# Chief Executive Officer (2024) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_siletz%3A8c430efaa876ddfe ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text SILETZ NEWS Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman Kurtis Barker Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Vol. 52, No. 3 Presorted First-Class Mail U.S. Postage Paid - Permit No. 178 Salem, OR Siletz News Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 March 2024 Tribal members flip 3 seats on Tribal Council; officers also selected for 2024 Robert Kentta, Gerald Ben and Judy Muschamp were elected to the Tribal Council of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in an election held Feb. 3. Kentta, from Logsden, Ore., was elected with 399 votes; Ben, from Salem, Ore., was elected with 296 votes; and Muschamp, also from Logsden, was elected with 279 votes. Eight candidates ran for the three open positions and the three who received the most votes were elected. These individuals will serve with Alfred “Bud” Lane III and Bonnie Petersen, both from Siletz, and Delores Pigsley from Keizer, Ore., whose terms expire in 2025; and Loraine Butler, Alfred “Buddy” Lane IV and Marita “Selene” Rilatos, all from Siletz, whose terms expire in 2026. Term of office is three years for each position on the ninemember council. Enrolled members of the Siletz Tribe who are age 18 and older are eligible to vote in Tribal elections. The Tribe has more than 5,600 enrolled members. The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected council members took place Photo by Andy Taylor 2024 Siletz Tribal Council (l to r): Selene Rilatos, Buddy Lane, Bonnie Petersen, Bud Lane, Loraine Butler, Robert Kentta, Judy Muschamp, Gerald Ben and Delores Pigsley Feb. 4. Officers are elected on an annual basis and those selected for 2024 include: • • • • Delores Pigsley, chairman Bud Lane, vice chairman Robert Kentta, treasurer Judy Muschamp, secretary Pigsley currently has served 38.5 years as Tribal chairman out of 45 years on the council, while Bud Lane has 26; Loraine Butler, 19; Robert Kentta, 18 years; Selene Rilatos, 4 years; Gerald Ben, 3 years; Bonnie Petersen, 2 years; Buddy Lane, 1 year; and Judy Muschamp, 1 year. The Siletz Tribe has spent the last 46 years rebuilding its government and economic structure. The signing of Public Law 95-195 in 1977, which restored government-to-government relations between the Siletz Tribe and the federal government, started this process. The Siletz Tribe was the second in the nation – and the first in Oregon – to achieve restoration. The Siletz Tribe was among the first to become a self-governance Tribe, giving Tribal government more control over services provided to Tribal members. Under self-governance, the U.S. government provides general funding to the Tribe (rather than to specific programs), then Tribal employees and the Tribal Council decide how funds will be spent. Significant Tribal accomplishments since Restoration include opening the original health clinic in 1991 and opening a new much larger clinic in 2010. The Siletz Dance House opened in 1996. Additionally, the Tribe opened the Tenas Illahee Childcare Center in 2003, See Election on page 5 Butler chosen for Brave Heart Fellowship for Native youth fighting climate change WASHINGTON – Native youth leaders in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska have a new partner in the ongoing battle to slow and mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute (CNAY) is thrilled to announce the second annual cohort of the Brave Heart Fellowship (BHF), a program that strengthens and supports young Native leaders in their advocacy across their communities to protect traditional lands, waterways and sacred sites. Siletz Tribal member Tia Butler is a member of the cohort. Through a culturally immersive curriculum and led by Indigenous values, BHF utilizes intergenerational learning spaces with elders and community members who have been on the front lines of climate change. This regional fellowship supports projects led by Native youth leaders. In addition to various training opportunities and curriculum, each fellow receives a micro grant from CNAY to execute a community action project. These projects are designed by fellows to address a need in their specific community. Fellows also join a growing network of passionate leaders and organizations working to address climate justice. The 2024 cohort of the Brave Heart Fellowship includes: • • • Tia Butler, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians Olivia Chase, Hoopa Valley Tribe and Tnsungwe Descendant Mazie Countryman, Northern Arapaho, Eastern Shoshone, Navajo and Shoshone Bannock • • • • • • • Mackenzie Englishoe, Gwichyaa Zhee Miro Hampson-Medina, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and White Earth Band of Chippewa Letha Soto-Hauth, Klamath and Couer d’Alene Tava Kairaiuak, Dena’ina, Yup’ik and Aleut Oteskwebeeksaki Shebala, Blackfeet and Navajo Letkwu Moore Stanger, Colville Confederated Tribes Sophia Tur ning Robe, Spokane Tribe, Paquachin First Nation and Siksika Nation The Brave Heart Fellowship is for self-identified American Indian and Indigenous youth, ages 18-24, who live in Courtesy photo from CNAY See Butler on page 5 Tia Butler Kotek restarts task force on Tribal cultural items; will involve all 9 Oregon Tribes PORTLAND, Ore. – Gov. Tina Kotek has announced that she is reestablishing the Task Force on Oregon Tribal Cultural Items. The task force was first created in 2017 to obtain information relating to cultural items currently held in storage or on display at Oregon state agencies, state universities, colleges and public schools. In 2019, Oregon was the first in the nation to report its survey findings of Tribal cultural items, but the task force’s work has been paused since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Tribes should have access to information about cultural items held in storage or on display at state agencies, state universities, colleges and public schools,” Kotek said. “It is time to renew this important work and continue to strengthen our essential government-togovernment relationships with the nine sovereign Tribal nations.” The task force will consider a process for soliciting information from state public institutions and agencies about items they may have in storage or on display associated with Oregon Tribes. It will also develop next steps for determining the provenance, the appropriate custodian, and the appropriate storage or display of such items. The task force will submit an annual report to the governor beginning in 2025. The governor’s Tribal Affairs director, in partnership with the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, will convene the task force. The members of the task force will be appointed at a later date and will include: • • • The governor’s Tribal Affairs Office director or other designee Any additional member of the governor’s staff as directed by the governor A representative of the State Historic Preservation Office, appointed by the governor upon recommendation of • • • • the director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department A state agency director, appointed by the governor A representative of the Legislative Commission on Indian Services, as appointed by the commission A representative from each of the nine federally recognized Tribes of Oregon, as appointed by each Tribe’s respective Tribal chairs, councils or boards One or more representatives of one or more public universities or colleges, appointed by the governor See Task Force on page 5 Chairman’s Report Siletz Tribal hunting, fishing and gathering As reported in Siletz News, our legislation to restore treaty rights has been passed and signed by President Joe Biden. It was great news to end 2023. The next action that must be taken is to have the lawsuit that passed in federal court in 1980 vacated. Council and Legal are working toward that end. Our Natural Resource Department will add a couple of new staff positions to enhance the department with regards to fishing, gathering and enhancement of our obligations under the agreement with the state of Oregon. Chemawa Indian School I was recently appointed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs/Education to serve on the Chemawa School Board. I do have a special interest in the school and the students who attend. I live a mile from Chemawa so it is convenient for me to serve in that capacity. The Tribe’s interest in the school goes back for many years. The state of the campus is a concern; with the upkeep of the grounds there is much to be cleaned up. I have shared pictures of the trash that is thrown along Indian School Road and in front of the Chemawa Cemetery. It’s clear to me that the old abandoned campus should be developed in a way that supports the school. Hopefully a plan can be developed that will be supported by other Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Committee appointments I will be making recommendations to the Tribal Council to fill committee appointments that are vacant. There is always an attempt to appoint members to their preferred committees and also to assure that members who want to serve get on a committee. We are thankful to all those who have served on committees in the past; it’s a great help to the Tribal Council. We are still awaiting approval of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to have the land in Salem taken in trust for gaming. Everyone will be kept informed as we continue to plan for the development. Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Judge Boldt decision Council members recently attended the ATNI winter session in Portland, Ore. It was one of the best-attended meetings by Northwest Tribes. Tribes celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Boldt fish decision that was made in favor of Oregon and Washington Tribes. The celebration was hosted by the Muckleshoot Tribe in Auburn, Wash. Bud Lane and I attended on behalf of our Tribe. Many of the Tribe’s members who fought the fish wars were remembered as well as the legacy they left to be carried forward. Charles Wilkinson’s book, Treaty Justice: The Northwest Tribes, the Boldt Decision, and the Recognition of Fishing Rights, was his last work before he passed last June. His son, Seth, gave a presentation on behalf of Charles that was very well-received. Billy Frank, past chairman of the Nisqually Tribe, was also remembered for his great work. A statue of Billy Frank will Gov. Tina Kotek welcomed everyone to Portland and addressed the attendees on issues that are her priority. The Tribal chairmen had dinner with her; we had the opportunity to bring up issues, make suggestions and just have a pleasant time with her. Shana Radford was recently hired as the governor’s Tribal liaison; she is a member of the Umatilla Tribe. The governor is committed to working with Tribes and told us she will be visiting each reservation this year. Chemawa Station 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 April issue is March 11. Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Please see the Passages Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages. Send information to: Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 541-444-8291 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1291 Fax: 541-444-2307 Email: PIAS@CTSI.NSN.US • Siletz News • Salem casino Delores Pigsley be erected in Washington, D.C., with other notables in the Capitol. 2024 Election Congratulations to Robert Kentta, Gerald Ben and Judy Muschamp on the recent Tribal election. Officers elected were Bud Lane, vice chairman; Robert Kentta, treasurer; Judy Muschamp, secretary; and myself as chairman. I will do my best to continue the work on Tribal priorities. I very much appreciate the council’s confidence in me. Bonnie Peterson, Loraine Butler and I currently serve on the Chemawa Station LLC with three members of the Grand Ronde Tribe. Currently a 7-11 Fueling and Convenience Store and a Chick-fil-A are in business on the property. 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. 2 Infrastructure development is now going on as we expect to welcome a hotel, restaurant, tire center and other businesses. March 2024 SIGN UP TODAY FOR SPRING ON-LINE LANGUAGE CLASSES L e a r n- y a ' e e w Nuu (OUR LANGUAGE) Tuesdays, april 9-June 11 5:30 PM-immersion learning support 6:00 PM-Beginning Conversation 1 6:45 PM- Beginning Conversation 2 Thursdays, april 11-June 13 12:30-Language and Lunch To sign up contact Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-270-5814 Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF) Available throughout Oregon, including outside of the service area Elders Council Meeting The Elders Council will host an in-person/Zoom hybrid meeting on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Aces Sports Bar & Grill in Lincoln City, Ore. Funds are available at local State of Oregon DHS offices for Tribal members throughout Oregon to meet a short-term need designed to deal with a specific short-term situation, episode or need. In addition, there must be a specific need or crisis related to the COVID pandemic; this can be ongoing residual effects. Funds are only available through April 30, 2024. If you have any questions, please contact the Elders Program at 541-444-8212. Examples of benefits include: • • • • • Housing and utility payments Emergency food aid Back-to-school assistance Pantry and household supplies Diapers/infant hygiene care The following are NOT an allowable benefit: • • • Marion, Polk, Yamhill, Linn, Benton, Lincoln, Lane, Douglas, Coos, Curry, Josephine, Jackson, Hood River, Wasco, Sherman, Gilliam, Wheeler, Jefferson, Crook, Deschutes, Klamath, Lake, Morrow, Umatilla, Baker, Union, Wallowa, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Clackamas and Washington. Child care Transportation Short-term education and training Eligibility 1. Open SNAP or TANF with the State or Tribe. 2. There must be a specific need or crisis related to the COVID pandemic; this can be ongoing residual effects. 3. Must be a member of a federally recognized Tribe. 4. Participating counties: Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Multnomah, You can contact the local State DHS office for more information. If you are unsure about how to contact your local state office, contact Kelley Ellis, 477-SSP coordinator, at 800-922-1399 or by email at 477ssp@ctsi.nsn.us. Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program The Siletz Tribal Housing Department is pleased to announce that it has funding available to provide significant mortgage and utility assistance through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program. The purpose of the HAF Program is to mitigate financial hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic by providing funds to prevent homeowner mortgage delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacements of homeowners experiencing financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The HAF Program can provide emergency assistance for the payment of mortgages and utilities for low-income Siletz Tribal households that have disproportionately suffered from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Portland Area Office is now located at: 3220 SW First Ave., Suite 200 Portland, OR 97239 Phone: 503-238-1512 Fax: 503-238-2436 CTSI Virtual Culture Nights Upcoming Dates: Wednesday, March 13 at 6 pm: Hazel The HAF Program is designed to assist Tribal households with incomes at or below 150 percent of the median income that face potential foreclosure or homelessness because they are unable to pay mortgage and utility payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants who want to participate in the HAF Program need to complete a written application provided by STHD. This application can be obtained by contacting STHD at 541-444-8310 to have the application emailed or mailed to their home address. Applications are also available at the STHD office at 555 Tolowa Court, Siletz, OR 97380. Any questions regarding the HAF Program can be directed to: K.C. Short, Financial Services Manager/HAF Program Processor Phone: 541 444-8310 Email: kerrys@ctsi.nsn.us Information for upcoming 2024 per capita notices and hearings The Division of Child Support will have its liaison available to meet with individuals for assistance with child support issues on March 6, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Siletz Tribal Court. You can appear in person or by phone. You will need your case number and appointments can be made by contacting Tribal Court at 541 444-8218. Per capita notices will be mailed May 1, 2024, to the address on file with Enrollment. The 2024 per capita hearing dates are July 8-9, 2024. Any questions regarding per capita – contact Tribal Court at 541-444-8218. Tribal Court would like to remind Tribal members to keep their address current with Enrollment. Any request to update addresses must be sent to Enrollment. In-person Language and culture classes March: Bear Grass Jewelry Note: New Location Siletz (Admin-Computer Lab)-Monday, March 4 at 6 pm Eugene Area Office-Monday, March 11 at 6 pm Portland Area Office -Thursday, March 14 at 6 pm Salem Area Office-Tuesday, March 19 at 6 pm April and May: Gathering Basketry Materials Spring is the time to gather basketry materials. Exact dates will depend on weather and conditions,, and occur between late-March and April at locations near Portland, Eugene and Siletz. Keep an eye on the CTSI Facebook page or sign up to receive email updates by contacting Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us. Sponsored by the Education and Culture Departments Questions? Contact Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-270-5814 March 2024 • Siletz News • 3 Stokes, Smith take first at kids wrestling state championships Two Siletz Tribal member wrestlers finished as champions and another came in second at the Oregon Wrestling Association Kids Folkstyle State Championships held in late January at the Oregon State Fair and Exposition Center in Salem, Ore. Rogue River Stokes finished as champion of the boys 8U 40-pound class. Amia Smith finished as champion of the girls 12U 59-pound class. Rylee Smith finished in second place in the girls 8U 50-pound class. Courtesy photos from Wylie Stokes Rogue River Stokes Amia Smith Rylee Smith Facing basic root causes of health issues can lead to better health outcomes By Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD, Siletz Tribal Head Start Nutritionist As part of my role as a consultant nutritionist to Siletz Tribal Head Start, I offer information for families and the community. This segment examines four different categories of root cause problems that lead to poor health if not addressed. The goal for children is to protect health through prevention. Mysteriously, many of these issues do not become obvious problems for years. With attention to symptoms and environment, children can be supported to be healthy. Both children and adults recover best when the root cause is found and addressed vs. the model of treating symptoms only. The framework below is how Laura Frontiero, NP, explains her functional medicine practice. She worked as a nurse with Dr. Vincent Faletti during the landmark study that identified the connection between adverse childhood experiences and physical illness. At that time, despite seeing the connection, the referrals she made for other services were ineffective. Frequently, patients were told, “There is nothing wrong with you. It is all in your head.” What Laura eventually learned was that “the issues are in the tissues!” This laid the groundwork to reorient her approach. The four main categories of root cause problems: 1. 2. 3. 4. Trauma and Stress Chronic Infections Toxins Nutrient Deficiencies Root cause means the basic, foundational or core reason. It’s the cause-andeffect reaction that ultimately leads to the problem and cannot be stopped without eliminating the cause. Because symptoms can be similar, regardless of the cause, it is necessary to look deep for the actual root cause(s). Trauma and stress: The emotional components of stress and trauma can 4 • Siletz News • open the door for additional root cause problems. Trauma and stress are not the same. Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from difficult or demanding circumstances. Trauma is a physical, biochemical process caused by overwhelming the body’s ability to respond. Trauma is not an event; it is what happens inside you from the experience of being overwhelmed. Trauma can lead to low energy, brain fog, a cluster of digestive symptoms, body pain and skin eruptions for which there seems to be no reason. Trauma puts us in a hypervigilant state of alertness. This state is not favorable for digestion and absorption and therefore impacts our nutritional state. Unfortunately, if trauma is not addressed, we will likely have problems in the other categories as well (below) because we are more vulnerable. Chronic infections: Chronic infection is characterized by lingering or recurrent diseases following a primary infection. Infections can be from virus, fungus, parasites or bacteria. They can be almost anywhere in the body. Beyond the gut, infection is found in the sinuses, lungs, liver, blood and more. Infection reduces immunity and impacts our health. It can be said that infection steals nutrients from our body by eating, or using, the nutrients from our food while it is in our digestive tract and before we can absorb the nutrients. This stealing of nutrients impacts our nutritional status and can complicate our health. When we don’t heal fully after an infection, it may become chronic and cause further health problems. Sensitive children may show neurodivergent traits as their response to infection. Toxins: Toxins are poisons created by plants and animals that may enter the body through any means – typically ingestion, inhalation or absorption across the skin. Toxins can be produced by microorganisms such as fungus and bacteria. March 2024 Mycotoxins are poisons produced from mold. An example of a toxin produced from bacteria is botulinum, one of the most poisonous biological substances known. It is produced from clostridium botulinum and is referred to as a neurotoxin. Bees and snakes contain a poisonous toxin called venom. Toxins can be found in many places, including the foods we eat, the fluids we drink, the personal care products we use on our bodies and the products we use in the home for cleaning. Toxins can block our nutrient uptake, thereby impacting our nutritional status and potentially complicating our health. Be aware of what exposures may have preceded changes in our children’s health or behaviors. Their small bodies are sensitive and vulnerable. Nutrient deficiencies are not only the result of poor food choices and soil depletion. There is no doubt that eating wholesome, clean food is essential. It is important to realize, however, that toxins can block nutrient uptake and infections can consume our nutrients. This reduces the nutritional benefits from our wholesome foods. Trauma also impacts our body’s ability to digest and absorb nutrients. For these reasons, we may need extra nutrients to support our bodily functions. At the same time, we also need to address the root cause(s). Common nutrient deficiencies associated with infection include magnesium and iron. Magnesium is fairly safe to supplement without testing. Please consult a health professional before supplementing iron beyond what is found in a children’s basic multivitamin. Iron can be low for other reasons, such as celiac disease, drinking too much milk, lead exposure or internal bleeding. Furthermore, it is not safe to over-supplement iron. What can we do? These four categories seem to be closely linked. Our body has an innate ability to heal. A healing approach supports the body to boost its adaptive functions and to heal. If the immune system loses its full function, toxins and infections can continue to thrive under the radar. In order to heal, it is essential to monitor how well the body eliminates. Bowel movements are essential because all detox pathways funnel to the bowels for excretion. A metaphor for blocked elimination pathways is constipation of emotions, microbes, toxins and more. With the right practitioners, we can open drainage pathways and support our cells to produce energy (mitochondrial function) to bring our immune system back online for healing. Sometimes functional lab work is done to identify the root causes. While finding the root causes, there are some basic practical tips that can be supportive. Supplementing to assure adequate magnesium for the many bodily functions, as well as bowel movements, is generally a safe start. Magnesium supplements can include ozonated magnesium (oxy powder) or frequent Epsom salts baths. A visual goal for elimination is to produce enough stool per day to measure the distance from your wrist to your elbow. It is important to focus on clean sources of food, water, personal care and in-home products. Examples include organic foods and filtered or distilled water, as well has natural body care and home products. Additional practices to support elimination of toxins and infection include lymph massage, dry skin brushing, tongue brushing and body movement such as rebounding on a mini-trampoline, as well as getting adequate sun exposure. Please know that Siletz Tribal Head Start offers nutritional support at no cost to Head Start families. This usually occurs over the telephone. If you have nutrition concerns about your Head Start child or want to discuss family nutrition concerns, please contact your teacher or the director and ask to speak to the nutritionist. We want to support your children and families. Courtesy photo from STAHS Courtesy photo from the Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society STAHS Vice-Chairman Glendora Osborn makes connections and promotes the culture and heritage of the Confederated Tribes Siletz Indians at the Newport (Oregon) Chamber of Commerce luncheon in January. USDA distribution dates for March Siletz Friday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday March 1 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. March 4 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 5 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 6 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. March 7 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Crock Pot Cowboy Beans 1pound pork (cut in strips) 1 whole onion (chopped/diced) 1 can black beans 1 can kidney beans 1 can pinto beans 1 can vegetarian beans ½ cup honey ½ cup barbecue sauce ½ cup ketchup 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon dry mustard Salt and pepper to taste 1. Brown the meat and onion in a little vegetable oil. 2. Add all other ingredients to the crock pot. 3. Add the meat and onion; cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Task force, continued from page 1 • One or more representatives of primary or secondary Oregon public schools, appointed by the governor • Additional members, as invited by the governor The re-established task force has been created by Executive Order 24-06, which replaces Executive Order 17-12. Salem March 12 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday Wednesday March 13 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Thursday March 14 By appt only LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz Tribal FDPIR. We would like to see more people sharing their recipes on our FB page. Sammy Hall, USDA Program Director 541-444-8279 or 541-390-0763 sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us Fax: 541-444-8306 or 503-391-4296 Butler, continued from page 1 Washington (state), Oregon, Idaho, Alaska and Northern California. The Brave Heart program directly supports community members and likeminded organizations addressing environmental disruption. The program is continuously developing a national network of climate activists and climatedriven organizations. As Indigenous people protect 80 percent of the Earth’s biodiversity, CNAY believes that Native youth solutions should be at the forefront of the discourse surrounding environmental education and social change. About CNAY The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national organization that works alongside Native youth – ages 24 and under – on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. Rooted in culture, our vision is for all American Indian youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have the resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve. Cynthia Farlow, STAHS chairman (l), and Susan Wahlke, mayor of Lincoln City STAHS secures grant for exhibits at Ghii Dee-Ne Dvn, now under construction The Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society (STAHS) is thrilled to announce it has secured a $25,000 grant from the City of Lincoln City (Oregon) to fund future exhibits at Ghii Dee-Ne Dvn, A Place for the People, cultural center and museum. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support from the City of Lincoln City,” said Stephanie Chamberlin, STAHS development director. “This grant is the beginning of our exhibit fundraising effort to bring the culture and history of the Siletz people to life in a way that would not have been possible otherwise.” Ghii Dee-Ne Dvn is now under construction in Siletz, Oregon. Election, continued from page 1 the Tillicum Fitness Center and a new USDA food distribution warehouse in Siletz in 2008, and the Siletz Rec Center in 2009. Tribal offices in Portland, Salem and Eugene are housed in Tribally owned buildings. The Tribe has built more than 150 homes and multiple dwellings for Tribal members, including 28 units at Neachesna Village in Lincoln City that have opened since 2009, 19 apartments in Siletz that opened in 2010, 20 homes in the Tillamook subdivision in Siletz that have opened since 2013; and 10 Workforce Housing townhouses in Lincoln City that opened in 2021. The Siletz Tribe partnered with the Native American Youth & Family Center to build two affordable housing projects in Northeast Portland, with a number of units secured for American Indian households. The Tribe currently is in the process of building 30-40 units of affordable housing in Salem. Through its economic development division, the Siletz Tribal Business Corporation, the Tribe purchased the Lincoln Shores office complex in Lincoln City in 2001 and opened the Logan Road RV Park in Lincoln City in 2004 and the Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort in Salem in 2006. It opened Siletz Market & Gas in Siletz in 2023. Most recently, the Tribe is also developing a property in Keizer, Ore., co-owned with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The property, called Chemawa Station, is right on I-5 and currently includes a 7-11 Fueling and Convenience Store plus a Chick-fil-A. More tenants are slated to be developed in the near future. The Tribe also played a lead role in opening Siletz Valley School in 2003 and Siletz Valley Early College Academy in 2006. The Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society (STAHS) was formed in 2011 as a nonprofit to enhance the Tribe’s ability to develop the Siletz Tribal Cultural Center. A temporary collections storage building was constructed in 2009 and STAHS has helped the Tribe with object and archival collection acquisitions. In 2022, STAHS met its $2.5 million capital campaign goal to build a Tribal museum called A Place for the People. This museum will greatly enhance the Tribe’s ability to provide accurate cultural and historical education experiences for its members and the surrounding community. Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City opened in 1995. In 2004, the Siletz Tribe purchased the former Shilo Inn adjacent to the casino and opened Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Chinook Winds Golf Resort opened in 2005 when the Tribe purchased the former Lakeside Golf and Fitness Center in Lincoln City. The combination of Tribal employees and those at Chinook Winds Casino Resort has made the Siletz Tribe the largest employer in Lincoln County. The Siletz Tribe has honored its tradition of sharing within the community by distributing more than $21 million through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and other Tribal resources. Chinook Winds has donated more than $6.5 million in cash and fund-raising items since 1995. It also provides in-kind donations of convention space for various fund-raisers as well as technical support, advertising and manpower for events. March 2024 • Siletz News • 5 SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE 6 • Siletz News • March 2024 For more information, please call 541-444-8286. Tsunamis - March Awareness A tsunami is a series of enormous ocean waves caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or asteroids. A tsunami can kill or injure people and damage or destroy buildings and infrastructure as waves come in and go out. Tsunamis can: Travel 20-30 miles per hour with waves 10-100 feet high. Cause flooding and disrupt transportation, power, communications and the water supply. They can happen anywhere along U.S. coasts. Coasts that border the Pacific Ocean or Caribbean Sea have the greatest risk. IF YOU ARE UNDER A TSUNAMI WARNING:  If caused by an earthquake, Drop, Cover, then Hold On to protect yourself from the earthquake first.  Get to high ground as far inland as possible  Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters.  Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.  Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.  If you are in a boat, go out to sea. If you want more information, please visit ready.gov/tsunamis. March 2024 • Siletz News • 7 A Culture and Community event for Siletz and Grand Ronde families, through the Indigenous Gardens Network Courtesy photo Oscar, Evelyn, Gracie and Nathan Vazquez graduates from Home Visiting Congratulations to Gracie Vazquez for graduating from Home Visiting! Gracie and Oscar’s daughter, Evelyn, was born in January 2021 and Gracie started Home Visiting soon after in March. This was during the COVID pandemic, so visits were outside and masked or virtual. Gracie stuck with it, though, and completed Home Visiting this January when Evelyn turned 3 years old. As a member of the recovery community, Gracie is committed to learning, growing and being purposeful in what she does. She wants to help her daughter have the best start she can have in life. Home Visiting has helped her grow in parenting skills and confidence. When asked what she valued most from participating in Home Visiting, Gracie says she “valued the reassurance because getting clean, doing things differently, I questioned myself. The pandemic was hard enough and detrimental to my mental health. I worried. It was good to have visits.” She also valued the connection she had with the home visitor. Gracie absolutely recommends the Siletz Home Visiting Program to other families. Congratulations, Gracie! For information about Home Visiting and how to get involved, contact Kelley Ellis, Self-Sufficiency coordinator, at kelleye@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-444-8222. Legal Aid Services of Oregon, Oregon Law Center can help with public benefits Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, civil legal service providers for low-income Oregonians, operate a public benefits hotline where low-income Oregonians can talk to lawyers and paralegals to get advice on public benefits, including unemployment benefits: 800-520-5292 or Oregonlawhelp.org. JUNE 7TH - 9TH 2024 Vesper Meadow Restoration Preserve CRAFTS + GAMES | DRUMMING & SINGING NATIVE PLANTS TALK | FOOD + FIRE For questions, email: All food & lodging provided Jacob Reid (Siletz) JacobR@ctsi.nsn.us -orTina Lara (Grand Ronde) Cristina.Lara@grandronde.org REGISTRATION REQUIRED https://forms.gle/QhmqQ oUCiHbNxW3VA CTSI Jobs – Employment information is available at ctsi.nsn.us. Note: “Open Until Filled” vacancies may close at any time. The Tribe’s Indian Preference policy will apply. Tribal government will not discriminate in selection because of race, creed, age, sex, color, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization. ABC’s of Siletz Tribal Athletes CTSI constantly is looking for temporary employees to cover vacancy, vacations, maternity leave and extended sick leave. If you are looking for temporary work that can last from 2-12 weeks, please submit an application for the temp pool. By Tiffany Stuart The journey of Siletz Tribal athletes started in 2020. I wanted to write a story that my son and Tribal youth would be interested in reading. I interviewed 24 people and researched the other athletes in this book. I conducted all the interviews over the phone during the pandemic. These pages are just a glimpse into the lives of Tribal people. I hope to put all the interviews together in another collection for our Tribal museum. I completed this work in my own free time. I have a list of more Tribal athletes to interview when time allows. If you have a Siletz Tribal athlete you think should be in this collection, please email me at siletztiffanydawn@gmail.com. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this book. In the upcoming months, you can enjoy reading these stories in our Siletz News. 8 • Siletz News • March 2024 Siletz Tribal Head Start Happenings Courtesy photos Above, top photo: Sophia Butler shows the Lincoln City class her regalia. Above right, top photo: Siletz class and breakfast with dads Above right, bottom photo: A big red heart with candy suckers and signatures of our elders, presented to our little buddies. Sharing our love, from the Siletz Tribal elders Above: Students in the Salem classroom work together to build a marble run. Willamette Valley Fire Collaboration now hiring for 2 positions The Willamette Valley Fire Collaboration is now hiring a program manager and fire manager to help carry out cultural and prescribed burning activities in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and surrounding areas. This four-person team works collectively to uplift Indigenous voices, values and priorities in cultural and prescribed fire. Check out the positions on our website at https://ecoinst.org/about-us/workwith-us/. Elk Tag Opportunity The Tribal Natural Resources Department will once again offer a limited number of Landowner Preference (LOP) elk tags to Tribal members for the 2025 hunting season. As a landowner, the Tribe is eligible to participate in the state’s LOP program. Based on the number of acres the Tribe owns, we can get six additional antlerless elk tags from the state. These LOP tags are not related to the Tribe’s Hunting/Fishing/Trapping/ Gathering Agreement tags that we issue each year. They are based solely on the Tribe being a landowner. There are a number of important differences between the LOP tags and the Tribe’s regular tags. These are summarized in the table below. Tribal Tags LOP Tags State hunting license required? No Yes – Tribal member must purchase both a 2024 and a 2025 state hunting license Area to be hunted Anywhere within the specific tag’s hunt boundaries Only on Tribal land within the unit selected during that unit’s antlerless elk season. Units available include West Stott, North Alsea, South Alsea and Siuslaw Eligible for other State elk tags? Yes No* Give tag to another licensed Tribal member to hunt for you? Yes No Application and selection process Apply to Tribe for Tribal drawing Apply to Tribe for LOP drawing; if selected, apply to state for controlled hunt tag (list LOP unit in LOP section on state controlled hunt application) Obtain tag from Tribe State – Tribal member must purchase hunting license and elk tag prior to the start date of the hunt * Note: If you are drawn for an LOP tag, you are still eligible to apply for and be drawn for a Tribal tag. Please note a major difference between the LOP tags and the Tribe’s regular tags is only the person drawn for the tag can hunt that tag. The tag cannot be given to someone else to hunt for you. Only Tribal members serious about hunting an LOP tag personally are eligible to apply. The drawing for the six LOP elk tags will be held during the Natural Resources Committee meeting on April 1 at 4:45 p.m. Applications are available on the Tribal website, at the Natural Resources office in Siletz or by calling the number below. Completed applications must be received by the Natural Resources office by 4:30 p.m. on March 29, 2024. For more information regarding these tags and the differences between the Tribe’s regular tags and the LOP tags, contact Natural Resources Director Mike Kennedy at 541-444-8232. March 2024 • Siletz News • 9 Siletz Tribal Business Corporation off to great start in 2024 We hope this article finds you well. The focus on growth and addressing key components in the management of the Tribe’s commercial real estate portfolio is a positive step in that direction. Economic development opportunities play a crucial role in the overall progress of any community and we are actively seeking and evaluating such opportunities. STBC is making significant strides in various areas, reflecting a commitment to fulling these goals. Here’s a summary of the key items on which we are currently working: • • Harbor Freight Center: STBC recently initiated a lease agreement with a food truck business at the Harbor Freight Center. In a bid to bolster economic growth and strengthen community partnerships, efforts are currently in motion to expand the current lease agreement with an existing tenant, as well as expanding our marketing efforts for the two remaining vacant units. Toledo Mill Site: This project marks a significant step forward with the successful acquisition of an $800,000 EPA Multipurpose Brownfield Grant, which will be dedicated to the essential environmental cleanup required at the mill site. STBC’s objective is to meticulously identify areas in the seven distinct lots on the site that need additional cleanup efforts, aiming to render as many lots as possible free from contamination. By doing so, STBC shows its commitment to transforming the mill site into a clean and viable space, paving the way for future development opportunities in the region. • • • Stark Street Building: In 2023, Bryan University acquired the nursing school that leases a substantial section of the Stark Street building. Negotiations with them are ongoing to broaden their lease agreement to include the recently vacated Siletz Area Office space. If successful, the building will reach full occupancy, a significant milestone for the property. High Ranch: In a strategic move fueled by Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant funds, the High Ranch is set to undergo transformative changes. STBC has enlisted the expertise of an economic development firm to conduct a comprehensive highest and best use evaluation specifically targeting the portion of the ranch housing the main dwelling. Furthermore, the restoration of the double-wide mobile home located at the entrance of the ranch has been completed and is poised to be available for rent soon. Simultaneously, the main dwelling is undergoing muchneeded repairs, signaling a commitment to revitalizing and enhancing the entire High Ranch experience. Logan Road Parking Lots – Workforce Housing Development: In response to the pressing demand for affordable housing in Lincoln City and capitalizing on the existing infrastructure from the FEMA development, the STBC Board has approved replacing units with single-wide mobile homes to provide affordable workforce housing. The completed units will be offered as a full package for rent to Chinook Winds Casino. The completion of Youth Weaving Workshop Series the FEMA contract has resulted in them adding additional funds to be allocated to the Tribe, which will be directed toward the ongoing housing development. • RV Parks: In 2023, STBC made a substantial move and took over complete management control of the RV facilities at the Logan Road RV Park in Lincoln City and the Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort in Salem. The reason behind this decision was STBC’s belief that we could efficiently manage operations without relying on external contractors. STBC expects to achieve significant savings from this internalization of management. This bold move reflects STBC’s dedication to improving efficiency and ensuring a top-notch experience for RV enthusiasts who frequently visit these popular destinations. • Economic Development: STBC is taking proactive steps in leveraging EDA grant funds to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies. This strategic move aims to assess the viability of a potential new enterprise that could significantly contribute to the economic landscape. This will help STBC position itself at the forefront of sustainable development and economic prosperity. Overall, these initiatives showcase STBC’s dedication to economic growth, environmental responsibility and community development. CEO Ann Lewis and her team seem to be leading the corporation in a positive direction. Siletz Tribal Student Incentives Program If you have completed any of these milestones, please send a copy of your certificate or diploma to your area education specialist. The Siletz Tribal Student Incentive Program rewards student achievements as follows: Head Start/Preschool $10 Kindergarten $10 $20 Elementary School Middle School $50 High School or GED $100 Adult Vocational Training One-year program $100 Two-year program $200 Higher Education Bachelor’s Degree – Pendleton blanket plus $75 Master’s Degree $300 Doctorate Degree – Pendleton blanket plus $300 Tribal Education Specialists Portland Area Office: Katy Holland, 503-238-1512, 3220 SW First Ave., Suite 200, Portland, OR 97239 Salem Area Office: Sonya MoodyJurado, 503-390-9494, 3160 Blossom Drive NE, Suite 105, Salem, OR 97305 Eugene Area Office: Candace Hill, 541-484-4234, 2468 W 11th Ave., Eugene, OR 97402 Siletz Area Office: Jeff Sweet, 541444-8207, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Siletz Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program (STVRP) STVRP is here to help members of ANY federally recognized Tribe (living within the Siletz Tribe's service area) with barriers to employment. We work with individuals who have disabilities. Examples of Services • Guidance and counseling • Culturally relevant and • Referral to employment services individualized services • Résumé writing • Evaluations, assessments and training • Interviewing techniques placement opportunities • Job coaching • Adaptive equipment What: Learn to weave using traditional materials. Participants will start and finish a small project working with a special guest intructor! When: Two weekend series April 27 and April 28, 10:30 am--1:30 pm May 4 and May 5, 10:30 am--1:30 pm Where: Siletz (exact location TBA) Who: Workshop is open to High School-Aged Siletz Tribal Youth How: To sign up contact Nick Viles at nickv@ctsi.nsn.us or 541-270-5814 Deadline: Sign up by Wednesday, April 10, 2024 by 4:30 pm Note: There are limited spots for this special opportunity. Priority will be given to students who can commit to attending all four days of the workshop. If interest exceeds capacity participants will be selected via random drawing. 10 • Siletz News • March 2024 For more information about STVRP, please inquire at 800-922-1399. We also maintain resource and employment boards, so please make an appointment if you're interested. You can speak to VR staff in the following locations: Makayla Jackson Job Development Specialist Eugene Area Office 2468 W 11th Ave. Eugene, OR 97402 541-484-4234, ext. 1752 Toni Leija Job Development Specialist Salem Area Office 3160 Blossom Drive NE, STE 105 Salem, OR 97305 503-390-9494, ext. 1861 Tamra Russell Self-Sufficiency Counselor 1 Portland Area Office 3220 SW First Ave., Suite 200 Portland, OR 97239 503-238-1512, ext. 1411 Jamie Bokuro Job Development Specialist Siletz Area Office 201 SE Swan Ave. Siletz, OR 97380 541-444-8266 Tribe donates more than $427,000 to variety of groups to help local communities The Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund distributed $427,837.36 to 28 organizations in February as it continues its quarterly donations to nonprofit groups. The Siletz Tribe has made contributions through employment, monetary donations and cooperative measures to the Siletz community, Lincoln County and the state of Oregon. The seven-member charitable fund advisory board has distributed more than $17.5 million since its inception in 2001. Overall, the Tribe has honored its tradition of sharing within the community by distributing more than $21.9 million through the charitable fund and other Tribal resources. Chinook Winds has donated more than $6.5 million in cash and fund-raising items since it opened in 1995. The casino also provides inkind donations of convention space for various fund-raisers as well as technical support, advertising and manpower for many events. The next deadline to submit applications is June 1, 2024. Eligibility for money from the charitable fund is limited to two categories: • • Entities and activities located in the Siletz Tribe’s 11-county service area (Lincoln, Tillamook, Linn, Lane, Benton, Polk, Yamhill, Marion, Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties) Native American entities and activities located anywhere in the U.S. Applications and requirements can be obtained at ctsi.nsn.us/charitable-contribution-fund; by calling 800-922-1399, ext. 1227, or 541-444-8227; or by mailing Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 973800549. Applications can be submitted via e-mail at stccf@live.com. Cultural Activities – $18,630 Siletz Canoe Family – canoe paddle-making project, sponsorship of trainer, purchase of cultural wood, tools and gift-making supplies; Logsden, OR; $4,000 Siletz Round Dance Committee – lodging and honorariums for two-day Round Dance singers, presenters and emcees; Siletz, OR; $8,630 Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society – five individual artist grants to be administered by Siletz Youth Council, plus Youth Council travel and meeting costs; Siletz, OR; $6,000 Education – $301,012 Clemens Primary School – provide each kindergarten and first-grade student with a new hardback book to keep at the end of Literacy Week in March; Philomath, OR; $900 Friends of the Lebanon Public Library – books for Summer Reading Program; Lebanon, OR; $1,800 Siletz Valley School – continued operations, including sixth- through 12th-grade athletic programs and equipment, cultural and language classes, summer school, health services, liability insurance, and building and bus maintenance; Siletz, OR; $292,000 Taft High 7-12, Culinary Arts Program – culinary student participation in educational component of Cook Around the World 2024 at Epcot Center; Lincoln City, OR; $6,312 Health – $18,184 Altrusa International of Albany – card games and board games for CASA advocates to bring with them when visiting clients; Albany, OR; $2,000 Corvallis-Albany Farmers’ Markets – fruit and vegetables for children ages 4-12 participating in weekly summer Power of Produce (PoP) Club at the Albany Farmers’ Market; Corvallis, OR; $3,000 Harrisburg School District – six meals for food-insecure students over each three-day school weekend; Harrisburg, OR; $1,500 Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care – quarterly Caregiver Connections lunch workshops, including presenter stipend or travel expenses; Corvallis, OR; $2,900 Marys River Gleaners – food and household supplies for weekly food boxes for low-income individuals and families; Corvallis, OR; $1,250 Mountain Gospel Fellowship – fuel for vehicles used by volunteers to transport fresh produce from Salem and Dallas to weekly Falls City Produce Giveaway; Falls City, OR; $2,000 Newport American Legion Post #116 – approximately 800 Thanksgiving meals for those in need throughout Lincoln County; Newport, OR; $1,500 Newport Composite Mountain Biking Team – enclosed trailer, loaner bikes, loaner helmets and cycling repair tools; Newport, OR; $4,034 Historical Preservation – $26,700 Albany Regional Museum – hanging grid wall system to better store and display historical signage; Albany, OR; $1,700 Friends of Historic Butteville – add second public restroom to the Historic Butteville Store; Donald, OR; $5,000 Vietnam War Memorial Fund – help with purchase of the sculpture “A Soldier’s Return” to be installed at the Vietnam War Memorial on the Oregon State Capitol grounds in Salem; Boring, OR; $20,000 Prevention – $14,250 Newport High School, Grad Night Committee – food for drug- and alcoholfree celebration; Newport, OR; $750 Scalawags 1359 – cover a portion of registration fees and travel for youth robotics competitions; Lebanon, OR; $3,000 Toledo Jr./Sr. High School, Prom Committee – costs of hosting this year’s prom; Toledo, OR; $500 WomenFirst Transition & Referral Center – outreach services to support the health, well-being and social equity of underserved Black women across the Por tland-metro community; Gresham, OR; $10,000 Public Safety – $46,961.36 East Lincoln County Emergency Responders – course instructors, materials and supplies for emergency medical responder course for all Lincoln County fire departments; Toledo, OR; $7,000 Jefferson Rural Fire District – exercise equipment for firefighter health and wellness; Jefferson, OR; $9,413.30 Pacific Northwest Search & Rescue – help purchase a new F350 4x4 search and rescue truck; Milwaukie, OR; $10,000 Row River Fire Response – working and safety equipment for fire response volunteers; Dorena, OR; $11,615 Siletz Valley Grange – replace deteriorated kitchen cabinets and plumbing along east wall of grange building; Siletz, OR; $8,933.06 The Arts – $2,100 Central Coast Chorale/Coastal Voices – additional stage riser components to safely accommodate a growing roster of singers; Waldport, OR; $2,100 Tribal employment information is available at ctsi.nsn.us. Save the date for 45th Annual łatwa ina Pow-Wow at Oregon State University OSU’s Native American Student Association and kaku-ixt mana ina haws present the 45th Annual łatwa ina Pow-Wow. This free community event features Indigenous dancers, singers and a marketplace, plus affordable fry bread. Saturday, May 18, 2024 Grand entry at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Doors open at noon Gill Coliseum, 660 SW 26th St., Corvallis, OR 97331 For accommodations related to disabilities, contact christy.jones@oregonstate. edu. For vendor information and questions, contact ina.haws@oregonstate.edu. More info: dce.oregonstate.edu/45th-pow-wow. For more information about the Siletz Tribe, visit ctsi.nsn.us. Need Rental Housing? The Siletz Tribal Housing Department encourages you to apply for the Low-Income Rental Program waiting list in Siletz (1-4 bedrooms) and Lincoln City (2-3 bedrooms – Neachesna Village). Applications can be obtained at any Tribal area office (Eugene, Salem, Portland, Siletz) or online from the Tribal website – ctsi.nsn.us; follow links – Tribal Services-Housing-Low Rent Apartments & Home Ownership. Questions? Call 800-922-1399, ext. 1322, or 541-444-8322; fax: 541-444- 8313 March 2024 • Siletz News • 11 We would like to share a reminder on PRC usage: Call all visits into Siletz PRC PRC should not be used for services that are reasonably accessible and avail- able at an IHS or Tribal facility. If there is an IHS or Tribal facility that is capable of providing these services within a 40-mile radius of your home, you should obtain services there. If the services cannot be done at an IHS facility, PRC will need a referral from the provider. Once the referral has been reviewed and approved by the Gatekeeping Review Committee and scheduled, you – the Tribal member – are responsible for calling PRC at 541-444-9677 for an authorization number. • • The reason behind the authorization number: This is how PRC obligates the funds for the appointments Tribal members make and for which they are approved. If a Tribal member chooses to go to an outside provider and use their own insurance without a referral, PRC funds cannot be utilized for those services. Listed below are the Tribal clinics in our local areas. • • • • • • Chemawa in Salem: 503-304-7600 Grand Ronde Health and Wellness Center: 503-879-2002 Siletz Community Health Clinic: 541-444-1030 Ko-Kwel in Eugene: 541-916-7025 NARA NW Wellness Center in Portland: 503-279-4800 NARA NW Indian Health Clinic in Portland: 503-230-9875 “Hi, I can help with OHP.” Do you need help with OHP? You don’t have to leave your home to apply! Applications can now be done online or over the phone. The Health Care Marketplace is open now through May 15, 2021. Shop for health plans at https://or.checkbookhealth.org/ or call direct at 855-268-9767. 541-444-9611 Siletz Tribal Behavioral Health Programs Prevention, Outpatient Treatment, and Women’s and Men’s Transitional Living Center Siletz: 800-600-5599 or 541-444-8286 Eugene: 541-484-4234 Salem: 503-390-9494 Portland: 503-238-1512 12 • Siletz News • March 2024 Narcotics Anonymous Toll-Free Help Line – 877-233-4287 For information on Alcoholics Anonymous: aa-oregon.org PRC reminders for March Hello everyone and Happy March 2024. We would like to give out some reminders on how to use PRC. 1. If you have changed insurance or just bought insurance, please make sure to send a copy of your card to PRC and make sure you give a copy of your card to any providers you go to. 2. If you are PRC-eligible, make sure you notify our office at 541-444-9677 or email SiletzPrc@ctsi.nsn.us about your appointment. 3. If you are new to PRC and are just unsure of the process, please reach out to our office and any one of us will be happy to assist you. If you are a Tribal member dad with a baby on the way, your partner is eligible for PRC benefits through pregnancy and six weeks after giving birth. If you are married, bring in or send in a copy of the marriage certificate with proof of a positive pregnancy test and your patient registration. If you are a brand new patient, you need fill out a New Patient Registration. If you are not married, the father of the unborn child will need to fill out a Jurat and have it notarized, stating that he is the father of the unborn child. The mother of the child will have to register with the Siletz Clinic. She also will have to provide proof of pregnancy at the time of registration and copies of any insurance cards she may have. Once you have registered, you will just need to call PRC at 541-444-9677 with the dates of your appointments and your appointments will be covered. As always, if you are unsure about any of our process, please reach out so we can avoid issuing denials for visits not called in to us. J3 Group makes noise at National Hearing Conservation Association conference By Chucri (Chuck)Kardous On Feb. 8-11, John Johnson, Shawn Johnson (J3 Group) and I (MIARI acoustical consultant, formerly with NIOSH, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) attended the 48th National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) in Albuquerque, N.M. The annual conference attracts scientists, researchers, audiologists and other hearing specialists to discuss, promote and advance the field of hearing science. The conference also attracts many companies and organizations to showcase their latest products and services. The conference opened Feb. 8 with workshops designed to educate attendees on the latest developments and advances in the field of hearing science. The group attended the “Hearing Protector Fit Testing (HPFT) in the Department of Defense” by Defense Health Agency staff. The goal of the workshop was to describe emerging requirements for HPFT as outlined in new DOD regulations. The afternoon workshop, “Adventure on a World Tour of Hearing Conservation Standards and Regulations,” was conducted by researchers from 3M. The conference’s main track opened Feb. 9 with presentations from worldleading experts in the field of hearing conservation on topics that included advances in hearing protection, fit-testing, occupational exposures, impulsive noise, tinnitus, interventions for veterans and advances in medical treatments of the inner ear. A full list of the topics can be found at https://2024nhcaannualconferen ce.sched.com/. The day ended with the Safe-in-Sound awards ceremony hosted by NHCA and NIOSH to promote excellence in hearing loss prevention. The J3 Group donated custom-made elk horn purses made by Bud Lane, Siletz traditional artist, for the NHCA silent auction, one of the most prized items offered. The auction raised more than $3,300 in donations to support future student scholarships. The winner plans to showcase the purses to schools and students in her capacity as an ambassador for hearing conservation programs across the country. In addition to attending the various talks and workshops, the J3 Group networked with many decision makers at various governmental and military agencies, and discussed and demonstrated its work on the Sert-A-Plug (SAP) tool developed by the J3 Group. Discussions about the upcoming study to be conducted with assistance from the Siletz Tribe were held with other researchers who have embarked on similar studies to get their feedback and suggestions. Other opportunities regarding a donation of audiometric equipment and hearing booths trailers by NIOSH to the Tribe also were discussed. The study is part of an overall collaborative effort to establish a hearing conservation program for Tribal communities. Generally, these populations are underserved and may benefit from creating a program that includes clean messaging about the harmful effects of exposure to loud noise and proper techniques to protect hearing and promote quieter environments. The program can create tools that can be used at schools and signage that can increase awareness at workplaces and in the community about the importance of hearing protection, hearing loss prevention and solutions to reduce noise using control solutions. This effort can also help establish a national program that can be beneficial to other Tribes and underserved populations. John Johnson was recently appointed to the CDC/NIOSH National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Council. He also sits on two NORA committees, Fit Testing: Hearing Protection Devices and Hazard Awareness: Noise & Ototoxins. Courtesy photos from John Johnson Jackie DiFransesco (nice ear hair hat Jackie), John Johnson (showing elk horn purses) and Pamela Graydon (who purchased purses) Shawn Johnson, John Johnson and Chucri (Chuck) Kardous Visit www.ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for the next emergency or disaster. March 2024 • Siletz News • 13 2023-2024 CTSI College Information Nights Sponsored by the Education Department 6PM VIA ZOOM Topics include: Financial Aid (FAFSA); Oregon Tribal Student Grant; Tribal funding; Meet representatives from colleges here in Oregon and across the nation and more! 2023-2024 CTSI College Information Nights College Information Night I @ 6PM via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/99737664949 Sponsored by the Education Department 10/26/23 6PM VIA ZOOM College Information Night II 01/25/24 College College Information Information Night Night III I 04/25/24 10/26/23 Topics include: Financial Aid (FAFSA); Oregon Tribal @ 6PM via representatives Zoom Student Grant; Tribal funding; Meet from https://zoom.us/j/96048817766 colleges here in Oregon and across the nation and more! @ 6PM via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/97441781453 https://zoom.us/j/99737664949 Contact an Education Specialist to Sign Up! 01/25/24 College Information Night II Jeff Sweet Katy Holland @ 6PM via Zoom Siletz & Out-of-Area Portland & Washington https://zoom.us/j/96048817766 JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us Sonya Moody-Jurado Candace Hill College Information Night III Area 04/25/24 Salem Area Eugene Zoom SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us @ 6PM via CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us https://zoom.us/j/97441781453 Contact an Education Specialist to Sign Up! 14 • Siletz News • March 2024 Jeff Sweet Siletz & Out-of-Area JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us Katy Holland Portland & Washington KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us Sonya Moody-Jurado Salem Area SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us Candace Hill Eugene Area CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us Scholarships • Fastweb (scholarship search engine) • Big Future (scholarship search engine) • Pacific Northwest Scholarship Guide (scholarship search engine) • OregonStudentAid.gov • Salliemae.com/scholarships/search • • Education Northwest Native Educator Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2024 LA Tutors Innovation in Education Scholarships Deadline: 20th of each month • Scholarship Points $2,500 Scholarship Deadline: Monthly • Nitro College Scholarship Deadline: Monthly • Smart Owl Scholarship Deadline: Monthly • Be Bold $25,000 Scholarship Deadline: Monthly • • • Steven R. Nelson Native Educator Scholarship Deadline: March 31, 2024 • OCCC Foundation Scholarships Deadline: April 1, 2024 • AIANTA Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship Deadline: April 26, 2024 • Association on American Indian Affairs Scholarships Deadline: May 31, 2024 • • IJA-AAJA Pacific Islander Journalism Scholarship Deadline: May 31, 2024 American Indian College Fund Scholarships Deadline: May 31, 2024 Wisconsin Public Radio News Fellows Deadline: Various • Cronin and Company Deadline: Open • Roku Deadline: Multiple/Open • Nike N7 Undergraduate Internship Deadline: Multiple • • • • Check for four Tribal scholarships at ctsi.nsn.us. Complete scholarships. Start working on Tribal higher education or adult vocational training grant application. This can be found on the Tribe’s website and is due June 30. Review Student Aid Report (SAR). You should start receiving admission responses. • • • Send thank you notes to people who have helped you. Make final decision about which college or university you will attend. If you decide to decline enrollment to a college or university to which you have been accepted, send notice indicating this to the college’s admissions office. Fellowships CollegExpress Monthly Scholarship Deadline: Monthly • NHPR Reporter/Producer Fellowship Deadline: Various Christian Connector $2,500 Scholarship Deadline: Quarterly • MBA Special Advisor Fellowship Deadline: Ongoing • Franklin Talent Exchange Program Deadline: Ongoing • NYT Local Investigations Fellowship Deadline: Rolling • NOAA Fellowships Deadline: Ongoing • Master of Forest Resources Fellowships Deadline: Open until filled • NW NA Research Centers for Health Research Support Fellowship Deadline: Rolling • Northwestern University’s Center for Native American and Indigenous Research Undergraduate Fellowships Deadline: Rolling • Meta (Facebook) Data Center Engineering Internships Deadline: Various • • Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Post-Doctoral Research Fellow Deadline: Multiple • Public Lands Internship Program Deadline: Various Institute for Citizens and Scholars Fellowships Deadline: Various • American Indian Graduate Center Deadline: Ongoing • Claremont NA Fellowship Deadlines: Multiple • NOAA Internships Deadline: Ongoing • Code Switch Internship Deadline: Various Nike Internships Deadline: Multiple • DMS Internships Deadline: Ongoing • WOTE Agricultural Incubator Intern Deadline: Various • Apple Business, Marketing and G&A Internships Deadline: Multiple • Saturday Academy Internships Deadline: Multiple • Amazon Undergraduate Program Internships Deadline: Multiple • EPA Environ. Research/Bus. Support Deadline: Multiple • National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates Deadline: Multiple Habitat Restoration Internship Deadline: Various • Native American Journalism Fellowship (The Oklahoman) Deadline: Various • • April March • Internships • Important information for college-bound Tribal seniors Other Opportunities Visit OregonStudentAid.gov to check out more than 500 grant and scholarship opportunities. Siletz Tribal Members Online Academic Support Free Virtual Tutoring! * 24/7 On-Demand Access to Online Professional Tutors * GED Support • Oregon Promise Grant • • Portland Community College Career Pathways Program Fund for Indigenous Journalists Deadline: Rolling * All Subjects and Grade Levels- From Kindergarten through College/University • • UO Home Flight Scholars Program Amber Grants Deadline: Rolling * Individualized Help in All Subjects • Oregon Tribal Student Grant • NAYA Ninth Grade Counts Deadline: Rolling • UC Native American Opportunity Plan • • Native Youth in Food & Agriculture Leadership Summit Deadline: April 1, 2024 Dept. of Energy Scholars Program Deadline: Ongoing • • THRIVE Conference (Portland, Ore.) June 24-28, 2024 National Park Service Tribal Stewards Inclusion Program Deadline: Ongoing • Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute – Generation Indigenous Network Youth Ambassador National Youth Leadership Forum STEM Program Nomination Form Deadline: Various • NPAIHB Youth Intern Host Sites Deadline: Rolling • Fund for Indigenous Journalists: Reporting on MMIWG2T Deadline: Rolling • Fund for Women Journalists Deadline: Rolling • The Student Conservation Association • Northwest Youth Corps • * SAT & ACT Prep; College Course Level Help and More * All Tribal Students Eligible to Apply, Regardless of Residence. Contact your local Education Specialist to sign up: Siletz & Out-of-Area Jeff- JeffS@ctsi.nsn.us Portland Katy- KatyH@ctsi.nsn.us Salem Sonya- SonyaMJ@ctsi.nsn.us Eugene Candace- CandaceH@ctsi.nsn.us Please Note: Students MUST complete a Tutoring Application to register. Tutoring hours are available on a first come first serve basis as resources are available. March 2024 • Siletz News • 15 Tribal Council Timesheets for January 2024 Frank Aspria – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC .25 1.75 4.5 1 Ind .25 1.75 4.5 1 Gmg .5 .5 5.5 .5 5.5 .25 2.25 2.5 .75 2 2.5 2.25 .75 2.25 2.75 STBC ED Tvl 1/2 1/3 1/4-7 1/8 Email Interviews, econ dev, email TC wkshp, email, packets Natural Resources Cmte, econ dev, packets, email 1/9 Special TC, email 1/10-18 Clearinghouse, email, updates, packets, reports 1/19 Regular TC, email 1/20-22 Email 1/23-25 CWC wkshp/packet, Salem community mtg, Housing Cmte/reading, email 10/26-31 Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg/email, email, packets .5 .5 .25 2.75 7.25 Bonnie Petersen – 1/1/24-1/31/24 .25 3 .25 .25 .25 3.75 .5 Loraine Y. Butler – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC 1 1 1.5 2 2 Ind 1 1 1.5 2 2 Gmg 1 .25 1.5 1 1 9 9 2.25 STBC ED Tvl 1 1/1-2 1/9-10 1/11 1/16-18 1/19 1/23 15 1/24-25 1/26 7 1/28-31 Mail, packets, travel home Special TC, packets CPT, packets Packets Regular TC CW wkshp Quinault Special TC – gaming ATNI Sharon Edenfield – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC 1 .75 .75 1.5 .5 2 2 5.25 Ind 1 .75 .75 1.5 .5 2 1.75 5.25 Gmg .5 24 2.75 14 STBC ED Tvl 2.75 14 4 1/2-3 1/4 1/8 1/9 1/10 1/15-18 1/19 1/22-25 1/26 1/28-31 Packets, mtg prep TC ordinance wkshp COHO, calls, email HHS consult, email, calls, signing Monsanto settlement mtg GWE sub-cmte, packets Regular TC TTAC prep/mtg, meet w/ SSA Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg ATNI Alfred Lane III – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC .75 Ind .75 Gmg 1/4 1/9 Code wkshp Special TC Alfred Lane IV – 1/1/24-1/31/24 Ind 2 1.25 1.25 1.75 1.75 Gmg 1.25 16 • Siletz News Ind 2.5 1.75 2.25 2.5 Gmg 2.5 2.5 .25 5.5 5.5 6 2.5 6 2.5 .5 1/17-18 1/21-22 1 1 1.5 12 1 1 1.5 11.75 1.5 1.5 2.25 1/23 1/24-25 1/26-27 1/28-31 STBC ED Tvl 2.75 • 1/3-7 1/8-10 1/18 1/19 1/23-25 1/26 March 2024 Workshop, reading, email Natural Resources Cmte, email Reading, email Regular TC CWCR wkshp, reading, email Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg STBC ED Tvl 1/2-3 1/4 1/5 1/7-8 1/9-10 1/11-16 2.75 6 NPAIHB caucus, email, mtg prep TC wkshp, mtg prep, email IGN mtg, NIA consultation, email Health Cmte, Education Cmte, email, mtg prep Special TC, NPAIHB, High Ranch, OSPTR, email, calls, mtg prep CPT, email, admin, packets, calls, reading, mtg prep NPAIHB, OCWCOG, email EO14112 consultation, email, admin, calls, reading CWCR wkshp, email, evals, calls Email, mtg prep, calls, reading Special TC – gaming, STBC, email ATNI, email Delores Pigsley – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC 1.75 1 4.25 Ind 1.75 1 4.25 Gmg 1.5 5 1.5 5 .5 1 1 2 2.75 1.5 1 2 2.75 1.5 1.75 .5 2 1.75 1.75 2.25 2.75 13 13 1 STBC ED Tvl 1.25 1/1-3 4 1/4 2.5 1/5-8 2.5 1/9-10 1/11-17 2.5 8 1/18 1/19 1/20-23 1/24-25 1/26-28 1 1/29-31 Mail, agenda items, travel home Ordinance wkshp, mail News interview, casino event, mail, agenda items Special TC, mail Mail, casino admin, agenda items, prep for council Audit/Investment Cmte, mail Regular TC, mail Mail, mtg prep Meet w/ Quinalt Council, mail, prep for council Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg, mail, agenda items ATNI, mail Angela Ramirez – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC 8.5 2.25 Ind 8.5 2.25 Gmg STBC ED Tvl 1/1-25 1/7-8 1/9 1/19 1/20-24 1/25-31 1/26 .25 3.5 .75 2.25 3.5 .5 225 STBC ED Tvl .25 TC 2 1.5 1.25 2 1.75 TC 2.5 1.75 2.25 2.5 2.75 1.5 2 2.75 Packets, email STAHS, Education Cmte Best use interview Regular TC, STAHS CW wkshp, STCCF, mtg prep Packets, email Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg Selene Rilatos – 1/1/24-1/31/24 TC 3.5 3 3 2.5 2.75 1 2 3.75 10.25 2.5 2.25 2 Ind 3.5 3 3 2.5 2.75 1.25 2 3.75 10.25 2.5 2.25 2 Gmg 1.25 1.25 2.25 1.5 1.5 .5 .25 5 STBC ED Tvl 1 1/1-2 1/3 1/4 1/5 1/7-8 1/9 1/10 1/11-15 1/16-18 1/19 1 1/21-23 3 1/24-25 2.75 .5 1 NPAIHB, JI, email, packets SB770, PR call, email, packets TC wkshp, JI, Tribe mtg, email Tribal consult, email, packets Health Cmte, email, packets, calls Special TC, NPAIHB OSPTR, email, packets NPAIHB ECHO, email, packets QBM, email, packets Regular TC, packets, email CWCR wkshp, JI, email, packets ST B C m t g , I H S, Sa l e m community mtg, email, packets 1/26 Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg/ packets, HRSN, TICCC 1/29-30 NPAIHB, SCP, email, packets MARCH 8 & 9 • 8PM • $15 HEADLINER BRIAN KILEY Who doesn’t love a cruise? 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This is enough quilts for each child to use one during nap time in each class. District court orders North Dakota to restore Native voting power without delay FARGO, N.D. – After North Dakota elected officials failed to redraw state electoral maps to ensure American Indians are not denied a fair opportunity to elect state legislators, in January the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota ordered fair maps into place that will end the unlawful dilution of votes cast by American Indians. In the same order, the court also denied the North Dakota Legislature’s latest attempts to delay implementation of new state legislative maps. The order was issued as part of a case challenging the North Dakota Legislature’s 2021 redistricting plan, filed by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Spirit Lake Tribe and Tribal members from both Tribes. The new court-ordered map is the same redistricting plan proposed by the Tribes to the Legislature during the 2021 redistricting process that the Legislature refused to adopt. “The court properly recognized the voting strength of our Tribal members must not be diluted,” said Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Chair Jamie Azure. “When I testified in favor of a fair redistricting plan to the members of the Legislature during the 2021 redistricting process, my words were ignored. It is unfortunate that litigation was required in order for a lawful plan to be put in place.” In November, the court found that the 2021 North Dakota Legislative District map dilutes votes cast by Native Americans in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Instead of using the opportunity provided by the court to draw a fair map, state officials filed legal motions seeking to delay the court order and to leave the discriminatory maps in place for 2024. As a result, despite receiving more time than courts typically provide to fix unlawful maps, the state missed the deadline to propose a remedial plan of its own. “For so many years, generation after generation, Native people have had to defend their right to vote in North Dakota,” said Spirit Lake Tribal Chair Lonna J. Street. “This court order marks a milestone closer to the day when Native people participate in redistricting and in elections as equals to our non-Native neighbors.” For more information about the Siletz Tribal language program, visit siletzlanguage.org. 18 • Siletz News • March 2024 The Native American Rights Fund (NARF), Campaign Legal Center (CLC) and The Law Office of Bryan L. Sells represent the plaintiffs in their suit. Tim Purdon of Robins Kaplan LLP represents the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and the Spirit Lake Tribe. “The Tribal plaintiffs’ hard-fought victory means Native American voters in North Dakota will be able vote in fairly and lawfully drawn legislative districts in this year’s elections,” said NARF Staff Attorney Michael Carter. “North Dakota’s Native voters deserve to vote under fair maps in 2024 and beyond,” said Molly Danahy, senior legal counsel at Campaign Legal Center. “We applaud the district court’s order, which will ensure that North Dakota’s Native voters can make their voices heard and elect leaders who will best serve their communities.” Read the order at https://narf.org/nill/ documents/20240108tmc-order-map.pdf. Learn more about Turtle Mountain Chippewa v. Howe at https://narf.org/ cases/north-dakota-redistricting-map/. About the Native American Rights Fund NARF is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization focused on applying existing laws and treaties to guarantee that federal and state governments live up to their legal obligations to American Indians. Since 1970, NARF has provided specialized legal assistance to Indian Tribes, organizations and individuals nationwide to assert and defend the most important Native rights. In hundreds of major cases, NARF has achieved significant results in critical areas such as Tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, natural resource protection, voting rights and Indian education. Like us on Facebook and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter (@NDNrights) to learn about the latest fights to promote justice and protect American Indian rights. To the editor: Will you please help bring attention to a current controversy at Siletz: Does the McChesney Rolls qualify as a roll of Siletz Tribal members? Thus far, I’ve heard the following pros and cons: Evidence in support of the McChesney Rolls constituting a Siletz Roll 1. The first person to work on compiling this list of “off-reservation” Indians in 1907 was a Siletz Indian agent (Agent McChesney was brought in later to finish the project). 2. Some Tillamook people are among those listed on the McChesney Rolls and Tillamook is a Tribe whose leaders signed the Coast Treaty of 1855, which contains the first expression of Tribes to be “confederated” on the Siletz/Coast Reservation. 3. Some current Siletz Tribal leaders have used the McChesney Rolls as the stated basis for enrolling people into the Siletz Tribe. Evidence in opposition to the McChesney Rolls qualifying as a Siletz Roll 1. McChesney Rolls’ purpose was to enumerate “off-reservation” Indians in the area who had not been comprehensively accounted for prior to 1907. 2. Siletz Tribal members had been accounted for prior to 1907 in innumerable Siletz Rolls and Siletz censuses. 3. Nobody in 1907 considered the McChesney Rolls as a Siletz Roll. 4. Neither did any future generations until 2018. 5. The large number of “off reservation” Indians in 1907 resulted from Columbia River Tribes – including the Lower Chinook, Clatsop, Kathlamet, Wahkiakum and Willapa, who now make up the Chinook Indian Nation (CIN) – never agreeing to remove to reservations. Logic dictates that a census/roll mostly enumerating members of Tribes who never removed to Siletz and without homelands within the Coast Reservation cannot fairly be called a “roll of Siletz Tribal members.” 6. People enrolled recently at Siletz with the McChesney Rolls as the stated basis appear to descend from Clatsop – not Tillamook – ancestors and the motive expressed for the Siletz enrollment of these Clatsop-descended people included the following (taken from the Siletz Tribe’s Motion to Intervene in a case brought by the CIN concerning a judgment known as Docket 234 funds): “Interestingly, Plaintiff [Chinook Indian Nation] is not the only unrecognized group purporting to represent the Chinook and Clatsop Tribes. In 2014, a group purporting to be the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes of Oregon introduced federal legislation to “restore” their existence as a federally recognized Tribe. The leader of this group was recently enrolled as a test case as a member of the Siletz Tribe, mooting out the group’s efforts to achieve separate federal recognition. The legislation has not been reintroduced.” 7. Political considerations have likely unduly influenced the promotion of the McChesney Rolls at Siletz by some leaders. 8. Siletz Enrollment Committee, for reasons devoid of politics, has disfavored McChesney Rolls’ use. Drew Viles To the editor: I want to thank all those who supported me in the election. I also want to thank all those who took the time to vote. Participating in our election process, attending meetings and speaking out can only strengthen our Tribal operations and services. I look forward to serving our Tribal members for the next three years, at least. Thank you. Gerald Ben To the editor: I want to say thank you to all who voted in the recent election. Also, thanks for the trust placed in me. I will do my best to represent you all to the best of my ability. Sincerely, Robert Kentta To the editor: My name is Maranda Butler. I’m a Siletz Tribal member. I’m writing to the people of Siletz out of great concern for the work environments inside our casino, to share briefly my experience of oppression there. I’ve been employed with our hotel department as a housekeeper since June 2022. I do not have the joy I once had. Every day I’m faced with oppression, fear and anxiety. These are severe mental health issues due to a toxic work environment that robbed me of my joy, my ability to perform my job duties and the happiness to participate in the good of our casino. I’ve been mistreated and retaliated against because I’ve used my voice entirely, stood up for myself when they were mistreating me and abusing their authority. Management continues to get away with abusing their authority over me. They’re able to manipulate policy and procedure because they can use it at their discretion. This is called weaponizing policy and retaliation. I’ve taken these things to our HR director and general manager where I quickly found that they don’t support the purpose of the casino – for our success and to be self-sufficient. Management’s minds are wired only to focus on the money and business aspect of the casino, not the purpose of my growth. This is proving to be a fatal flaw when I look at the statistics of the casino. Only 8% of employees there are our own people. Out of fear, on Feb. 3 I took these things to Tribal Council. I fear management is executing strategies to manage me out. Every oppressor wants their victim to be silenced. To manage me out is to silence me. To silence me means they’re free from any accountability. Only three council members showed any compassion or response out of nine. This is devastating and I feel completely exposed and unprotected. I feel my constitutional rights have been violated. Every day I go to work in fear while my chain of command reaps the rewards of success from my hard work and I’m left all alone in the oppression that takes place under their commands. I’m writing to the people because I know I’m not the only one. I’m writing to tell you that you’re not alone. I encourage you to use your voice to take back what was promised to you in our constitutional rights. Nothing changes if we don’t. If we don’t use our voices today we’re setting up our next generation for failure. We’re exposing our very own children to oppression. I’m writing to the people to say you are valued and you deserve to be heard. It’s long overdue to make a stand and I’ll stand with you. Maranda Butler For more information about the Siletz Tribe, please visit 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 chief executive officer of the Siletz Tribe is the editorin-chief of Siletz News. Editor-in-Chief: Kurtis Barker Editor: Diane Rodriquez Assistant: Andy Taylor March 2024 • Siletz News • 19 Happy Bir thday to Nora Nadine on March 21! Hope you have a great birthday and some good jackpots this year! Love you, sister – from the whole Williams family Happy 5th Birthday to our Big Guy Finn Dean. We hope your day is filled with adventures and laughs. We love you, Finnler. Your big family Happy Birthday to our beautiful granddaughter, Rylee, on March 1. We love and miss you so much! Also, Happy Birthday to Poppa on March 7! Hope you both have a wonderful birthday! Love, the Williams family Happy 40th Birthday, Robert! Remember the good times you’ve had and look ahead to the good times to come. Love, the fam Happy 6th Birthday, AnDrae! We love you ;) Happy 9 th Birthday to Jasper, our beloved son! You’re growing so fast and we’re proud of you. With love from Mom, Dad and your brother, Hoxie Happy Birthday to our dad, Darin, and brother, Tyee! We love you guys! 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. Purchased/Referred Care Email: siletzprc@ctsi.nsn.us Website: www.ctsi.nsn.us P.O. BOX 320 Siletz, OR 97380 Local: 541-444-9677 Fax: 541-444-9645 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. CTSI Jobs Tribal employment information is available at ctsi.nsn.us. 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. 20 • Siletz News • March 2024 Happy Special Day, Lillard! We are blessed and thankful to have you in our daily lives. Exciting things coming this year, you’re a great kid. With love, Momma, Gabe, Tamina and Elijah Free child ID kits from the Oregon State Police 503-934-0188 or 800-282-7155; child.idkits@state.or.us --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Aconfederated_siletz%3A8c430efaa876ddfe. Public record. Not legal advice.