# Mike Kennedy, Interim (2021) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_siletz%3A5bc8d4b4e2448b12 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text SILETZ NEWS Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman Mike Kennedy, Interim General Manager and Editor-in-Chief Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Vol. 49, No. 5 Siletz News Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 May 2021 Presorted First-Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid - Permit No. 178 Salem, OR Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society stays in the game despite pandemic 2020 was a year of change and innovation for the five volunteer members of the STAHS Board as we continue to work toward the goal of building “A Place for the People,” a cultural center with a museum component on Government Hill in Siletz. Three members of the board, Angela Ramirez, Shantel Hostler and Celesta Lee, have full-time jobs. Angela also sits on Tribal Council as well as working full time. Two of us, Gloria Ingle and Teresa Simmons, are retired. Members of this 501c3 volunteer board receive no compensation for hours spent working on behalf of STAHS and rarely receive compensation for mileage. Hours and mileage, however, are documented to be noted when applying for matching grants and listed as the “in-kind” contribution. COVID-19 came on the scene and caused us to postpone some of the activities we had scheduled. Our progress was slowed, but by no means did it come to a halt. We discovered new ways to approach and solve problems. During our annual workshop, 10 regular meetings and numerous subcommittee meetings, we found we could interact effectively via Zoom using electronic communication. Board members continued to be effective in their various areas of expertise and work together in a positive manner toward our ultimate goal. In 2020 we hired a capital campaign director, Stephen Reichard, to lead us through the labyrinth of the grant world. With his help, STAHS has applied for several grants. See STAHS on page 12 Indian Country Today, NCAI split New era for nonprofit media enterprise From Indian Country Today; originally posted March 26, 2021 Indian Country Today has a new owner. The National Congress of American Indians transferred ownership interests in Indian Country Today, LLC to IndiJ Public Media on March 26, 2021. The news enterprise was donated to NCAI by the Oneida Indian Nation in October 2017. Indian Country Today operated as an independent limited liability company owned by NCAI and will now operate as an independent company owned by IndiJ Public Media, an Arizona nonprofit corporation. “This is a new day for ICT, which has a long history as a premier source of news for and about Indigenous communities, written and produced by Indigenous journalists,” said Karen Lincoln Michel, Ho Chunk, president and CEO of IndiJ Public Media. “As IndiJ Public Media’s name implies, our focus remains on Indigenous journalism while emphasizing our expansion into broadcasting.” IndiJ, a combination of the words “Indigenous” and “journalism” and pronounced in-Didge, was incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in Arizona in November 2020 and is awaiting approval of its 501(c)(3) application from the IRS. “We are grateful to the NCAI for stepping in to save Indian Country Today. When the news site went dark, there was a huge void in Indian Country,” said Mark Trahant, Indian Country Today’s editor. Trahant, Shoshone-Bannock, was hired in 2017 by NCAI to bring the publication back to life after an “indefinite hiatus” because it operated at an “enormous – and unsustainable – financial loss,” according to Indianz.com at the time. “This is an exciting time for Indian Country Today to become fiscally independent and to continue its tradition of an autonomous free press. I have the utmost confidence in Mark Trahant’s ability to successfully lead this new media endeavor in its next phase of growth,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “NCAI has supported ICT in its quest for independence the last three and a half years and will continue to be an important ally moving forward in achieving our shared objective of educating the public about American Indian and Alaska Native Tribal nations.” In the past 40 years, Indian Country Today has evolved from the weekly The Lakota Times founded by Tim Giago, Lakota, in 1981; the newspaper was changed to the moniker it holds now in 1989. Then it went to a magazine and now an online daily digital news publication and daily national news broadcast. “We had no idea how important ICT was to our community until we saw firsthand the connection with our readers and viewers,” Trahant said. “More than a century ago the first Tribal editor, Cherokee Nation’s Elias Boudinot, called Native news ‘a spacious channel.’ That channel is even spacious – and more important – in a digital age.” For nearly two years, Indian Country Today headquarters was housed at NCAI in See Indian Country on page 12 Biden administration resumes White House Council on Native American Affairs WASHINGTON – On April 23, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice convened the first White House Council on Native American Affairs (WHCNAA) meeting of the Biden-Harris administration. Haaland serves as the council’s chair. “The White House Council on Native American Affairs represents an important commitment to strengthen Tribal sovereignty, uphold our commitment to Tribal nations and honor the United States’ nation-to-nation relationships,” said Haa- land. “Addressing the systemic inequities that impact Indigenous peoples is the responsibility of every federal agency that will require an all-of-government approach across the administration.” “The White House Council on Native American Affairs will maximize federal efforts to support Tribal nations as they tackle pressing issues, such as COVID-19 response, reopening schools and rebuilding Tribal economic development,” said Rice. “This inter-agency council reinforces the administration’s support for Tribal sovereignty and self-governance and will help to fulfill the federal trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations.” The WHCNAA is an interagency principals-level council that includes leaders from across the federal government. It was established by executive order in June 2013 in response to requests from leaders across Indian Country. It has not met regularly since 2016. The convening of the WCHNAA comes as the Biden-Harris administration has prioritized getting resources out to Tribal communities to address the impacts of the administration’s core policy pillars – climate change, racial equity, economic recovery and COVID-19 response – through the American Rescue Plan and American Jobs Plan. The WCHNAA will also ensure that every federal department and agency is engaging in robust Tribal consultations as directed in President Biden’s Memorandum on Tribal Consultation and Strengthening Nation-to-Nation Relationships. Chairman’s Report Consent Decree COVID The Tribal Council has been working steadfastly on the Tribe’s Consent Decree that was entered into as a condition of Restoration shortly after the Restoration Act was passed by Congress. The decree limited hunting and fishing for Tribal members. We continue our battle with COVID19. Our clinic has worked tirelessly to vaccinate as many members as possible – Tribal, staff and the community at large. Lincoln County still has seen a rise in cases as have many other Oregon counties. Vaccines are available for anyone who wants to be vaccinated. Meetings have been held with Gov. Kate Brown and the Grand Ronde, Umatilla and Warm Springs Tribes. The governor asked that we meet with neighboring Tribes to inform them of our actions. We have followed through with the governor’s request and are prepared to move forward, which includes commitments from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the U.S. attorney and our congressional representatives. It will require legislative and court action. With the governor’s support, we are hopeful that we will be successful in our efforts. Memorial Day The agenda for the Memorial Day Ceremony is available on page 9. If you plan to attend, please follow all COVID protocols, wear a mask and keep acceptable distances. Housing The Tribe recently approved three additional FEMA homes on Tribal property in Lincoln City. FEMA manages the homes for those folks who lost their homes in the Echo Mountain Complex fire in Lincoln County last September. Permanent homes will be located for these residents within the next 18 months. Elizabeth Furse It was very sad to hear of the passing of Elizabeth Furse, former congresswoman and friend to all Oregon Tribes. She was very active in supporting Tribal restoration and promoting Tribal sovereignty through many speeches and trainings. Our heartfelt condolences go to her family. LCIS I currently serve as vice-chairman of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services. The commission’s executive director position has been vacant for several months while a new director was sought. At a meeting on April 23, 2021, LCIS approved offering the position to Patrick Flanagan. Delores Pigsley Our current interim director has been Danny Santos and we very much appreciate the assistance he has given during the time it took to fill this important vacancy. For more information about the Siletz Tribal language program, please visit siletzlanguage.org. Tenas Illahee Childcare Center Board of Directors Vacancies Résumés are being accepted for the Tenas Illahee Childcare Center Board of Directors. Currently, there are two vacant board positions. If interested, please submit your résumé to Siletz Tribal Council, c/o Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549. Vacancies are open until filled. 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 June issue is May 10. Send information to: Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Please see the Passages Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages. 541-444-8291 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1291 Fax: 541-444-2307 Email: pias@ctsi.nsn.us 2 • Siletz News • May 2021 Member of the Native American Journalists Association Elders Council Meeting The Elders Council will hold a virtual Zoom meeting on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at 1 p.m. If you are interested in participating in the virtual meeting from your phone, computer or smart phone, please contact Brian Crump in the Elders Program at 541-444-8233 by Wednesday, May 5, 2021. 477 Self-Sufficiency Program Summer Youth Program Announcement Due to ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, the 477 Self-Sufficiency Program (477-SSP) is suspending the Summer Youth Employment Program – Work Experience (WEX) component. • • We will offer Summer Youth Classroom Training services (CRT) if your local school district provides summer classes. Basic eligibility requirements include, but are not limited to, the following: • • • • • Youth ages 14-24 477-SSP Application for Services with supporting documentation Meet income eligibility Lacking education credits or below 2.0 GPA Summer school registration We serve Siletz Tribal youth along with members of other federally recognized Tribes and descendants. Reside within the Tribe’s 11-county service area If you are found eligible, the 477-SSP may provide assistance with tuition, fees, books, stipends and support services. Services are constantly being evaluated. Please check the Tribal website and Facebook for any updates. For more information regarding Summer Youth Classroom Training, please contact your local Tribal area office or email 477ssp@ctsi.nsn.us. Temporary Tribal Student Assistance Program The Siletz Tribal Housing Department’s Temporary Tribal Student Assistance Program (TTSAP) will accept applications for the 2021-2022 academic year beginning May 1, 2021. Program Information — TTSAP assists Tribal students who will be attending a college, university, vocational or trade school. — TTSAP is a time-limited program. Funding is for one academic year. — TTSAP assists students with rent or room and board in a dormitory. — The student’s share of the rent is 30% of their adjusted annual income. Important Note: The student might be required to remit a portion of the rent. For example, if a student is working the wages will affect the student’s share of the rent. — Assistance is not transferable. The Siletz Tribal Housing Department will accept applications from May 1-31, 2021. If applications are received after May 31, they will not be accepted by STHD. Graduate School Assistance Application The graduate school assistance application is due by June 30. Please note the due date has been changed. If you have sent in an application for 2021, please do not send another one. Applications are on the Tribal website under Tribal Services – Education. Please direct questions to bevy@ctsi.nsn.us. Be safe. Stay home. Stay well. To obtain an application, please stop by the STHD office at 555 Tolowa Court, Siletz OR, 97380 or call 800922-1399, ext. 1315, or 541-444-8315. USDA distribution dates for May Applications can also be downloaded from the Tribal website at ctsi.nsn.us. Siletz Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Cecelia De Anda ceceliad@ctsi.nsn.us Rental Assistance Program Coordinator/Resident Services Advocate May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 9 a.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. Salem Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday For information about the Siletz Tribe, visit ctsi.nsn.us. May 17 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. May 18 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. May 19 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. May 20 By appt only Chocolate Cherry Balls Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund Recruitment for Advisory Board 2021 Applications are being accepted from Siletz Tribal members interested in serving on the Advisory Board of the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund (STCCF). This is a three-year term from July 2021 through June 2024. Applications (see below) must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 31, 2021. The STCCF Advisory Board is composed of seven members: one Siletz Tribal Council representative, three at-large Siletz Tribal members and three non-Tribal positions. Board members serve in a volunteer capacity but are reimbursed for travel mileage and per diem for attendance at advisory board meetings and charitable award distribution receptions. The Advisory Board meets quarterly to review applications from charitable nonprofits, community service organizations, schools and local government programs. The board makes award recommendations to Tribal Council for final review and approval. To learn more about the Tribal charitable fund, contact Denise Garrett, board secretary, at stccf@live.com or visit ctsi.nsn.us/Charitable-Contribution-Fund. Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund Tribal Member Application 2021 Name: Roll No.: Apply now for Siletz I have been looking for a recipe to use the dried cherries and here is what I Tribal Head Start have adapted to fit our food package. The The Siletz Tribal Head Start program is accepting applications for the 2021 -2022 school year. We have classrooms in Siletz, Lincoln City, Salem and Portland, and offer services to promote children’s school readiness skills and assist families with supporting their child’s lifelong learning. Classrooms offer 3½ hours of service per day, Monday through Thursday, roundtrip transportation and developmentally appropriate activities to promote each child’s success. To qualify, children must be age 3 or 4 by the local school district’s age cut-off date, and income limits may apply. Head Start applications can be found on the Tribal website or can be requested by calling 541-444-2450 or 800-922-1399 and asking for Head Start. Address: City/State/ZIP: Phone: (Day) (Evening) Email: Deadline for receipt of applications is 4:30 p.m. on May 31, 2021. RETURN TO: CTSI STCCF P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Attention: Denise Garrett Fax: 541-444-2307 ( Email: stccf@live.com Alternative Health Care Benefit Changes original recipe called for almonds, but I didn’t want to pick through the fruit & nut mix so I went with our unsalted peanuts. ¾ cup dried cherries* ¾ cup unsalted peanuts* 1 cup chocolate chips Put the cherries and peanuts in a blender or food processor. Make sure it is plenty powerful because the mixture will get pasty. Blend until the oils from the peanuts start to be released and the dough sticks together. You may need to scrape down the sides depending on your appliance. Melt ¾ of the chocolate in a double boiler. Shape the dough into about 18 balls and put them in the freezer until the chocolate is ready. Remove the chocolate from the double boiler and add the remainder of the chips. Stir until smooth. Dip the balls into the chocolate and allow to set for about an hour. Effective April 1, 2021, Tribal Council approved an increase to the alternate health care benefit from $50 per visit to $75 per visit. LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz Tribal FDPIR. We would like to see more people sharing their recipes on our FB page. Available services include three visits quarterly for either: massage, chiropractor or acupuncture. Joyce Retherford, FDP Director 541-444-8393; joycer@ctsi.nsn.us Eligibility: Enrolled Tribal members Sammy Hall, Warehouseman/Clerk 541-444-8279; sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us Fax: 541-444-8306 or 503-391-4296 May 2021 • Siletz News • 3 Most Often Requested Numbers Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians – 800-922-1399 Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494 Salem Finance Office – 888-870-9051 Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512 Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234 Contract Health Services (CHS) – 800-628-5720 Siletz Community Health Clinic – 800-648-0449 Siletz Behavioral Health – 800-600-5599 Chinook Winds Casino Resort – 888-244-6665 Chemawa Health Clinic – 800-452-7823 Bureau of Indian Affairs – 800-323-8517 Website – ctsi.nsn.us 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: 800-5205292 or Oregonlawhelp.org. Re-thinking water and hydration: What and how much should you drink? Why? By Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD, Head Start Consulting Nutritionist We have all been advised to drink adequate clean water. Some people don’t like water and would rather drink soda, coffee or another beverage. Others don’t get well- hydrated despite how much water they drink. Science is beginning to share expanded thinking around water and hydration. This month in my role as consultant nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start, I would like to explore water and hydration to support our families and community. Some of the water science seems a bit technical. I would like to mention it, yet keep my approach on practical tips as we re-think water and hydration. Practical hydration tips: 1. Don’t drink “naked water,” even if filtered or decontaminated – enhance your water. 2. Consume foods such as fruits and vegetables with high water content for effective hydration. 3. Add fruit, such as lemon, or sprigs of leaves or vegetables, such as mint, basil or even sliced cucumber. This also means herbal teas are a good option for hydration when they are not the dehydrating or diuretic types, such as black or green teas. 4. Add minerals or electrolytes such as a pinch of sea salt (important electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium). 5. Consider placing crystals in water (drink the water and do not swallow the crystals). 6. Pray or express gratitude to your water before drinking it. 7. Add chia seeds to coconut milk to make pudding or add to a smoothie for deep hydration. 4 • Siletz News • May 2021 As an overview, the human body is composed of mostly water – upwards of 2/3 of our body. We also know water is sacred and there is no life without water. With that in mind, I will introduce three concepts around hydration – 1. Water is wet for hydration; 2. Water is electrically charged; and 3. Water contains information. Water is wet for hydration and remains vital to life. There are cultures in desert climates that are hydrated without following the current water guidelines. They tend to consume water from succulent plants and this observation has caught the attention of some scientists. Gina Bria of the Hydration Foundation suggests we not drink “naked water,” or even just filtered or decontaminated water. She suggests, instead, that to hydrate we need to learn from nature. Nature provides hydrating water as found in fruits, vegetables and seeds that hold water, such as chia. See practical tips 1, 2 and 7 above. Water is electrically charged. Plants are smart enough to improve our water by taking sun inside leaves to store electrically charged water. When we eat the plants, we consume charged water and this may improve hydration. Some say that placing leaves or fruit, such as mint or lemon, in water adds an electrical charge and improves the uptake into our cells. See practical tips 1 and 3 above. Water contains information. The roots of plants also pull up minerals from our terrain, which can be seen as full of biological information. We benefit from this information when we consume these water-containing plants. Adding minerals, such as a pinch of sea salt, supports hydration for those people who seem to have the water they drink run right through them. Taking the concept of biological information from minerals, some say that placing crystals, such as quartz, in water may be beneficial. See practical tips 1, 2, 4 and 5 above. Continuing with the point that water contains information, Masaru Emoto showed that water from a mountain stream, when frozen, showed structures of beautifully shaped geometric designs, but water from polluted sources created distorted, randomly formed ice structures. He also conducted research and showed changes in water structure when people labeled the container with words of intention. He found that positive intentions created beautiful structures and negative intentions created distorted structures, similar to the above-mentioned observations in nature. I would add that traditional cultures have long known this principal and expressed this as an aspect of the sacred nature of water. If water already contains information, perhaps we can also energize and clean it up with positive words, intention or prayer. See practical tips 1 and 6 above. Bria suggested that by using chia seeds, when hydrated and consumed, we can experience a slower water release to aid in hydration. She did this personally for her mother, who was experiencing medical issues from lack of hydration. One recipe I’ve been experimenting with is: 1 can of coconut milk and 5 teaspoons of chia seeds mixed well, allowed to expand for a minute and then stirred well again before refrigerating. This can be used as a pudding with fruit or added to a smoothie to support deep hydration. I also tried it with 5 tablespoons of chia seeds and it was super thick – a little went a long way. See practical tips 1 and 7 above. We now have research studying the fourth phase of water (meaning not just liquid, ice or steam). One of the leaders in this area is a professor from the University of Washington named Gerald Pollack. Sometimes this phase of water is referred to as the exclusion zone. It is the form found in our bodies arranged by neg- ative and positive charge and powered by light. It appears to be more gel-like. When we get water from fruit or vegetables, this is what we consume. Science is now finding that it is much more important than we had realized. Dr. Pollack even goes further to say that because water molecules are so small, even though we are 2/3 water, it is 99% of our molecules. Check out this informative YouTube segment for more information – youtube. com/watch?v=i-T7tCMUDXU – where he shares that he studies the “gentle beauty of nature” and he describes the fourth phase of water with implications for technology and health. Certainly clean water is still important. We now see there is more to this than just how much water we drink. The contemporary message is to drink adequate plain water (at least eight glasses) without caffeine or sugar. Because the caffeine acts as a diuretic, it may result in us losing more water than we consume. Sugar in water makes it less available for hydration. I believe it is still important to be careful about our caffeine and sugar consumption. I suggest you bring this hydration topic to your family discussion and science exploration as you consider the best ways to hydrate. Personally, I feel great about putting leaves and lemons in my water along with positive prayer. I’m having fun with the chia seeds and I feel less dehydrated in the morning when I wake. I need electrolytes and use sea salt, but I noticed I would not drink the water with salt in it. Perhaps I used too much. 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. DePoe and Google: A life enriched by technology, taking every opportunity to grow My name is Suzanne DePoe and in this article I’m sharing a little bit about myself and how my journey got me to where I am today. I celebrated 10 years in December 2020 as a test engineer for Google Inc, the sixth most valuable company in the world, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc. I am an elder and a member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. My Tribes are Tututni, Chippewa and Southern Cheyenne. I’m also Swedish and English from my mom. I am the great-great-granddaughter of Charlie Depoe, a Tribal leader of the Joshua Band of the Tututni. His son, Robert DePoe, married Mary Hauser, Southern Cheyenne/German, both school teachers and graduates of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Penn., class of 1897. My grandfather, William DePoe Sr. (Chief Antelope), married Marie LaFrance, Turtle Mountain Chippewa/ French. My father is William DePoe Jr. (Chief Chewescla). I have one daughter, a son-in-law and three grandchildren, plus one sister, two brothers and lots of extended family. My love for discovery has been with me my entire life. I have been fortunate to have been around my Indigenous family all those years. When I was young, my dad loved basketball and Indian basketball tournaments. His team, the Seattle Thunderbirds, traveled and participated in these tournaments. My uncle, Pete DePoe, was in Redbone, a famous Indigenous band with a famous song still played today, “Come and Get Your Love!” Early on in life I also fell hard for basketball and became a three-year letterwoman. I’ve been a successful basketball referee for 28 years and have refereed at 10 Washington state girls/boys basketball tournaments (WIAA). Contact your state associations as officials are needed. I graduated high school and attempted community college as there was no funding for me at that time or I didn’t know of it or didn’t qualify. I worked and went to school during those early years. It was at this time I began learning of my Indigenous family and who we were – the DePoe family. I began to participate in sweat lodge ceremonies, learning how to pray not only for myself but for my family. It was during this time that I met my daughter’s father and traveled the country making and selling jewelry, visiting and digging at the Pipestone, Minn., quarries. It was during this time I had my daughter, whom I raised for nine months on a cradleboard and lived in a tipi for nine months. As she grew, we began to attend pow-wows. By this time, it was my daughter, Dawn, and I. Dawn began dancing when she was young and got serious in junior high school. We sewed and made fancy and jingle dance regalia, so many colors. We CTSI Jobs Tribal employment information is available at ctsi.nsn.us. Life still surprises me as events continue to guide my path. Being a leader on GAIN allows me opportunities to share about our culture and assist in ensuring Indigenous Googlers know we are here for them. Here are some events I’ve participated in last year: traveled to many big-name pow-wows and she was crowned princess a couple of times. We were happy being around our powwow family and as years passed, more family joined in the circle. It’s been wonderful to see the culture shift in our family. In the mid-1980s, it was time to get to work and figure out my future as my daughter was 4 years old. I tried going to a four-year college – I knew then where to locate funding – but I failed to complete my schooling. Raising a 4-year-old and attending college – I couldn’t do it. I needed money. I changed my path again and took another route, Griffin Business College in Seattle. I was successful and completed secretary/administrative courses. I got lucky and was hired at my first interview, Nordstrom Inc., Store #01, as a customer service and cash room money counter. I had no business attire for a fancy retail store, back then nylon leggings were required. My mom met me at the store and purchased two outfits for me to get started. I moved from customer service to working in computer support in the Nordstrom corporate offices five years later. My first computer was an IBMXT286. Voice mail wasn’t even a thing back then and this was before cellphones were the norm. This got my career in technology running full speed ahead. I left Nordstrom in 1992 as I hit a pay ceiling of $26,500 and started to work for Attachmate Corporation. Attachmate developed emulation software and 3270/5250 boards. Representing Attachmate, I visited Fortune 500 companies while in support, then officially moved into software test engineering, testing all versions of the software, emulation boards and dial-up technologies, and reporting bugs. Every opportunity that opened for me, I took it. I had family to support me for my daughter’s care if I had to travel, After 13 years with multiple titles, Attachmate was sold and I was laid off. Always hopeful and never giving up, I had a short three-month break and moved to a Paul Allen company, Digeo Inc. It developed a Multimedia Moxi Media Center(DVR box) for TV and video. The commute was awful, however, so I moved to another company, Widevine Technologies. Its location allowed me to take the commuter train to work. Widevine developed a video streaming content protection and registration software for providers to create databases of movies available for rental and develop client libraries installed on all devices today to secure content. In December 2010, Google acquired Widevine Technologies. Technology has always challenged me and thrilled me at the same time. I’ve worked with most operating systems out on the market today and in the past. I enjoy using Linux, a terminal-style interface, which also has a graphical user interface (GUI). I’ve worked with most devices out on the market today, verifying playback on phones, tablets, Chromecast, Amazon, Netflix, SmartTVs, Roku, computers, along with all browsers. Working in software engineering has inspired me, so many great technologies for one to follow and learn. The field of computer programming pays well and has so many avenues to go down. I’ve been one to inspire students with Google Inc. and the possibilities in engineering as I’m now a test engineer for Corporate Engineering Tools and Engagements. I’ve invited students from rural communities in Eastern Washington to tour Google and hear about Google’s projects and what it takes to be a computer scientist. Holding up my cell phone to students, I ask them, “What if you developed an app and it was published on the GooglePlay Store?” The software to develop these apps is OpenSource, in other words, anybody can download it, install it and create apps. So back to the app, “The app sells for .99 for each download, you sell 1 million. How much money is that?” Light bulbs go off, eyes light up. Their minds start thinking about the possibilities. I tell them, “You know what your generation likes. Build an app that fills a need/want!” It was during this time that the Google American Indian Network (GAIN), one of Google’s Employee Resource Groups (ERG), contacted me and invited me to be on the Leadership Council. I jumped at the opportunity. I’ve been on the leadership council for 2+ years. I worked with The Dalles Data Center in 2019 to provide three years of Wi-Fi service to the residents of Celilo Village. In 2020, I worked with the Goldendale School District to administer a grant to provide Wi-Fi access to a small community on the Yakama Nation. Google’s grant to the Goldendale School District allowed for Viasat Satellite dishes to be installed that will provide the much-needed bandwidth to this community of 19 homes. I have had an opportunity to influence how Google moves forward, ensuring Indigenous peoples are not forgotten or left out. It’s been an amazing journey. In 2020, I lead the GAIN outreach team to inform Tribes of the FCC’s 2.5GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window for Tribal Nations, assisting with questions. This year, I will focus on outreach to Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs) along with student organizations at public and private schools, ensuring they are aware of Google’s resources and internships available to them. GAIN has proposed to replace “Indian” with “Indigenous” for our name to be more inclusive. I 100% support this effort. My current position is with Corporate Engineering Tools and Engagements as a test engineer. I am engaged with the Corporate Engineering REWs Works Physical Security Team for Googler’s safety and working on the return-to-work efforts. Technology is growing and being developed; the world needs students and adults to think big and learn a technology. No matter where you live, jobs are everywhere. College is a good start, but you can learn online as well. YouTube.com is awesome. Companies are learning in this time of the pandemic that working on site is not always going to be the case, opening many opportunities as the world moves forward. If you like putting together puzzles, you might want to consider software engineering. So many businesses will need an online presence. Who’s going to build those sites? Be a part of it all. If you like gaming, go that route. Find your endless opportunities if you’re looking for a job and livelihood in the field of technology. Corporations, community programs and Tribal infrastructure around the world are looking for leaders to take them through the 21st century. It will test you but if you’re up for a challenge, come join the world of technology. 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. Courtesy photo Suzanne DePoe • • • • Summer 2020, American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Recorded video for my “Path to Google,” sharing how I got here. Participating in CareersOnAir, Spotlight Series on the Google American Indian Network (January 2021) “Elevating Women of Color at Google,” where Michelle Obama was one of our speakers (January 2021) Belonging – I presented to Siletz Valley School on my journey to Google and some projects at Google (October 2020) May 2021 • Siletz News • 5 May is National Mental Health Month National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 Tobacco Related Cancers for the Month of May Melanoma and Skin: Cancers: Melanoma is a cancer that develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin. It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because of a tendency to spread to other parts of the body and cause serious illness and death. Because most melanomas occur on the skin where they can be seen, patients or their spouses are often the first to detect suspicious tumors. Caught early, most melanomas can be cured with relatively minor surgery. Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is any of several types of cancer arising from the tissues of the urinary bladder. It is a disease in which cells grow abnormally and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain with urination, and low back pain. Risk factors for bladder cancer include smoking, family history, prior radiation therapy, frequent bladder infections, and exposure to certain chemicals. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma. Other types include squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Quit line: 1-800-QUIT-NOW 6 • Siletz News • May 2021 Wear Red May 5 In Honor of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls In the US Native American women are more that twice as likely to experience violence than any other demographic and face murder rates at more than 10 times the national average. In 2016 there were 5,712 cases of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) reported by the National Crime Information Center, however only 116 of the cases were logged into the US Department of Justice database. In an effort to help fill some of the gaps in reporting and information the Urban Indian Health Institute (UIHI) conducted a study in 2017 of urban MMIWG cases. UIHI focused on 71 urban cities across the US and identified 506 unique MMIWG cases, 128 were missing persons cases, 280 were murder cases and 98 were of unknown status. UIHI found that the median age for the victims was 29. In order to address some of the issues in reporting and investigating MMIWG cases in the State of Oregon, Representative Tawna Sanchez sponsored House Bill 2625 which was passed on March 13, 2019. HB2625 directs the department of State Police to conduct a study which was to determine how to increase state criminal justice protective and investigative resources for reporting, identification and investigation of missing Native American women in the state of Oregon. In February 2021, Oregon State Police released their first study, reporting 13 missing indigenous persons and 3 murdered indigenous persons. The cases go back as far as 1984. The US Attorney General’s Office plans to have Tribal Consultations with each of Oregon’s Tribal Governments to discuss these matters further and identify cases of missing and murdered indigenous people within each tribe. Hepatitis Awareness Month Siletz Community Health Clinic Harm Reduction Program can get people connected to testing and treatment for those who test positive. Please contact us if interested. Francisca “Sissy” Rilatos (541) 270-9643 Chris Oleman (541) 272-2721 Sharon Bruns (541) 272-9083 May 2021 • Siletz News • 7 Native Americans in Tech Mixer Join the inaugural Native Americans in Tech mixer on May 12 at 5 p.m. over Zoom. We’re creating a decolonized space for American Indians who work in tech or want to. This community is exclusively for indigenous people of North America. This event will feature an overview of the initiative, talks by American Indians working in tech and a chance for “face-to-face” networking over Zoom facilitated by Erin Grace (Chetco, Tututni) and Court Morse (Chippewa, Ojibwe, Anishinaabeg). We will have ASL interpretation and live closed-captioning throughout. Sign up at pdxwit.org/upcoming-events/2021/5/12/native-americans-in-tech-mixer. James Robert Swanson – 1938-2021 James (Jim) Robert Swanson walked on March 6, 2021, due to complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 82. Jim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cheryl, and a brother, Byron, who lives in Tucson, Ariz. Do you have a story to tell or know a Siletz Tribal member or descendent who was an outstanding athlete? Jim attended Reed College in Portland and the University of Oregon in Eugene. He was a lifelong and devoted University of Oregon Ducks fan. After he retired, Jim volunteered for many years as a math tutor for American Indian students through the Eugene 4J Natives Program and volunteered at the 5:00 p.m. – Zoom Webinar Open/Virtual Networking 5:05 p.m. – Introductions + Announcements 5:10 p.m. – Lightning Talks 5:30 p.m. – Networking 6:15 p.m. – Event ends Stuart seeking Siletz athlete stories Jim was born in Seattle, Wash., and grew up in Portland, Ore. He moved with his family to Missouri in 1954 where, after graduating from Webster Groves High School, he joined the Marine Corps. During his career, he worked as a math teacher in the McKenzie, Eugene and Springfield school districts. In 1969, Jim was hired as the measurement, research and evaluation specialist for the Lane Education Service District (ESD). After his position was eliminated, Jim was elected to the Lane ESD Board of Directors, serving as a countywide representative on the board for 22 years. Agenda Courtesy photo James Robert Swanson annual summer camp for Native students. Being involved with this program was always near and dear to his heart and a very important part of his life. Jim served on the Siletz Elders Council as a representative for Lane, Linn and Benton counties. He was active in the Eugene Siletz community and participated in many activities offered through the Siletz office in Eugene. I have some Siletz Tribal member stories so far of people who played university sports, played a lifetime of a sport or had amazing athletic accomplishments in high school. I want to create a book that your children and my son can read that has people who look like them and stories to which they can aspire. Thank you to everyone who has corresponded so far. Please email me at siletztiffanydawn@gmail.com with your story or information. Tiffany Stuart Siletz Tribal member Jim will be remembered as a kind and gentle man, and will be missed by many. Courtesy photo from American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame (aiahof.com) Art Bensell (Siletz), 1987, American Indian Athletic Hall of Famer Siletz Tribal Youth Council! May 16th 11:00am Via Zoom R|R Area Office Contact Info Portland: Katy Holland (503) 238-1512, Katyh@ctsi.nsn.us Salem: Sonya Moody-Jurado (503) 3909494,Sonyamj@ctsi.nsn.us Eugene: Nora Williams (541) 484-4234, NoraW@ctsi.nsn.us Siletz: Elizabeth Madden (541) 272-9128, ElizabethM@ctsi.nsn.us 8 • Siletz News • May 2021 Youth Council is for ages 12 to 24. Middle School, High School, & Higher-Ed students welcome! Experience Leadership Community In-person Culture Camp and Nesika Illahee PowWow have been canceled this year, but … Virtual Culture Camp will take place July 13-15, 2021. Please visit the Members Only section of our Tribal website (ctsi.nsn.us) and use your roll number to enter. We look forward to seeing everyone participate. Virtual Pow-Wow – A date will be set in August 2021! More information to come. We look forward to seeing everyone participate. For any questions or further information on either event, contact Buddy Lane at buddyl@ctsi.nsn.us; 541-444-8230; or 800-922-1399, ext. 1230. Financial Wellness Resource By Daniel McCue, Chief Financial Officer One of our banking partners, Key Bank, has teamed up with Everfi, the nation’s leading provider of digital financial literacy curriculum, to provide a customized and comprehensive financial literacy program tailored to the needs of Indian Country. This program will provide the Siletz membership a learning experience that can be accessed anywhere from tablets, phones and PCs 24/7. Once you’re logged in, you can take advantage of more than 30 relevant topics, such as: • • • • • Checking and Savings Account Basics Healthy Financial Habits Budgeting for Families Credit Scores Buying a Home • • Saving for Retirement Financial Caregiving There is no cost to access this online learning platform for anyone at the Tribe as it is complementary to the Tribe’s relationship with Key Bank. I would encourage all Tribal members – whether a pre-teen, someone who might be starting fresh out of college or minors who might be coming of age to access their minor trust – anyone who might need some education about financial wellness, to give this a try. As a potential future leader of your Tribe, your ability to make strong financial decisions and navigate the financial system will help you and your community thrive. This program brings you financial education in easy-to-follow modules that fit your schedule. Find it at https://tinyurl.com/pebmbf9c. 2021 Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Memorial Day Ceremony May 31, 2021 11 a.m. Government Hill Siletz, Oregon Procession to Veterans Memorial – Honor Guard and Dancing Again Singers The Lord’s Prayer – Siletz Royalty Welcome – Tribal Council Chairman Delores Pigsley Memorial Day Address – Ed Ben Presentation of Flowers Gun Salute – Honor Guard – Taps Closing – Dancing Again Singers Due to COVID-19, social distancing protocols will be in place. The Community Center remains closed. The restrooms at the comfort station near the pow-wow grounds will be open. Be safe. Stay home. Stay well. 477 Self-Sufficiency Program Non-Needy Caretaker Relative (NNCR) Assistance for caretaker relatives of a Siletz Tribal child/children The program may assist with: Financial assistance and support services to meet the needs of the Siletz child/children. 2021 Lane Family Reunion Who is a caretaker relative? A caretaker relative is not the parent of a Siletz enrolled dependent child and is responsible for the care, control and supervision of the child. July 30 – Greet and Meet, 5 p.m., followed by Barn Dance 21821 Siletz Hwy, Siletz, Oregon 97380 July 31 – 1-6 p.m., Family Pot Luck Caretaker relatives can be related to the child in the following ways: blood relatives or culturally established family members. RSVP/Call Linda Merrill for info at 541-548-2452 home, cell 541-598-6683 crookedwillowm@gmail.com Income Guidelines Non-needy caretaker relatives do NOT have to meet income requirements to qualify. However, if the caretaker is receiving ongoing financial assistance from the State or Tribe, the family will not be eligible for NNCR. Example of an NNCR A grandparent (or other relative) who is responsible for the care, control and supervision of a Siletz enrolled child who would like assistance to help meet the needs of the child. Siletz Office Lincoln & Tillamook 201 SE Swan Ave. P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Phone: 541-444-2532 Salem Area Office Marion, Polk & Yamhill 3160 Blossom Drive NE, Suite 105 Salem, OR 97305 Phone: 503-390-9494 Portland Area Office Clackamas, Multnomah & Washington 12790 SE Stark, Suite 102 Portland, OR 97233 Phone: 503-238-1512 All family and friends are invited. Apply today! Call your Area Office Must meet eligibility criteria and services are available on a budgetary basis. Eugene Area Office Benton, Lane & Linn 2468 W 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 Phone: 541-484-4234 Bring beverages of your choice, chairs & coolers, etc. BRING A DISH, IT’S A POT LUCK, FOLKS! CAMPING AVAILABLE ON PROPERTY! (NO water or electric hook ups available) Can’t wait to see everybody! More information on activities to follow. If you have ideas, shoot them at me :0) So keep in touch and see you JULY 30 and JULY 31! May 2021 • Siletz News • 9 Coronavirus Information and Resources WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES You should still take steps to protect yourself and others after getting each shot. If you are pregnant or want to have a baby one day, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine. It is important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic and keep our people safe. You should continue to wear a mask over your nose and mouth in public, stay 6 feet apart, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, and wash your hands often. If you are pregnant now or plan to be pregnant in the future, you may receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you. There is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine. Getting the vaccine and following CDC’s recommendations for protecting yourself and others will offer the best protection from getting and spreading COVID-19. You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine. To protect our elders and our community, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect our health. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so you can fight the virus. Each tribal nation or state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first. Contact your health department or clinic to find out when and where vaccines will be available in your community. The COVID-19 vaccine can help keep you from getting COVID-19. COVID-19 can cause serious illness or death. All COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective. Even if you still get the disease after you get vaccinated, the vaccine should protect you from more serious illness. The COVID-19 vaccine will be free for you. The United States government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people in the United States. No one should be charged for the vaccine. Some COVID-19 vaccines need two shots. If you are told you need two shots, make sure to get your second shot at the time you are told, so you can get the most protection. The COVID-19 vaccine will not give you COVID-19. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines cannot make you sick with COVID-19. They do not contain the virus that causes COVID-19. Getting vaccinated may also protect others around you. After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. You may have tiredness, headache, chills, and mild fever for 1–2 days. These are normal signs that your body is building protection against COVID-19. After getting the shot, you will be asked to wait for 15–30 minutes to see that you are okay. The U.S. vaccine safety system monitors the safety of all vaccines. All COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States were tested in clinical studies involving thousands of people, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. These studies were done to make sure the vaccines meet safety standards and protect people of different ages, races, and ethnicities. All authorized COVID-19 vaccines meet the same safety standards as other vaccines used in the United States. CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe (vsafe.cdc.gov), to help identify any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. Sign up to participate after you’re vaccinated! You should still get vaccinated if you’ve already had COVID-19. Unless you have had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, it is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Even if you have already had COVID-19, it is possible —although rare—that you could get COVID-19 again. Experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after having COVID-19. Vaccination is the best protection. If you have ever had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get vaccinated. If you have had an allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medications, talk to your healthcare provider. If you have recovered from COVID-19, ask your health provider when you should be vaccinated. You may still get vaccinated if you have severe allergies to oral medications, food, pets, insect stings, latex, or things in the environment like pollen or dust. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/ The COVID-19 vaccine will not change your DNA. Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but the COVID-19 vaccine—like any other vaccine—cannot affect your DNA in any way. It is safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have an underlying medical condition. People with medical conditions like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Vaccination is especially important for people with these conditions. People with a weakened immune system may not get as much protection from a COVID-19 vaccine as those with a functioning immune system, but some protection is better than none. cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/tribal/ To schedule your COVID-19 vaccine, call the Siletz community Healh Clinic at 541-444-9636. 4.22.21 3.25.21 Elder Voices Supporting the Covid Vaccine Coronavirus Variants Coronavirus variants are in the news frequently now. Learning about virus variants and why scientists are concerned about them will help us protect our health and the health of our families and communities. What are virus variants? “Here at Makah, my aunt tested positive for COVID, she is the eldest in our tribe. Also, our only Doctor at our clinic tested positive for COVID, and he has been battling it for well over a month. With that in mind, my choice was easy, to vaccinate in order to make our little village [be] that much more safe.” -Nate Tyler, Makah Tribal Council. Variants are slightly different copies of an original virus that makes us sick. When viruses spread from person to person, they copy their codes (genome sequences) with each new infection. The virus that causes COVID-19 has 30,0001 sequences in its code and when it is copied – sometimes slight mistakes are made, changing the virus a bit. This changed virus is called a variant. “We need to help protect Our People from dying. So, if they do become exposed [to COVID-19], with a vaccine, we do not have to lose them.” -Delegate from the Upper Skagit Indian Tribe, THD, Marilyn Scott. Changes to viruses are normal. All viruses – including the one that causes COVID-19 disease – change over time. Most changes and variants do not alter how the virus behaves when it makes us sick. But sometimes certain changes can cause variants to spread faster, make people sicker, or make vaccines less effective2. These kinds of virus variants are called Variants of Concern (VOC).3 Coronavirus Variants of Concern in the United States As of April 2021, there are five coronavirus Variants of Concern in the United States being watched and tracked carefully by scientists and medical professionals. All of these new variants appear to be more contagious than the original coronavirus and spread more easily to unvaccinated people. And, some appear to cause more severe disease4. The good news is that we have tools to protect ourselves and our communities from these new variants. To learn more about VOCs, see: COVID-Variants “I was not hesitant [to get the vaccine] at all. I was more fearful of NOT getting the vaccine. We got the vaccine at Chemawa and they were so helpful, friendly, and efficient. They made you feel good. They answered questions before you asked.” Did you have any side effects? “I was lucky, I was good. I’m 81 years old, so I don’t know why. Only a little arm soreness.” -Marie Sagaberd, Lummi & Quinault Elder. “I have been a nurse for 40 years. I am very pro-vaccine, for myself and others. And, I do it for my Tribe, the Makah. I was not concerned at all. I know the vaccine had been through trials for safety and efficacy.” What would you tell others? “I would [tell them] of my positive experience, I would assure them it is safe. And, I remind them of the possible effect of getting COVID – severe illness or even death.” -Terri Markishtum, Makah Elder and nurse. “For me, I knew it was a decision between life as I know it now, or the possibility of being on a respirator and possibly dying alone and struggling for that final breath. As a 69-year-old, my side effects were extremely mild. I was a little bit sleepy the next day, but that was gone by the afternoon.” “Overall, I considered this a good experience. It brought back hope for the future. I wish everyone would choose life and science by getting this vaccine.” -Harriette Cheeka, Makah Elder. Can the vaccines protect us from new variants? YES! All the vaccines we currently have provide protection against the variants56. While the levels of protection can vary, studies have shown that the vaccines protect against severe disease, hospitalization, and death from the variants. Research is on-going into how protective the vaccines are and if booster shots for the variants are needed, but right now, there is no evidence to suggest a significant reduction in vaccine effectiveness, meaning vaccination remains one of the most important tools in defeating COVID-19. How can we prevent the spread of new variants? Stopping the spread of new variants is possible and everyone can help. Remaining vigilant until the majority of all our people, young and old, and surrounding communities are vaccinated is critical. Measures to limit the spread of the virus haven’t changed – wearing a mask, physical distancing, avoiding crowded places or closed settings, and frequent hand washing – work by reducing the potential for transmission of the variants and, therefore, reducing opportunities for the virus to change. Continue practicing these measures until health authorities say it is safe to stop. Since I am young and healthy, and our elders are vaccinated – do I still need to be vaccinated? YES! Getting vaccinated is especially important now that the virus is changing. When a virus is circulating widely to unvaccinated people, it has more opportunities to change when copying itself and can potentially make variants that are even more dangerous. No matter what your age, it is critical to get vaccinated when it’s your turn. This will help protect our communities, including our treasured elders. As Indigenous people, it is our role to learn from those who came before us and nurture those who come next. We dance, we pray, we share, we adapt, we protect. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our community and the quickest way to end the pandemic! https://www.cdc.gov/amd/pdf/slidesets/ToolkitModule_1.2.pdf https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-covid-19-vaccines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html 4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/covid-variant/faq-20505779 5 https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/15/well/live/covid-variants-vaccine.html?searchResultPosition=1 6 https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/t-cells-recognize-recent-sars-cov-2-variants 1 2 3 10 • Siletz News • May 2021 Coronavirus Information and Resources FEMA to help pay funeral costs for COVID-related deaths retroactive to 2020 WASHINGTON – In mid-April, FEMA began providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized March 24 and FEMA moved rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide. “At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters,” said Acting FEMA Administrator Bob Fenton. “The COVID-19 pandemic has Thank you 3 Reminders: for protecting our community COVID-19 prevention is still important. We all need to do our part to protect our community until everyone can get the vaccine and COVID-19 rates are low. Continue the 3 Ws: Wear a mask, Watch your distance, and Wash hands frequently. By choosing to get the COVID-19 vaccine, we are caring for the health of our neighbors, our families and ourselves. caused immense grief for so many people. Although we cannot change what has happened, we affirm our commitment to help with funeral and burial expenses that many families did not anticipate.” To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states: • • The vaccine is very effective at preventing COVID-19 only after all required doses. Make a note for your calendar: Brand: Pfizer Moderna J&J (only 1 dose needed) Date of dose 1:_____________ Date of dose 2:_____________ It is common to experience side effects such as soreness, tiredness and headache for 1-2 days. The vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19. If you have concerns, call your health care provider. For more information: cdc.gov/vaccines/COVID-19 caih.jhu.edu/resource-library COVID vaccine availability in your area Local IHS (Indian Health Service) or Tribal clinics may be an option for you to get your COVID vaccine. Give them a call to find out if this can possibly work for you. • • • • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19. If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual. An applicant can apply for multiple deceased individuals. The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia. This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application. Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation. A dedicated phone number – 844684-6333/TTY: 800-462-7585 – is open to help individuals who apply. Potential applicants should gather the following documentation: • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the United States. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of ” COVID-19 or COVID19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution. • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and dates the funeral expenses were incurred. • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/Tribal/ territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources. For more information about this assistance, visit fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Funeral Assistance The COVID-19 pandemic has brought overwhelming To be eligible for funeral assistance, you must meet these conditions: • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to or caused by COVID-19. • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020. • There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien. grief to many families. At FEMA, our mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. We are dedicated to helping ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the virus. FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID19-related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Which expenses will qualify for reimbursement? Examples of eligible expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation may include, but not limited to: • Transportation for up to two people to identify the deceased individual • The transfer of remains, a casket or urn • A burial plot or cremation niche • A marker or headstone • • • • • Clergy or officiant services The arrangement of a funeral ceremony The use of funeral home equipment or staff Cremation or interment costs Costs associated with producing multiple death certificates What information do I need to provide to FEMA? Please have the following information before contacting FEMA to apply: • • • • Your name, social security number, date of birth, mailing address and contact phone numbers. The name, social security number and date of birth for each deceased individual. The location or address where the deceased individual passed away. Documentation and receipts for any assistance already received from other sources, including burial or funeral insurance, donations, voluntary agencies, other government programs or non-profit organizations. • If you and another person both incurred funeral expenses for the same deceased individual(s), you can also provide that person as a co-applicant — include their name, social security number and date of birth on the application. HOW DO I APPLY FOR THIS ASSISTANCE? Call FEMA’s COVID-19 For fastest service Funeral Assistance Helpline at following your application, 1-844-684-6333 you can begin submitting (TTY: 800-462-7585) documentation online through from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Disasterassistance.gov, Monday – Friday and begin the by fax 855-261-3452. Documents may also be mailed to: application process. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS You can also visit us online at FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq. Information is provided in several languages both by telephone and the website. COVID-19 Funeral Assistance P.O. Box 10001 Hyattsville, MD 20782 May 2021 • Siletz News • 11 Lincoln County Jail seeks volunteers CTSI Youth Cultural Sharing Night 5/20, 6/17 6-8pm TO REGISTER EMAIL JACOBR@CTSI.NSN.US OR USE QR CODE: Storytelling Art Poetry Music Modern Traditional Nuu-wee-ya' STAHS, continued from page 1 For more information about the Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society, visit siletzartsheritage.org. 2021-2022 Hunting and Fishing Tags Distribution Schedule Number Available Type of Tag Season Dates The Lincoln County Jail in Newport, Ore., is seeking 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). To volunteer, contact Dennis Buckmaster (dbuckmaster@co.lincoln. or.us) to start the process. This does include a background check, but all situations will be considered individually. Date to Start Tag Issuance 8/27 8/27 Method of Issuance It’s an ongoing and complicated process as we seek funding from many different sources, determining which grants our project is eligible for and how they can be applied to meet our goals. We are beginning to see positive results as some of these grant applications have been approved and others look promising. Although public activities in which we would normally participate have been curtailed, we still work to keep the STAHS mission alive in the community. STAHS contributes to online civic fund raisers by donating sweatshirts and other STAHS-related items. We are currently completing an updated STAHS Cookbook. Our regular T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and long sleeved T-shirts are on order for future sales. We have begun 2021 with a feeling of optimism as we move forward to our goal of building “A Place for the People.” Indian Country, continued from page 1 7/2 9/24 9/24 *** Unfilled Deer Early Bow tags must be returned to Natural Resources by 10/8. 12 • Siletz News • May 2021 Washington, D.C., the ancestral homelands of the Nacotchtank and Piscataway people, and moved to Phoenix, Ariz., home to the O’odham and Piipaash people. The headquarters moved to Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications in July 2019. ICT’s Washington bureau is based at ASU’s campus and the Dënéndeh and Dena’ina Ełnena people host the Alaska bureau at Alaska Pacific University in Anchorage, Alaska. The digital site IndianCountryToday. com reaches about a half million people each month. A half-hour news broadcast began in March 2020 as a daily report about the pandemic. “We realized Indian Country needed to hear vital information about the pandemic and how it could possibly impact our communities,” said Patty Talahongva, Hopi, who is the executive producer of the broadcast. “Now, we are excited to celebrate our one year anniversary on the air on April 6, 2021,” she said. The news program has evolved to a full half-hour newscast carried by FNX and many public television stations across the country. It also airs on an Aboriginal channel in Australia. The show is produced at Arizona PBS and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. Desiderio named new NCAI CEO, to lead organization through new challenges WASHINGTON – The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is pleased to announce that Dante Desiderio has been selected as the organization’s new chief executive officer and he will join NCAI on May 11, 2021. In his new position, Desiderio will oversee the day-to-day management and operations of the organization for an improved path to success for NCAI and the NCAI Fund. He will report directly to the NCAI Executive Committee. “We are thrilled to welcome Dante Desiderio back to NCAI as our new CEO at this critical time. He was NCAI’s director of economic policy during the Great Recession, the last time our country faced such uncertain and challenging economic times. As we emerge from a global pandemic and the social and economic instability that come with such monumental challenges, there is no better leader to guide us through the recovery and rebuilding effort or to help us navigate the future as it pertains to policy and opportunities with the American Rescue Plan,” said NCAI President Fawn Sharp. “It’s been a stressful year for all of Indian Country and with Dante’s leadership, I’m confident we will build our Tribal nations back stronger, more resilient and healthier than ever.” Desiderio, a citizen of the Sappony Tribe, comes to NCAI from the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), where he spent 10 years as the organization’s executive director. During his tenure, he increased the organization’s commitment to its members and grew its national profile as a steward for Tribal economic development. He instituted the NAFOA Member Tribes model and successfully transitioned NAFOA to a tribally led organization. “I am honored to be selected by the National Congress of American Indians to serve as their chief executive officer,” Desiderio said. “I’ve always loved NCAI’s work on behalf of their Tribal members Funded Orthodontic Treatment Screening and on behalf of Indian Country as a whole. I look forward to serving once again at an organization I respect and with a team that puts their whole heart into their work, and am ready to meet the challenges ahead. I thank the NCAI Board for the trust they put in me and for the opportunity to return to the Embassy and lead the NCAI team as we work together for the betterment of all of Indian Country.” Desiderio’s time in Native American economic policy includes work on multiple economic stimulus and rescue packages, such as the Troubled Asset Relief Program under President George W. Bush and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act under President Barack Obama. He was an essential advocate and organizer of Tribal leadership voices to ensure Indian Country’s inclusion in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) funding under President Donald Trump and now the American Rescue Plan (ARP) under President Joe Biden. “Dante’s background in leadership, finance and economic policy is second to none in Indian Country. He is the right person at the right time to lead NCAI,” Sharp said. “Dante is proof that the National Congress of American Indians – the oldest and largest and most representative American Indian and Alaska Native organization serving the broad interests of Tribal governments and communities – is a place where young Native Americans can come work, learn, grow, be mentored by the best and return to a leadership position. Dante is a success story I know staff can look to and aspire to be like.” Desiderio is also a leading policy expert in tax and finance, Tribal enterprise development, gaming, entrepreneurship among Tribal members, financial literacy and government contracting. During his career he has been responsible for advising organizations, Tribal leaders, federal officials and congressional offices on Tribal economic policy issues including tax and finance, Tribal enterprise development, gaming, entrepreneurship among Tribal members, financial literacy and government contracting, making him a leading national expert and advocate for Indian Country’s economic development and tax-related issues. For more information, visit ncai.org. May and June Community Transcription Project If you are interested in gaining skills transcribing and translating historical documents from Nuu-wee-ya’ please contact the Siletz language department at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us. The program hopes to announce opportunities to participate in the May-June training and transcription project soon – and may have stipends available for people interested in participating. How to access language materials online Virtual speaking groups and beginning community classes have begun again. Contact Nick Viles (nickv@ctsi.nsn.us) for login information. Ch’ee-la xwii-t’i (Greetings everyone) General Council Virtual Meeting Saturday, May 1, 2021 • 1 p.m. • Siletz, Oregon Call to Order Invocation Flag Salute Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes Special Presentation Tribal Council Members Committee Reports *Tribal Members’ Concerns Chairman’s Report Announcements Adjourn Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to continue to keep the membership safe/healthy, the May 1, 2021. General Council Meeting will be on the Zoom platform. For access to the meeting link and access code, please email generalcouncil@ ctsi.nsn.us. Please include your name and roll number in the email. The meeting link and access code will be distributed to your email address on April 30, 2021, by 4:30 p.m. *If you would like to discuss Tribal members’ concerns, please indicate so in your email. The Tribal chairman will call upon Tribal members in the order the requests are received. The deadline to request the meeting link and to discuss Tribal members’ concerns is April 28, 2021. If you sign up to discuss your concerns, your name with Zoom will need to match the name with which you register. To assist Tribal members during this time of social distancing and the interruption of our normal schedules, this tutorial on how to access language materials and recordings from the Tribal website has been developed. I hope you and your families are safe and healthy during this time. Hopefully many folks can access these materials from the safety of their homes. Go to www.ctsi.nsn.us. Enter in your roll number and last four digits of your Social security number to log on to the Tribal member access area. Click on “Our Heritage.” On the drop down, click on “Language.” Lots of written and recorded materials are available in this section. The Nuu-wee-ya’ (Our Words) Language Dictionary is on this page. You can click on the selection A to Z to look up written English language words and their Athabaskan equivalent. Also on this page are Siletz Dee-ni Volumes 1, 2 & 3. Just click on “Study Materials” and scroll down. Volume 1 contains lessons on body parts, counting, relatives, foods and table talk. In these lessons, the written word on the screen is accompanied by audio of the word’s pronunciation. Volume 2 contains animals, birds, colors, fish, greetings and goodbyes, insects, and trees and brush. Volume 3 contains lessons on sentence structure and word order. Each lesson has a complete practical alphabet sound chart. All three volumes have a word document and audio recording for each lesson. Tests are available if you want to use them. To access the Siletz Talking Dictionary, click on Siletz Language website. Drop down three lines and click on www.siletzlanguage.org, go to the Talking Dictionary tab and click on it. The Siletz Talking Dictionary Page will appear. Just below the words “Search for” is an empty white box. Type in the word you are searching for and click on the “search” button. The word and the Athabaskan equivalent will appear just below the search box. To hear the word being spoken, simply click on the red ear icon on the left side of the page. You may have to wait a few seconds for the page and sound to load, depending on your connectivity. Some of the words also have pictures. Also on the www.siletzlanguage. org website are 14 Language learning videos and many other culture-related videos, materials and curriculum. May 2021 • Siletz News • 13 SERVICES AVAILABLE Mental Health Services & Life Alert Mental Health Services  What services are available? • Counseling Services – individual or family • Psychiatry Services • Psychology Services y Up to 8-visits annually (more if medically necessary)  • 541-444-9648 to speak with a PRC representative. Prior to making an appointment with a provider – confirm the provider will accept PRC as payment. Benefits are limited, first-come, firstserved. • •  • Who’s eligible? Siletz Tribal members eligible for Purchased/Referred Care (PRC), formerly Contract Health Services (CHS).  How do I get benefits? • CALL PRC at 800-628-5720 or • What you need to know: After calling PRC for benefits, the patient will receive a letter with program details. The letter also provides information that the patient can give to their provider for payment processing information. You will not be required to use other resources first. This will allow you to go to a provider who does not accept Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid or your private insurance. Life Alert  Please contact your local community health advocate (CHA) if you think you or another Tribal elder could benefit from Life Alert. • Eligibility Criteria: • Enrolled Tribal member eligible for PRC • Work with CHA to determine need/apply for local services  Steps to get Life Alert: • • Contact your local CHA – The CHA will determine if you meet the criteria for Life Alert (examples: live alone, health condition, etc.) “Hi, I can help with OHP.” Siletz Tribal Behavioral Health Programs Prevention, Outpatient Treatment, and Women’s and Men’s Transitional Living Center For information on Alcoholics Anonymous: aa-oregon.org Siletz Tribal Vocational Rehabilit ation Program (STVRP) STVRP is here to assist members of ANY federally recognized Tribe to overcome barriers to employment. We work with individuals who have disabilities and are living within the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians 11 county service area. Examples of Services:           Guidance and Counseling Referral to Services Employment Services Resume Writing Interviewing Techniques Job Coaching Culturally Relevant Individualized Services Evaluations and Assessments Training Placement Opportunities Adaptive Equipment For more information about the STVRP, please inquire at 1-800-922-1399. Services are provided in ALL area offices, however, to inquire about services, ask to be transferred to the office nearest you listed below. EUGENE AREA OFFICE 2468 West 11th Eugene, OR 97402 SALEM AREA OFFICE SILETZ ADMIN. OFFICE 3160 Blossom Dr NE, Ste 105 Salem, OR 97305 201 SE Swan Ave Siletz, OR 97380 CURRENTL Y OPEN Program Director EUGENE – JERAMIE MARTIN, SALEM - TONI LEIJA, Counselor/Job Developer SILETZ – RACHELLE ENDRES, Counselor/Job Developer • Spiritual • Intellectual / Mind Siletz Tribal Voc. Rehab. • Emotional 14 • Siletz News • • Physical May 2021 The CHA will assist you in applying for Life Alert at no cost through community options. If you do not qualify for Life Alert at no cost, the Siletz Community Health Clinic will cover the cost.  You can reach the community health advocates at: • Siletz – Amy Garrett or Hannah Glaser at 541-444-1030 Salem – Cecilia Tolentino at 503390-9494 Eugene – Adrienne Crookes at 541484-4234 Portland – Andrew Johanson at 503238-1512 • • • 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. 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 • 541-444-9611 Shop for health plans at https://or.checkbookhealth.org/ or call direct at 855-268-9767. Scholarships • Fastweb (scholarship search engine) • Big Future (scholarship search engine) • Pacific Northwest Scholarship Guide (scholarship search engine) • OregonStudentAid.gov • Full Circle Scholarship Deadline: May 31, 2021 • Assoc. on American Indian Affairs Undergraduate/Graduate Scholarships Deadline: May 31, 2021 • Open Education Database Graduate and Ph.D. Scholarships Deadline: Varies • Tribal College and University Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • American Indian Service Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • American Indian s Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • American Institute of CPAs Deadline: Varies • American Meteorological Society Minority Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • Army Emergency Relief Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • Accenture American Indian Scholarships Deadline: May 2021 • Wells Fargo Undergraduate Scholarships Deadline: May 2021 • George R. R. Martin Literary Foundation Scholarships Deadline: June 1, 2021 • Catching the Dream Scholarships Deadline: Ongoing • NBCU Academy Scholarship Deadline: June 1, 2021 • College Board Scholarship Deadline: Ongoing • AIS Scholarship Deadline: Varies • Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Deadline: Varies Important information for college-bound Tribal seniors • • • • • • • • • • • Doris O’Donnell Innovations in Investigative Journalism Fellowship Deadline: June 30, 2021 • NW Native American Research Centers for Health Research Support Fellowship Deadline: Rolling • American Indian Graduate Center Deadline: Ongoing • Northwestern University’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research Undergraduate Fellowships Deadline: Rolling • NOAA Fellowships Deadline: Ongoing • NBC News Summer Fellows Program Deadline: Ongoing • Master of Forest Resources Fellowships Deadline: Open until filled • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Deadline: Multiple • Claremont Native American Fellowship Deadlines: Multiple Visit OregonStudentAid.gov to check out more than 500 grant and scholarship opportunities. June Tribal higher education and adult vocational training applications are due June 30! Attend graduation – congratulations! Make arrangements for your final grades to be sent to colleges and universities. Good luck! Internships Fellowships • May This is the deadline for final decisions for universities. Send letter of intent to registrar. Line up a summer job. Attend your Senior Awards Night. Review any award letters and be sure you understand the terms and conditions that accompany each type of aid. If necessary, arrange for housing and a meal plan (at school). Send thank you notes to any person/ committee from which you received a scholarship. • NOAA Internships Deadline: Ongoing • Saturday Academy Internships Deadline: Multiple • Code Switch Internship Deadline: Various • • HP 3D Printing Engineering Intern Deadline: Open until filled EPA Environmental Research and Business Support Program Deadline: Multiple • • WOTE Agricultural Incubator Internship Deadline: Various National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Deadline: Multiple CTSI Tribal Youth Online Academic Support NOW SEEKING VOLUNTEERS TO HELP ILLUSTRATE BEGINNER PICTURE BOOKS IN OUR DEE-NI WEE-YA' LANGUAGE Use your creativity to help support our littlest language learners All Ages (toddlers to elders) and Skill Levels Welcome to Participate To get started please contact: Nick Viles (nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or Jessica Hibler (jessicah@ctsi.nsn.us) 541-484-4234 To sign up contact your local education specialist: Siletz and Out of Area-Alissa alissal@ctsi.nsn.us; PDX- Katy Katyh@ctsi.nsn.us; Salem and Eugene-Sonya sonyamj@ctsi.nsn.us PLEASE NOTE: On-line tutoring access is funded with US CARES Act Funds: Students MUST register by October 31, 2021. Tutoring hours are available on a first-come-first-serve basis as resources are available May 2021 • Siletz News • 15 Tribal Council Timesheets for March 2021 Sharon Edenfield – 3/1/21-3/31/21 Frank Aspria – 3/1/21-3/31/21 TC .5 1 1.25 Ind .5 1 1.25 Gmg 5 STBC ED Tvl 3 3/3-7 3/8 1 3/9 Housing mtg, packets Special TC, packets TERO wkshp, STBC packet, gaming report, packets 3/10 Gaming policies 3/11 Mtg 3/12 Special TC – gaming 3/15 Special TC, mobile gaming 3/16-18 Packets 3/19 Regular TC 3/20 Read STBC info for wkshp 3/23 Sheriff compl, GM lawsuit, GR letter from Umatilla 3/24 STBC & Election Ordinance wkshps 3/30 Housing policy/interviews 2 1.5 .5 4.5 3.25 .5 4.5 3.25 3 .5 1.5 2 1.75 1.75 .5 .5 2.5 2.5 2 Lillie Butler – 3/1/21-3/31/21 TC 8.5 2.25 2.25 Ind 8.5 2.25 2.25 Gmg STBC ED Tvl 3/1-5 3/8 3/9-10 3/11 3/12 3/15 3/16-18 3/19 3/22 3/24-31 4 2.5 1 2 5.75 3.75 2 10 1 2 5.75 3.75 2 10 3.5 Packets Council, packets Wkshp, game Mtg, packets Special TC – gaming, packets Council, packets Pow-wow, packets Regular TC Chemawa Station LLC, packets Wkshps, packets Loraine Y. Butler – 3/1/21-3/31/21 TC 1 1.25 2.25 .5 Ind 1 1.25 2.25 .5 Gmg 3.5 STBC ED Tvl 3/2-7 3/8 3/9 3/11 3/12 3/15-18 3/19 3/22 3/24 4 3.25 3.5 3.5 .5 1.5 3.5 3.5 .5 1.5 2 Packets Special TC, packets TERO wkshp, packets STBC mtg/packet, CPT Special TC – gaming Special TC, packets Regular TC Chemawa Station LLC STBC & Election Ordinance wkshps, packets TC 1 .75 3 Ind 1 .5 2.75 1.5 .75 3.75 .5 1.5 .75 3.75 .5 Address: _________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: _____________ ZIP: __________ Telephone: Day ( ) __________________ Evening ( ) ______________________ ____ Housing Committee (1 vacancy for term ending February 2022) If you have any questions, please call Tami Miner, executive secretary to Tribal Council, at 800-922-1399, ext. 1203, or 541-444-8203. 16 • Siletz News • May 2021 3/4 3/8 3/9-10 3/12 3/17 3/18 3/19 3/24 FEMA Special TC TERO wkshp, minutes, packets Special TC – gaming Packets Mediation/CARES cons Regular TC Election wkshp Alfred Lane III – 3/1/21-3/31/21 TC 1.25 2.75 Ind 1.25 2.75 .5 .5 .5 1 3.75 .5 .5 .5 1 3.75 Gmg STBC ED Tvl 3/5 3/8 3/11 3/12 3/15 3/18 3/19 3.5 Audit/Investment Comm Special TC, mtg w/ GM & staff, TERO wkshp Packets Special TC – gaming, Special TC STRCP Willamette Falls mtg, evals Regular TC Delores Pigsley – 3/1/21-3/31/21 TC 4.75 3.5 1.75 1.25 1.5 Ind 4.75 3.5 1.75 1.25 1.5 .75 .5 2 1.5 2 .75 .5 2 1.5 2 4.25 .5 4.25 .5 .5 .5 1 Gmg .5 STBC ED Tvl .25 .25 3 1.5 4 3/1-4 3/5 3/6-7 3/8 3/9 3/10 3/11 3/12-14 3/16-17 3/18 2.5 3 1 3/19-21 3/22 .25 .5 3/23 1 .25 2 3/24 5 5 1.25 1 1 3/25-30 3/31 Mail, agenda items, prep for mtgs Audit/Investment Comm, mail Tour of FEMA homes, mail Special TC, mail Nat’l Indian Gaming mtg, personnel, mail, agenda items Mail, agenda items, prep for STBC STBC mtg, mail, agenda items Special TC – gaming, mail Conf call – Tribes, mail Gov conf call on Willamette Falls, mail, prep for council Regular TC, mail Chemawa Station LLC, mail, agenda items Prep for STBC wkshp, mail, prep for council STBC & Enrollment Ordinance wkshps, mail, agenda items Consent Decree task force, agenda items, mail Sen. Merkley call, mail Selene Rilatos – 3/1/21-3/31/21 Position is Open Until Filled Name: ________________________________________ Roll No: ____________ STBC ED Tvl 3.5 2021 Housing Committee Vacancy Any Tribal member interested in consideration to serve on a committee is encouraged to fill out this form and return to the council office. Please mail, fax or email your application to Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Attn: Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549; fax: 541-444-8325; email: tamim@ctsi.nsn.us. Gmg TC 1.75 4.5 1.75 5.5 Ind 1.75 4.5 1.75 5.5 Gmg 3 3 3.5 1.5 1.25 3.5 2.25 4.5 6.25 1 5.25 1.5 1.25 3.5 2.25 4.5 6.25 1 5.25 STBC ED Tvl 1 1.5 3/1 3/2-6 3/8 3/9-11 Health Comm, COVID, email Interviews, COVID, email, packets TC mtg, COVID, email TERO, STBC mtg, COVID, email, packets 3/12-13 TC – OHA mtg, COVID, email, packets 3/15 TC mtg – COVID, email 3/16 PW mtg, email, COVID 3/17 Hearing, email, packets 3/18 COVID, packets, email 3/19 Regular TC 3/20-23 Email, packets, COVID 3/24 Wkshp, mail 3/25-30 COVID, email, packets May 2021 MEMORIAL DAY BINGO Guests who buy-in for the Matinee session will receive a FREE patriotic flashlight while supplies last. Guests who buy-in will also receive one FREE paper Flag game that pays $500. Limit one Flag game per guest. Platinum Package is on sale for $67. MONDAY, MAY 31 AT 1PM LATE NIGHT EDITION HEADLINER DEREK RICHARDS Spring has finally arrived, bringing a sense of renewal and hope! At Chinook Winds, spring also brings GREEN in the form of over $45,000 in CASH & PRIZES! $45,000 Spring! INTO CASH FEATURING JEFF BODART May 7 & 8 • 9:30pm, $15 Tickets available at the Chinook Winds Casino Resort Box Office. Buy by phone at 1-888-MAIN-ACT (1-888-624-6228), 541-996-5776 or online. 21 and over event, doors open at 9pm with a no-host bar. DRAWINGS Sundays & Thursdays in May at 7pm HOST ALFONSO OCHOA A high stakes win is always SWEET, but now the wins are also SAVORY. You could win up to $5000 CASH if called to play our Springtime Kiosk Game! COLLECT FREE ENTRIES DAILY STARTING APRIL 26: MEMBER: 1 FREE ENTRY MVP: 2 FREE ENTRIES PREMIER: 3 FREE ENTRIES ELITE: 4 FREE ENTRIES Each drawing, two finalists win $500 CASH and 500 $AND DOLLARS and entry to a sizzling competition on the HIGH STEAKS board to determine who also wins an PREMIUM STEAK BOX Collect a drawing entry for every 250 points earned on Elite Room slots on Fridays and Saturdays. Drawings Fridays and Saturdays • 9pm • May 1 - May 29 Collect a bonus entry with every 100 points earned on Slots, Tables, Keno, Bingo and Sports Wagering. Complete rules at Winners Circle. Management reserves the right to alter or withdraw this promotion at any time. chinookwinds.com • 1-888-CHINOOK • Lincoln City Collect even more entries with your tracked play in the casino; one bonus entry for every 100 points earned on Slots, Tables, Keno, Bingo and Sports Wagering. May 2021 • Siletz News • 17 Three projects for you to help get our communities ready for wildfire season Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 1 Last year, Oregon experienced some of the most devastating wildfires in its history. Wildfires are destructive, but controlled fires from cultural and prescribed burns, are necessary for the habitat and first foods, such as huckleberries and salmon, to thrive. Cultural and prescribed burns are safe and effective ways to maintain the health of fields and forests across the state. Another effective way to maintain a healthy habitat is by working together to protect our communities from wild- fire, which makes it easier to use the cultural burns that help the habitat and first foods flourish. • Wildfires can quickly destroy communities. Embers can travel more than a mile on high winds and start new fires by landing on dry brush, pine needles and wood. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 1 – a nationally recognized day to work together to protect our homes and communities from wildfire. • Project 2: Create a home inventory and build a financial backpack. To start a home inventory, use a phone or camera to take pictures of each room in the home. Open closets, drawers and cupboards, and do not forget storage areas, such as barns, attics and the garage. Next, build a financial backpack. Collect important documents, such as titles, deeds and financial records. Make copies or place them and your home inventory in a safe place to quickly grab if you need to escape an approaching fire. These tasks help people recover by saving them time, money and stress during and after a wildfire. • Project 3: Review insurance policies. Take time to meet with your insurance company or agent. Review the deductibles, exclusions and coverage limits of your policies and discuss any major purchases or home improvements that were made. Keeping policies up to date helps make sure you have the right amount of coverage if disaster strikes. If you do not have insurance, talk to a professional about the cost and how it can help you recover from For the 2021 Wildfire Community Preparedness Day, here are three projects we can do together to limit the spread of wildfires and keep our families and communities safe: Chinook Winds Casino Resort Follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook or visit our website at chinookwindscasino.com. For more information about events in North Lincoln County, visit lcchamber.com, oregoncoast.org or lincolncity-culturalcenter.org. Project 1: Create defensible space around homes. This is done by removing dry leaves, dead brush, debris and pine needles from yards and gutters. Next, trim trees away from homes, barns and sheds, and place screens over open vents on homes. These tasks reduce the fuels that enable wildfires to spread and give firefighters time to slow the blaze. accidents and disasters. If you do not own a home, consider renters insurance. It costs about $15 to $30 per month and helps cover your personal belongings. The 2021 wildfire season will soon be upon us. Communities that work together to complete these three projects will be better prepared to keep their families, homes and communities safe from wildfire. These communities will also help improve the effectiveness of cultural and prescribed burns, allowing the habitat and first foods to thrive. For more Wildfire Community Preparedness Day resources, visit the National Fire Prevention Association’s free toolkit and resources page at nfpa.org/ Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/ Wildfire/National-Wildfire-CommunityPreparedness-Day. For more information on creating a home inventory and financial backpack, visit the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation’s Wildfire Insurance Resources page at dfr.oregon.gov/insure/home/ storm/Pages/wildfires.aspx. If you have insurance questions, contact your insurance company. If you still have questions, contact the Division of Financial Regulation’s insurance advocates at dfr.oregon.gov/help/Pages/index.aspx. This guest column is brought to you by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation. For more information, visit dfr.oregon.gov. Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is May 1. Let’s work together to protect our families and first foods. Calling all Tribal member business owners If you would like to be on the preferred Tribal members business list with Chinook Winds, please fax, mail, email or drop off your business card, brochures, or business information to: Chinook Winds Casino Resort Attn: Purchasing Dept. 1777 NW 44th St. Lincoln City, OR 97367 Phone: 541-996-5853 Fax: 541-996-3847 erica@cwcresort.com If you want to be part of a great team and looking for a new career opportunity, Please call Human Resources at (541) 996-5800 or (541) 996-5806. www.chinookwindscasino.com/careers Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Ore., offers 24-hour Las Vegasstyle gaming, an 18-hole golf course, headline entertainment from some of music’s most legendary stars, three full-service restaurants, a secure child care facility and arcade, and a 243-room ocean-view hotel. For more information, visit chinookwindscasino.com, or call 888-CHINOOK (244-6665) or 541-996-5825. 18 • Siletz News • May 2021 Cultural burns are a safe way to maintain a healthy habitat for first foods, such as deer, salmon, and huckleberries to thrive. Another way to maintain a healthy habitat is by working together to protect our communities from wildfire. Visit nfpa.org for a free toolkit to help protect your home from wildfire. Visit dfr.oregon.gov for tips and resources to create a home inventory and build a financial backpack. Consumer and Business Services Division of Financial Regulation To the editor: Recently on the news I heard a spokesperson mention a plan of paying reparation to descendants of African Americans who were made slaves. Then I thought about the Japanese Americans who were rounded up and put into camps when WWII started. They didn’t become slaves but they did lose their dignity and freedom. Now that brings me to the Native Americans, our ancestors, and when the white man came to this country and eventually they rounded up the natives and put them on reservations. They not only lost their dignity and their freedom, they lost their land and their lives because a bounty was paid for every Indian’s scalp brought in. The hair of the natives was of a distinctly different texture, meaning the whole body was not needed. Scalps of adults, elders, youth and even babies were presented for payment. We have received “timber payments” over the years, but the payments were never called “reparation payments” and were never nearly enough to make up for what the white man did to the natives. Possibly now that the new Secretary of the Interior is Native American we may, at last, get the “dues we are owed.” She has already made mention to the bounty paid for native scalps. Maybe now this country will know it was the white man that started the scalping and the natives did it only in retaliation. It’s about time the true history of Native Americans was reported and hopefully recorded in history books someday. In conclusion, I wish to mention in the 1970s there was talk of the government giving one member of each native family 160 acres of land. That may have been reparation, but 20 years or so went by and no further mention. Twenty years ago, or so, the Tribe hired someone to research and investigate the mysterious 160 acres. More years had passed when Charles Wilkinson wrote the book about the history of the Siletz Indians in 2010. He did not mention those 160 acres. Did he find the information and choose not to include it? Is it possible he found no record of it? I’d like an answer to that question. In this country today, if there are descendants deserving of reparation by the government that would be the Native Americans. So do we get in line or what? Sincerely yours, Virgene Blair Luhui Whitebear, Candidate for Corvallis School Board • • • • Occupation: Student Affairs Occupational Background: Tribal Higher Education Educational Background: Oregon State University: Ph.D. Women, Gender & Sexuality Studies; MAIS; BS Anthropology & Ethnic Studies Prior Governmental Experience: Corvallis School Board A Voice of Change for the Future I am an Indigenous mother with children in our local schools. After being appointed last year, I am running because of my passion for community-based advocacy work. My priorities rely on in-depth data analysis, science and a detailed understanding of budget processes in addressing community needs focusing on: • • • Education Stronger support of student mental health, food/shelter and whole-self leads to increased graduation rates. I am committed to holistic student support as we prepare for fuller return to in-person learning. Equity I support the district’s equity lens used in advancing all its goals for student success. Leading through an equitable lens leads to stronger academic outcomes and lower instances of bullying. Anti-Racism I understand the responsibility of board members in ensuring the district’s commitment to anti-racism is based in action. I will hold myself accountable in supporting this transformational district commitment. Endorsements State Senator Sara Gelser State Representatives Dan Rayfield, Tawna Sanchez Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse Corvallis Mayor & City Council: Biff Traber, Mayor; Hyatt Lytle, President; Andrew Struthers, Vice-President; Ed Junkins, MD; Gabe Shepard; Charles Maughan, Ward 2 Philomath Mayor Chas Jones Corvallis School Board: Dr. Sami Al-Abdrabbuh, Chair; Sarah Finger McDonald, Ph.D., Vice-Chair; Tina Baker Organizations: Corvallis Education Association, Oregon School Employees Association Chapter 2, Stand For Children, Linn Benton Lincoln Central Labor Chapter of Oregon AFL-CIO, Planned Parenthood PAC of Oregon, Benton County Democratic Central Committee, Our Revolution – Corvallis Allies, Corvallis Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Community: Jason J. Dorsette, Co-Founder, SoulForce Education LLC; Shauna Tominey, Ph.D.; Deborah Maytubee Shipman; Dharma Leria Mirza; Lorena Reynolds; Dr. Melissa Bird; Susan Bernardin; Charlene Martinez; Mica Habarad; Nichole Hoffman; Abigail Kurfman; Jimbo Ivy Furnished by Luhui for Corvallis School Board: whitebearfor509j.org Tribal members: In Remembrance MMIWG memorial scholarship is now available to any Tribal member pursuing a degree in either substance abuse, mental health and social service counseling. As previously reported in SILETZ NEWS, this scholarship was developed by incarcerated Siletz Tribal members to financially assist our members in obtaining their counseling credentials in these specific career fields while simultaneously memorializing our stolen and slain sisters. Applications are available by contacting your area office education specialist or by writing: In Remembrance, Attn: Alan Kentta, Director, P.O. Box 473, Pendleton, OR 97801. Applications are due by June 30, 2021. Award recipient will be notified on July 29, 2021. Award check, certificate and eagle feather to be presented at our Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow. Due to timelines, we strongly urge applicants to immediately apply. Because this scholarship was established by incarcerated Siletz Tribal members in the Oregon Department of Corrections, we would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge our fallen warriors who have died in custody or shortly upon their release. We offer this year’s scholarship award in special recognition and dedication to James “Big Jimmy” Reed (Siletz, died in custody), Bernadino “Star Chief” Garcia (Siletz, died in custody), Paul “Polo” Viejo (Navajo, died in custody), Phyl Mendacino[sic](Lame Deer, died in custody) and Jacob “Star Bear” Holmes (Grand Ronde/Siletz, released). We pray you have found the peace you each valiantly struggled for in life. In remembrance, Alan T. Kentta To the editor: I would like to give thanks to Creator for prayers being answered. March 11, 2021, Native American detainees at the Lincoln County Jail can now possess religious (eagle) prayer feather(s). Reconciliation has been long overdue at this facility. There have been many attempts for this over the last 20+ years. Through legal battles and disrespect of traditional Indigenous culture, these things have been righted. There are further efforts that smudging and other Native religious services are offered; these things are an uphill battle with facility administration. Often unmerited, overbearing, subjective excuses are made, such as “safety and security,” to deny one’s rights to worship. With prayer, persistence and help from the community through education and eradication of old thinking, better things can be achieved for all Native peoples who may find themselves here at the Lincoln County Jail. Thank you to the people who have helped make this happened. Shu Ashi Nuu La! To educate the facility staff, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and carry on the struggle to halt ignorance, historical trauma, systematic racism and injustice. Your resolve and assistance is appreciated for the people! A big thank you to Tribal Council for not letting us get stuck with photocopied chicken feathers as “Native religious services.” Suu Ashi Nuu La! If you have a loved one here and they are interested in obtaining a prayer feather, have them submit a request to the jail counselor. We are doing our best to get them to those who chose to be accommodated. Feel free to make contact with Lincoln County Sheriff Curtis Landers at 251 W Olive St., Newport, OR 97365 or call 541-265-4277 to encourage, show support of Native religious services here at L.C.J. or contact Siletz Tribal Council. Avocation for smudging, pipe ceremonies, drumming and singing would be appreciated. Help stop ignorance, systematic racism, historical trauma, injustice of oppression of Native traditions upon our ancestral lands. Suu Ashi Nuu La! Respectfully, Sage Butler Tribal employment information is available at ctsi.nsn.us. 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 general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief of Siletz News. Editor-in-Chief: Mike Kennedy Editor: Diane Rodriquez Assistant: Andy Taylor May 2021 • Siletz News • 19 Happy 21 st Birthday to Brendan Lal! Can’t believe you’re so grown up! C’mon, son! Love, Darcy and Sunny How can this girl be 9? Happy Birthday to my sweet girl, Deenie, on May 17. Love, Mom Free child ID kits from the Oregon State Police Happy Birthday, Mama! We love you so much and are thankful every day for you. Enjoy your birthday! 503-934-0188, 800-282-7155 or child.idkits@state.or.us May 13 – Happy Birthday to little brother Lakota Bayya! We miss you and we’re waiting patiently to see you. You’re so loved, keep doing the next right thing and the rest will fall into place. We love you, bro. Love, Sissy, Mom, Chevelle, Jess and the rest of us here on the Rez ❤ Happy 18th Birthday, Andrew Mike! Congratulations on graduating from high school early! We are beyond proud of you and all your accomplishments. Love, your family Be safe. Stay home. Stay well. For more information about the Siletz Tribal language program, please visit siletzlanguage.org. 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. CTSI ELDERS INTEREST QUESTIONNAIRE To Form a Virtual CTSI History Book Club To learn, preserve and pass on our Tribal history, the Siletz Tribal Elders are exploring hosting a regular Book Club meeting to read and discuss “The People are Dancing Again.” We invite interested people to respond to this notice and answer the following questions: 1.Your name and the best way to contact you. 2.What days/times would you be able to attend? 3.How often would you like to meet? Monthly? Weekly? Other? We're Back! Calling all Gamers, k-12 CTSI Minecraft Gathering! May 22nd, 11am 4.Suggestions of other books to read. Please respond to: Brian Crump Elders Council Coordinator Phone: 541-444-8233 Email: brianc@ctsi.nsn.us Contact: jacobr@ctsi.nsn.us for registration [ 20 • Siletz News • May 2021 ( ) () ] --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_siletz%3A5bc8d4b4e2448b12. Public record. Not legal advice.