SILETZ NEWS (2026)
Tribal code
Ask Donna
What actually matters in this document.
Text
SILETZ NEWS
Presorted
First-Class
U.S. Postage
Paid - Permit
No. 178
Salem, OR
Delores Pigsley,
Tribal Chairman
Kurtis Barker
Chief Executive Officer
and Editor-in-Chief
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Vol. 54, No. 06
Siletz News
Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
June 2026
The CARE Program launches Mobile Healing Unit, expands support for victims
By Serena DePoe
The CARE team is honored to
introduce our new Mobile Healing
Unit (MHU), a project developed to
bring vital support services to our
Siletz community members who
have become victims of crime in a
safe, compassionate, confidential and
accessible way.
The project grew after completion of the federally recognized SAFESTAR (Sexual Assault Forensic
Examination, Support, Training and
Resources) 40-hour training. CARE
team members, alongside Siletz Tribal
community members, were trained
to deliver emergency first aid, collect
forensic evidence to promote accountability for perpetrators, coordinate
with law enforcement so victims do
not have police contact, and deliver a
unique model of assistance focused on
serving our Siletz community.
Serena DePoe, our Siletz Tribal
CARE sexual assault victims advocate,
Photo by Andy Taylor
The new Mobile Healing Unit bus
MHU, on page 5
Feeling tired? Let’s dive in for an alternative look and real solutions
By Mike Flaningam M.D. | SCHC
What’s your favorite way of saying you’re tired? Is it wiped out?
Fatigued? Exhausted? Run down?
How about pooped? It seems that
being burned out is so common that
we get tired (pun intended) of saying
it the same old ways and are always
looking for a new term to describe it.
At our clinic, we routinely
hear this complaint not only from the
patients we serve, but also from the
hard-working staff. There are so many
causes of fatigue that I won’t provide
an exhaustive list here (last stupid
pun, I promise) and instead am going
to talk about three underappreciated
causes. I’ll be so bold as to say that
these causes are the explanation for
fatigue in over 90% of cases.
Insufficient restful sleep
Is your tiredness a sleepy kind
of tired? Could you nap easily, if you
were given the chance? If so, then
you’re not getting enough quality
sleep. This could be from not spending enough time actually sleeping (7+
hours per night for adults) or you’re
getting decent time asleep but it’s not
a deep, restorative sleep.
The most common reason
for this latter issue is sleep apnea, a
condition most commonly caused by
a person’s throat closing up when they
go into deep stages of sleep. Not being
able to breathe well then prevents the
person from staying in those deep
stages that are critical for our body to
recharge its batteries.
Someone with sleep apnea will
wake up after 7+ hours of sleep feeling
like they could go right back to sleep.
I won’t go into the treatments here
and instead will suggest you see your
Rest, on page 10
Siletz youth honoring the past and empowering the future through storytelling
By Andy Taylor
For generations, tribal storytelling
has served as more than conversation—it is a living thread that connects
the past, present, and future. Within
Indigenous communities, stories
carry cultural knowledge, survival
teachings, values, and identity. They
ensure that traditions endure, that
voices of elders are not lost, and that
younger generations understand both
the beauty and the struggles that
shaped their people.
Generational storytelling is an act
of resilience. It preserves language,
reinforces identity, and strengthens
the bonds between youth and elders.
Through shared stories, young people
gain a deeper understanding of who
they are and where they come from,
while elders pass forward wisdom
gained through lived experience. This
exchange is vital not only for individuals, but for the strength and continuity
of the entire tribal community.
At the heart of this effort, the
Siletz Tribal Youth Council demonstrated leadership, initiative, and
pride by hosting a recent storytelling
gathering entirely on their own. With
support from tribal staff as a guiding
avenue, the youth took responsibility
for organizing the event, preparing the
space, and ensuring everything came
together successfully.
From setting up the venue to
preparing a thoughtful meal, the
youth were fully engaged. In the
kitchen, they worked together to cook
a traditional fish head stew. Under
the guidance of Healthy Traditions
Photo by Andy Taylor
Marlene Stewart, Ray Ben, and Selene Rilatos told stories together
Elders, on page 8
Oregon braces for potentially dangerous fire season as heat and drought loom
By Andy Taylor
Oregon may be heading into one
of its most challenging fire seasons in
years, driven by record low snowpack
across all mountain ranges, ongoing
drought conditions and forecasts calling for a hotter than average summer,
state and federal forecasters say.
After one of the warmest winters
on record, snow failed to accumulate
across much of the Cascade Range
and eastern Oregon, leaving forests
and grasslands unusually dry months
before peak fire season typically
begins. Experts say the lack of snow,
which normally acts as a natural
shield and reservoir into late spring,
has increased the likelihood of early
and fast moving wildfires.
“This year checks many of the
boxes we see before high-activity seasons,” said Oregon State Climatologist Larry O’Neill, who has compared
Fire, on page 14
website. Our interactive maps allow
you to view tribally owned properties
within Lincoln County and throughout the state.
We have also published maps
specific to our timber properties and
hazard mitigation flood zoning areas.
The maps are updated annually to
keep the tribal membership informed
of current land holdings. To view
the maps, visit: https://ctsi.nsn.us/
other-maps/
Eugene Area Office
General Welfare Exclusion
The Administration provided an
update of our work regarding General
Welfare Exclusion at the May General
Council meeting. The presentation
from our administrative legal counsel
and tax attorney was recorded and is
available in the member area of the
CTSI website.
As stated in the meeting, staff
developed a frequently asked questions document that is also available
on the website. The next presentation
regarding the General Welfare Basic
Living Assistance Program will be
at the General Council Meeting on
August 1, 2026 at Chinook Winds
Casino Resort.
Tribal maps updated
The 2026 tribal maps have been
updated and are available on the CTSI
The Eugene Area Office has moved
into their new location at 2892 Crescent Ave., Eugene, OR 97408. The
building was renovated to upgrade
aging HVAC systems, windows, siding and carpets. We also did upgrades
to enhance staff safety and building
security. Staff coordinated the move in
May and will spend the next couple of
weeks settling into their new space. An
open house will be announced soon so
keep looking for that announcement.
Culture and education activities
Summer is nearer to us. The tribe
would like to congratulate our graduates this year. It is a monumental victory to be proud of. For those going
on to college, don’t forget the higher
education application deadline is
June 30. Also be on the lookout for
the laptop stipend, that opens June
Notice to Tribal Members
The August 1, 2026, General Council meeting is set to take place at
Chinook Winds Casino Resort. This meeting location has been moved
to accommodate the General Welfare presentation, to the membership
in partnership with Tribal Council.
You can find FAQ’s on the CTSI General Welfare Exclusion update,
in the news postings, on the members side of the website.
Lunch will be provided, at noon. The presentation will follow with
the beginning of the meeting, at 1 p.m.
Elders Council Meeting
The Elders Council will host an in-person/Zoom hybrid
meeting on Saturday, June 13, at 1 p.m. in the Takelma Room,
at Chinook Winds Casino Resort, in Lincoln City, Ore.
You can find all Elders Council meetings and the posted
agenda in the monthly Elders Newsletter. If you have any
questions, please contact the Elders Program at 541-444-8212.
Contact methods
for the Public
Information team:
Email: PIAS@ctsi.nsn.us
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
For questions, call
541-444-8293
2
•
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Deadline for the July issue is
of Siletz News is June 10, 2026.
Submission of articles and photos are encouraged.
Please check the Passages
Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages.
1, and closes when full. This is a firstcome-first-served program.
We also have our annual Culture
Camp approaching July 7-9. With
plenty of cultural activities for all ages
and skill levels, there will be plenty for
our Tribal Members to do.
This event is followed by the
Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow in August.
If you are wanting to be a vendor or
partake in the parade, all the applications can be found on the website, or
by contacting AJ Warren at AJW@
ctsi.nsn.us.
Oregon State Marine Board
The marine board is taking public
comments until June 30, on a proposed rule to modify boat operations
on the Siletz River and its tributaries.
The draft rule would ban motorized
use on all tributary streams, and on
the main stem of the river above Mill
Park in Siletz.
This draft rule is inconsistent with
the original petition submitted by the
Tribe which would restrict all motors
above Jack Morgan Park (approximately 8 miles further downstream
of Mill Park). The Tribe is still working to get a favorable vote to remove
motors above Jack Morgan Park but
we need strong public support to
get there. Public comments can be
submitted to Jennifer.cooper@boat.
oregon.gov until June 30, 2026.
If you want to keep up with events
and important information on the
tribe, please follow our official social
media. You can type in CTSI.gov in
the search bar and it will take you to
all our pages.
Lets brag about you! Graduates are
invited to share your big achievement
We are proud to recognize students at every stage of their educational journey, from high school
diplomas to associate, bachelor’s,
master’s, and doctoral degrees. Sharing these milestones not only honors
the hard work and dedication of our
graduates, but also inspires others
by showcasing the incredible accomplishments within our membership.
Graduation announcements offer
an important opportunity to highlight academic success and personal
growth. Whether it’s a first diploma
or an advanced degree, every achievement represents years of commitment
and perseverance. By submitting
these announcements, families and
friends can ensure their loved ones
receive the recognition they deserve
while also creating a lasting record of
their success within the community.
This is also a wonderful way to
show how strong and accomplished
our membership truly is. Seeing
the range of achievements from
high school graduates preparing for
the future to individuals earning
advanced degrees, this reflects the
dedication and potential of our community. It’s a chance to celebrate not
just individual success
We encourage you to take this
opportunity to proudly “brag” about
your loved ones and recognize their
hard work. Submit a photo and details
about the diploma or degree received,
and help us share these achievements
with our readers. Let’s celebrate this
season of accomplishment together!
So hury up and send your digital, high quality photo and diploma
earned to the public information team
at pias@ctsi.nsn.us.
Become a dance category sponsor of
the 2026 Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow
This summer, the Confederated
Tribes of Siletz Indians has partnered
with the Economic Development Alliance of Lincoln County (EDALC).
This will provide an opportunity for individuals and businesses
to sponsor dance categories for the
upcoming Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow,
taking place on Aug. 7-10, 2026, at the
Pauline Ricks Memorial Pow-Wow
Grounds in Siletz, Ore.
All sponsorships will be highlighted in the Siletz News and
announced during the Pow-Wow.
This is the third year that sponsorships are available to be processed on
an online platform.
If you sponsor a dance category,
or a place within a category, your
name and/or business name will be
announced by the emcee over the P.A.
system when the prize is awarded to
the winning dancer.
You can also choose to be an
anonymous donor, or provide a
general donation with no preference
to category. If you prefer in person
sponsorship, you can still sponsor a
category by contacting our Cultural
Education Manager, AJ Warren, at
AJW@ctsi.nsn.us.
The tribe would like to thank
EDALC for stepping up and providing
this platform. The Tribe itself does
not currently have an online donation
platform for this purpose, so EDALC
has generously stepped forward to
donate their staff time and Community Connector Grant Funds to this
website development, hosting, online
store, credit card fees, and other costs
related to this year’s project. This
platform also allows people to submit
general donations to the pow-wow, if
you so choose.
You can learn more about the
great work EDALC has done on the
tribe’s behalf by visiting their website
at takeactionlincolncounty.com.
If you have any questions about
this, you can reach out to Lisa Norton
at LisaN@ctsi.nsn.us.
Scan the QR code to find the
EDALC sponsorship page.
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
3
USDA distribution hours, both locations
Siletz
Salem
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed for all federal
and tribal holidays
Closed for all federal
and tribal holidays
Saturday, June 20, by appt. only
For those who work during these
hours, we will open the warehouse
on the first or third Saturday of each
month for better efforts to meet your
schedule at the Siletz warehouse.
There are no walk-in times, all
appointments will need to be scheduled in advance.
LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz
Tribal FDPIR. We would like to
see more people sharing their recipes
on our FB page.
Our Salem area warehouse is now
open to members full-time. This helps
our staff better serve our membership
more efficiently.
For questions contact:
USDA Distribution warehouse • Siletz
541-444-8279 or USDA@ctsi.nsn.us
Marci Taylor • Nutritionalist & clerk
541-444-8393 or Marcit@ctsi.nsn.us
Lori Brown • Salem area clerk & aide
541-390-0763 or Lorib@ctsi.nsn.us
Feeding your preschoolers with love and good sense
Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD, Siletz
Tribal Head Start Nutritionist
In my role as consultant nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start, I offer
information for families and the community. I support healthy relationships with food and eating practices,
especially while raising and supporting our children. The foundational
principles below are part of the Head
Start nutrition curriculum. This core
topic was also shared in Siletz Tribal
News, September 2021.
This information is found in the
book called “Child of Mine – Feeding
with Love and Good Sense”, by Ellyn
Satter. She also wrote a book called
“How to Get your Kid to Eat…But Not
Too Much”. Additional resources are
shared through www.ellynsatterinstitute.org.
As parents and care providers
for children, our responsibility is to
provide healthy food and to set up a
positive setting for eating. This not
only helps children get the proper
nutrients to grow and have energy to
learn, but it also develops a positive
relationship with food. This positive
relationship with food is big!
We also need to support our children by allowing them to engage in
their responsibilities. Sometimes, this
lack of trust in our children, is where
problems occur.
Golden Rule about eating, it’s the
parent’s responsibility to decide what
foods, when to offer, where to offer.
The child’s responsibility to be aware
of how much to eat and whether to eat.
Parents are the gatekeepers of:
When
• Set up a meal and snack routine
and stick to it (within reason).
• This helps children to be hungry
at meal time
• Your child won’t be interested in
eating if he or she isn’t hungry
or is over hungry (and noncooperative)
4
•
Siletz News
•
June 2026
• Keep the routine going, build
your life to include the routine
Where
• Set up a comfortable place for
your child to eat
• Free of distraction or TV
• At the table with the family is
excellent, when possible
What (or which foods)
• Make meals and snacks count
• Young children like toddlers and
preschoolers have little tummies
and need to eat often.
• Make healthy choices because
they are growing
• Foods should be age appropriate
• Offer variety – even if your child
does not choose to eat or even
taste all of them (it is still teaching
them and getting them used to the
idea – it often takes many times
before they are ready)
Children prefer familiar foods.
Continue to introduce new foods, one
at a time.
By seeing and eating a variety of
foods, your child will learn to like a
wider range of foods when older (this
is the long-term view, without pressure now).
The child’s responsibility includes
• Whether to eat (and which foods)
• Were you ever forced or coerced
to eat as a child? How do you feel
about those foods now?
• If your child isn’t interested in
food, he or she may not be hungry
• It is possible that the foods are
not right for them, and they are
self-regulating. i.e. allergy or food
sensitivity
How much? This might be hard
to do, but if you are laying the foundation to encourage your children
to follow their own internal hunger
cues, this is where you observe and
trust that they are learning. Your child
knows how to eat and grow. Once the
variety of healthy food is served at
regular meals and snacks, your child’s
responsibilities start.
Research studies show that when
children are offered a variety of
healthy foods, over time, they will
select a nutritional balance. Eating
problems develop when parents cross
the lines of responsibility! Applying
pressure to children to eat certain
foods does not work.
As a parent your job is to set limits
but not to coax or force children to
eat. Any time we try to get a child to
eat more or less than he wants, we
are “forcing”. This often results in
the opposite of what you want. It is
normal for children to vary in what
they like to eat and how much. Their
rate of growth varies too!
Tips to remember:
• Adults need to focus on their job
and then let go and let the child
do the rest.
• As adults, we set the stage for the
child to develop healthy habits.
• Normal eating is positive and flexible. It depends on internal cues to
regulate it.
• We can do our kids a favor by
helping them eat according to
body cues. Babies are born with
perfect internal food regulation.
We need to encourage the continuation of these patterns.
• With toddlers, respect when they
are hungry & let them stop when
they are full
• With preschoolers, and any age,
help them tune in to cues. Are
you hungry? Are you full? Respect
it. At snack time – serve healthy
food. Children will self-regulate
• Adults are the role models – children will copy. What example are
you setting? They learn from what
you do vs. what you say.
• Kids are growing – they need
nutrients – serve high quality
snacks (mini meals) such as fruit/
veg/yogurt/small sandwich, etc.
vs. cookies & chips
• Avoid overuse of juice and sweetened beverages as it replaces the
foods that supply the nutrition
that they need.
In summary, the parent is responsible for what, when and where of
feeding. The child is responsible for
how much and whether to eat. Children eat well when they are given
structure, opportunities to learn, and
limits. They eat the amount they need
and learn to like a variety of healthy
and beneficial food.
Children who grow up in families
that give them both love and limits
are most likely to become successful,
happy with themselves, and generous
with others. Children whose parents
are overly strict are likely to be obedient but unhappy; those children
whose parents have provided insufficient guidelines may lack self-control.
Please know that Siletz Tribal
Head Start offers support for nutritional consultation at no cost to Head
Start families. This usually occurs
over the telephone. If you have concerns about your Head Start child’s
nutrition or family nutrition concerns, please contact your teacher or
the director and ask to speak to the
nutritionist. We want to support your
children and families.
MHU, continued from page 1
led the development of the MHU,
aiming to enhance CARE program
services while ensuring survivors
receive comfort, support and culturally grounded, compassionate care in
a confidential and private setting. The
MHU delivers a broad spectrum of
services through CARE, Community
Health, medication-assisted therapy
(MAT) and Behavioral Health programs. These services directly address
challenges related to accessing culturally competent care due to geographic
barriers and a lack of traditional healing methods.
In rural areas like Siletz, response
time, privacy, and access to care can
make all the difference. If an incident occurs, access can be limited by
distance, transportation and lack of
immediate resources—often leaving
victims without the support they need
in critical moments.
The MHU exterior design was
a collaboration with Tribal mem-
bers Rick Bayya and Serena DePoe,
representing freedom, recovery and
renewal.
CARE and the Siletz Community
Health Clinic are dedicated to honoring and treating our people with the
highest standards of care. We want
our Tribal members and the community to feel protected, supported, and
know that through these services they
can begin to reclaim their spirit and
their power.
Services offered
• Sexual assault and/or domestic
violence forensic exams.
• Education, and outreach on
resources on topics of domestic
violence, sexual assault, human/
sex trafficking, teen dating violence, missing and murdered
Indigenous people, stalking and
interpersonal violence.
• Domestic violence and sexual
assault intakes, as well as emer-
gency services for victims who
are fleeing.
• Education and outreach opportunities for traditional/cultural
tobacco vs. commercial tobacco,
school resource fairs, etc.
• One-on-one or group counseling
space, and meeting clients where
they are.
• Conduct on-site crisis assessment, including ASAM-informed
screening and level-of-care determination.
• When substance use disorder is
identified or suspected, coordinate same-day or rapid referral to
SCHC MAT Services for medical
evaluation, induction, stabilization and medication management,
as appropriate.
• Provide trauma-informed deescalation and short-term stabilization, incorporating family needs
and cultural supports when and
where appropriate.
• Coordinate warm handoffs to
mental health and substance use
treatment, including SCHC MAT
providers, peer services, housing
resources, medical care and Tribal
resources in accordance with ROI
requirements.
• Develop safety plans and complete
follow-up within 24–72 hours,
ensuring linkage to CARE, Behavioral Health and MAT services
when clinically indicated.
• Support diversion from unnecessary hospitalization or justice
involvement by utilizing culturally
grounded, traditional supports
and community-based treatment
options, including integrated
Behavioral Health and MAT care.
The range of services provided
using the MHU, may change to adapt
to meet the evolving needs of our community, specifically targeting SCHCidentified issues.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Tribal Council Actions Affecting the Tribal Membership Roll
Posting #332
The Enrollment Staff has publicly posted the Enrollment Committee’s recommendation for 20-days
before the Tribal Council’s regular
scheduled meeting. In the absence
of a protest, Tribal Council will act
on Applications and Requests. ~
Reference STC §2.300 Enrollment
Ordinance §2.316 (i) Public Posting ~
Time for filing civil actions to
review Tribal Council action or other
Tribal action, refer to the Siletz Tribal
Court Rules and Procedures Ordinance §3.009(a)
1. Removal from Roll –
Deceased
Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal
Council: Resolution 2026-112
Ralph Leeroy Easter
Consuelo Dora Fernandez
Fred Randolph Hamilton
Tonya Jean Jackman
Norman Karl Lane
Selina Rose Washington
Brittany Jade Medina
Darrell Eugene Heath
Julia Ann Acevedo
0283
0299
0376
1282
1367
2054
2494
3443
6475
2. Blood Quantum Correction –
Martha Maryetta Moody
roll #0674
Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal
Council: Resolution 2026-113
Bruce Butler III
Theo Fay Spencer
Rusty Butler
Marie Rose Aspria
Chat’Nee Tyee Butler
Nakita Rachelle May Fisher
0143
1392
2055
4101
5405
5714
Des-Chu Butler
Ghit-Ts’Ay Kalea Butler
Kai DePoe Aspria
6223
6461
6592
2. Blood Quantum Correction –
William Hauser DePoe
roll #0250
Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal
Council: Resolution 2026-114
Marie Rose Aspria
Kai DePoe Aspria
4101
6592
3. Name Change
Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal
Council: Resolution 2026-115
Mayela Talasa Sandoval
Julianne Jeannette
Allen-Engelhorn
Jordyn Rose Ellis
Christina Angela Navarro
2259
2538
4283
4449
4. Application for Enrollment
Enrollment Committee Recommendation for approval to Tribal
Council: Resolution 2026-116
Raylynn Elise Brock
Leah Adi Christensen
Tay-ln Sky Cole
Elliana River Estrella
Evangaline Dawn Estrella
Trinity Marie Estrella
Daniel Lee Fry
Sofia Mae Garcia
Sitka Flores Gomez
Garrett James Grimes
Tydus Eduardo Gutierrez
Rhyxus Colin James Hancock
Locvsopanv Eco Cate Harjo
Sahalie Violet Dawn Martin
6848
6849
6850
6851
6852
6853
6854
6855
6856
6857
6858
6859
6860
6861
Victor Mixtli MartinezFlores-Hamrick
River Wolf Myrland
Lena Jane Pagel
Mary Malea Pointer
Niklaus Vicente Ramirez
Ilo Manlinovski Viles
David Alfred Watson
James Kenneth Weber
Cataleya Williams
Ethel Jade Woodrum
6862
6863
6864
6865
6866
6867
6868
6869
6870
6871
Address and Contact Information
The Enrollment Department is the
hub for Tribal Member addresses and
contact information. You may update
your information by email, mail, or
in person.
Email: EnrollmentDepartment@
ctsi.nsn.us
Mail: Enrollment Dept,
PO Box 549,
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
In-person: 107 SE
Swan Avenue
Siletz, OR 97380
Enrollment Post 333
Publically posted on website at
www.ctsi.nsn.us Member Area and
in the Area Offices from 05/29/2026
to 06/17/2026
Protest Deadline 06/12/2026
Tribal Council decision made on
06/18/2026
Reference STC §2.300 Enrollment
Ordinance §2.316 (i) Public Posting
and (j) Protest (1)-(4) ~
This is located on the CTSI website
https://ctsi.nsn.us/wp-content/
uploads/2024/11/Enrollment-Ordinance-11-04-2024.pdf
June 2026
Siletz elder’s
meal services &
home deliveries
The Siletz elder meal-site,
located at the Siletz Tribal
Community Center, is a space
for elders to gather, enjoy a
nutritious meal and connect in
a welcoming setting. The doors
open at 11 a.m. and meals are
served every Tuesday and
Thursday, at noon.
To assist the kitchen with
proper preparations, elders
are encouraged to contact
Maggie McAfee with the Title
VI Program at 541-444-8233
or the Elders Department at
541-444-8225.
The Title VI Program covers the cost of the meal for the
Tribal Members, their spouses
and any caregivers who attend
alongside the elder.
For elders unable to attend
in person due to medical
reasons, the Siletz MealsOn-Wheels program offers
essential support by delivering
meals directly to the elder’s
home. Deliveries occur on
Tuesdays and Thursdays, with
two hot meals provided on
each delivery day.
Additionally, a frozen meal
is delivered on Thursdays to
ensure there is food available
on Friday or over the weekend.
To request home deliveries, elders or their family
members can contact the Title
VI Program at 541-444-8233 to
schedule an assessment.
Programs like this, are an
example of the Tribe’s broad
commitment to supporting
the health and well-being of
its elder community.
•
Siletz News
•
5
Sacred tobacco events
The tobacco prevention program is once again hosting tobacco
events ! The afternoon is spent learning how to grow and care for
sacred tobacco for ceremonial purposes. Through the summer, these
monthly events will be held at Tel-tvm’ farm.
Tribal Members are welcome to attend, please follow the SCHC
Facebook page to see the events and attend.
Photos by Andy Taylor
Fitness Challenge winner
The 2025 Fall Fitness Challenge has ended, and it was
awesome to take part in. The Portland Area Office would like
to give a shout out to Portland’s biggest loser, Nicholas P.
Nicholas attributes his success to Corey Strong’s
“onboarding box” of books and items for measuring food
intake, and of course for the positive health changes that
he made.
Some of the most notable healthy choices Nicholas made
were to eliminate fast-food, reduce his sugar drink intake,
and add more movement at his job, rather than being sedentary. One way he added more movement in his work day was
to take walk breaks!
In addition to healthy lifestyle choices, he took pictures
throughout the challenge to document his progress. Because
his team feels the scale is good, yet it does not recognize that
muscle in place of fat, weighs more.
Way to go Nicholas! We salute your courage to change
the things you can and the wisdom you incorporated to
make those healthy choices.
6
•
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Health and Wellness Center is open!
Tribal and community members are now able to find services and resources
at the clinic, downstairs in the wellness center. The Health and Wellness Center
will now host a wide range of programs focused on improving health outcomes,
strengthening prevention efforts and supporting overall well-being. This new
exciting remodel will stand as a symbol of prevention, empowerment and
community care, offering patients the tools, resources and support needed to
lead healthier lives.
To find out more, visit the wellness center at the Siletz Community Health
Clinic, or attend one of the exciting events and meetings set to be hosted inside
at their community area.
Photos by Andy Taylor
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
7
Elders, continued from page 1
coordinator Zena Green, youth spent
their morning carefully processing
the heads and reducing them into
a rich stock for the base. Alongside
the stew, sandwiches and salad were
prepared and shared as part of the
meal offering.
In an effort to add more love to
this event, the youth also served this
shared meal to their elders. It was a
site to behold, and the connection
was powerful.
In the time before the event
began, laughter filled the air at the
elder table, where Selene Rilatos,
Tina Retasket, and Kathrine Ness,
and others gathered, sharing stories
and enjoying each other’s company.
It was a powerful reminder that storytelling begins not just in formal
speaking, but in connection, humor,
and community.
The event itself stood as a testament to how meaningful it is when
youth step forward to create spaces
like this. Their involvement brings
energy, curiosity, and commitment
to preserving culture. For the broader
tribal membership, it is inspiring to
witness the next generation taking
ownership of traditions and ensuring
they continue to thrive.
The strength of the gathering
came from the elders and speakers
who shared their lived experiences
and knowledge. They openly spoke
about restoration days, the hardships
and good times of their childhoods,
and their families.
Tina Retasket spoke about the
early days following tribal restoration. She reflected on the challenges
faced by the community, including
the fight to secure resources and recognition. She described in the early
days, receiving a Governor’s Resiliency Grant of $20,000, an important
step toward reviving cultural practices. Tina also shared personal hardships, including being denied access
to school, and emphasized how hard
the tribe had to fight for the right to
live and govern in their own way. Her
words illustrated both struggle and
determination, offering a powerful
picture of resilience.
Ed Ben shared teachings passed
down from his elders, focusing on
8
•
Siletz News
•
June 2026
traditional food preparation and living practices. He spoke about learning
to process eel using hot smoke rather
than open flame, and cooking on a
wood stove because his family did not
have electricity. His stories painted a
vivid picture of gathering wood to prepare meals, and of spearing salmon.
Skills rooted in both necessity and
tradition. Through his voice, listeners could feel the depth of knowledge
embedded in everyday life.
Marlene Stewart, alongside Ed,
reflected on the 1976 bicentennial
where tribes from across the region
gathered. They recalled Pauline Ricks
dancing every day and the importance
of showing respect when elders spoke,
lessons that remain essential today.
Ed said, “When elders were talking,
you sat down and listened” Marlene
nodded in agreement.
Marlene also shared a deeply
personal and powerful story of discrimination and perseverance. After
applying for college in 1971, she
received a letter stating that she did
not exist because she was Native
American. She recalled, “I showed my
dad the letter and asked him how they
can say this when I am right here.”
Despite being denied grants and
loans, Marlene pushed forward, paying for college out of pocket. Her story
stands as a testament to strength,
determination, and the lived reality
of systemic barriers faced by native
people.
There are so many lasting impacts
and impressions found in storytelling.
Events like this highlight the profound
value and a gap that needs filled,
of generational storytelling. These
shared experiences build identity,
strengthen resilience, and cultivate
empathy between generations. They
serve as a bridge, bringing people
together and reducing isolation, while
also preserving critical knowledge
about culture, language, and the
natural world.
Storytelling ensures that traditions are not lost, that language continues to be spoken, and that younger
generations inherit not only history
but also the tools to navigate their
own futures. It reinforces community
values, teaches respect, and provides
guidance through the lived examples
of those who came before.
The work of preserving and sharing stories belongs to everyone. Community members are encouraged to
spend time with elders, listen with
intention, and learn from their experiences. Youth age 14-21 are welcome
to attend the monthly Youth Council meetings. The meetings are an
example of peer support, a reflection
of their efforts, and are a powerful way
to stay connected and involved.
The success of this event is just
one example of what is possible when
youth take initiative and when a community comes together to honor its
voices. Keep an eye out for future
gatherings like this one, as each is an
opportunity to learn, connect, and
carry forward the stories that define
the Siletz people.
Through generational storytelling
events like these, the past is never forgotten, and the future remains deeply
rooted in tradition.
Photos by Andy Taylor
Above: Zena Green showing elders Tina Retasket, and Kathy Ness the fishhead stew prepared and served by the youth
Below: Mindy Blomstrom setting the table to serve the elders
.
Upcoming community-based tourism conversations and planning event
By Lisa Norton, CAO
A new project has launched in
2026 in partnership with the Siletz
Tribe, 106 Group, and the Oregon
Coast Visitors Association to explore
a community-based tourism plan
that aligns with the tribe’s cultural
values, community needs and future
priorities. This will be the first tourism
plan developed by a tribe in the state
of Oregon.
Our partners with 106, will be here
to have community conversation on
June 10, from 4-6 p.m. The meeting
will be held at the Siletz Community
Heath Clinic, in the Shell Room
upstairs. We encourage all Tribal
Members to join us for an evening to
explore ways to strengthen tourism
opportunities, support community
development, and bring together
our younger and elder generations.
Tourism can be about community
engagement, improvement and creating growth for the future.
The project began with an evaluation of community tourism assets.
The next phase will involve close
collaboration with the community to
determine which assets are appropriate for sharing with the broader world,
and which ones are not.
Information will continue to be
gathered in several ways including
reviewing previous planning and community engagement data to identify
information gaps, interviewing CTSI
staff, and organizing on-the-ground
visits for the 106 Group.
During the first visit in April the
team did a tour of locations like the
casino, Tel-tvm’ farm, ropes course,
and other potential sites.
Additionally, they hosted a coffee hour meet and greet as well as a
tourism workshop with key staff to
get input.
Once the 106 Group has mapped
and evaluated appropriate community
assets, they will use that information
for the development of a draft tourism
plan, which will be shared with CTSI
staff, community members, and Tribal
Council for additional feedback and
modifications.
It’s important to note that effective tourism planning enhances and
sustains a community’s culture and
well-being, while creating opportunities for community-focused economic
growth. Through effective, placebased planning and the celebration
of cultural heritage, the final tourism
plan will be a co-created vision of visitor experiences that honor the Siletz
culture and community.
People often mistake tourism
plans and strategies as something
developed solely for the benefit of
visitors, those coming from 50 miles
or more away. When communitybased tourism is done right, the final
plan and strategies actually focus on
benefitting community members by
bolstering and diversifying the local
economy, providing jobs for Tribal
Members and economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and artists,
providing resources and amenities
that improve the quality of life for
local residents, and supporting the
protection and preservation of natural
and cultural resources.
Engaging in tourism within small
communities can drive meaningful
economic, social, and cultural growth
by creating new income opportunities, supporting local businesses, and
encouraging entrepreneurship while
preserving unique traditions and
heritage. When managed sustainably,
it can empower rural communities.
Community members can look
forward to a process where they can
help determine what messages and
narratives should be communicated
to visitors, which aspects of their
identity, heritage and history should
be shared or protected, and how tourism investments can also strengthen
their own connection to cultural heritage. The ultimate goal is to develop
a tourism industry and program that
builds respectful, reciprocal relationships between visitors and local community members.
So why tourism and why now?
Tourism is one of the major economic sectors and employers in Lincoln County, it’s hard to live in this
area without noticing the impact of
tourism. Additionally, as interest in
cultural tourism grows, there is an
opportunity to shape how visitors
respectfully engage with the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians’ stories—on Tribal Members’ terms and
with the community’s benefit at the
center. Having the professional experience and technical support from the
106 Group will ensure that the process
and tourism plan are carried out in a
respectful and high quality manner.
The 106 Group was chosen due to
their deep expertise in cultural heritage planning, creative placemaking,
and visitor experience development.
For more than three decades, they
have built strong working relationships with tribes across North America, developing tourism plans and
feasibility studies for the Leech Lake
Band of Ojibwe, St. Regis Mohawk
Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, and the Seminole Tribe of Florida.
Their continued engagement with
Indigenous tourism professionals
through the American Indigenous
Tourism Association, further informs
their understanding of the unique
opportunities and considerations
involved in cultural heritage tourism
development in Tribal communities.
When asked about their approach
to working with Tribal entities they
said “We believe meaningful and
lasting outcomes emerge when Indigenous voices lead the way. In every
phase of our work, we strive to ensure
Tribal perspectives, knowledge systems, and priorities are not only
included—but shape and guide the
direction of the project.”
If you have any questions or would
like to be notified of any meetings
related to this project, please contact
Andrea Taylor at andreas@ctsi.nsn.us
How to update Tribal Member
address and contact information
It is important to keep your address up to date with the Enrollment
Department. If your mail returns and we are unable to reach you, we
will add your name to our missing moccasin list. Many departments
depend on the enrollment database to be up to date on how to contact
you. Examples include but not limited to annual per capita, minor
trust, elder stipend, death benefit beneficiary, Siletz News, and other
tribal publications.
The Address & Contact Information update form is available online
at https://ctsi.nsn.us/address-updates/
You may request your address to be confidential. This means enrollment will not share your address outside of tribal purposes.
Ways you may contact the Enrollment Department
Mail: PO Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549
Physically: 107 SE Swan Avenue, Siletz
Email: EnrollmentDepartment@ctsi.nsn.us
Phone: 541-444-8258
(Note we do not update addresses by phone)
We are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.,
and closed on all tribal and federal holidays.
Free child ID kits from the Oregon State Police
503-934-0188 • 800-282-7155 • child.idkits@state.or.us
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
9
Rest, continued from page 1
primary care clinician if you think you
might have sleep apnea.
I also won’t delve into the
problem of too little time asleep. This
is a really complex issue that deserves
its own article (though later here I’ll
discuss things that might help).
Caffeine and sugar
I’m guessing that at least one of
these two energizing substances are
in a lot of us right this moment. Yes,
that coffee, energy drink, or handful of
M&M’s can give us a boost, but it’s at
a cost: what goes up must come down,
so we can expect to be dragging again
in a few hours.
No problem, you say? We’ll just
stoke the fire with some more stimulants to get us through the day, right?
Sorry, but we’re just taking out an
energy loan and the bank is eventually going to collect. Fatigue will hit
at some point. In addition, our amazing brains are constantly seeking to
balance things out. Within days of us
starting to consume daily caffeine, it
starts rewiring itself in the other direction to slow us down. Now caffeine
isn’t the solution to fatigue – it’s the
cause of it.
Living out of balance
Here’s the biggie. Why did I
need that coffee in the first place?
For our body to handle the day’s
demands, including getting going in
the morning, it needs a little bit of
fight-or-flight response. This involves
our subconscious brain stimulating
our adrenals to secrete cortisol and
adrenaline, the main stress hormones
that rev our motor and give us energy.
If I need more energy to take care of
what the day is throwing at me, then
my body will respond by releasing
more stress hormones and provide
me more energy.
This all works fine as long as we
balance the energy consumption with
rest. If we don’t give the body time to
recover, our energy stores get used up
and our tissues don’t fully heal from
the day’s wear and tear. We can temporarily get by with stimulants cracking a whip on the body, but eventually
it catches up to us. Things get worse
when residual stress hormones or
stimulants prevent us from winding
down at night, prompting us to counter with the soothing effects of comfort
foods, alcohol, cannabis or sleeping
pills. Then it’s back to caffeine in the
morning, and so on.
What if we reframed fatigue as
instead of being a nuisance that prevents us from doing what we want to
do, we look at it as a signal from the
body that we are at capacity and need
to rest? If my car dashboard shows an
engine temperature in the red zone,
I’m going to slow down or pull over
before the car breaks down.
However, our modern, fastpaced, demanding society doesn’t
allow us to care for our bodies as well
as we do our cars. Our culture of promoting hard work as the way to get
ahead in life makes it hard for us to
listen to our bodies. The ethos of hard
work has been so normalized that
we feel guilty not pushing ourselves
to extremes. Maybe we don’t have a
choice and need that demanding job
to pay the bills, or I’m a parent struggling to meet my family’s needs.
What if we consider a model of
health that recognizes when we get
exhausted from the stressors of the
day, compounded by insufficient rest,
that the body essentially overheats
and is unable to repair itself from wear
and tear? And when it overheats and
can’t heal, dysfunction occurs in many
ways: chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune disease, cancer,
obesity, and of course, chronic fatigue.
This is no longer a far-fetched
idea. Scientific evidence for chronic
stress causing disease is growing.
For example, multiple studies show
the risk of long COVID, a condition
with prolonged fatigue after having
COVID, is increased in those who
were experiencing high stress at
the time they got the infection. This
makes intuitive sense if we consider
that when a person whose body was
already at capacity is then burdened
with the stress of a major infection,
the car is going to overheat and
break down.
Fascinatingly, a new scientific
field called epigenetics is deflating
the importance of genetics as we’ve
previously viewed it. We’re learning
that chronic stress affects how genes
are expressed in the body, suggesting
it may be less important what genes
my ancestors had and more important
what adversities they faced (one of
the explanations for how historical
trauma affects later generations).
So, what’s the cure for this fatigue?
I’ll admit that I don’t know, as this
wasn’t talked about in med school. But
while it’s new to me, I didn’t invent
it and I’m not the only one focusing
on it (check out the books “Rest is
Resistance” and “The Myth of Normal”). Ultimately for us to address
the pandemic of chronic fatigue, we
collectively need to recognize this
imbalance in our society and agree to
change how society functions.
Until then, I recommend practicing the habit of curiously listening to
your body and noticing what you feel.
Sensations are the language of the
body, and a foundation of health is
being fluent in it. If you notice feeling
tired, consider why this might be and
make adjustments to allow the body to
re-energize. And commit to taking the
time to rest your whole self. Muscles
aren’t the only ones working; brains
require energy, too.
Activities that require prolonged
concentration, like driving and focusing on screens, can be especially
draining. The excitement from watching a thrilling show or playing video
games may seem like relaxation, but
it’s triggering fight-or-flight and making the body work overtime; consider
enjoying these in moderation.
Make time to connect with
nature, even if it’s looking out a window at the clouds. Have a pre-bedtime
routine of listening to relaxing music
or sounds. Do something artistic. And
if the day’s demands seemingly leave
no time to relax, set an hourly alarm
on your phone to take a 15 second
microbreak where you stretch and
take a few deep breaths. I speak from
experience in saying these help. I’ve
also found that the more I focus on
resting, the more naturally it occurs.
Our bodies are doing all they can
to take care of us, so let’s take care of
them the best we can.
Pequot Prescription Reimbursements
If you have paid out of pocket
for your prescriptions, Pequot
can reimburse you up to $500
for the calendar year. Please do
not wait until the end of the year
to send in receipts as there is no
guarantee how far back Pequot
will do reimbursements.
To start the process for reimbursement, please send in your
receipts quarterly to Purchase
and Referred Care (PRC) via mail
or email. It takes 4-8 weeks to
receive Pequot reimbursements.
10 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Purchased/Referred Care
Email: siletzprc@ctsi.nsn.us
Website: www.ctsi.nsn.us
Local: 541-444-9677
Fax: 541-444-9645
Mail: PO Box 320
Siletz, OR 97380
If you would like to mail
them yourself and avoid the
PRC middleman, please email
Selina Rilatos via selinar@ctsi.
nsn.us to receive a Pequot reimbursement form by email or mail.
Siletz students engaging in
educational enrichment
General Welfare Exclusion
Housing Rehabilitation Program
Formerly Over Income Rehabilitation Grant
By Samantha Chisholm Hatfield
Siletz Valley School students had a busy and eventful couple of months.
They’ve been working very hard and getting to engage in great opportunities!
On April 25, Siletz Valley students, teachers, and administration had the
opportunity to meet Indigenous Chef Sean Sherman. Chef Sherman came to
give a talk at Oregon State University, and the College of Ag Sciences sponsored
a community welcome. The students, along with teachers and the culinary arts
program also had a private meet and greet where they got to ask Chef Sherman questions, hear him engage with them about his experiences and offer his
wisdom to students. The students made items to gift Chef Sherman during the
community welcome event, and that evening four of our Siletz Tribal students
offered the land acknowledgement that opened Chef Sherman’s talk. After the
talk many said they thought the students giving the land acknowledgment was
one of the best highlights of the night, and everyone was very impressed with
their professionalism.
On May 5, students from Siletz Valley School traveled to Oregon State University to present their research and engineering projects at the Ag & Natural
Resources Fair. These students participated in the Explore and More Precollege program, which connects high school students from SVS and Chemawa
Indian School with OSU student mentors to co-develop creative research
projects that address community needs using both Western and Indigenous
sciences. This program was co-developed by OSU faculty, including tribal
member Dr. Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, and SVS teachers, including tribal
member Theresa Smith.
Some incredible projects from the year included a creation of a cologne
and perfume inspired by the scents of sweat lodge (Isaiah Brandt), beads
for necklaces made from marine debris and invasive crabs (Juan & Cesar
Sanchez-Russell), and a board game to educate players about environmental
science (Hunter Pearson). This year SVS alum (class of ‘25) and current OSU
freshman Nevaeh Jackson joined as a mentor for the Chemawa cohort. She
supported student Shaynice (northern Arapaho) to create a powerful project
raising awareness about MMIP through hosting a participatory art project at
powwow, in which community was invited to make a red handprint on fabric
that became part of a hand-sewn T-dress.
The Over Income Rehabilitation Construction program
funds over-income families with a $10,000 grant for construction
rehabilitation on the primary residence they own.
The over income grant is for eligible applicants and is limited to
one grant per person/address/household. If you have already received
a General Welfare Exclusion Housing Rehabilitation Grant you are
not eligible to apply.
If you have received services for the following programs you
are not eligible to apply for the General Welfare Exclusion Housing
Rehabilitation Grant for 5 years. NAHASDA Rehabilitation Program,
NAHASDA Elders Replacement Program, NAHASDA Rehabilitation
Program for Elder Tribal Members, NAHASDA Rehabilitation
Program for Disabled Tribal Members, and HIP Program.
Rehabilitation refers to repairs or renovations to the home,
but does not include appliances, saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools,
driveways, fences, etc.
Over-Income refers to tribal members whose income exceeds the
income limits set by the Native American Housing Assistance and Self
Determination Act (NAHASDA).
Applications, including proof of current annual income,
enrollment, and proof of homeownership with the Tribal Members
name on it, must be submitted to the Housing Office by Friday, July 31,
2026 at 4:30 p.m. Applications received after that date and time will
not be accepted by the Siletz Tribal Housing Department. Qualified
applicants will be placed in the lottery drawing, which will be held
during the month of August on a date approved by the Tribal Council.
If you would like an application or have any questions, please
call Jeanette Mason at 1-800-922-1399 ext. 1316 or 541-444-8316
or email me at jeanettem@ctsi.nsn.us.
Information for the upcoming 2026
Per Capita distribution
Tribal Court would like to remind Tribal Members to keep their address
current with Enrollment.
The 2026 Per Capita hearing dates are July 14 and 15, 2026.
The Division of Child Support has their liaison available to assist individuals
with child support issues.
Contact Tribal Court for an appointment or the contact information of the
Child Support Liaison.
Any request to update addresses must be sent to Enrollment.
Courtesy photo from Samantha Chisholm Hatfield
Above: Chef Sean Sherman, Jaiden Knapp, Juan Sanchez-Russell, and an
SVS teacher Theresa Smith at Oregon State University for a talk
Below: Isaiah Brandt shows his peers his research project around cologne
and the scents that made it to his final project phase
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
11
Calling all military families
Do you have a loved one currently serving in the military? We warmly
invite you to help us honor their dedication and service by sharing a
photograph for our Tribute Wall in the Administration Building.
Submitting is simple! Just provide a high-quality photo along with
their name and branch of service. Together, we can celebrate and recognize those who serve and the families who stand beside them.
Memorial wall to honor a hero
Is your name, or the name of a loved one, not yet engraved on our
Memorial Wall? We invite you to be part of this lasting tribute to those
who have served.
Adding a name is simple. Just contact the Veterans Department
and provide the veteran’s name along with a copy of their DD214. We
will take care of the rest.
Help us ensure every story of service is remembered and honored
for generations to come.
CTSI Veterans Department
William “Buster “Lane
PO Box 549
PH: 541-272-9054
Honor Our Heroes
Veterans Memorial Wall Application
We are seeking active or retired veterans who would like to be honored on the Veterans Memorial Wall. If you or a loved one would like to
be included, applications can be obtained and submitted, by contacting
the Veterans Coordinator.
Please note, that a DD214 or separation papers verifying military
service are required.
For more information or to submit your application, contact Buster
Lane, Veterans Coordinator at 541-272-9054 or by emailing him at
veteranscoordinator@ctsi.nsn.us.
Your service deserves to be remembered.
Brendan Lal is moving up the ranks
Darcy Jiminez and the entire family of Brendan Lal, would like to
congratulate him on graduating from Navy boot camp, at Naval Station
Great Lakes.
He has since moved on to attend A School and C School. We are incredibly proud of him and can’t wait to see where life takes him next. Keep up
the hard work Brendan!
12 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Take a walk on the wild side, free outdoor family fun is calling for you
By Andy Taylor
Across the United States, millions of acres of forests, trails, rivers,
and open spaces invite people to step
outside, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature. Through initiatives
like the U.S. Forest Service’s fee-free
days and the America the Beautiful
National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, access to these
landscapes has never been more welcoming or convenient.
Whether you are hiking a quiet
trail, fishing along a riverbank, or
camping beneath the stars, time spent
outdoors offers more than recreation,
it supports physical health, mental
well-being, family connection, and the
protection of America’s public lands.
Siletz Tribal Members residing
in Oregon and Washington have the
unique opportunity to obtain a FREE
Annual Northwest Forrest Pass from
the Natural Resources department.
There is no appointment needed to
get this pass. Simply bring in your
tribal ID and you can get a pass that
is good until December 31, 2026. This
pass can be obtained yearly and is only
valid through the end of that year.
Limitations to the passes include:
no admission to camping sites and
snow events. The pass is always
accepted for hiking, recreation and
fishing sites. Please remember, you
must still have a fishing license to fish.
Members who reside in Oregon and
Washington, but live outside of the
11-county service area are still eligible
to get a free pass, by calling Natural
Resources at 541-444-8245.
If you are unable to get a pass, each
year, the U.S. Forest Service waives
recreation fees at many day-use sites,
opening the door for everyone to
experience public lands without cost
barriers. For the remainder of 2026,
these special days include:
• National Trails Day: June 6
• National Get Outdoors Day: June
13
• Independence Day: July 4
• Constitution Day: September 17
• National Public Lands Day: September 26
• Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday:
October 27
• Veterans Day: November 11
On these dates, visitors across the
nation can access most Forest Service
recreation sites free of charge, making it easier for families, friends, and
individuals to explore the outdoors.
National Trails Day is the newest
addition to these no-cost days, celebrated annually on the first Saturday
in June, is especially meaningful.
Established in 1993, it brings together
volunteers, partners, and land managers to maintain and improve trails
across the country. With over 165,000
miles of trails managed by the Forest
Service, opportunities for adventure
are nearly endless.
For those who want to explore
beyond fee-free days, the America
the Beautiful Pass offers an affordable
way to enjoy federal lands year-round.
• Maintain healthy weight and heart
function
• Unlike indoor exercise, outdoor
recreation often feels more engaging and sustainable, making it
easier to stay active long-term.
For children, outdoor time is especially impactful. Playing and exploring
in nature helps support:
• Healthy physical development
through running, climbing, and
movement
• Cognitive growth by stimulating
curiosity and creativity
• Emotional well-being by reducing
stress and improving behavior
• Sensory development, as kids
interact with soil, water, textures,
and wildlife
This pass provides access to national
forests, national parks, wildlife refuges, and Bureau of Land Management areas.
As of 2026, passes are available in
a new digital format through Recreation.gov, allowing users to store and
manage them conveniently on mobile
devices. Options include passes for
seniors, military members, individuals with disabilities, and fourth graders through the Every Kid Outdoors
program.
Purchasing a pass not only provides access but also supports the
maintenance and preservation of public lands, helping fund trails, facilities,
and conservation efforts for future
generations.
Endless ways to get
sunshine and recreate
outdoors, together
America’s public lands offer something for everyone, regardless of age
or experience level.
Hiking and Trail Exploration
With trailheads in nearly every
state, hiking is one of the most accessible outdoor activities. From beginner-friendly loops to challenging
mountain routes, hiking improves
cardiovascular health, strengthens
muscles, and encourages mindfulness. All of this and the added benefit
of fresh air!
Fishing and Water Activities
Rivers, lakes, and streams across
national forests provide excellent fishing opportunities. Spending time near
water can be calming and restorative,
while fishing fosters patience, focus,
and appreciation for ecosystems.
Camping and Overnight Adventures
Camping allows individuals and
families to fully immerse themselves
in nature. Whether in developed
campgrounds or backcountry sites,
camping promotes self-reliance,
disconnects from technology, and
strengthens relationships.
Winter and Multi-Use Recreation
Public lands are not just for summer. Snowshoeing, cross-country
skiing, snowmobiling, biking, and
horseback riding expand recreation
opportunities year-round.
When visiting public lands, it’s
important to prioritize both fire safety
and stewardship. Conditions in many
forests can change quickly, and fire
restrictions may be in place at any
time. Always check local regulations
before considering any type of flame,
and when in doubt, avoid building
campfires altogether. Instead, opt for
safer alternatives like portable stoves
where allowed.
Just as important is keeping these
natural spaces clean: follow the “pack
it in, pack it out” principle by taking
all trash, food scraps, and belongings
with you when you leave. By minimizing fire risk and leaving no trace,
visitors help protect forests, wildlife,
and fellow outdoor enthusiasts while
ensuring these spaces remain beautiful and accessible for everyone.
Why the Outdoors Matters
for Your Health
• Spending time in nature is not just
enjoyable, it’s essential.
• Exposure to natural environments
has been shown to:
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Improve mood and emotional
resilience
• Enhance focus and cognitive
function
Even short periods outdoors,
with light walking on a trail or sitting
among trees can calm the mind and
promote a sense of well-being.
The physical benefits of outdoor
activities help people:
• Stay active and reduce risk of
chronic disease
• Improve strength, coordination,
and endurance
Programs like the Every Kid Outdoors Pass ensure that young people
have access to public lands, helping
build lifelong connections to nature.
Encouraging children to unplug, get
sunlight, and engage with the natural
world lays the foundation for healthier
habits and environmental stewardship.
America’s national forests and
parks are more than scenic destinations. They are shared resources
that benefit all of society. Recreation
fees and pass purchases contribute
directly to maintaining trails, protecting habitats, and improving visitor
facilities.
Volunteer efforts also play a major
role. In 2025 alone, more than 60% of
trail maintenance was supported by
volunteers and partners, maintaining
nearly 26,000 miles of trails.
By visiting public lands, participating in stewardship activities, and
respecting natural spaces, individuals
help preserve these landscapes for
future generations.
Answer the Call of the Outdoors
Whether you’re exploring on a feefree day, purchasing a pass for yearround access, or simply taking a walk
through a nearby forest, the benefits
of being outdoors are undeniable.
Nature offers a space to recharge,
connect, and grow physically, mentally, and emotionally. It brings
families together, strengthens communities, and reminds us of the
importance of protecting the world
around us. So lace up your boots,
grab your fishing pole, or pitch a tent
and rediscover what it means to truly
get outdoors.
Free child ID kits from
the Oregon State Police.
Call 503-934-0188 or visit
child.idkits@state.or.us
For information about the
Siletz Tribal Arts and
Heritage Society, visit
siletzartsheritagesociety.org.
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
13
Fire, continued from page 1
Don’t forget to plan ahead for pets
and livestock. Emergency planners
emphasize that pets and animals must
be included in wildfire and heat plans,
noting that many evacuation delays
occur when animals are not accounted
for ahead of time.
Pet owners should:
• Never leave animals alone in
parked vehicles, even for short
periods.
• Ensure pets have constant access
to shade and fresh water.
• Prepare a pet evacuation kit
including food, medications,
leashes, carriers and vaccination
records.
• Identify pet‑friendly shelters or
alternative housing options now,
before evacuations are ordered.
For livestock and outdoor animals, officials recommend developing
evacuation or shelter‑in‑place plans,
ensuring adequate water supply and
clearing vegetation around barns, corrals and fencing. Smoke can also affect
your livestock’s respiratory health,
particularly horses, birds and small
mammals. It’s important to remember that they can overheat too. Large
animals need shade to cool as well
and should have cool fresh drinking
water, daily.
Livestock regulate body heat differently than humans. Cattle, sheep
and goats rely heavily on respiration
and limited sweating to cool themselves. During prolonged heat and
humidity, animals may be unable to
release enough body heat, leading
to dangerous internal temperature
increases. Heat exhaustion in your
livestock can include organ failure
and loss of life.
Fire agencies across Oregon are
increasing staffing and pre‑positioning equipment, but officials stress
that individual preparedness is just as
important as agency response. Creating defensible space, clearing brush
and maintaining evacuation plans can
reduce risk and save lives.
As summer approaches, authorities urge residents to stay informed,
monitor local fire conditions and
sign up for emergency alerts. While
weather can still shift, forecasters
say current indicators point toward a
season that demands caution, preparation and community cooperation.
Oregon uses a network of emergency management notification systems to deliver timely alerts and
public safety information during
disasters such as wildfires, floods,
severe weather and evacuations. The
backbone of this effort is ORAlert, a
statewide program that connects all
36 counties and tribal governments
through a shared alerting platform
powered by Everbridge.
Through ORAlert, local emergency managers can send targeted
notifications by text, phone call, email,
mobile app and broadcast media, and
can also access FEMA’s Integrated
Public Alert and Warning System to
issue Wireless Emergency Alerts to all
cell phones in a threatened geographic
area. Residents are encouraged to sign
up for their local alert system through
oralert.gov to receive location specific,
instructions during emergencies.
2026 conditions to 2015, one of the
state’s most destructive fire years in
recent history. Snowpack in many
areas is less than one-third of their
normal. Not helping the ongoing dry
situation, this year’s spring precipitation is not expected to make up the
difference before summer arrives.
Much of Oregon is already experiencing early blooms and planting season,
as a result of the dry warm weather.
U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden echoed
concerns early April, after receiving
briefings from meteorologists and
fire managers in southwest Oregon.
During a visit to the Bureau of Land
Management’s Medford office, Wyden
said forecasts point to an “alarming”
season, noting that modern fires tend
to burn hotter, last longer and spread
more quickly than in decades past.
Is there an elevated fire risk across
the state? Fire officials say southwestern Oregon, the Rogue Valley and
parts of eastern Oregon are likely
to face the highest risk early in the
season, with fire danger expanding
west of the Cascades if dry conditions
persist into July and August. Even
coastal communities, like the Siletz
community, which often benefit from
cooler temperatures, are not immune
when prolonged heat dries vegetation
inland throughout the rest of Oregon.
The National Interagency Fire
Center’s (NIFC) released their seasonal outlook with high risk places,
and many large portions of Oregon
well above the normal wildfire risk
category. Fire season normally beginning in early summer, is now expected
to arrive a month earlier than average
in some areas.
At the same time, drought conditions are already emerging. Gov. Tina
Kotek declared drought emergencies
in multiple counties in late March.
Months earlier than similar actions
in recent years allowing the state to
mobilize resources ahead of what
could be a long summer.
Beyond fire threat, extreme heat
presents its own dangers. public
health officials urge Oregonians to
prepare now, especially older adults,
children and those with chronic health
conditions.
Residents are encouraged to:
• Stay hydrated, even if not feeling
thirsty. You need water.
• Limit outdoor activity during the
hottest part of the day, typically
mid‑afternoon.
• Stay in shaded areas when temperatures spike.
• Check on neighbors who may be
vulnerable or homebound, during
prolonged heat waves.
Most Requested
Numbers
Website – www.ctsi.nsn.us
Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494
Purchased Referred Care (PRC) –
541-444-9677
Siletz Community Health Clinic –
541-444-1030
Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512
Tribal Veterans Rep – 541-444-8330
or 541-272-9054
Siletz Behavioral Health program –
541-444-8286
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
541-444-2532
14 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
ANNUAL
Nesika Illahee
e Welcome to
r
A
At
All
t
d!
en
Pow-Wow
August 7th, 8th & 9th, 2026
Pauline Ricks Memorial
Pow-Wow Grounds
Government Hill
D
Siletz, OR
ru
ga
nd
A l c o h o l Fre e E
n
ve
t
All Dancers & Drummers Welcome!
Drummers—please bring your own chairs.
THURSDAY
August 6th
Royalty Pageant—
6 PM
FRIDAY
August 7th
Memorial/Giveaways—
Noon-5 PM
Presentation of Crowns—6 PM
Grand Entry—7 PM
SATURDAY
August 8th
Parade—10 AM
Grand Entry—
1 PM & 7 PM
SUNDAY
August 9th
Grand Entry—12 PM
Salmon Dinner to Follow
Camping Fee $25; $5 pet fee/ per pet (camping area).
Campgrounds open Thursday at 8 AM.
Dance Categories
Specials
Teen | $300, $250, $200, $150, $100
Youth | $150, $100, $75, $50, $25
Teen & Youth Preliminaries
Occur Friday Night
Plus! Round Bustle and Basket Cap Specials
Vendor registration is required. For more info, call the
Pow-Wow Information Line at 541-444-8398
or visit www.ctsi.nsn.us/heritage/pow-wow.
Sponsored by Chinook Winds Casino Resort and Pepsi Bottling Co.
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
15
Tribal Council Timesheets for April 2026
Gerald Ben: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
1.75
1.75 3.5
4/6-8
2
2.25 3.5
4/10-15
4.25 4.25 3.5
4/16-17
1.5
.5 4/20-23
4 1.5
2.5
4/24
STCCF, Hoyle mtg.
ODFW, Sp. TC
Reg. TC, pkts
Pkts, zoom call
STBC, gmng
Loraine Y. Butler: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
1
4.75
Ind
1
4.75
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
9.5
9
4/1-2
3.5 4/17-21
.75
.75
4
1.5
1.25
1.5 4/26-28
1.25 4/29-30
1.5
2
4/22-24
IGRA conf., emails
Reg. TC, pkts,
emails
Gmng,STBC,pkts,
emails
H&H, pkts, emails
Pkts, workshop
Reginald Butler Jr.: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
4
4 4/17
4
.5
1.5
2
4/21-24
2
2
4/30
Reg. TC, H&WC
PR, gmng, STBC
Pkts, email,
meet w/comrs.
Robert Kentta: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
1.5
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
1.5 1.5
1.25
3
5
1.25 4/7-10
3 7.5
4/11-12
5
1
4/14-15
5.75
5.75 4/16-17
5.25
5.25 6.5
4/20-22
1
1
2
4/23-24
6.5
6.5
6.5
4/25-30
5
Date
4/1-3
Presentation,
EcoTrust, 401K
NW mtg., ODFW
Elakha event
TC H&F, Sp. TC,
ODFW, Elakha
W. Falls, TLC, Reg.
TC
WFT bd, prop.
tour, W. Falls
OSU talk, Sp. TC
gmng
OSU talk, AERI
grant, Ko Kwel
Alfred Lane III: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
1.25
3
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
1.25 4/10-14
3 4/15-16
5
5 4/17-22
4 1.5
1.5
6
4/23-24
1.25 5
4/29-30
ODFW, pkts
Sp. TC, CEO mtg.,
ODFW
Reg. TC, SMLCC,
STRCP
Sp. TC, STBC,
OSMB
AEIS mtg, Meet
w/comrs.
Alfred Lane IV: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
3
2.5
3.25
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
3 4/1-6
NR cmte., pkts, email
2.5 4/9-12 ODFW mtg, pkts, email
3.25 4/14-16
Sp. TC, pkts,
ODFW
4.5
4.25 4/17-23
Reg. TC, reading,
emails
4 1.5 4/24
Sp. TC, STBC
1.25 1.25 4/29-30
Meet w/comrs.,
emails
16 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
Judy Muschamp: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
3
5.5
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
Date
3 4/1-2
5.5 4/16-21
1
1
Emails
Pkts, Reg. TC,
H&WC, NPAIHB
CPT, EDWG, pkts,
STBC
Sp. TC, gmng,
STBC, NPAIHB
NPAIHB
1 .5 4/22-23
4 1.5
11
4/24-27
10.25 8
4/28-30
Delores Pigsley: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
2
6
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
2
.25
3
6 4
4.5
4.5
1.25
1.25
4
3.75
3.75
.5
2.5
.25
1.5
2.5
1
Date
4/1-2 Mail, agenda, travel home
4/17-20
Reg. TC, mail,
H&WC, mail
4/21-23
BIA, prep, agenda,
4/24-26
Mail, Sp. TC,
agenda, STBC
4/27-30
Meet w/comrs.,
PR, mail
Selene Rilatos: 4/1/2026 - 4/30/2026
TC
1.5
6.5
Ind
Gmg ED
STBC Tvl
1.5 1
6.5 1
Date
4/1-2
4/16-19
3.75
3.75 2.5
4/20-21
2.75
2.75 .5 4/22-23
.75
.75
4
1.5
10
4/24-27
10.25 10.25 8
4/28-30
NPAIHB, pkts, email
Salishan, Reg. TC,
H&WC
ODHS, PR,
NPAIHB
Echo, AdHoc,
NPAIHB
Sp. Gmng.,
NPAIHB, pkts
NPAIHB
Tribal Council Email Addresses
Tribal Chairman: Delores Pigsley
Vice Chairman: Alfred “Bud” Lane III
Treasurer: Robert Kentta
Secretary: Judy Muschamp
Gerald Ben
Loraine Butler
Reginald Butler Jr.
Alfred “Buddy” Lane IV
Selene Rilatos
dpigsley@msn.com
budl@ctsi.nsn.us
tcrobertk@ctsi.nsn.us
tcjudym@ctsi.nsn.us
tcgeraldb@ctsi.nsn.us
loraineb@ctsi.nsn.us
tcreggieb@ctsi.nsn.us
tcbuddyl@ctsi.nsn.us
maritar@ctsi.nsn.us
Attention Tribal Elders
Stay connected with us! Your safety matters to us. To make sure
we can reach you quickly during an emergency or natural disaster, the
Elders Department kindly asks you to update your contact details and
communication preferences with us.
If your phone number, address, emergency contact, or preferred way
of being contacted has changed, please let us know. Keeping your info
current helps us check in and support our elders when it matters most.
Call us at 541-444-8225
Email us at siletzelders@ctsi.nsn.us
Thank you for helping us stay connected and prepared.
To find information and learning materials for our Siletz
Tribal language program, please visit
siletzlanguage.org.
You Could Win Up To $5000 Cash
Weekly Grand Prize
$20,000
LET ’S GO
FLY A
Drawings
SUNDAYS
at 6pm in June
COMPLETE RULES AVAILABLE AT WINNERS CIRCLE. MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER OR WITHDRAW THIS PROMOTION AT ANY TIME.
JUNE 12 & 13 • 8:00PM • $15
HEADLINER
MAUREEN
LANGAN
FEATURING
CHRIS
BROWN
HOST
Tickets are on sale now by phone at 1-888-MAIN-ACT,
or online at chinookwinds.com, or at one of our event kiosks.
JIM
PERRY
21 and over event, doors open at 7pm with a no-host bar.
DRAWINGS FRIDAYS
IN JUNE 5-7PM
1995 - 2026
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
Anniversary Celebration
June
5 & 12
5-7pm
June
7 & 14
6pm
Let’s Go Fly a Kite Drawings
Grand Prize $20,000!
Casino Lobby
June 16
1-7pm
2X Point Multiplier
Casino Floor
June
16 & 17
7 & 9pm
Light Pop Drawings
Grand Prize $2500 CASH!
Casino Lobby
June 18
10am2pm
Win up to $2000 CASH INSTANTLY
while you play slots.
Casino Floor
June
19 - 21
Early
“Finders Keepers” Glass Float Drop
Courtesy Explore Lincoln City
Lincoln City
Beaches
June 19
10am2pm
Win up to $2000 CASH INSTANTLY
while you play slots.
Casino Lobby
June 19
1pm
Free 31st Anniversary Cupcakes
while supply lasts
Casino Lobby
June 19
5-7pm
June 19
8pm
Joe Nichols live in concert
Showroom
June 20
10am2pm
Win up to $2000 CASH INSTANTLY
while you play slots.
Casino Floor
June 20
1pm
Free 31st Anniversary Cupcakes
while supply lasts
Casino Lobby
June 20
6pm
Anniversary Bingo Session
Over $17,000 in Payouts
Bingo Hall
June 20
10pm
Fireworks Show
in the sky above the Casino!
Outside
June 20 10:30pm1:30am
Fireworks Afterparty
with DJ Metal
Showroom
June 20
11pm
$5000 Anniversary
Fireworks Drawing
Casino Lobby
June 21
6pm
Let’s Go Fly a Kite Drawings
Grand Prize $20,000!
Casino Lobby
June 26
5-7pm
June 28
6pm
Up Up and Win Anniversary Cash Cube Casino Lobby
Swirling CASH & PRIZES!
Up Up and Win Anniversary Cash Cube Casino Lobby
Swirling CASH & PRIZES!
Up Up and Win Anniversary Cash Cube Casino Lobby
Swirling CASH & PRIZES!
Let’s Go Fly a Kite Drawings
Grand Prize $20,000!
Casino Lobby
Complete rules for all promotions at Winners Circle. Management reserves the right to alter or withdraw any of these promotions 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.
COMPLETE RULES AVAILABLE AT WINNERS CIRCLE. MANAGEMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO ALTER OR WITHDRAW THIS PROMOTION AT ANY TIME.
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
17
I am Randall Hartwell – Roll # 3401.
I count 7/16 native heritage but am 1/8 on the rolls. I speak now on “descendancy”. Family is family regardless. Traditional beliefs, emotional connections,
standing with your children and by their children. This is all natural and good.
We all know “7 generations” that our tribal constitution says, “grandkids’
grandkids” and beyond.
Please here me, I live in a world, walk a life where so many lost persons
come to us claiming to be what I am for the benefit of who and how we are. It
is so disrespectful. Before, I chose to be tolerant, but it builds up. Now I feel
my very soul is offended. 1/16 blood quantum is the 6th generation. I stand as
a warrior person, understanding the difficulties of coming from two worlds.
My opinion: If 1 out of 16 of your ancestors are not Native American then
you are not native. You can have that heritage, you are descended from those
people. Go be who you are, honor your 15 or more ancestors. Traditionally
tribes always inter-married and adopted.
Dine bloodlines run from Alaska to Argentine. To secure our future we
should recognize all tribal blood, even those of the Pacific Islands. Well do I
know that they are us. If this offends you – be offended. Welcome. Going to
1/32 means that seven times that family chose not to be Native American.
Respectfully,
Randall Hartwell
OSCI #15643061
For information about the Siletz Tribe,
visit our website at www.ctsi.nsn.us.
Our May 2026 general council meeting concerns.
Tracy Lancaster’s question, River Bend Property peaked my curiosity as
well, it’s progress? Without a well defined purpose can easily turn into an
overburden on our tribal economics. The life line of tribal wellness.
I believe long term trajectory should be carefully scrutinized within all our
tribal economic portfolios.
Wealth is generated through wealth. Creators that utilize common sense
factors followed with financial discipline will succeed.
Direct descendancy. Tribal nations across the country have, or are tackling
this prominent issue of injustice. Removal from ancestral home lands, then
termination. Can a people be more erased than this? When do we stop this
abomination of self destruction?
A connection with casino per capita funds and our non eligible people to
be enrolled. Interjected by Selene Rilatos, (are tribal people).
The majority of council, I believe from their responses believe it will occur.
A referendum process, effects of enrollment increase voted upon by registered
tribal members.
Last time blood quantum was addressed was (1984). It was a referendum
put out by council to our tribal membership for a vote. Council person Pigsley
agreed. The lives of our tribal families blow by. There is minimal time for back
and forth while meeting of the minds can become lost in the rubble of politics.
I believe the referendum process utilized in (1984) is do able again, what’s
good for the goose I believe, is good for the gander.
I’m going to part with what left an imprint and feel are wise words of wisdom. Arlen, Lydia Kentta’s brother. (We are a sovereign nation. We should
not be saying we cannot do this. We should be saying how can we do it and
what can we do?) Well said Arlen.
Respectfully Submitted,
Eva Clayton, 5/10/2026
Travel Oregon Publishes Updated ‘Experience Indigenous Oregon’ Guide
Created in partnership with Oregon Tribal tourism leaders, the guide
features Indigenous history, culture
and tourism offerings
The Oregon Tourism Commission, dba Travel Oregon, celebrates
the release of Experience Indigenous
Oregon, a new travel guide that
promotes Tribal tourism assets and
18 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
cultural resources—created in partnership alongside representatives
from all of Oregon’s nine federally
recognized tribes.
More than 50 tribes once fished in
Oregon’s wild rivers and great waterfalls, including the now submerged
Celilo Falls on the mighty Columbia
River. Tribes carved petroglyphs in
rock canyons such as Picture Rock
Pass and left behind the world’s oldest
pair of footwear at Fort Rock. Proud
ancestors of those first people comprise the nine federally recognized
Tribes of Oregon, and they continue
to play a critical role in the vitality of
Oregon today.
“Indigenous people, as stewards
of this land since time immemorial,
are glad to welcome you,” said Bobbie
Conner, Director of the Tamástslikt
Cultural Institute, from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian
Reservation and a member of Travel
Oregon’s Tribal Tourism Leadership
team. “This guide, a result of partnership between the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon and Travel
Oregon, is our invitation to you to
enjoy the history, culture and values
that make our Indigenous communities so extraordinary. I’m proud of
our collaboration and shared work to
create and promote meaningful and
engaging tourism experiences. We
hope you will visit us.”
Originally titled the “Oregon
Guide to Indian Country,” the guide’s
name change reflects the tribal tourism leaders’ desire for the guide to
have a more modern and globally
resonant name. The fresh updated
edition includes ways to respect the
land, history and cultures that Indigenous people have inhabited since
time immemorial. It spotlights tribal
museums, casino resorts, outdoor
activities and Trbal events open to the
public, in addition to detailed profiles
of each Tribe.
The custom cover shoot, by a
Warm Springs tribal photographer,
was convened on public land near the
Warm Spring Reservation and features Kahmussa Green, a former Miss
Warm Springs, a college cross country
and track athlete and an advocate for
missing and murdered Indigenous
women. She is part of the new generation of tribal leaders who are carrying
forward their deep knowledge of their
homeland and traditions that have
endured and evolved for thousands
of years.
“This guide is a powerful example
of what happens when Tribes take the
lead in shaping their own stories,” said
Lisa Norton, Chief Administrative
Officer, Confederated Tribes of Siletz
Indians. “It highlights that Tribes can
honor the long-held tradition of our
role as good hosts while celebrating
the interconnection that is at the heart
of our Tribal way of life.”
Travel Oregon is grateful to the
photographers, editors, writers and
partners who made this project
possible, including our publishing
partner, MEDIAmerica. The updated
guide is a great resource for residents
and visitors alike to explore Oregon’s
Indigenous experiences. It’s available
online and can be ordered for free on
our website or picked up at statewide
welcome centers, all tribal casinos
and hotels.
About Travel Oregon
The Oregon Tourism Commission,
dba Travel Oregon, is a semi-independent state agency whose mission is to
inspire travel that uplifts Oregon communities. Collaborating with stakeholders to align as stewards of Oregon,
we work to optimize economic opportunity, advance equity and respect the
ecosystems, cultures and places that
make Oregon… Oregon. Travel Oregon
aims to improve Oregonians’ quality
of life by strengthening the economic
impact of the state’s $14.6 billion tourism industry, which employs nearly
123,000 Oregonians.
Ramona “Mona” Kay Fisher
1957 - 2026
Ronald Dwaine Keller II
1970 - 2026
Ronald Dwaine Keller II, lovingly known as Young Ron, Ronnie, or Bubba,
passed away at home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on April 4, 2026, after a
courageous battle with liver cancer. He was just days shy of his 56th birthday.
Ron was born on April 15, 1970, in Toledo, Oregon, to Ron and Pam Keller.
He spent much of his childhood in rural Alaska, attending one-room schools
in logging camps before earning his diploma from Hobart Bay High School in
Hobart Bay, Alaska, in 1988. He also attended Maui Community College in
Hawaii for one and a half years.
From an early age, Ron was a hard worker. During high school and his early
adult years, he worked in the logging industry, specializing in heli-logging.
He later became a member of Laborers’ Local #341 and worked with Granite
Construction in Palmer, Alaska. He retired in 2022.
As a youth, Ron loved hunting, fishing, and adventurous outings with his
first best friend and brother, Jeff. He enjoyed snowboarding when not working in the winter months. Later in life, he developed a passion for computers
and gaming, becoming self-taught and highly knowledgeable in technology.
Ron will be remembered as a kind-hearted, happy-go-lucky soul who always
saw the best in others. He was considerate, easygoing, and genuinely sweet,
leaving a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his parents, Ron and Pam Keller of Wasilla, Alaska; his
brother, Jeff (Kim) Keller of Valdez, Alaska; his partner, Tina Rose of Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, and dog, Toby; three nieces; two nephews; three greatnieces; and two great-nephews, and several aunts and uncles.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Angela F. Keller, grandparents Dan
and Dolly Fisher, and Bill and Dorothy Keller.
A Celebration of Life will take place on June 27, 2026 from 12-3 pm at the
Siletz Tribal Community Center, 402 Government Hill Road, Siletz, Oregon. In
lieu of flowers, cards can be mailed to Pam and Ron Keller, 2521 E. Mountain
Village Dr. Ste. B, Box 544, Wasilla, AK 99654, or to Tina Rose, Willow Edge
Apts. 6628 E. 10th St. #10, Sioux Falls, SD, 57110.
Mona was born in Toledo, Oregon on January 9, 1957 to Mary “Dolly”
(Simmons) Fisher and Dan Fisher. She was one of five children. On April 21,
2026 she died suddenly after a brief illness in Corvallis, Oregon.
She pursued a career in early childhood development, working for the
Siletz Tribal Headstart program. She was very proud of this position through
the Title IX Education Amendments of 1972. Students affectionately called her
“Miss Mona” which stuck with her throughout her life.
Later she went on to work for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
where she continued her educational career becoming the tribe’s Cultural
Education Director. For many years she was in charge of events such as the
Nesika Illahee annual Pow-Wow, Run to the Rogue, Restoration Pow-Wow
and cultural camp. She truly loved being a part of these events with the community and fellow tribal members.
Mona grew up in Siletz, but also lived in Tenakee Springs, Alaska and
Shaver Lake, California, and eventually back in Siletz where she lived the rest
of her days.
Mona was a very kind hearted, thoughtful and generous person and would
help out any friends that were in need. She also had the best sense of humor
and a contagious laugh to go with it.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her aunt LaVera “Babe” Simmons and her partner Gus Parr.
She is survived by her three sons Dakota, Issac (Shannon) and Randy
(Becky). Four grandchildren and two great grandchildren, her brothers and
sister, numerous nieces and nephews and friends she called family.
She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be held on June 27, 2026 from noon until three
at the Siletz tribal community center on Government Hill.
PRC process for getting hearing aids
Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) has collaborated with Costco
Hearing Aid Centers to purchase hearing aids for Siletz Tribal Members regardless of where the referral is made for a hearing evaluation.
Purchasing hearings aids at Costco will stretch PRC funding,
allowing for more services that will benefit you and all Siletz
Tribal Members.
Once you have your hearing evaluation and referral for hearing
aids, you’ll need to make a request for the Gatekeeping Review Committee to approve the first pair.
Once approved, you will be sent an approval letter and a copy of
the protocol for purchasing hearing aids, which can be purchased
every three years.
Contact PRC at 541-444-9677 for more information.
June 2026
•
Siletz News
•
19
Lincoln City head start class happenings
Tribal Head Start students visited Heritage Hill Acres. They learned all
about boarding horses.
Students also visited the North Lincoln Sanitary Service during their Earth
Day week. They talked about recycling and composting.
Both field trips not only facilitated a unique learning experience, but also
offered enrichment opportunities for the entire class.
We cannot wait to celebrate with you — sunglasses on, drinks in hand, and
plenty of time in the pool. Love you forever! - Tanya & Mom
Visit www.ready.gov for information about how to
prepare for the next emergency or disaster.
Siletz News Letters Policy
Most Often Requested Numbers
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians – 541-444-2532
Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494
Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512
Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234
Purchased Referred Care (PRC) – 541-444-9677
Siletz Community Health Clinic – 541-444-1030
Tenas Illahee Child Care Center - 541-444-2450
20 •
Siletz News
•
June 2026
When submitting to Siletz News, ensure all information is
accurate, clear and relevant. Cite sources, respect privacy and follow the guidelines, including format and length. Submit text and
high-quality, unedited photos as attachments, do not embed them
in emails or documents.
Passages: All submissions must be under 25 words and submitted
as a .doc or .docx attachment. Photos must follow policy guidelines
and be attached separately. Submissions are reviewed by Public
Information.
For best print quality, images must be edited and high resolution.
Only direct family submissions (partner, children, siblings, parents)
are accepted. For minors not in your care, written guardian consent
is required.
The submission deadline for Siletz News is the 10th of each month
or nearest business day. Visit ctsi.nsn.us (News & Events tab) for
details. Email submissions to pias@ctsi.nsn.us. For help, contact the
Public Information Department at 541-444-8293.
Please note: The Chief Executive Officer of the Siletz Tribe is the
Editor-In-Chief of Siletz News.
Editor-In-Chief: Kurtis Barker
Editor: Andy Taylor
This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.