz News

•

January 2026

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 2026. All

Siletz Tribal artists are encouraged to submit a Pow-Wow themed logo.

The winning logo artist will receive a cash prize of $400 and a professional

banner with your logo. Additionally 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 Thursday, Feb.

26, 2026 at 4:30 p.m..

Royalty Crown Proposals

The Pow-Wow Committee is now accepting proposals for 2026-2027

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. 26, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.

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 A.J.

Warren at 800-922-1399, ext. 1244; 541-444-8244; or ajw@ctsi.nsn.us.

2026 Standing

Committee Applications

Due by February 11, 2026

Any tribal member interested for consideration in 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 February 11, 2026. Please mail your application

to Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Attn: Executive Assistant to Tribal

Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380. You can also submit your application

by email to celestal@ctsi.nsn.us.

Roll No:

Name:

Address:

City: State:

Telephone: Day (

_ )

___

Evening (

Zip:

_ )

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 (4)

Committee appointments will be made at the February 2026 Regular Tribal

Council meeting. If you have any questions, please call the Executive Assistant

to Tribal Council, at (800) 922-1399 or (541) 444-8372.

A New Chapter in Health Care for

Siletz: Dan’Chaa-May-Yvlh-Srii-Dvn

In late September, a new chapter began for the Siletz Community Health

Clinic with the opening of Dan’Chaa-May-Yvlh-Srii-Dvn or, the “North Doctor

Place” in Lincoln City. For years, many of our tribal members living along the

coast have faced long drives to reach health services in Siletz. The idea for a

satellite clinic was born from a simple question: How can we bring care closer

to where many of our people live and work?

Now, that vision has become a reality. The new North Doctor Place clinic

offers a welcoming space designed to meet patients where they are, both in

location and in life.

Currently, the clinic offers medical appointments and behavioral health

services, including alcohol and drug (A&D) support up to ASAM Level 2.1 and

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT). All Siletz Tribal members, Chinook

Winds staff, their families, and households are welcome, along with members of other tribes and Tribal employees and their families. If you’re already

registered with the Siletz Community Health Clinic (SCHC), there’s no need

to register again. If you’re new to SCHC and would like to be seen in Lincoln

City, please reach out to us at North Doctor Place to complete a new patient

registration packet.

Dan’Chaa-May-Yvlh-Srii-Dvn stands as a reflection of our ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of our people—bringing care, connection,

and community just a little closer to home.

January 2026

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Siletz News

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USDA distribution dates for January

Siletz

Salem

Monday - Friday

9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 6

Jan. 7

Jan. 8

Jan. 21

Jan. 22

Jan. 23

Closed for all federal

and tribal holidays

Saturday, Jan. 17, by appt. only

For those who work during these

hours, we will open the warehouse on

the first or second Saturday of each

month for better efforts to meet your

schedule at the Siletz warehouse.

These appointments will need to

be scheduled in advance.

9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Our Salem location will start to

open up for two Wednesdays after

distribution, for those who miss their

original appointment, with limited

fresh produce.

These appointments will need to

be scheduled in advance as well.

Sammy Hall, USDA Food

Distribution Manager

541-444-8279 or 541-390-0763

sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us

LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz

Tribal FDPIR. We would like to

see more people sharing their recipes

on our FB page.

White bean & smoked sausage skillet

Ingredients

4 Tbsp. oil, divided

12 oz. smoked sausage, sliced

1 medium onion

1 bag spinach, frozen

1 tsp. dried sage

1 tsp. dried thyme

1 cup chicken broth

2 (15.5-oz.) cans cannellini beans

Salt, pepper, garlic – to taste

Directions

In a large skillet over medium

heat, heat 1 Tbsp. oil; swirl pan to

coat. Add sausage in a single layer and

cook until browned. Transfer sausage

to a plate

In the same skillet over medium

heat, heat 2 Tbsp. oil. Add onion; season with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring

occasionally, until soft. Add spinach

and cook, stirring frequently

Push spinach to make a small

space in the center of skillet and add

remaining oil, sage, and thyme.

Add broth to deglaze pan and stir

everything to combine.

Add beans, including liquid from

1 can. Bring to a simmer and cook,

mashing a few beans, until sauce is

thickened and warmed through.

Return sausage to skillet and stir

to combine; season with salt, pepper

and garlic.

Optional, you can top with cheese!

Exploring student opportunities in the health care field

By Andy Taylor

If you’ve ever considered a career

in health care and related services, the

Indian Health Service (IHS) offers a

wide range of opportunities designed

to support American Indian and

Alaska Native students in pursuing

meaningful careers.

These programs not only provide

financial assistance but also create pathways for hands-on experience and professional growth within

Indian health communities. With

an urgent need for dedicated health

professionals, IHS programs aim to

develop the next generation of leaders committed to improving health

outcomes for Native populations.

Since the program opened in 1977,

the IHS Scholarship Program has

helped thousands of students achieve

their health profession degrees.

Today, it continues to provide financial support to qualified American

Indian and Alaska Native students in

exchange for a service commitment

within Indian health programs. Scholarships cover tuition, fees, books,

and even a monthly stipend, making

higher education more accessible.

There are three types of scholarships available: Preparatory, PreGraduate, and Health Professions,

each tailored to different stages of a

student’s academic journey.

Beyond financial aid, IHS offers

practical experience through its

Extern Program. This initiative allows

scholarship recipients and health

profession students to gain handson clinical training and gain skills in

Indian health facilities during summer or non-academic periods.

Opportunities span multiple disciplines, including medicine, nursing,

pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, and

behavioral health. These externships

provide invaluable exposure to realworld health care challenges and

cultural competency within Native

communities.

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Several specialized programs aim

to increase representation in critical

health fields. The American Indians

into Nursing Program focuses on

preparing nurses, nurse midwives,

and nurse practitioners to serve tribal

communities.

Similarly, the American Indians

into Psychology Program addresses

the growing need for clinical psychologists by offering scholarships

and in-the-field training. For students

interested in medicine, the American

Indians into Medicine Program provides career counseling, tutoring, and

financial aid assistance, along with

summer educational sessions and

travel grants for health conferences.

IHS also partners with health

profession schools to offer residencies

and rotations, giving students immersive clinical and cultural experiences.

Additionally, the United States Public

Health Service collaborates with IHS

to provide competitive programs such

as JRCOSTEP and SRCOSTEP, which

allow students to serve as commissioned officers during their academic

training. These programs are ideal

for those seeking leadership roles in

public health.

Choosing a career in Indian health

means embracing a mission of service

and cultural respect. These programs

not only help students achieve their

educational goals but also ensure that

tribal communities receive the care

they deserve. For those willing to commit to making a difference, IHS offers

a clear path toward a rewarding and

impactful career.

How to Apply

The application cycle for IHS

scholarships opens December 15,

2025, and closes February 28, 2026.

Applications are submitted online,

and eligibility is determined based on

citizenship, tribal affiliation, and academic performance. Applicants must

provide official transcripts, faculty or

January 2026

employer evaluations, and a narrative

statement outlining their goals and

commitment to being a provider in

Indian Country.

An amazing funding avenue available to Oregon students, the Oregon

Tribal Student Grant (OTSG) is a

state-funded program providing

financial aid to enrolled members of

Oregon’s nine federally recognized

tribes to cover the full cost of attendance (COA) at Oregon colleges/universities, aiming to eliminate funding

gaps after other aid, making higher

education accessible for undergraduate and graduate studies.

It’s a “game-changer” that reduces

reliance on loans and increases retention, with applications open annually

through oregonstudentaid.gov.

And lastly, don’t forget to submit

your CTSI Higher Education support

and to submit applications for services

and other scholarships available.

And remember, to be in close

contact with your Indian Education

specialist, for your area. The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians (CTSI)

offers a Higher Education Program to

support Tribal members pursuing col-

lege degrees. This program provides

scholarships for students enrolled

in accredited institutions working toward a two-year transferable

degree, a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program. To qualify, applicants

must be enrolled Tribal members

and submit a complete application by

June 30 each year.

A complete application includes:

• CTSI Higher Education Grant

application

• Statement of educational goals

• Proof of Tribal enrollment

• Letter of acceptance from an

accredited college or university

• FAFSA submission confirmation

(by June 30)

• Proof of applying for the Oregon

Tribal Student Grant if attending

an Oregon-based school

• Transcripts and placement test

results (if required)

Funding is based on financial need

after federal and state aid is applied,

and awards can cover tuition, books,

or living expenses. For full details and

application forms, visit CTSI PostSecondary Education.

Five easy approaches to reduce your stress and boost your wellbeing

By Mike Flaningam M.D.

Siletz Community Health Clinic

‘Tis the season for making lists, so

here’s my attempt at joining the fun.

For many people, it’s also the season

for feeling more stress, though these

days it seems like stress has become

year-round.

In our modern, high-tech, fastpaced society full of social, financial,

and environmental challenges, stress

is so common and pervasive that it’s

easy to get used to it as if it were normal – but it’s not normal and it’s really

bad for our health.

Countless studies from the last

few decades have shown that chronic

stress is not only a major contributor to mental health problems, but

also most general health conditions,

including diabetes, chronic pain,

heart disease, obesity, dementia, cancer, asthma, COPD, and autoimmune

diseases. Chronic stress in one’s childhood years, because of how it affects

brain development, might actually be

the main cause of these conditions.

OK, all my rambling probably

isn’t helping anyone’s anxiety, so let’s

move on to five suggestions to help

manage stress.

Practice self-awareness

This might sound like an odd one,

but stick with me. The skill of selfawareness is as important as any other

health activity. It’s also one that we all

stink at because our demanding society considers sensations like fatigue

and pain, or emotions like anxiety

and sadness, as counterproductive. So

we collectively learn to ignore them.

Consider your car’s dashboard.

It has lots of signals that let us

know how the car is doing. It thankfully alerts us to gas getting low so we

know to refuel. The check engine light

similarly warns us the car may need

attention so it doesn’t break down.

Body sensations are our check engine

light. If I’m dehydrated, I sense a dry

mouth so I know to drink something

to prevent problems; my body then

rewards me with a pleasant sensation

after drinking water.

If I’m doing yard work and push

my back muscles to the point of harm,

they let me know that by sending a

signal of pain, prompting me to take

a break. But what if I don’t listen to

my body and keep working? Then

instead of a whisper in the form of a

mild pain, I later become unable to

ignore my body screaming at me in the

form of severe pain. Having good selfawareness means we hear our body’s

whispers and respond accordingly,

avoiding either more wear and tear

on our body, or unsettling emotions.

How can we improve self-awareness? When you feel a certain emotion, notice what you feel in your body.

How do you know you’re anxious?

What sensations have led you to

know? A tightness in your chest? Butterflies in your stomach? Mine is often

a lump in the throat. Do the same

when you feel angry, depressed, or

happy. Structured and relaxing ways

rhythm of the scrub brush. Don’t rely

too often on your phone or TV. Looking at screens can distract us from discomfort, but largely gets our focus out

of the here and now, thereby disconnecting us from our bodies (see #1).

to practice self-awareness include

yoga, body scan meditations, and

progressive muscle relaxation training (see internet videos on all these).

Move your body

The adrenaline your survival brain

called for is there for a reason: to help

you get the heck away from here or

fight that threat off. Fight-or-flight

is one of the two physiologic survival

responses all mammals have (shutdown is the other, which deserves

its own discussion). Be grateful

our hunter-gatherer ancestors had

adrenaline, as it helped them escape

from predators.

While we don’t need to worry anymore about getting eaten, our survival

brain (not our thinking brain) hasn’t

evolved as quickly as society has, so

fight-or-flight remains the body’s

default response to daily challenges.

As adrenaline builds up to prepare

for the big action, that energy needs

to be released, otherwise it wears the

body down (hence all the diseases

above). So, go for a walk, dance, or

do yard work. Stuck inside? Do some

stretches, even from your chair. Shake

your arms. Hop up and down.

pay attention to body sensations.

Try not to analyze things too much,

like if something is good or bad - just

notice it.

If you’re really stressed in the

moment, there’s the classic grounding

exercise of naming five things you see,

four things you feel, three things you

hear, two things you smell, and one

thing you taste. Practice by doing this

when you’re not stressed.

By “meditative practice” I mean

something that involves being mindful or involves a repetitive activity.

Our brain loves repeating, rhythmic

things (rocking, ocean waves, drumbeats, vacuuming), so listen to music,

focus on your breathing as you take

slow breaths, rub your arms, create

art, or sing.

Don’t look at doing the dishes as

just an annoying chore (which it is),

but also as an opportunity to mindfully notice the soap bubbles and the

Lastly, don’t listen to me; go

figure it out yourself

Ok, let me say that more nicely.

We’re all unique and our bodies

have unique tastes. Meditation is life

changing for some, but can trigger

panic attacks in others.

I’ll never forget when I was introduced to ASMR, a type of sound

therapy, and realized it explained why

certain sounds sometimes put me in

a blissful trance. When I shared the

good news with my wife and started

playing her an ASMR video, she grimaced and pleaded within two seconds to turn off the horrible sound.

Work in partnership with your

body (see #1) and figure out what it

likes. Be curious and open to trying

new things. Discovering things on

your own is better than following

orders from someone else (including

a doctor).

Have fun with these and be patient

with yourself. Like any skill, it takes

practice to get good, so commit to

making a relaxation practice part of

your daily routine. If you’re trying

that meditation app your sister raved

about, but can’t go past three seconds

without losing focus, then appreciate

those three seconds and set a goal of

someday getting to 10 seconds, then

30, then 10 minutes and beyond!

Connect with nature

From time immemorial until

not that long ago, the lives of our

ancestors were dependent on being

intimately connected to the land.

Our survival brain evolved to recognize daylight, bodies of water, trees,

plants, and other creatures as sources

of survival, which explains why we’re

naturally drawn to them.

Nowadays, we just make a few

clicks on the Door Dash app to get

a meal. However, our survival brain

still sees trees, water, and sky as signs

that we’re safe. So to help soothe

that brain, get outside, and while

you’re out there, notice how the air

feels, listen for birds, and watch the

clouds. Tend to a garden. Hunt for

mushrooms. Put your bare feet on the

earth. If you’re stuck indoors, look out

a window, play ocean wave sounds on

your phone, or get an indoor plant and

give it some love.

Do a mindful or

meditative practice

By “mindful” I mean be curious

about your surroundings, notice what

your five senses are telling you, and

January 2026

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Glaucoma Awareness Month and

Healthy Weight Week

January brings opportunities to focus on meaningful health

priorities, including Glaucoma Awareness Month and Healthy

Weight Week. While these observances highlight different aspects of wellness, they share a common theme, prevention, early

detection, and lifestyle choices that support long-term health.

Glaucoma Awareness Month

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve,

often caused by increased pressure in the eye. It is one of the

leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. Because glaucoma usually has no early symptoms, regular eye exams are essential—especially for older adults, people with a family history

of the disease, and groups at higher risk. Early diagnosis and

treatment can slow or prevent vision loss. Make a apt with Dr.

Doro Hsu, Siletz Community Health Clinic.

Healthy Weight Week

Healthy Weight Week encourages individuals to focus on

realistic, sustainable, and positive approaches to well-being. Instead of promoting quick fixes or extreme dieting, this observance highlights balanced nutrition, enjoyable physical activity, and a healthier relationship with food. The goal is to empower

people to find a weight that supports both your physical and

emotional health.

Obesity: A Growing Health Challenge

Obesity remains a significant public health issue, contributing to conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, joint

problems, and even an increased risk of vision-related issues. Addressing obesity is not simply about appearance—it’s about improving quality of life, mobility, and long-term health outcomes.

Community support, access to nutritious foods, regular physical

activity, and education all play crucial roles in prevention. For

support, you can reach out to Corey Strong, Diabetes program

case manager.

Supporting Health in the New Year

Recognizing Glaucoma Awareness Month and Healthy

Weight Week together, we can approach wellness from a broader

perspective. Health screenings, mindful movement, nutritious

eating, and public awareness all contribute to healthier lives.

These January observances serve as reminders that small, consistent changes can lead to lasting improvements in vision,

weight, and overall health.

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January 2026

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January 2026

New Year, continued from page 1

that often develop silently. Conditions

such as high blood pressure, diabetes,

and high cholesterol and even cancer.

Catching these issues early can

make treatment easier and more effective. It’s also an opportunity to update

vaccinations, review medications, and

discuss lifestyle changes or mental

health concerns. Think of it as setting

your health goals for the year with

expert guidance that is in your corner.

Eye health is just as important.

Many vision problems, including

glaucoma and cataracts, progress

without noticeable symptoms until

significant damage has occurred. An

annual eye exam can detect these

conditions early and help doctors preserve your sight. Eye doctors can also

spot signs of systemic health issues

like diabetes and high blood pressure.

For children, clear vision is essential

for learning, and for adults, regular

exams help manage digital eye strain

in our screen-heavy world.

Dental visits often get pushed

aside, but they play a critical role

in overall health. Regular cleanings

prevent cavities and gum disease,

and dentists can identify oral cancer

and other serious conditions before

they become advanced. Oral health

is closely linked to heart disease and

diabetes, making those twice-yearly

cleanings more important than ever.

Plus, a healthy smile boosts confidence and keeps your breath fresh.

Regular well-child visits are

essential for monitoring a child’s

physical, emotional, and cognitive

development. These appointments

allow healthcare providers to track

growth milestones, administer vaccinations, and screen for conditions

that may not be obvious to parents.

Early detection of health issues can

make a significant difference in a

child’s long-term well-being.

For example, vision screenings

during these visits can identify problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. A child who struggles to see the

board clearly in class may fall behind

academically and experience frequent

headaches, impacting both learning

and quality of life. Similarly, hearing checks can uncover issues that

affect speech development and social

interaction.

Well-child visits also provide an

opportunity to catch developmental

delays or chronic conditions early. A

toddler’s checkup might reveal concerns with motor skills, speech, or

nutrition that require intervention.

Addressing these issues promptly can

prevent complications and support

healthy growth. These visits are not

just about treating illness, they are

about building a strong foundation

for the lifelong health of your children

and the future generation of Siletz

Tribal Members.

January is the perfect time to

schedule these appointments. The

start of the year is a natural reset

point, making it easier to remember

and plan ahead. Many insurance

plans cover preventive care at no cost,

and booking early ensures you take

advantage of those benefits before

they reset. By making these visits

part of your annual routine, you create consistency and reduce the risk of

missed appointments.

Don’t wait for symptoms to

appear. Use the momentum of the

New Year to book your physical, eye

exam, and dental visit. These simple

steps can help you stay healthy, prevent serious problems, and start the

year feeling your best. Your future self

will thank you.

Preventive screenings go beyond

the annual physical. Blood tests can

uncover early signs of anemia, thyroid

disorders, and vitamin deficiencies

that impact energy and mood. Screenings for common illness that run high

in Indigenous people like, high cholesterol and blood sugar, help prevent

heart disease and diabetes before they

become life-threatening.

Chronic disease management

is another critical area of focus.

For individuals already diagnosed

with conditions like hypertension

or asthma, regular check-ins ensure

medications are working effectively

and adjustments are made promptly.

This proactive care reduces complications and hospital visits.

Mental health deserves equal

attention. Stress, anxiety, and depression often go unnoticed until they

interfere with daily life. Annual visits

provide a safe space to discuss emotional well-being and access resources

such as counseling or support groups.

Addressing mental health early can

improve overall quality of life.

Nutrition and lifestyle habits are

foundational to health. Providers can

offer personalized advice on balanced

diets, physical activity, and sleep

hygiene. Small changes—like reducing

sugary drinks or adding 20 minutes of

light daily exercise can have long-term

benefits for weight management and

heart health.

For families, these visits are an

opportunity to model healthy behaviors for children. When kids see

parents prioritizing checkups, they

learn that preventive care is normal

and important. This creates lifelong

habits that reduce risks and promote

resilience.

If you’re a patient at the Siletz

Community Health Clinic and wish

to schedule your annual health visit,

an eye exam or a dental exam – please

call our line at 541-444-1030 and follow the phone tree to the department

you need to speak with. Please follow

the Siletz Health Clinic on Facebook,

for all health related activities including Diabetes prevention, domestic

and sexual violence advocacy, drug

and alcohol recovery, as well as behavioral health assistance.

January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

Yaquina Bay Crabbing Seminar

Photos by Andy Taylor

10 •

Siletz News

•

January 2026

Annual Community Christmas Program

Photos by Andy Taylor

January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

Greetings Tribal Members

I want to thank you for the support and having faith in me to serve our

great Siletz Nation as your Council Member. When I first was elected in 2020,

Covid pandemic abruptly hit our tribe and our country.

We came together as a people and we carried each other through that very

difficult time. Tough decisions were made and we continue to make as council,

your trusted leaders. Each time I make a decision, trust that I am well prepared, well read and I dig deep. But first I always pray and ask the Creator for

guidance and thank daily our ancestors for their sacrifices. Want to encourage

you to vote in the elections in February for Tribal Council. It’s been my honor

serving our sovereign nation.

Respectfully, Selene Rilatos

Dear friends & relatives,

It’s Siletz Tribal Council election season again. Hopefully we all understand

that the Tribal Council is responsible to uphold our laws and promote the best

interests of the Siletz Tribe & its members. 3 years ago, 5 Siletz elected members

were taken to Tribal Court for violating Tribal law and their oath of office. They

were told that their actions were unlawful, and still refused to change course.

Because they refused, I was one of those who filed in Tribal Court Oct.

2022 to address their illegal actions. The Court decided entirely in favor of

our motion in March 2023 (after the Feb. election). At General Council mtg

that May, I asked the 4 of the 5 Council members present, on the record, to

comment on the Tribal Court decision. All 4 present (Bonnie P., Loraine B.,

Sharon E., and Frank A.) said they “did nothing wrong, and would do it again”.

One even disparaged our Chief Judge in their response.

Tribal Court is a branch of our Siletz Tribal Government. They were held

to be completely wrong in the court’s decision on their actions, yet refused

to back down, said they would do it again. The havoc and chaos they caused

for 1.5 years was awful. It was a violation of their Oath of Office and created a

hostile environment within our government, & throughout Tribal administration. This election, we have to ask ourselves: Do we want to return to another

era of chaotic distractions from governance?

Please do not vote for any candidate named as a defendant in the 2022

court case. We have a Constitution and other bodies of law that ALL are to

follow. We cannot have a majority of elected leaders engaged in violations of

our laws again.

Sincerely,

Robert Kentta

As Tribal members, we all want the same thing, a strong, united future

for our people. With the upcoming tribal council election, I want to recognize

three women who consistently put the Tribe before themselves.

Sharon Edenfield brings accountability and strong financial stewardship.

Her background in accounting and budget helps protect our resources, and

she believes in transparency and keeping the general membership informed

so all voices are heard.

Bonnie Petersen shows up for the people in cultural gatherings, youth programs, and community work. She’s an advocate for enrollment fairness and

inclusion, ensuring that decisions reflect the voice of the entire membership.

Loraine Butler has a deep commitment to our culture and families. Through

her support of the Indian Child Welfare program, she helps keep our children

connected to who they are and where they come from.

Together, these women represent leadership that serves the people, not

personal agendas. Their actions reflect the values our ancestors lived by unity,

fairness, and love for all Siletz people.

Respectfully

Stephanie Chamberlin

Proud Sixes, Shasta Costa, Mikonotunne, Chemetunne

With major financial, cultural, and enrollment decisions ahead, we need

leaders who have shown the courage to stand up when it counts, even when

surrounded by silence. I’m voting for Sharon Edenfield, Bonnie Peterson, and

Loraine Butler in this year’s election. Sharon has unmatched financial experience and understands the rules that protect the Tribe; she has spoken up to

prevent costly mistakes, and that kind of leadership is especially important right

now. Bonnie brings sharp insight, enrollment experience, and a willingness

to ask hard questions. Loraine is approachable and offers a grounded, human

perspective on decisions that affect our families and future. I hope you’ll join

me in supporting these three strong candidates.

Lynette Warren

12 •

Siletz News

•

January 2026

Hello, my name is Kimberlee Thomas.

I come from the Butler and Logan families—daughter of Elaine Thomas,

granddaughter of Alton Butler and Edythe Logan. I encourage all tribal members to check that you’re registered to vote, and your signature card and address

are current for the upcoming elections.

I’ve had the honor of working with Sharon in Accounting, Bonnie as Assistant GM, and now Lorraine in ICW. Each of these women consistently supports

our people, brings deep knowledge, and advocates for the well-being of tribal

members. Please consider casting your vote for these leaders who serve our

community with strength, wisdom, and integrity.

Hello fellow Tribal Members.

After much soul-searching and discussions with tribal members, I have

decided to vote and support Sharon Edenfield, Loraine Butler and Bonnie

Peterson for Tribal Council.

I truly believe that in some instances, they can make a difference in the

direction that our tribe is going. Our inherent rights, for instance. Our ancestors

gave up an awful lot and I am sure that they believed that someday someone

would reopen our inherent rights that were never lost.

I believe in delegating some authority to our tribal staff to undertake a

lot of research rather than hiring consultants and accounting firms. We are

fortunate to have some educated and dedicated staff who have a lot to offer

if we let them think out of the box. We are all blessed with common sense;

mix educated opinions with common sense, and you will come up with good

sound decisions.

Tribal Council is elected by the tribal members; they should represent the

tribal members. Our tribal members have hope in their hearts that someday

things may be better for them, just the way our ancestors’ hopes were.

We are all blessed with faith, love, hope, and courage - that is a very good

foundation to start with. The majority of you know them and what they represent. These three Tribal Council candidates have something to offer, please

listen to them wisely and make a wise decision when you vote.

I would sincerely appreciate your vote for Sharon, Loraine & Bonnie.

Respectfully,

Cynthia (Bellinger) Farlow

Tribal Council elections are upon us again, please vote for leadership that

will understand their Tribal Council oaths, Ordinances, and governance.

In 2022, a lawsuit was filed because five sitting Tribal Council members

overstepped their authority in an Administrative matter. The case was decided

in March 2023 finding they were guilty. Why I filed an Ethics Complaint and

appeared in TC chambers at their hearing and asked that the five resign was; a

sitting TC member publicly named an employee in their motion while moving

to intervene in an Administrative issue, putting CTSI in financial and legal risk.

“Over the past months, we watched these five council members assert

broad authority over an Administrative decision while claiming immunity,

causing legal costs for CTSI to defend their actions. When Tribal Council

members involve themselves directly in personnel matters, it creates a chilling

effect for employees, who may fear becoming targets of unpopular decisions.

Such actions undermine tribal administration and raise doubts about whether

the roles and responsibilities of council members are fully understood. This

dynamic has contributed to a combative atmosphere between leadership and

staff. Tribal Council’s role is to create policy—not enforce it.

The actions taken bypassed ordinances, undermined the General Manager’s

authority, and led employees to question whether policies still protect them.

Even after the court determined the resolution was unlawful, those

involved have not acknowledged wrongdoing and have stated they would act

the same way again. Without the lawsuit overturning the resolution, a harmful precedent could have been set, allowing employment decisions based on

council preference rather than policy.

Leadership requires fairness, humility, and respect for separation of

powers. For these reasons, I believe resignation or removal is the appropriate remedy.”

Please don’t vote for any of those five from the court case.

Kathy Kentta

Tribal Member

Dear Editor,

My hope is that all you and your Siletz readers over 18 will vote in the

Tribal Council election.

The candidates who are getting my vote are the ones who’ve best exhibited

values that are central to our collective Siletz identity: 1) telling the truth; 2)

being open and transparent; 3) treating everyone with kindness and respect;

4) having courage.

Truth—Political leaders, I am sure, have an extra difficult time resisting

the urge to talk out of both sides of their mouths. They almost always seek to

maintain good relations with everyone and sometimes must vigorously advocate for our collective interests. But our leaders must remember that nothing’s

more important than the truth. Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon

Edenfield have demonstrated the habit of telling the truth.

Transparency—Who needs to know? For our Tribe to thrive, the GENERAL

COUNCIL needs to be informed. The candidates who have best promoted

transparency and openness (and who favor limiting use of EXECUTIVE SESSIONS) are Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield.

Respect—Especially in the midst of debate and controversy, respect and

kindness may get forgotten. The candidates who have best embodied respectfulness even in moments of conflict and heated debate are Loraine Butler,

Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield.

Bravery—Who will remain able to say “yes” when everyone else in the room

urges them to say “no?” It’s important for our leaders to be able to take an

independent stand. We deserve leaders who don’t just take the path of “going

along to be getting along.” I urge you to vote for the candidates who have demonstrated a willingness to go down a different path—the path of independent

thought and courage. Those candidates are Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen,

and Sharon Edenfield.

Yours Truly.

Drew Viles

Winter All-Staff meeting builds connection and clebrates excellence

The Winter All-Staff meeting,

similar to any other company staff

meetings, is a vital event because it

brings the entire team together to

align on goals, celebrate achievements, and strengthen and promote

a positive workplace culture.

This dedicated time ensures that

employees receive essential training,

keeping everyone informed and compliant with company standards and

industry requirements.

Years of service

awards

5 years:

Weston Stickler

Jessie Ramsey

Mariah Runkle

Serria Warren

Kaitlyn Gravelle

Cathy Ray

Tiana Trevillian

Katrina Hudson

Sky Larson

10 years:

Peter Hatch

James Williams

Kimberly Lane

Natasha Smith

Anna Aviles

Nicholas Vandersloot

Kevin Barker

By consolidating these trainings

into one comprehensive session, the

organization promotes consistency

and efficiency while reinforcing its

commitment to the staff and professional development.

Beyond training, All-Staff meetings serve as an opportunity for team

building, which is vital for fostering

collaboration and trust among staff

members. Engaging activities encourage communication, break down silos,

Tracey Viar

Marcos Muniz-Strong

Rachelle Endres

25 years

Rebekah Goulet

Cecilia Tolentino

Marci Simmons

Anna Renville

30 years:

Kelly Lane

Dianne McLeod

35 years:

Sonya Moody-Jurado

Joella Strong

Katy Holland

and create a sense of unity that carries

over into daily operations.

These experiences help employees

feel connected, not only to each other

but also to the tribes mission to serve

the mebership, and their values

Equally important is the recognition component of the meeting.

Honoring staff for their years of

service and dedication demonstrates

appreciation and reinforces loyalty. In

addition, presenting quarterly awards

3rd quarter awards

Special Acts of Service:

Rose Stone

Michael Flaningam

Andrea Rethorford

Jessica Hibler

Kelly Lane

Extra Efforts:

Laura Bremner

Christina Bishop

Cassandra Godwin

Sierra Moon

Bo Johnson

Performance:

Nicholas Belleque

for going above and beyond highlights

exceptional contributions both for the

tribe and the Siletz Tribal Members.

These moments of acknowledgment create a positive work environment where employees feel valued

and inspired to continue delivering

their best.

The tribe hosts All-Staff meetings

twice yearly. Tribal Members are

encouraged to nominate staff who

went above and beyond for them.

Laura Bremner

Michael Flaningam

Jennifer Rackley

Jessie Ramsey

Dylan Gorman

Chelsea Wawrak

Extra Efforts:

Kyanna Fisher

Lori Christy

Christine Marceau

Time-Off:

Jamie Bokuro

Employee of the Quarter:

Valentina Knott

4th quarter awards

Special Acts of Service:

Bo Johnson

Kevin Goodell

Jessica Kehret

Employee of the Quarter:

Dylan Gorman

Sami Jo Difuntorum

Marci Taylor

Casey Godwin

Chasta Marceau

Danise Barker

Celesta Lee

Employee Suggestion:

Daniel Alvarez

Kyle Wolcott

Jazmyn Reid

Time-Off:

Teresa Carpenter

Rhonda Attridge

15 years:

20 years:

Performance:

Zeph Mullins

Syd Somes

Daniel Alvarez

Judy Imbler

Norma Hernandez-Arenas

Employee of the Year:

Jessica Hibler

Photo by Andy Taylor

Left to right: Staff members Zeph Mullins,

Jennifer Rackley and David Rodriguez during the team building activity

January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

Family Activity Nights helped to fill gaps and stomachs in the Eugene area

By Candace Hill, Eugene Area Office

With the news looming that

November food assistance programs

were likely to be delayed due to the

federal government shutdown, many

heads came together to develop a way

to feed our community in the Eugene

service area.

In partnership with the Diabetes

program, the Eugene Area Office staff

developed the Family Educational

Activity Nights that would take place

on the first three Wednesdays in

November, and the first Wednesday

in December as a way to not only

provide a safe space to feed our community but provide healthy food in an

educational environment.

Our dinner menus included a

build your own personal pizzas,

pulled pork, a burrito/taco salad

bar, and spaghetti with turkey meat

sauce. Staff made healthy choices for

these meals such as swapping turkey

for beef, serving fruits and vegetables

as sides, and choosing low sugaradded options.

To include education during these

evening events, Jessica and I were

intentional with finding activities that

would not only be fun for the whole

family but also involved food.

Activities offered by our office

included a breakfast banana split

bar (with low-sugar Greek yogurt,

whole grain organic granola, nuts,

and a homemade berry sauce that was

sweetened with honey), a make-yourown-trail mix station (which included

many different healthy options such

as many different dried fruit, nuts,

dried snap peas, dried edamame,

among other items), and holiday food

crafts (a reindeer made from celery

and no added sugar peanut butter and

a snowman made from banana slices).

In addition to good conversation and our creative food activities,

Photos by Andy Taylor

Top left: Addison Hibler and Ny’Ellie Butler making Christmas themed

snacks together

Bottom left: Candace Hill helping attendee Malachi Lou Barfield Moceikis,

make his treat

Top right: Stormie Ehret, Celestial Ehret, Tena Ehret and Scott Ehret visiting together

Bottom right: Phoenix Lundy-Quade playing with tiles

14 •

Siletz News

•

January 2026

the events also had mindfulness

activities available such as Legos,

coloring pages, magnatiles, and a

holiday countdown. We had educational board games available at each

event that were a huge hit and helped

to encourage family and community

engagement.

Elder Verdene McGuire taught

earring making at one of our events

- attendees were able to make snowman earrings. We also sent families

home with healthy snack bags that

focused on lowering barriers to consume, high protein, whole grains, and

low sugar options.

In total, we were able to serve 122

people over our four evening events,

many of whom receive SNAP food

benefits. The Family Educational

Activity Nights fulfilled our goals of

feeding our community in a healthy

way and removing barriers in a way

that provided education outlets and

family bonding.

A huge shout out to Kimberly Lane

in the Diabetes program for being

willing to help find a way to make

this idea a reality as well as a shout

out to Jessica, Celestial, Stormie, and

Makayla for sacrificing their evenings

to serve our community.

Elders party, continued from page 1

The elder’s department staff

worked hard to throw a successful

Christmas party honoring our tribal

elders on December 11. The event was

well attended, creating a warm and

festive atmosphere filled with laughter

and joy. This annual event is a great

opportunity for fun and food.

Party goers enjoyed a spaghetti

meal with sides, followed by several

activities including a cake walk, gift

exchange, raffle prizes, and some

competitive rounds of bingo. A photo

area with props added to the excitement, giving everyone a chance to

capture memories of the day.

The highlight of the celebration

wasn’t just the delicious food or the

prizes, it was the good times shared

by all. The program staff invited two

great groups to fill the room with

music and cheer. This included the

Siletz Head Start class, who sang

Christmas songs. While the students

from Siletz Valley School brought

cultural pride with their tribal drum

class, They even drummed a fun

Christmas song for the elders.

These performances made the day

truly special. And the event reminded

us that the greatest gift is not bingo, it

is joy and community.

Photos by Andy Taylor

Above: Jackie Ben and Gerald Ben visiting with others at the party

Below: Denise Riding In and Sue Staggs-Langstaff share conversation and

good times together

COLVILLE SWINOMISH TULALIP CHEHALIS YAKAMA S'KLALLAM HOH COWLITZ LUMMI

KALISPEL ELWHA SUQUAMISH KLALLAM NISQUALLY MAKAH NOOKSACK PUYALLUP

MUCKLESHOOT S'KLALLAM SHOALWATER QUILEUTE UPPER SKAGIT SAUK-SUIATTLE

SAMISH SKOKOMISH QUINAULT SPOKANE SNOQUALMIE SQUAXIN STILLAGUAMISH

COLVILLE SWINOMISH TULALIP CHEHALIS YAKAMA S'KLALLAM HOH COWLITZ LUMMI

KALISPEL ELWHA SUQUAMISH KLALLAM NISQUALLY MAKAH NOOKSACK PUYALLUP

MUCKLESHOOT S'KLALLAM SHOALWATER QUILEUTE UPPER SKAGIT SAUK-SUIATTLE

Text

N8V to 988.

SAMISH

SKOKOMISH

QUINAULT SPOKANE SNOQUALMIE SQUAXIN STILLAGUAMISH

COLVILLE SWINOMISH TULALIP CHEHALIS YAKAMA S'KLALLAM HOH COWLITZ LUMMI

KALISPEL ELWHA SUQUAMISH KLALLAM NISQUALLY MAKAH NOOKSACK PUYALLUP

MUCKLESHOOT S'KLALLAM SHOALWATER QUILEUTE UPPER SKAGIT SAUK-SUIATTLE

SAMISH SKOKOMISH QUINAULT SPOKANE SNOQUALMIE SQUAXIN STILLAGUAMISH

COLVILLE SWINOMISH TULALIP CHEHALIS YAKAMA S'KLALLAM HOH COWLITZ LUMMI

KALISPEL

ELWHA SUQUAMISH KLALLAM NISQUALLY MAKAH NOOKSACK PUYALLUP

Get judgment-free

MUCKLESHOOT

S'KLALLAM

support from

trained SHOALWATER QUILEUTE UPPER SKAGIT SAUK-SUIATTLE

SAMISH

SKOKOMISH

QUINAULT SPOKANE SNOQUALMIE SQUAXIN STILLAGUAMISH

Native

counselors—

available

24/7. TULALIP CHEHALIS YAKAMA S'KLALLAM HOH COWLITZ LUMMI

COLVILLE

SWINOMISH

You don’t have

to figure it out

all alone.

Connection

is Prevention.

For mental health

resources, visit

NativeAndStrong.org

Most Often Requested Numbers

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians – 541-444-2532

Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494

Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512

Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234

Purchased Referred Care (PRC) – 541-444-9677

Siletz Community Health Clinic – 541-444-1030

Tenas Illahee Child Care Center - 541-444-2450

Siletz Housing Department - 541-444-8322

USDA Food Distribution Program - 541-444-8279

Website – www.ctsi.nsn.us

January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

Tribal Council Timesheets for November 2025

Judy Muschamp: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

Gerald Ben: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

3.75

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

3.75

3.5

.75

7 6.5

1.25 1

2.5

4 3.5

Date

11/1

11/3-7

GC mtg, health comm.

Chemawa, gaming,

STCCF

11/13-20

Sp. TC, pkts

11/21-24

Reg. TC, GWE

Loraine Y. Butler: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

15.75

4.5

Date

11/1-4

Health, GC mtg, LLC,

CWCR

3.5

11/12-13

SIHA, pkts, CPT

7.5

11/14-16 Restoration PW, travel

10.5 17

11/17-20

NCAI, travel

5 11/21-23

Reg. TC, CPT

7.5

10.5

4.75

3.75

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

Date

3.75 11/1

3.75 7

11/4-8

2.5

2.5 11/12

4.75

11/13-16

11/21-24

GC mtg

Budget, gaming,

STAHS, STCCF

Housing, STAHS,

emails, reading

Warm Springs,

Restoration PW

Reg. TC, GWE mtg

Robert Kentta: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

5.75

1.5

7.5

3.5

1.75

Ind

5.75

Gmg

Date

11/1-6 GC mtg, health, PR mtg,

CWCR, Elakha

1.5 .5

11/11-12

Culture comm.,

mtgs

7.5 2

11/13-15

Restoration PW,

audit, budgets

3.5 11/17-20

PR, Yakona,

WFT comm., pkts

1.75

11/21-26

GWE, Sea Otters,

Willamette & MRT

4.25

3.25

.75

3.25

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

Date

3.5 11/1

1.75 11/3

.75

11/4-5

1.25 11/6-7

3.25 1 11/12-17

GC mtg

NR mtg, pkts, email

CWCR, email, checks

Email, zoom, checks

Sp. TC, emails,

PR mtg, checks

6 11/19-21

Reg. TC, enrollment, pkts, email

3.25 11/23-30

GWE, email,

pkts, checks

Alfred Lane IV: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

6.5

1.5

4.5

16 •

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

6.5

1.5 4.25

Date

11/1-4 Health, GC mtg, Sp. TC

11/7-13

Audit, budget,

WS council

4.5 12

11/17-19

NCAI

4.5 11/20-21

Reg. TC, pkts

.5 1

11/23-24

Mtg. w/Senator,

GWE mtg

Siletz News

5.75

1.25

2.5

STBC Tvl

1.75

Alfred Lane III: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

•

January 2026

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

Date

1.5 1/1-3

Health, GC mtg.,

gaming, pkts

7 2

11/4-12

Budget, NPAIHB,

CPT, pkts

1.25

11/13-15 Restoration PW, IHS,

Sp. TC. NPAIHB

15.75 18.5 11/17-20

NCAI, pkts

4.5 11/21-25

Reg. TC,

NPAIHB, GWE

Delores Pigsley: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

4.75

Reginald Butler Jr.: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

Ind

4.75

Ind

Gmg ED

4.25

STBC Tvl

5.75

Date

11/1-3

Sp. TC, GC mtg,

STBC, Chemawa

4.75 8.5

11/4-7

Budget, agenda, mail,

Chemawa, STCCF

3 11/8-11

Mail, agenda, Mtg.

w/mayor

1.75

11/12-14

Prep, mail, Warm

Springs, Mtg.

w/commissioner

5 6

11/15-17

Restoration PW,

prep, mail, travel

1 4.5

11/18-20

NCAI, mail,

prep, travel

5.75

11/21-24 Reg. TC, mail, agenda

1.25

11/25-26

Mtg. w/Governor,

mail, agenda

2.5

11/27-30

Mail, prep, agenda

Selene Rilatos: 11/1/2025 - 11/30/2025

3.75

Ind

Gmg ED

STBC Tvl

3.75 8

Date

11/1-2

11/3-6

4.75

4.75 2

11/7-11

4.25

11/12-14

5.5

5.5 1

11/15-17

6.75

6.75 1

11/18-21

5.25

5.25 1

11/23-25

2.25

2.25 11/27-30

GC mtg, email, pkts

Health, email,

Sp. TC, pkts

STCCF, pkts,

email, education

IHS Caucus, ECHO,

Warm Springs

Restoration PW,

email, pkts

NPAIHB, ODHS,

Reg. TC, pkts

GWE, email,

pkts, education

Email, pkts

Tribal Council Email Addresses

Tribal Chairman: Delores Pigsley

dpigsley@msn.com

Vice Chairman: Alfred “Bud” Lane III

budl@ctsi.nsn.us

Treasurer: Robert Kentta

tcrobertk@ctsi.nsn.us

Secretary: Judy Muschamp

tcjudym@ctsi.nsn.us

Gerald Ben

tcgeraldb@ctsi.nsn.us

Loraine Butler

loraineb@ctsi.nsn.us

Reginald Butler Jr.

tcreggieb@ctsi.nsn.us

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January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

How do we support healthy relationships with food?

Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD, Siletz

Tribal Head Start Nutritionist

In my role as consultant nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start, I offer

information for families and the community. As an extension to previous

articles, “Matching our Food Choices

to Support our Unique Health Needs”

and “Autistic Food Identity”, I want to

explore further how we might support

children to develop healthy relationships with food while including them

at the center of the discovery process.

When matching our food choices

to support our unique health needs,

we are encouraged to look beyond the

how we feel immediately, to how our

bodies respond over time, especially

when it comes to blood sugar swings including hypoglycemia and diabetes,

low energy, body pain, allergies, celiac

and other autoimmune conditions.

When we honor our unique needs

with our choices, our body’s often

respond well.

The broader question for this

focus is aimed at “developing children”. How do we support healthy

relationships with food, starting at a

young age, as a foundation to support

them for the rest of their lives? We

don’t all have the same needs, and we

don’t all have the same experiences. In

the case of developing children, they

are learning about their needs, while

having experiences.

They are not always able to communicate in ways that adults can fully

understand and interpret. As we look

more deeply at the experiences of

children, it can be difficult to know

how to support this process, while also

holding the big picture.

One of the most important roles,

for parents/caregivers, is to help

children learn from their experiences,

in order to grow into adults who can

make good choices. One part in this

process is to help children identify and

communicate their own needs.

It is also essential for adults to

pay attention and take this communication with children seriously.

Without this engagement, it is difficult to make the connection between

their experience and their own

unique internal needs. Children

need to learn from their choices.

This includes the need to learn from

a range of choices, including the poor

ones, to learn what happens when

their bodies provide feedback.

Learning can happen with every

choice, if the parent/caregiver is

attuned to the delicate and tricky balance of guidance based on what we

believe is best and the exploration of

becoming informed by the wisdom of

the body. Curiosity and communication are essential to this developmental learning.

I would boldly say that in the

overall picture, every one of us would

benefit from connecting and attuning

to our own personal body wisdom. It

might be possible that children are

Siletz Tribe shows support to vets

Veteran gift boxes were mailed out once again this year. It is our honor to

provide this small token of appreciation for your service, and we are grateful

to Tribal Council for the opportunity to continue this meaningful tradition.

If you are a veteran and do not receive a box, please contact Buster Lane

at 541-444-8330 so we can ensure you are receiving all services offered, and

to be included in future events.

18 •

Siletz News

•

January 2026

much better at this than we realize.

However, in today’s world there are

many pressures and distractions that

keep our focus away from our body’s

messages/clues. Furthermore, many

adults were trained as children to

do what they are told, and this often

requires us to ignore our bodily needs.

Problems often arise when we ignore

our needs, including physical illness,

emotional and behavioral struggles.

When children refuse to eat certain foods, they are often punished.

Many of us learned to suppress our

needs in order to avoid punishment.

Eventually, we lose our connection

with what our body is communicating

to us through symptoms.

When we support our children to

trust their body’s needs, validation is

necessary. It is difficult to trust our

body when others around us question

or shame us. I believe that children

can learn what works best for them,

if they are free to make their own food

choices, and if care providers can be

curious about their experiences to

help children make the connection.

When children’s bodily experiences

and needs are honored, a healthy relationship with food is the likely result,

which ultimately achieves nourishment and nurture.

I don’t have specific answers for

the readers, because the answers lie

within each relationship configuration

and in the direct experiences of each

individual child.

What I can share, is that when

children appear to be picky, demanding, or single focused on what they

will and will not eat, this is generally

downstream of where needs were previously unmet. The responses are likely

reactions to the mismatch of internal

needs and external requirements.

How can we tap into the information held in our children’s bodies? If we listen to our children with

curiosity, learning is possible. Is the

rejection of a food due to something

about texture or flavor? Does it make

their skin feel itchy? Is it loud? Does

it squeak, and hurt their ears? Does

it feel fuzzy in their throat? Does it

make them gag?

Through these discussions of eating experiences, we have potential to

learn about what works and doesn’t

work. Ideally, we can then match our

food choices to support our unique

needs. In this case, the questions

focused on sensory needs, which are

part of health. Adults might have

some unlearning to do as they begin to

see where they may have disconnected

to their internal body wisdom.

Please know that Siletz Tribal

Head Start offers support for nutritional consultation at no cost to Head

Start families. If you have concerns

about your child’s nutrition or 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.

Native Forward Scholars Fund Receives $50 Million from MacKenzie Scott,

Marking Largest Award to Date in Indian Country

Investment scales Native Forward’s

55-Year impact, as scholarship

demands surge 35%

Release by Nativeforward.org

Native Forward Scholars Fund,

the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, announced

today a transformative $50 million

gift from MacKenzie Scott, marking

her second major gift to the organization. The investment underscores

Native Forward’s long-term impact,

empowering over 22,000 scholars

from more than 500 Tribes across

all 50 states. This gift strengthens

Native Forward’s ability to support

Native scholars and advance eco-

nomic mobility, self-determination,

and Tribal sovereignty.

With Scott’s initial investment,

Native Forward transformed its

reach and impact: launching six new

scholarships and matching another

to establish a $2 million endowment

fund that will sustain opportunities for generations to come. Every

scholar now receives comprehensive

wraparound services, and the organization rebranded to reflect its mission

of funding and empowering the next

generation of Native leaders while

honoring the histories and cultures

of Native communities. The organization also purchased its own building,

generating significant cost savings

that are redirected to student support.

These bold steps have fueled record

growth and expanded Native Forward’s ability to serve more students

than ever before. Yet, with scholarship

requests surging 35% this year, the

need has never been greater. This new

investment will allow Native Forward

to meet more of that urgent demand

while continuing to strengthen the

systems that help scholars thrive.

“We are incredibly grateful for

MacKenzie Scott’s commitment

to trust-based philanthropy,” said

Angelique Albert (Confederated Sal-

ish & Kootenai Tribes), CEO of Native

Forward Scholars Fund. “This unrestricted gift allows us to meet Native

students where they are, respond to

their most pressing needs, and ensure

they not only enroll, but thrive and

graduate.”

Lillian Sparks Robinson, Board

Chair of Native Forward Scholars

Fund and a member of the Rosebud

Sioux Tribe, added, “This gift reflects

not only the growing recognition of

Native Forward’s impact, but also

the trust that national leaders like

MacKenzie Scott place in our ability

to deliver long-term change. For more

than five decades, Native Forward has

ensured that Native students have

the resources and support to succeed

in higher education and beyond.

As Board Chair, I am confident this

investment will strengthen our capacity to reach more scholars and the next

generation of Native leaders.”

Since its founding in 1969, Native

Forward has provided scholarships,

culturally congruent programming,

emergency relief funding, and mentorship opportunities to Native undergraduate, graduate, and professional

students. These supports have led

to graduation rates of 69% among

undergraduates—compared to the

national average of 41% for Native

students—and 95% among graduate

students.

The $50 million investment represents MacKenzie Scott’s longstanding commitment to Native Forward

Scholars Fund, further demonstrating

the critical role of philanthropy in

ensuring Native students can access

and complete higher education.

Native Forward Scholars Fund is

the largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, advancing

economic mobility, self-determination, and Tribal sovereignty across

Native communities. The organization is committed to ensuring that

every Native student who wants to

pursue higher education has the

resources to do so. Over 55 years, it

has empowered over 22,000 scholars

from more than 500 Tribes in all 50

states and contributed to over 1,700

law degrees and more than 2,200

PhD degrees. By pairing scholarships

with meaningful, culturally congruent

student support and programming,

Native Forward has succeeded in

increasing the graduation rates of

undergraduate students to 69%, compared to the national average of 41%

for Native students, and has boosted

the rate for graduate students to 95%.

PUBLIC NOTICE

5. Revision FORM #ENROLL-002

Address and Contact

Information Update

Natural

Resources

Hunting tag

reporting

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-378

New for the season is

mandatory reporting on

hunting tags.

Tribal Council Actions Affecting the Tribal Membership Roll

Posting #331

The Enrollment Staff has publicly posted the Enrollment Committee’s recommendation for 20-days

before the Tribal Council’s regular

scheduled meeting. In the absence

of a protest, Tribal Council will act on

Applications and Requests. ~ Reference Enrollment Ordinance §2.316(i),

Public Posting.

Time for filing civil actions to

review Tribal Council action or other

Tribal action, refer to the Siletz Tribal

Court Rules and Procedures Ordinance §3.009(a)

Tiffany Dawn

Stuart-Whiterock

Michelle Marie Cadena

Amy JoAnn Jackson

Angela Irene Mack

Chalise Pamela Mason Bobb

1. Removal from Roll –

Deceased

Laverne Jean Butler

Sunshine Lavonne Butler

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-374

Gerri Jae Stratton

Shatara Rosemarie Holmes

Adam Charles Bremner

Robert Freeman Starling

Alliyah Shanea Lucas

Tyler Mason St.Onge

Mathew Leo Redlinger

Gail Irene Hodgson

0423

2096

2759

3953

4222

4259

4306

5620

2. Name Change

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-375

Nora Nadine Williams

1029

1872

2629

2777

3139

3583

3. Blood Quantum Correction

- Martha Maryetta Moody

roll #0674

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-376

0158

1842

4. Application for Enrollment

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-377

Rielynn Tonya Barbera

Sondra Charis Ewing-Means

Tanner Ray Justice

Reese Mireya Keppinger

Maliika Wilma Mary

Queen Newsby

Riggen RyAnne Nye

Stevie Jay Sis-xa Risener

Jasmyne Marie Ross

Thomas Martin Vengco

Peyton Estella-Jean Williams

Miriam Dolores Yardley

6837

6838

6839

6840

6841

6842

6843

6844

6845

6846

6847

6. Revision FORM # ENROLL-008

Siletz Tribal Identification Request

Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal

Council: Resolution 2025-379

January schedule Tribal ID’s

The Enrollment Department staff

is scheduled for two tribal ID card

events in January.

These events are open to Tribal

Members who need to update their

Tribal ID.

Jan 14, 2026 from 3-7 p.m., at

the Eugene Area Office • 2468 W

11th, Eugene, OR 97402.

Note: The ID equipment will not be

available in Siletz after 1:30 p.m.

this day.

Jan. 28, 2026 from 3-7 p.m., at

the Salem Area Office • 3160 Blossom Drive NE Suite 105, Salem, OR

97305

Note: The ID equipment will not be

available in Siletz after 1:30 p.m.

this day

Siletz Tribal members are

required to make a report to

Natural Resources, even if they

did not harvest an animal. This

is to help our staff generate

more accurate harvest statistics

and better manage elk, deer,

bear and cougar populations.

Mandatory reporting of big

game harvest has already

been required by Tribal

Members since the 2024 big

game hunting season.

Please report within 3 days

if you harvest an animal to the

Natural Resource Department

by calling the department,

visiting in person or reporting

online. This year Tribal Members that were unsuccessful and

did not harvest an animal, will

still be required to report on

their tags to staff by January

31, 2026.

Online reporting is available on the Fish and Wildlife

page on the CTSI website at

ctsi.nsn.us.

January 2026

•

Siletz News

•

Happy 29 th birthday greetings

to my two exuberant nieces Selina

Rilatos and Shawna Gray.

Love you, Aunt Gloria

Crying!!! Happy 4th birthday to my

sweet little sassy princess. May it be

the best ever, we love you endlessly.

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Sissy

and Brothers.

Happy 13th birthday Leelin!

We love you. Thank you for being

such a good kid and role model to

your brothers.

Dad, mom, Eugene and Tanner

Happy 7th birthday Elias. To my

amazing grandson who put the light

in our hearts.

Love, grandma and grandpa Bell

I’d like to thank my sister, Victoria, for helping with Malachi. It has

healed my heart to see the love and

relationship you’ve built.

Love, Misty

Another year without you, I hope

you’re up there catching all the fish.

Happy Heavenly Birthday to the

best dad!

Love, Chazzy, Milee, Peyton, & all

Goodell family.

Happy 10 th birthday to Ember

Dawn Smith. Know you are loved and

cherished.

Love, grandma and grandpa Bell

Gunner, you bring joy to our lives,

we can’t believe you’re already 3! Celebrating the laughter, adventure, and

memories together. Happy birthday!

Love, Mommy & Daddy

Happy 16th Jordan! Dream boldly,

act bravely, and never forget how

amazing you are. Your journey is just

beginning.

Love mom, dad, Creed and Pike

Siletz News Letters Policy

Happy 18 th Birthday to Emily

Monroe on January 17th and Chevelle

Rilatos on January 31st.

We love you and want you to

know that you have what it takes to

do anything you set your heart and

mind to do.

Love Franny and family

20 •

Siletz News

•

Happy 5 th birthday, Malachi!

Wishing you a day filled with magic,

excitement, laughter, and love. We

love you

Aunt Toe and Hondo!

January 2026

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Editor: Andy Taylor

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