Acting General Manager (2020)

SILETZ NEWS

Delores Pigsley,

Tribal Chairman

Tina Retasket,

Acting General Manager

and Editor-in-Chief

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians

Vol. 48, No. 5

Siletz News

Confederated Tribes of

Siletz Indians

P.O. Box 549

Siletz, OR 97380-0549

May 2020

Presorted

First-Class

Mail

U.S. Postage

Paid - Permit

No. 178

Salem, OR

477-Self Sufficiency Program still providing essential services amid COVID-19

The 477-Self Sufficiency Program

(SSP) is open and providing essential

services to eligible families and individuals residing in the Tribe’s 11-county

service area.

Due to Covid-19, all Tribal offices

are closed to the public. We still accept

applications and conduct appointments

over the phone and through email. SSP has

prioritized the following services:

•

Pre-Temporary Assistance for Needy

Families (Pre-TANF)/Non-Recurrent

Short-Term Benefits: Siletz families

below 185% of the federal poverty

level (FPL) may be eligible for shortterm financial assistance that doesn’t

exceed four months. The financial

assistance is meant to provide basic

needs and address short-term emergent needs.

•

•

•

Regular Temporary Assistance for

Needy Families: Siletz families below

the countable income limits and FPL

may be eligible for monthly grant

assistance to meet basic needs

•

General Assistance for Single Adults:

Siletz single adults below the countable income limits and FPL may be

eligible for monthly grant assistance

to meet basic needs

Emergency Assistance: Siletz families or single adults may be eligible

for support services to prevent eviction or utility shut-off. Income guidelines apply.

Classroom Training: The program is

still providing financial assistance

(tuition, stipends and support ser-

vices) to eligible American Indians

attending GED, Higher Education or

Vocational/Occupational Training.

If you recently lost your employment

due to Covid-19 and need assistance to

meet your basic needs, please contact

your local Tribal office for an application.

Additional eligibility criteria apply.

SSP staff will reach out to you by

phone or email. You can also email

477SSP@ctsi.nsn.us for more information.

Please include your name, phone number

and the city/county in which you reside.

Important school closure announcements on COVID-19 education response efforts

The Tribal Education staff wants

families to know that while this is a scary

time, it’s important to know:

1. Check your student’s school or district website regularly for updates

to distance learning, Chromebook/

laptop checkout processes and meal

distribution sites. The Tribal website

(ctsi.nsn.us) updates school links as

information comes in.

2. Oregon schools had until April 13

to implement distance learning for

their students. Some schools may have

gotten this up and running sooner.

Distance learning is required learning and is important for your student.

3. Districts are providing Chromebooks/

laptops for students to use at home

– contact your school for checkout

options and pickup sites. Many

schools are also helping with access

to the Internet. Many Internet providers are eliminating or reducing their

fees. Check with your carrier.

4. Districts are also providing paper

packets for students who do not

have access to the Internet or have

other barriers to digital learning For

Supplemental Learning - more information to come on distance learning

options.

5. Respond to your districts promptly if

they reach out to you regarding your

needs. They need to hear from you so

they can better serve every student.

If you experience any barriers to communicating with your student’s school or

accessing distance learning for your student, please reach out to your area education specialist. We are all in this together.

Contact your Tribal education specialist if you need help connecting with your

child’s school:

Siletz Area: Alissa Lane-Keene, alissal@

ctsi.nsn.us

Salem Area: Sonya Moody-Jurado,

sonyamj@ctsi.nsn.us

Portland Area: Katy Holland, katyh@

ctsi.nsn.us

Eugene Area: Nick Viles, nickv@ctsi.

nsn.us

CTSI – COVID-19 Pandemic Response

This month’s edition of Siletz News is

full of information and resources regarding the pandemic and what programs and

services may be available to you. Tribal

staff continues to work primarily from

home and only a handful of staff is actually in the office at any given time.

Our goal is – and remains – to continue

to provide quality essential services in new

creative ways. Things change on a daily basis

and we work hard to respond to those changes.

In addition to providing services by

telephone and email, we developed a

phone tree for the Tribe’s main switchboard. Callers can select program services from the menu and we have staff to

respond during the regular work day. If you

get a message, please leave your name and

number and someone will get back to you.

The Community Health program

developed a resource line for Tribal members to call if they need help accessing

essential services – 541-444-9613. Elders

receive calls weekly or bi-monthly, based

on their preference, and staff are working

hard to help elders meet their needs while

keeping them safe at home.

If you are an elder who has not

received a call, it means we do not have a

current telephone number for you. Please

contact the Enrollment Department at

541-444-8258 or 800-922-1399, ext.

1258, to update your information.

A drop box was installed at the back

of the Tribal administration building in

Siletz for Tribal members to drop off

applications or payments. It is checked

daily and information received is routed

to the appropriate program for processing.

Students are impacted by the pandemic and school closures. Our Education

staff continues to provide support and

assistance to help students continue their

education through virtual platforms.

Staff developed a youth Facebook

page and offer daily activities. By the time

you read this, they will have helped sponsor a virtual pow-wow. Please sign onto the

page at www.facebook.com/CTSIyouth.

We recognize that many of our graduating seniors will not have the opportunity to participate in the usual activities

– senior prom, graduation, eagle feather

ceremonies and more. We want to do a

special tribute to our graduating seniors

and would like families to send us a photo

along with the name of the school from

which the student is graduating and brief

information about their future plans. Send

it to CTSI, Graduating Seniors, P.O. Box

549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549.

Please stay safe at home and let us

know how we can assist.

Tina Retasket, Acting GM

tinar@ctsi.nsn.us; 541-444-8210;

800-922-1399, ext. 1210

Courtesy photo by Joyce Retherford

Members of the Siletz Valley Fire District continue to serve their community by

volunteering to help the Tribe’s USDA food distribution program pack 183 food boxes,

feeding 228 people in need. Those involved include fire district volunteers Alex Yoder,

Zack Fluhr and Amber Fluhr; and board members Patti Skauge and Rick Olsen.

Chairman’s Report

Coronavirus – COVID-19

I hope you are all well and staying

reasonably occupied during these trying

times. The COVID-19 virus has the Tribe

in an emergency state that can’t be compared to any other.

The Tribe has taken the epidemic very

seriously and taken all the precautions to

protect the Tribe and our communities.

Essential personnel remain on duty in the

office/clinic while others remain working

at home. Program funds have allowed us

to pay employees of the Tribe to be on

paid leave.

The clinic remains open but prefers

that patients call in to receive advice

before going to the clinic. They are taking

all precautions to protect patients.

The Tribe has not had any confirmed

COVID-19 cases at this time. Lincoln

County has a very low rate of cases, however, Washington, Multnomah and Marion

counties lead the state in confirmed cases.

The Indian Health Service has provided personal protective equipment and

funds to purchase additional supplies

dealing with the virus.

Conference and consultation calls

have been many to keep Tribes informed

of the latest news covering this issue.

With the exception on the Navajo

Tribe, other Tribes have not been hit hard

with the virus.

Chinook Winds Casino Resort

Chinook Winds was closed in midMarch. All employees were paid for the

first two weeks of closure of the casino.

Essential staff remain on duty to complete

deep cleaning, repair and replacement,

facility enhancement and security duties

for the entire facility.

Seven hundred twenty (720) employees have since been furloughed until further notice. On April 15, the golf course

re-opened with new rules in place to

protect clients. Aces Sports Bar & Grill

remains closed at this time.

Plans are being considered for the day

when the casino can reopen. That date is

unknown.

With the three legislative acts passed

by Congress to assist Tribes in dealing

with the layoffs and all the bad effects of

the virus, no funds have been allocated to

assist with the closure of Tribal gaming

operations.

Staff and council have been involved

in many conference calls and collaboration with the Indian Health Service,

Bureau of Indian Affairs and various other

state and government organizations.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown holds conference calls with the Oregon Tribes and

has been extremely helpful in assisting

Tribes through this pandemic.

The White House hosts calls to keep

Tribes across the nation informed.

Congressman Kurt Schrader has

reached out to our Tribe to determine

our status, provide assistance and ask for

recommendations for help.

Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley

have supported Tribal efforts to provide

guidance on how the $8 billion distributed

to Tribes under the CARES Act will be

allocated. It is not clear at this time how

that will happen, but the Treasury should

have started to distribute funds as early

as April 17. The money must be used to

assist in disease-related expenses.

Employment benefits

Filing and receiving unemployment

claims has been extremely slow. We

were informed that several hundred state

employees have been hired to speed up

the process, but they are working with an

antiquated system.

$1,200 payment

Several thousand Treasury payments

have been processed for folks who have

Delores Pigsley

direct deposit. Some of our membership

have reported receiving those payments;

hopefully all will get paid as funds are

very much needed.

We will keep you informed of any new

developments with regards to opening up

for business. The news has been very busy

keeping all informed.

Stay home, stay healthy.

Notice to members regarding the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 25, 2020

Due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, to keep our membership safe, the May 25, 2020, Memorial Day Ceremony

will not be held this year. The decision was not an easy one to make, but during this challenging time the health and welfare

of the membership had to be taken into consideration.

Families may still attend to their family gravesites, but we strongly encourage social distancing measures. We want to

ensure the membership that the council is doing what is best to keep you safe and healthy.

Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley

Siletz News is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a $12

annual subscription fee applies. Please make checks payable to CTSI and mail

to Siletz News.

Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: _____________________________________________________

Tenas Illahee Childcare Center

Board of Directors Vacancies

Résumés are being accepted for the Tenas Illahee Childcare Center Board of

Directors. Currently, there are two vacant board positions.

If interested, please submit your résumé to Siletz Tribal Council, c/o Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549.

Vacancies are open until filled.

Phone:_ _______________________________________________________

Change of address: Tribal members – contact the Enrollment Department

at 541-444-8258; 800-922-1399, ext. 1258; or enrollment@ctsi.nsn.us. All others – call the newspaper office.

Deadline for the June issue

is May 11.

Send information to:

Submission of articles and

photos is encouraged.

Siletz News

P.O. Box 549

Siletz, OR 97380-0549

Please see the Passages

Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages.

541-444-8291 or

800-922-1399, ext. 1291

Fax: 541-444-2307

Email: pias@ctsi.nsn.us

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Siletz News

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May 2020

Member of the Native American

Journalists Association

National Congress of American Indians

Call to Artists!

NCAI is holding its 77th Annual Convention & Marketplace on Nov. 8-13,

2020, in Portland, Ore., and is seeking artwork for the conference program cover

from local Native artists in the Northwest region.

The artwork will be featured on the program cover with the artist’s biography

appearing on the back cover and in the marketing email broadcasts. One thousand

nine hundred+ copies of the conference program will be printed, providing for

broad exposure of the winning submission.

In addition, the winning artist will be offered a complimentary booth at the

NCAI Marketplace.

Please submit original art in digital form by July 17, 2020.

If you have any questions, contact Amy Gay, director conferences and events,

at 202-466-7767 or agay@ncai.org.

Submit to:

NCAI

C/O Amy Gay

1516 P St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20005

Or agay@ncai.org

Temporary Tribal Student Assistance Program

The Siletz Tribal Housing Department’s Temporary Tribal Student Assistance Program (TTSAP) will accept

applications for the 2020-2021 academic

year beginning May 1, 2020.

◊

◊

Program Information

◊

◊

TTSAP assists Tribal students who

will be attending a college, university,

vocational or trade school.

TTSAP is a time-limited program.

Funding is for one academic year.

◊

TTSAP assists students with rent or

room and board in a dormitory.

The student’s share of the rent is

30 percent of their adjusted annual

income. Important Note: The student

might be required to remit a portion

of the rent. For example, if a student

is working the wages will affect the

student’s share of the rent.

Assistance is not transferable.

STHD will accept applications from

May 1 through May 31, 2020. If applica-

Win $15 Taco Bell gift cards

Be one of the first 100 people to text the word Oregon to 33339 and win a $15

Taco Bell gift card.

Then email your name, mailing address and phone number to CompleteCountCommittee@ctsi.nsn.us.

You will receive occasional texts from Dancing Hearts Consulting encouraging you

to respond to the 2020 Census and telling you why it’s important to you.

Tribal employment information is available

at ctsi.nsn.us.

Important Notice

Regarding 2020

Per Capita

tions are received after May 31, they will

not be accepted by the Siletz Tribal Housing Department.

To obtain an application, please call

800-922-1399, ext. 1315, or 541-4448315. Applications can also be downloaded from the Siletz Tribal website at

ctsi.nsn.us.

Cecelia De Anda (ceceliad@ctsi.nsn.us)

Rental Assistance Program Coordinator/

Resident Services Advocate

From the

Siletz Community

Dental Clinic

Due to current COVID-19 regulations, the orthodontic screening

dates for 2020 in April and May

have been postponed at this time.

All patients who had scheduled for

the April and May dates will be contacted with a new date once that day

has been chosen.

Thanks for your understanding.

If you believe you are going to

have a per capita garnishment either

for a debt to the Tribe or for child

support, you will receive a notice and

the protest forms in the mail. Please

keep your address current with the

Enrollment Department.

Monies owed to the Tribe: There

will be no hearings. Your written protest is your due process in accordance

with the ordinance.

Child Support: If you do not

submit a written protest, you will not

have a hearing scheduled. If you do

not submit a written protest within

the 14 day time frame, you will not

be allowed to do so via phone.

Tribal Court will accept requests

to be present via telephone in your

written request.

Ordinances are created by Tribal

Council. Changes in ordinances must

be directed to the Tribal Council.

Vacancy for Housing Standing Committee

Election Board Application

Open Until Filled

Tribal members interested in volunteering to serve on the Election Board

are encouraged to fill out this form and return it to Confederated Tribes of Siletz

Indians, Attn: Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR

97380-0549 or fax 541-444-8325.

The Election Board consists of three board members and one alternate board

member. Applications for consideration will be accepted through June 18, 2020.

Any Tribal member interested in consideration to serve on a Tribal Standing

Committee is encouraged to fill out this form and return to the council office.

Please mail or fax your application to Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians,

Attn: Executive Secretary to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549;

fax: 541-444-8325.

Name: ________________________________________ Roll No.: ____________

Address: _________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________ State: ____________ ZIP: _________

Telephone: Day ( ) __________________ Evening ( ) ______________________

If you have any questions, please call Tami Miner, executive secretary to Tribal

Council, at 800-922-1399, ext. 1203, or 541-444-8203.

Name: _______________________________________ Roll No.: ______________

Address: _________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: ______________ ZIP: ____________

Telephone: Day ( ) _____________________ Evening ( ) ___________________

For additional information regarding responsibilities and duties of the Election Board, please refer to the Tribe’s website – ctsi.nsn.us; under the Government

Listing tab select Tribal Ordinances and then select Election Ordinance.

For more information about the Siletz Tribe, visit ctsi.nsn.us.

How to access language materials online

Ch’ee-la xwii-t’i

(Greetings everyone)

To assist Tribal members during

this time of social distancing and the

interruption of our normal schedules,

this tutorial on how to access language

materials and recordings from the

Tribal website has been developed. I

hope you and your families are safe

and healthy during this time. Hopefully

many folks can access these materials

from the safety of their homes.

Go to www.ctsi.nsn.us. Enter in

your roll number and last four digits

of your Social security number to log

on to the Tribal member access area.

Click on “Our Heritage.” On the drop

down, click on “Language.”

Lots of written and recorded materials

are available in this section. The Nuu-weeya’ (Our Words) Language Dictionary is

on this page. You can click on the selection

A to Z to look up written English language

words and their Athabaskan equivalent.

Also on this page are Siletz Dee-ni

Volumes 1, 2 & 3. Just click on “Study

Materials” and scroll down. Volume 1

contains lessons on body parts, counting,

relatives, foods and table talk.

In these lessons, the written word on

the screen is accompanied by audio of the

word’s pronunciation. Volume 2 contains

animals, birds, colors, fish, greetings and

goodbyes, insects, and trees and brush.

Volume 3 contains lessons on sentence

structure and word order.

Each lesson has a complete practical

alphabet sound chart. All three volumes

have a word document and audio recording for each lesson. Tests are available if

you want to use them.

To access the Siletz Talking Dictionary, click on Siletz Language website.

Drop down three lines and click on www.

siletzlanguage.org, go to the Talking

Dictionary tab and click on it. The Siletz

Talking Dictionary Page will appear.

Just below the words “Search for” is

an empty white box. Type in the word you

are searching for and click on the “search”

button just below the box. The word

and the Athabaskan equivalent will

appear just below the search box. To

hear the word being spoken, simply

click on the red ear icon on the left

side of the page.

You may have to wait a few seconds

for the page and sound to load, depending on your connectivity. Some of the

words also have pictures.

Also on the www.siletzlanguage.

org website are 14 Language learning

videos and many other culture-related

videos, materials and curriculum.

For more information, contact Bud

Lane at 800-922-1399, ext. 8320; 541444-8320; or budl@ctsi.nsn.us.

May 2020

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Siletz News

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3

May USDA distribution dates, message

Siletz

We will not require a signature on

your shopping lists, but please, if you are

missing something from your order be

sure to call and we will set it aside for you.

This will be the distribution practice until

further notice.

Name: _______________________________________________________________

For Siletz Tribal members to use during the Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow on Aug 7-9,

2020. One entry per household. Must be a Siletz Tribal member to enter.

Deadline for entries is June 1, 2020. Name will be drawn soon after the deadline.

Return the form to Siletz Pow-Wow, Attn: Tipi Drawing, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR

97380-0549.

Monday

May 4

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Tuesday

May 5

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Wednesday

May 6

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Thursday

May 7

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Friday

May 8

9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

We will not accept hand-delivered

shopping lists. You can scan them and

email them or fax them to us.

1:30 – 6:30 p.m.

We ask that you please stay home and

be healthy unless it is absolutely essential

that you go out and about.

Salem

Monday

May 18

Tuesday

May 19 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday May 20 9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Thursday

May 21

By appt only

A message to all USDA clients

Because of the coronavirus, our warehouses will remain operational, however,

doors will be locked. When it is your

scheduled appointment time, we will do

an auto-fill from your last month’s issuance, fill the food boxes and bring them

to your car.

Most Often Requested

Numbers

Tipi Drawing

LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz

Tribal FDPIR. We would like to

see more people sharing their

recipes on our FB page.

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________ Roll #: __________________

Note: You do not win the tipi. The drawing is only for a stay in the tipi during powwow weekend.

2020-2021 Siletz Royalty Applications

Sammy Hall, Waehouseman/Clerk

541-444-8279; sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us

Applications are being accepted for 2020-2021 Miss Siletz, Junior Miss Siletz

and Little Miss Siletz. Applications must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. no later than June

1, 2020. Applications should be sent to: Siletz Pow-Wow Committee, P.O. Box 549,

Siletz, OR 97380-0549.

Applications can be downloaded from the Tribal website located under the PowWow tab.

If you have any questions, contact Buddy Lane at 800-922-1399, ext. 1230; 541444-8230; or buddyl@ctsi.nsn.us.

Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians –

800-922-1399

Purchased Referred Care (PRC) –

800-628-5720

C h e m awa H e a l t h C l i n i c –

800-452-7823

Salem Area Office – 503-390-9494

Siletz Clinic – 800-648-0449

Portland Area Office – 503-238-1512

Siletz Behavioral Health – 800-600-5599

B u re a u o f I n d i a n A f fa i r s –

800-323-8517

Eugene Area Office – 541-484-4234

Chinook Winds – 888-244-6665

Website – www.ctsi.nsn.us

Joyce Retherford, FDP Director

541-444-8393; joycer@ctsi.nsn.us

Fax: 541-444-8306 or 503-391-4296

Let’s focus on immune support in these uncertain times

By Nancy Ludwig, MS, RDN, LD, Head

Start Consulting Nutritionist

In light of world events and the COVID19 pandemic, let’s focus on practical immunity. In my role as consultant nutritionist to

Siletz Tribal Head Start, I offer information

for families. Today’s topic addresses natural

ways to support immunity.

Seems that as the world faces this

global pandemic, most people want to be

well and protect those they love. While

some are frantically buying supplies and

having them shipped to their homes, others are looking within and taking stock of

what they have. This includes basic supplies, knowledge and skills. We can create

from what we have on hand and can forage

or harvest what nature provides.

It is useful to focus on strengthening

our terrain. Seventy percent (70%) of

the immune system resides in the gut also known as our microbiome. The key

to health is really about balancing the

microbiome.

None of the organisms are problems

until some of them dominate. That is often

when sickness occurs. Strengthening our

terrain means supporting the balance

and boosting what may be weak. To support our terrain in the most natural way,

my focus is on three major topics. These

include food, stress management and

removal of waste.

Food and Drink: Good nutritional support is necessary for a properly functioning

immune system. Drink clean water and

consume foods that contain high amounts

of water. Science is beginning to identify

some special benefits from the water found

in foods. Water filters are recommended to

drink the safest water possible.

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Siletz News

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May 2020

Eat colorful vegetables that also contain fiber. Some fiber feeds the microbiome. Include fermented foods to provide

food for the microbiome. Avoid sugar

because sugar knocks down your immune

system. Include bitter foods that help get

digestive juices flowing.

Be selective with food quality. Eat

organic as much as possible or grow your

own food without using harmful herbicides, pesticides or fungicides.

Enjoy your food and give thanks. Connect with spring plants and wild foods.

Nutritious and immune-supporting

wild foods include plantain, cleavers,

chickweed and stinging nettles (cooked).

Many of these plants can be used in stirfries, soups or juiced. The stinging nettles

should be cooked due to the possibility of

being stung.

Chickweed is great in salad. Plantain

and cleavers are best juiced. These vibrant

green wild foods support our bodies via

their vitamins, minerals, enzymes and

ways we have yet to discover.

Stress: Manage the stress that is under

your control. Chronic stress and fear can

decrease the immune system. One of the

most common assaults for many is Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi actually creates problems in the

body by interfering with normal function.

Turn off your Wi-Fi at night, establish

a sleep sanctuary that is dark and without

electronics or Wi-Fi, if possible. Use an

Ethernet cable for Internet vs. Wi-Fi.

Focus on grounding. The most

straightforward way to accomplish this

would be making contact with the earth

outside. There are other grounding gadgets, but some of these actually can have

other problems or interference when they

are not properly grounded.

Body movement or exercise is another

strategy to manage excess stress. Get adequate, restful sleep. Quiet time in nature

as well as prayer and meditation can also

be useful tools.

While expressing love and gratitude

are important, I believe that a positive

attitude alone is not enough. It is important to accept what is really happening

and become aware of what is under our

control to change.

Sometimes life presents us with very

difficult challenges and stress management techniques help us find our center

and priorities before we can choose an

action. Bringing our focus to the present

moment can support our body’s immune

system and our body’s ability to heal.

Waste: Supporting the removal of

waste includes having daily bowel movements and adequate hydration. Bowel

movements are critical even if you need to

use an aid, such as laxative herbs, enemas,

suppositories or bulking agents. The goal

is to use these aids only for the short term

while finding the root cause to normalize

bowel elimination and function.

Water is needed to hydrate your cells

as well as to flush your body of wastes.

Sometimes salted water may be needed

for hydration if the water runs straight

through your body. Adding chia seeds

(approximately 1 tablespoon) in a water

bottle can also support hydration.

Sweating is another way the body

eliminates waste. Sometimes when you

feel itchy, it is a sign of waste leaving

your pores. Be sure to wash your skin to

prevent toxins from going back into your

skin again.

Deep cleansing breath is another way

to eliminate through respiration. Please

note: Our breath is one of the things we are

focusing on in this COVID-19 pandemic

to prevent spread of disease.

Detoxification strategies are also ways

to eliminate the toxins or heavy metals

from the body that interfere with immunity.

Excess emotions and fears can also be

discharged with crying, laughing, yawning, shaking and moving large muscles.

In summary, there are many ways to support our immune system. In simple terms:

•

•

•

Control what we take into our bodies

with a focus on clean, nourishing food

and water.

Accept what is happening. Don’t

sugar coat world events. Focus on the

present and choose to address what is

within your power to manage stress.

Support your body to eliminate waste

in order to keep healthy.

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.

Douglas Fir Tip Tea (or spruce tip tea)

Nice soothing nourishing spring tea.

Pick the soft little bright green spring tips

(new growth) that emerge from the outer

edges of the branches. All you need is a

small handful of tips from pine or spruce

trees and hot water for a cup of tea.

Fir and spruce tips are known to be a

source of Vitamin C. Fir and spruce tips

and tea are also delicious. They may help

to ground you and sooth your nervous

system – all of which supports immunity.

Take Control of Your Future

Respond to the 2020 Census

You could earn your community $3,000 dollars

in funding per year.

Native Americans have historically been under counted in past

censuses, thus losing out on hundreds of thousands of dollars in

funding. Responding to the census helps direct federal funding into

programs, aids, and grants for:

Housing

Employment

Healthcare

Education

Childcare and Family Support

and Urban and Rural Development

in Tribal communities across the country.

Select "American Indian or Alaska Native" under Race to make your

presence known.

You only get one chance once a decade. Don't miss out.

See more about the 2020 Census on page 15.

If you have any questions about the 2020 Census, call 844-330-2020 or visit 2020census.gov.

May 2020

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Siletz News

•

5

Tobacco Related Cancers for the Month of May

Melanoma and Skin: Cancers: Melanoma is a cancer that

develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin.

It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because

of a tendency to spread to other parts of the body and cause

serious illness and death. Because most melanomas occur on the

skin where they can be seen, patients or their spouses are often

the first to detect suspicious tumors. Caught early, most

melanomas can be cured with relatively minor surgery.

Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is any of several types of cancer

arising from the tissues of the urinary bladder. It is a disease in

which cells grow abnormally and have the potential to spread to

other parts of the body. Symptoms include blood in the urine, pain

with urination, and low back pain. Risk factors for bladder cancer

include smoking, family history, prior radiation therapy,

frequent bladder infections, and exposure to certain

chemicals. The most common type is transitional cell carcinoma.

Other types include squamous cell carcinoma

and adenocarcinoma.

Commercial Tobacco Quitline 1-800-QUIT-NOW

AI/AN Line now available 1-800-784-8663 (option 7)

6

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Siletz News

•

May 2020

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

7

Holly Sue Jackson – 1982-2020

Holly Sue Jackson, 37, was born on

Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 1982, to Denise

Lyn Riding In and Victor Henry Jackson

Jr. in Portland, Ore. She went home to the

Creator with her daughter Natachee on

March 31, 2020.

Holly was a beloved mother, daughter,

granddaughter, sister, auntie, niece, cousin

and friend. Holly was beautiful, loving

and kind. She always put her family and

friends first and traveled frequently to help

us wherever and whenever she was needed.

Her love was powerful and she gifted

us with light and laughter every time she

was near. Holly had a presence about her

all her life; she stayed confident, always

radiating beauty, strength and style.

A highly intelligent, strong, independent Native woman, she embodied a

true warrior. She was a role model and

a pillar of her community; she excelled

at everything she did. Her unconditional

love and care will remain a precious gift

in our hearts.

During her school years, Holly played

baseball, basketball and was an avid

member of the Native American Youth

Association, where she met many lifelong

friends. After attending Mt. Hood Community College, she traveled throughout

the country, making memories and living

life for the experiences.

She was a brilliant artist and her creative gift showed in her fashion, personal

style, designs, beadwork and regalia. A

member of the pow-wow circuit, she went

on to become Miss Siletz 2006-2007.

She was always encouraging young

people and had a wonderful way with

children. Holly had a flair that brought

energy to any event she attended and could

make any day feel like a day to celebrate.

She was an accomplished photographer

who shared her love of life through social

media. Holly was a social butterfly and was

at the heart of our family. She connected

with so many on a spiritual level, to know her

was to love her. She was truly a great woman.

Her heart was so full of happiness

when she learned she would be a mother.

Natachee was a miracle, a blessing and

immediately Holly’s baby girl was the

center of her world.

Holly enjoyed spending time with her

nephew and niece, going out, watching

movies, beading, traveling, taking photos,

swimming, going to Blazer games, going

to pow-wows, cooking, dancing and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed

music and often gave gifts of compilations

she generously made.

One of the best cooks, she knew how

to plan a party and make it known how

important we were to her on our special

days. She was devoted to enriching the

lives of her loved ones. She was a star in

our eyes, the love of our life.

Holly and Natachee will be deeply

missed. No words can express how much

they meant to us all. We are eternally

grateful for the time we had with these

angels. Having touched so many lives,

Holly’s love and care will remain a precious gift in our memories.

Graduates!

Courtesy photo

Holly Sue Jackson

Holly and Natachee are survived

by their grandmother, Doris Riding In

(Portland, Ore.); mother, Denise Riding

In (Portland); father, Victor Jackson Jr.

(Klamath Falls, Ore.); sisters and brothers,

Leah (Jeremy) Tycer (Chiloquin, Ore.),

Vanessa Jackson (Davin Poole) (Eugene,

Ore.), Vincent, Reginal, Odin Jackson

(Klamath Falls); nephew and niece, Koa

and Coral Poole (Eugene); special friend

Zane Powless (Chiloquin, Ore.); numerous

aunts, uncles, cousins and lifelong friends.

She was preceded in death by grandparents Marilynne and Victor Jackson Sr.,

and Robert Riding In; aunt, Dr. Debby

Riding In; and uncles, Max and Matthew

Jackson.

The family thanks everyone for the

love and prayers during this difficult time.

Services will be held in Siletz at a later

date when it is safe and appropriate to

do so.

Lewis hired as STBC property manager

Ann Lewis has been hired as the commercial property manager for the Siletz Tribal

Business Corporation.

She is an enrolled member of the Grand Ronde Tribe and a direct descendent of

the Siletz Tribe. Her lineal great-great-grandparents are Tillamook and Sarah Bobb,

members of the Tillamook Tribe; and her grandparents are Wilson Sr. and Ann Bobb,

members of the Grand Ronde Tribe.

Jeremy Sweet

Paul Mitchell School of Hair Design

I congratulate my son, Jeremy Sweet,

on his graduation from the Paul Mitchell

School of Hair Design, PTown. Our family

is so very proud of you. 💙 Everything you

do affects all of us, so stay gold and shine!

Niga teke miga Kloshe Tillicum.

Tribal construction skills

bank being developed

The Siletz Tribe Housing Department

is compiling a list of Tribal members

who are willing and able to work on the

workforce housing construction project

that will commence soon in Neotsu.

The project is funded in part with Indian

Housing Block Grant funds that require

Indian preference in employment and contracting. The list will be provided to the

contractor and subcontractors who will

ultimately make the decision in hiring.

If you are interested and available to

work, please contact Valerie Hibdon at the

Siletz Tribal Housing Department office –

541-444-8322; 800-922-1399, ext. 1322;

or valerieh@ctsi.nsn.us. You will need to

provide your name, phone number, enrollment number and construction trade.

Lewis says it is an honor to work for the Siletz Tribe. She brings more than 25 years

of key management experience in marketing, investment and property management

of residential and commercial property, and Tribal trust land. She has also served on

multiple community and economic development boards.

In addition to her real estate career, Lewis spends much of her free time dabbling

as an artist, working mostly with acrylics. She says this is more of a passion than a

career. She is excited to have had her works exhibited at many locations in Yamhill

County and the Five Oaks Museum (formerly the Washington County Museum) in

Northwest Portland as well.

If you do not have construction experience, you will be added as a potential

laborer.

If you have any questions, contact Lewis at 541-992-5354.

Without a Trace by Ann Lewis

Courtesy photos

Ann Lewis

Apply Now for Siletz

Tribal Head Start

Siletz Tribal Head Start is

accepting applications for the 20202021 school year. Classrooms are

located in Portland, Salem, Lincoln

City and Siletz.

Children must be age 3 or 4 to

attend.

Applications are available by

mail or can be downloaded from

the Tribal website. To request an

application, call DeAnn Brown at

541-444-2450.

Thank you.

8

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Siletz News

•

May 2020

CTSI Jobs

Tribal employment information

is available at ctsi.nsn.us.

Note: “Open Until Filled” vacancies may close at any time. The Tribe’s

Indian Prefeence policy will apply. Tribal

government will not discriminate in

selection because of race, creed, age,

sex, color, national origin, physical

handicap, marital status, politics,

membership or non-membership in

an employee orgnization.

CTSI constantly is looking

for temporary employees to cover

vacancy, vacations, maternity leave

and extended sick leave. If you are

looking for temporary work that can

last from 2-12 weeks, please submit

an application for the temp pool.

Coronavirus Information and Resources

Brown introduces framework for reopening Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. — On April 14,

Gov. Kate Brown introduced her framework for Reopening Oregon - a plan to

restart public life and business while

maintaining healthy Oregon communities.

The framework sets specific prerequisites based on science, which Oregon

communities must meet to begin reopening, and also outlines the actions Oregon

must take to move forward.

“We all want to get back to work and

return to normal life as quickly as possible,” said Brown. “But the truth is, the

best path forward is a cautious one — a

path that proceeds gradually, carefully and

incrementally; a path that relies on science

and facts to determine each step forward.”

In order to begin reopening communities, Oregon must first slow the growth

of COVID-19 as well as acquire adequate

personal protective equipment to protect

health care workers and first responders.

Once those prerequisites are met, Oregon

can begin to reopen by:

•

•

Ramping up COVID-19 testing capacity in every region of Oregon

Developing robust contact tracing

systems to track and contain COVID19 cases

Additional LIEHP help

available

Establishing a quarantine and isolation program for new cases

•

The Siletz Tribal Housing

Department has received additional

funding for the Low Income Energy

Assistance Program (LIEHP), so

clients can access assistance for

utility bills through the Housing

Department. Please keep in mind

“While we have to be careful, we

also cannot stand still,” said Brown. “The

shuttering of an economy at this scale

has never happened before. Likewise, the

reopening of a shuttered economy of this

scale has never happened before.

“As we prepare in the months ahead

to get Oregon back to work, we must

remember the importance of doing so in

a smart and deliberate fashion that keeps

us moving forward instead of sending us

backward.”

that LIEHP is not just for housing

residents.

Contact Casey Godwin at

541-444-8311 or 800-922-1399,

ext. 1311, for details.

Tips to protect yourself and your Nation from COVID-19

By Victoria Warren-Mears, Ph.D., Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board

The spread of COVID-19 in our state

threatens our elders, our workers, our

families and our Nations.

To protect our people, the Northwest

Portland Area Indian Health Board and the

43 federally-recognized Tribes that is our

board recommends that Tribes in Oregon,

Washington and Idaho cancel social gatherings and non-essential services, and that

all AI/AN people “stay home.”

Know how it spreads

The best way to prevent illness is to

avoid being exposed to this virus.

•

à

à

à

Stay home

It may feel like an overreaction, but

each one of us has an important role to

play to help prevent COVID-19 from

spreading. The most important thing we

can do to help prevent COVID-19 from

spreading is to stay home, even if you don’t

feel sick or think you are at risk.

People can look completely normal

and feel healthy, and unknowingly spread

the virus to others. By staying home, you

will protect those who are most vulnerable

in our communities, including elders and

those with asthma and diabetes.

à

The virus is thought to spread mainly

from person to person.

Between people who are in close

contact with one another (within

about 6 feet).

Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person

coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths

or noses of people who are nearby or

possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

•

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and

mouth.

à

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and

can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to

your eyes, nose or mouth. From there,

the virus can enter your body and can

make you sick.

Protect yourself and your loved ones

•

Wash your hands frequently: www.cdc.

gov/handwashing/materials.html

à

Regularly and thoroughly clean your

hands with soap and water or an

alcohol-based hand rub. Why? Washing your hands kills viruses that may

be on your hands.

•

Maintain social distance.

à

Avoid close contact with people who

are sick.

Stay home if you’re sick.

•

Stay home if you are sick, except to

get medical care.

•

Cover your mouth and nose with a

tissue when you cough or sneeze or

use the inside of your elbow. Throw

used tissues in the trash.

•

Immediately wash your hands with

soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand

sanitizer that contains at least 60%

alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you’re sick.

•

USE SOCIAL

STAY SAFE

DISTANCING

Unless you need essential items or

services like food or medical

appointments.

Continue to use social distancing and

proper hygiene when you must get

essentials.

•

WASH HANDS AND

ASSUME COVID IS IN

SURFACES OFTEN

YOUR COMMUNITY

People that are sick and contagious

may have no symptoms (also known as

asymptomatic), mild symptoms, or

severe symptoms.

Not everyone with COVID-19 has been

tested. Act like there are patients in your

community that are sick and take

appropriate precautions.

•

If you have a fever, cough and difficulty

breathing, seek medical attention and

call in advance. Follow the directions

of your local health authority.

•

Why? National and local authorities

will have the most up-to-date information on the situation in your area.

Calling in advance will allow your

health care provider to quickly direct

you to the right health facility. This

will also protect you and help prevent

spread of viruses and other infections.

Clean and disinfect

•

Clean and disinfect frequently

touched surfaces daily. This includes

tables, doorknobs, light switches,

countertops, handles, desks, phones,

keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.

•

If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use

detergent or soap and water prior to

disinfection.

Protect your community and Nation

4 Reminders to Prevent

Coronavirus

STAY HOME &

Put 6 feet of distance between yourself and other people. This is especially important for people who are

at higher risk of getting sick. Only

go out for essentials, like groceries

or medicine. Group your trips and

designate one healthy person to run

errands to reduce exposure and contamination.

If you are sick: You should wear

a facemask when you are around

other people (e.g., sharing a room or

vehicle) and before you enter a health

care provider’s office. If you are not

able to wear a facemask (for example,

because it causes trouble breathing),

then you should do your best to cover

your coughs and sneezes, and people

who are caring for you should wear

a facemask if they enter your room.

If you are NOT sick: You do not need

to wear a facemask unless you are

caring for someone who is sick (and

they are not able to wear a facemask).

Facemasks may be in short supply and

they should be saved for caregivers.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty

breathing, seek medical care early.

•

Stay home if you feel unwell.

We know this period is stressful for

many. We hope you are taking care of

yourself and are finding strength in your

community. Many of the places we visit,

shop or gather have closed to lessen the

spread of COVID-19, including our

schools and local businesses. These are

not easy decisions to make, but the swift

action and effectiveness of these measures

relies on our collective cooperation to

protect ourselves, our families, friends and

Tribal communities.

Things you can do to cope

•

Continue to practice spiritual connection and guidance, in your own way, at

home with your family

•

Check on elders and neighbors. Drop

off food for those who can’t go out.

•

Have video and phone chats.

•

Help explain the importance of staying home to elders and family members who might not understand.

•

Exercise outside (hiking, biking,

walking).

•

Create a schedule for your family

(including games, books and meals).

Remember to take a break from social

media and the news.

Learn more at npaihb.org/covid-19/.

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

9

Need More Information or

Have COVID-19 Questions?

Lincoln County residents have two call centers that are open and ready to help with

your questions relating to COVID-19 Coronavirus).

Lincoln County Call Center

Phone: 541-265-0621, open 9am - 4:30pm, Monday-Friday

Email: lincolncocallcenter@co.lincoln.or.us -monitored 8am - 5pm

Samaritan Healthline

Phone: 541-451-7425, open 8am - 7:30pm everyday.

Revised: 4/10/2020

The Disaster Distress Helpline, 800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year national

hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are

experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

The federal government is looking to fill various positions to help respond to

and fight COVID-19. Positions are listed at USAJOBS.gov.

Below is a map of Community Action Agencies throughout Oregon. All of the agencies have their own websites and phone numbers are listed below. Each agency receives

"Emergency Housing Account" and 'State Homeless Assistance Program" funds that can be used to pay for short-term emergency assistance like hotel/motel. Some have Rapid

Rehousing programs or other housing programs.

Oregon Coast Community Action

(ORCCA) - 541-435-7080/541-435-7773

Community Services Consortium (CSC) 541-704-7627

NeighborImpact - 541-323-6502

United Community Action Network

(UCAN) - 541-492-3501

Community Action Program

of East Central Oregon

Community Action

Multnomah County Dept

of Human Services

Yamhill Community

Action Partnership

Community Connection

of NE Oregon

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Advocacy

Community/Economic

Development

Clackamas

County Social

Services

Mid-Columbia CAC

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Oregon Coast

Community Action

NeighborImpact

Community In Action

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Information and

Referral Service

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Life Skills/Parent Training/

Self-Sufficiency Programs

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Community Action Partnership of Oregon

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Siletz News

•

May 2020

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Senior/Youth Services

CAPO Member: Oregon Human Development Corporation

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Transportation

United Community

Action Network

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Migrant/Farmworker

Services

ACCESS

Oregon Human Development Commission (O HDC)

Statewide

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Yamhill Community Action Partnership (YCAP)

Yamhill County

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United Community Action Network (UCAN)

Douglas and Josephine Counties

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Oregon Coast Community Action (ORCCA)

Coos and Curry Counties

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NeighborImpact (NI)

Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties and the

Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs

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Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency

Marion and Polk Counties

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Family/Homeless Shelters

In-Home Care/

Lifespan Respite Care

Klamath/

Lake Community

Action Services

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Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)/

Weatherization

Head Start

Lane County Human

Services Commission

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Employment Training

Programs for home buyers,

owners and renters

Community Service

Consortium

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Domestic Violence Victims

Assistance

Food

Mid-Willamette

Valley Community

Action Agency

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Child Care

Multnomah Dept. of County Human Services

Multnomah County

Community Action Team, Inc.

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC)

Hood River, Sherman and Wasco Counties

ACCESS

Jackson County

Clackamas County Social Services

(CCSS) - 503-655-8641

Lane County Human Services Division (LCHSD)

Lane County

Multnomah County Dept. of County

Human Services - 503-988-7453

Klamath/Lake Community Action Services (KLCAS)

Klamath and Lake Counties

Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) - 541-298-5131

Community in Action (CinA)

Harney and Malhuer Counties

Community Connection of NE Oregon

(CCNO) 541-963-3186 Office/541-786-2311 Cell

Community Services Consortium (CSC)

Benton, Lincoln and Linn Counties

Lane County Human Services Division

(LCHSD) - 541-682-3797

Yamhill Community Action Partnership

(YCAP) - 503-883-4172

Clackamas Social Services (CCSS)

Clackamas County

Community Action Team, Inc (CAT) 503-397-3511, ext. 2003

Oregon Human Development Corporation

(OHDC) - 503-245-2600

Community Connection of NE Oregon (CCNO)

Baker, Grant, Union and Wallowa Countiesin

Klamath/Lake Community Action Services (KLCAS) -541-882-3500

Community Action Team, Inc. (CAT)

Clatsop, Columbia and Tillamook Counties

Community Action Program of East Central Oregon (CAPECO)

800-752-1139/541-278-5671

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action

Agency (MWVCAA) - 503-585-6232

Community Action Program of East Central Oregon

Gilliam, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler Counties

Community Action Agency (CAO) 503-693-3221

Community in Action (CinA) 541-889-1060, ext. 101

Community Action Agency (CAO)

Washington County

ACCESS - 541-779-6691

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Community Action services in Oregon are provided through an array of funding sources such as

CSBG, ESG, HUD Continuum of Care, VA SSVF, etc.

350 Mission Street SE, Suite 201, Salem, OR 97302 phone: (503) 316-3951 fax: (503) 363-0113

www.caporegon.org

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Changes for General Council meeting in May

To provide the IRS with your bank information, visit

https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to keep our membership safe, the May

2, 2020, Siletz General Council meeting will be a video presentation by the Tribal

Chairman. The video will be available to review May 2-5, 2020, on the Tribal

website, under the Member Only Area.

Your concerns normally presented at General Council are important to Tribal

Council and Tribal staff. Submit any concerns to generalcouncil@ctsi.nsn.us or

mail to Tribal Council, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549. Please refer to the

Tribal website at www.ctsi.nsn.us for additional information.

Please remember, during this challenging time, the health and welfare of the

membership is important to the Tribal Council.

Dear Community member,

This letter is to provide some information about the federal government’s recently enacted

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Securities (“CARES Act”) and to alert you that you may

need to take action to receive an economic impact (cash) payment.

Economic Impact Payment. The recent CARES Act entitles individuals with social security

numbers (SSN) to a one-time cash payment (often referred to as the “economic impact

payment,” “rebate,” or “recovery rebate”). To qualify for the full $1,200 payment, an

individual must earn less than $75,000 per year, or, for a married couple filing jointly, under

$150,000 per year. Families with qualifying children, under the age of 17, also will receive $500

per child. Individuals who earn over $75,000 (or $150,000 for a jointly filing couple) may be

entitled to a reduced cash payment or a future tax credit, depending on their level of income in

2019 and 2020.

#StayHomeSaveLives #InThisTogether

The IRS announced that the federal income tax filing due date is

automatically extended from April 15th to July 15th, 2020! Any

taxpayer who needs to amend a 2016 return will still need to

do that before 4/15/2020 to qualify for any refund.

For many individuals, the federal government will make a one-time CARES Act direct deposit,

estimated in mid-April, 2020. However, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may only do so if the

IRS has your bank information and has information about your income for 2018 and/or 2019.

Please ensure that your address and bank information is correct on your 2018 and/or 2019

filings.

Taxpayers can also defer federal income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020,

without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed. Taxpayers do not need to file

any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment

relief.

If you did not file a tax return for 2018 or 2019, you may need to take action to receive the

economic impact payment, even if you were not required to file a tax return.

The IRS urges anyone with a tax filing obligation to file as soon as possible to receive an

economic impact payment. Generally, taxpayers are encouraged to include direct deposit

banking information on the tax return for fastest receipt of the economic impact payment. If

you do not wish to use direct deposit, then the government will send a physical check by mail.

The IRS will continue to process tax refunds!

The IRS urges taxpayers who are due a refund to file as soon as possible. Most tax

refunds are still being issued within 21 days.

If you were not required to file a tax return in 2018 or 2019 and receive certain benefits, the IRS

will use the information on the Form SSA-1099 or Form RRB-1099 to generate economic impact

payments to recipients of benefits reflected in those forms. Please be aware that because the

IRS would not have information regarding any dependents (qualifying children) for individuals

who do not file a tax return in 2018/2019, you may still wish to file a simplified tax return to

ensure you receive the full economic impact payment to which your family is entitled.

The Oregon Department of Revenue tax filing deadline is automatically

extended from April 15th to July 15th, 2020! Any interest and penalties with

If you are concerned about not having access to tax professionals or local community

organization in person to get help with a tax return, these economic impact payments will be

available throughout the rest of 2020.

respect to Oregon tax filings and payments extended by this order begin accruing

on July 16, 2020.

If the IRS does not have your direct deposit information, in the coming weeks, the Treasury

Department plans to develop an online portal for individuals to provide their banking

information to the IRS online. (see above)

If you have tax questions or problems with IRS or the Oregon Department of Revenue

Please contact:

Legal Aid Services of Oregon Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

Garnishment. The stimulus payment will not be garnished for federal tax debt. If you have

concerns that your cash payment may be garnished please review the handout from the

National Consumer Law Center on preventing garnishment of stimulus checks. You can view

that handout at https://www.nclc.org/images/pdf/special_projects/covid19/IB_Garnishment_Stimulus_Checks.pdf. We recommend speaking with your attorney about

other strategies to protect your cash payment, if you have concerns about this issue.

520 SW 6th Ave. Suite 700

Portland OR. 97204

888-610-8764

tax@lasoregon.org

Effect on Eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, TANF, and Housing Assistance. The economic impact

payments are not taxable and will not count as income or resources for means-tested programs.

In other words, receiving the payment will not affect your eligibility for SSI, SNAP, Medicaid,

ACA premium credits, TANF, housing assistance, or other income-related federal programs.

The economic impact payment will not count as a resource for a 12-month period. You should

make plans to ensure your resources are spent down within that time.

Tax Filing Deadline. The federal 2019 income tax filing deadline has been extended without

penalty to July 15, 2020. This relief applies to all individual returns and is automatic. You do

not need to file any additional forms or call the IRS to qualify for the extended deadline. A

deadline extension also applies to your Oregon state taxes.

Scams and Identity Theft. There are predatory scams and identity theft operations attempting

to take advantage of the current circumstances. Do not trust calls, emails, or text messages

from individuals claiming to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or other

government agency. Do not provide information about your banking accounting or social

security number over the phone, by text, or by email. If you receive a message stating that you

must provide more information to receive your economic impact payment, it is a scam.

More information. You may wish to go to the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus, or

for updates about your economic impact payment, you can go to: https://www.irs.gov/refunds.

The enclosed flyer has more detailed information for your convenience.

Best wishes,

NATIVE AMERICAN PROGRAM, LEGAL AID SERVICES OF OREGON

Resources

•

•

•

•

•

Senior Loneliness Line in Oregon – seniorlonelinessline.org or 503-200-1633

Volunteers and Donations – oregonrecovers.communityos.org; oem.donations@

state.or.us; 503-378-4479

Oregon Office of Emergency Management – oregon-coronavirus-geo.hub.arcgis.com/

Oregon Office of the Governor – govstatus.egov.com/or-covid-19

Oregon Department of Education – oregon.gov/ode/students-and-family/healthsafety/Pages/COVID19.aspx

From Lincoln County Emergency Services

Homeless service providers and food

providers,

CHANCE has secured some funding from CSC for motel sheltering for

medically fragile homeless individuals

during this pandemic. Providers working

with the client should make the referrals

to CHANCE at 541-791-3411 (follow

prompts for location Albany, Corvallis,

Lebanon, Lincoln City and Newport) or

hotelvoucher@chancerecovery.org.

Homeless clients should not call

CHANCE directly. If they do, CHANCE

will advise them to get a referral from a

health care provider or homeless advocate.

CSC will not take referrals from anyone

for these motels — CHANCE is the point

of contact.

A person must meet these definitions

of “homeless” and “medically fragile”

for state motel funding with CHANCE.

Eligibility includes:

•

•

Client referred must be homeless, living un-sheltered (i.e. sleeping outside

or in a car, but not in an RV or travel

trailer). If the client is already in a

local shelter, they do not qualify.

Client must be “medically fragile,”

defined as:

•

Having a chronic health condition that

makes them high risk (such as heart

condition, respiratory condition or

unmanaged diabetes). Provider making referral must attest to the health

condition.

OR

•

Age 65 or older, with or without a

chronic medical condition, without

any alternative source of shelter

CHANCE will check in with the client often. We will check to see if they need

medical attention, mental health support,

food, medication or just a check-in. If

support is needed, CHANCE staff will

reach out to the appropriate member of

each county’s community partner support

teams for the needed attention.

Once the client has checked out of the

hotel, CHANCE staff will notify CSC and

the team members involved in the person’s

care to either do a follow-up or close out

the file.

This is currently available for nonsymptomatic medically fragile people

only. A separate program has yet to be

finalized for people who are presumptive

or COVID 19-positive.

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

11

By Jonodev O. Chaudhuri, partner at

Quarrels & Brady LLP and former

chairman of the National Indian Gaming

Commission; from Quarrels & Brady

LLP Indian Law and Policy Alert;

originally published April 15, 2020

The COVID-19 crisis has wreaked

havoc on the Indian Gaming industry as

Tribal nations have had to close 100% of

their gaming facilities across the United

States out of concerns for public health,

safety and welfare in the face of this

global pandemic.

Tribal governments are voluntarily

implementing these closures in coordination with state governors and through

Tribal government emergency declarations. This effectively constitutes a shutting down of the 12th largest employer in

the country.

Prior to the COVID-19 crisis, Indian

Gaming constituted a $39.1 billion

industry with approximately 250 Tribal

governments across 29 states operating

520 gaming facilities—with the majority

of these operations serving as primary

employers and economic engines in rural

communities nationwide.

The various iterations of the CARES

Act provide billions in new funding for

medical research and public health programs to combat the spread of the virus,

Indian Gaming and COVID-19

relief in the form of paid sick, family and

medical leave, and free coronavirus testing.

The new law includes $10 billion of

support for Indian Country in emergency

appropriations, as well as grants, loans and

loan guarantees, for which Indian Tribes

and Tribally owned entities are eligible.

In some instances, funds will be available to assist Tribes struggling with the

ramifications from having to close their

gaming facilities.

In other instances, agencies implementing certain provisions of the CARES

Act have interpreted the act in a manner

that excludes relief for the costs Indian

Gaming has endured during this crisis or

for the lost revenue Tribal nations have

taken on.

Without a tax base to generate governmental revenue, Indian Tribal governments

must rely on their Tribal governmentowned enterprises, and in particular

Indian Gaming, to generate revenue to

fund essential government services to

Native communities across Indian Country in the form of health care, education,

public safety, housing and social services.

In fact, federal law mandates that Indian

Gaming revenues be used for government

purposes.

Because Indian Gaming, through

the auspices of IGRA, effectively subsi-

dizes the federal trust responsibility to

support Tribal self-determination and

Tribal economic development, the federal

government has a trust duty and obligation to address resulting loss of gaming

revenue in Indian Country as a result of

COVID-19.

The CARES Act is a good start, but

much work remains to be done to ensure

the continued stability of our Tribal

nations. Of course, the implementation

of the CARES Act continues to be shaped

daily, not only by the enactment of legislation by Congress, but also by the federal

agencies that interpret the laws Congress

enacts. The below, therefore, will inevitably be updated as developments continue.

Article followed by FAQ, available at

https://www.quarles.com/publications/

indian-gaming-and-covid-19/.

AT-HOME

LEARNING SUPPORTS

Selected Resources to Keep Kids Healthy, Entertained, and Learning during School Closures

Follow the Links Below to Free Digital Resources:

Support and

Encouragement for

Native Youth

Daily Lessons and

Activities

Indigenous Lessons

Plans and Curriculum

Art and Science

Support and Encouragement for Native Youth

Native W ellness Institute:

Check out Power Hour—a daily livestream of encouragement,

humor, storytelling, and supportive messages from indigenous

elders, youth leaders, and teachers from across the nation

Think Indigenous:

Video lessons, encouragement, and support for Native kids from

Native teachers

Daily Lessons and Activities

Scholastic Learn at Home:

Large library of on-line lessons and activities now free during

school closure. Look for special daily interactive lessons

designed for students and families while schools are closed

PBS Emergency Closure Curriculum:

Video lessons and activities for students in all grades. Includes

daily video lessons and curriculum during school closure

Indigenous Lesson Plans and Curriculum

Native Knowledge 360⁰:

Large catalogue of lesson plans and resources for grades K-12

from the Smithsonian Institution

Siletz Tribal Language Project:

Dee-ni language and culture lessons for grades Pre K-8

Siletz Tribal Estuary Curriculum:

Sixth grade ecology curriculum focused on the importance of

estuaries and wetlands to the environment and Siletz people

Honoring Tribal Legacies:

Selected digital teaching resources and lessons plans for grades

K-12 from the University of Oregon

Art and Science

From the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board: We need you here, we need

you to stay healthy. These call-in and text lines have people answering who are highly

qualified to talk and provide the best recommendations for one’s mental health concerns.

• For Emotional Distress assistance, not related to suicidality, please call the Disaster

Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or text “Talkwithus” to 66746.

• For concerns with suicide, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255

• Text “TALK” to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Textline

• For Two Spirit LGBTQ+ crises call The Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386, or text

START to 678678, or check out www.TheTrevorProject.org

• County Crisis Lines or 2-11 in some areas

• We R Native www.wernative.org

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Emotional Wellbeing During the COVID-19

Outbreak webpage: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/current-events/supportingyour-emotional-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak/

• CDC’s Managing Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19 webpage: https://www.

cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/managing-stress-anxiety.html

12 •

Siletz News

•

May 2020

Mystery Science:

Video science lessons and activities designed for elementary

students, free during school shutdown

What’s Good in My Hood:

Workbook of outdoor-based nature lessons and observation

activities for K-5 students

Coloring Sheets from Native Artists and Organizations:

Alaska Native Artist Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson

Native W ellness Institute Coloring Book

Generation Indigenous

For Additional Resources and Support:

•

•

•

•

Visit your local school\school district’s website

Email your student’s teacher for log-in information for classroom learning tools

Check out the Siletz Community Health Facebook Page

Contact your local CTSI education specialist

GUIDANCE FOR

FUNERALS AND SERVICES

Tribal Council Order

On April 17, 2020, the Siletz Tribal Council adopted Resolution 2020-XXX, which ordered funerals to be

conducted in a manner that does not conflict with the limitations of social distancing and the following

criteria:

Services

The Dance House and Siletz Community Center will not be made available for funeral services at this time.

Graveside services may occur with the following recommendations: 1) Limit the gathering to 10 people or less

and 2) All individuals maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from any person who is not a member of their

immediate household.

Social Distancing Guidelines

As COVID-19 continues to spread in the surrounding areas, it is imperative that social distancing guidelines are

followed to control the spread of COVID-19, decrease the burdens on hospitals and equipment supplies, and

lessen the number of infections and deaths caused by this disease.

Limit Attendance

Attendance should be limited to the greatest extent possible. Ask all those who are not feeling well to stay

home.

All attendees should self-quarantine for 14 days following attendance.

Protect E lders

Elders and those with underlying health conditions such as COPD, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or heart

disease, who are most at risk for a serious viral infection, should not attend.

If elders attend, it should be a priority that all attendees limit contact with elders and provide them ample

space (6 feet) to follow social distancing.

Limit Person to Person Contact

Even though someone is not feeling sick, they could still have the novel coronavirus and pass it to others.

Limiting contact with others is the best way to ensure the virus does not spread. This includes:

 It is highly encouraged that all attendees wear masks and wash hands frequently. If there are no hand

washing stations, hand sanitizer should be used frequently and after handling any items that are

handled by multiple people.

 Use disinfecting wipes on all hard surfaces and prioritize multiple cleanings for surfaces that will be

touched frequently, such as door handles.

 Stand 6 feet away from others who are not a member of your immediate household.

 No handshakes and hugs.

 If food is being provided, as few people as possible should serve it. It should not be buffet style. Those

serving should practice good hand washing, wear gloves, wear masks and frequently sanitize all serving

utensils.

 Tables and chairs should be set for every other space.

 Giveaway items should either be avoided or held at another time

Attendance Tracking

One attendee will be responsible for logging the names of all attendees. This attendance log will be provided

to the Siletz Community Health Clinic and will be kept confidential. This log will be used in the event that a

funeral attendee tests positive for COVID-19 in the two weeks following the funeral and all funeral attendees

need to be notified that they may have been exposed.

Be safe. Stay home. Stay well.

Resources

COVID-19 Updates

•

•

•

Oregon – https://govstatus.egov.com/

OR-OHA-COVID-19

CDC – https://www.cdc.gov

WHO updates – https://www.who.int

General Resources

211info connects people with health

and social service organizations. At our

heart is our core Community Information

Center, supported by Resource Database team. We’ve expanded to include

enhanced information & referral and

assistance programs that target specific

services. Call 211 or 866-698-6155.

Employment

For information about unemployment

benefits and COVID-19, visit;

•

https://www.sba.gov/page/coronavirus-covid-19-small-business-guidance-loan-resources

Coronavirus Worker Safety Fund

– https://www.saif.com/news/new-fundto-help-oregon-businesses-respond-tocoronavirus.html

Business organizations links for

assistance and information

•

•

•

•

https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/

post/PublishingImages/Paycheck%20

Protection%20and%20Loan%20Forgiveness%203-25-20.pdf

https://home.treasury.gov/policyissues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses

Oregon Work-share Program - Work

Share

provides an alternative for employ• https://www.oregon.gov.employ

ers

and

workers who may be facing

• https://www.oregon.gov/employ/

the prospect of a layoff situation. With

Unemployment/Claimant_HandWork Share, instead of reducing staff, an

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT:

Cbook/Pages/default.aspx

OVID-19

2020 for a

reduces the hoursAPRIL

of work

HTTP://WWW.CTSI.employer

NSN.US

• NOOED_COVID19_Info@oregon.gov

VEL CORONAVIRUS

group of workers. Partial Unemployment

Insurance benefits are then paid to suppleBureau of Labor and Industries

ment workers’ reduced wages.

• https://www.oregon.gov/BOLI/Pages/

index.aspx

• https://www.oregon.gov/employ/

Unemployment/Pages/Work-ShareBusiness Assistance

Program.aspx

Federal guidance for small busiSmall Business Assistance

nesses, including information on the

Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program: • https://www.oregon4biz.com

• https://www.oregoncoastcc.org/sbdc• https://www.sba.gov/funding-procoronavirus-resource-page-for-lingrams/disaster-assistance

coln-county-businesses/

Business Oregon – https://www.

oregon4biz.com

Salem Chamber COVID-19 – https://

salemchamber.org

SEDCOR – https://www.sedcor.com

Rental, Mortgage or Housing

Assistance

Paycheck Protection Program & Loan

Forgiveness –

•

Insurance

The Federal government announced

HUD has authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement

an immediate foreclosure and eviction

moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages for the

next 60 days.

211.org and Community Action may

be able to direct you to resources for payment assistance.

If Oregonians have questions or concerns about their insurance company or

agent, they can contact the department’s

advocacy team at 888-877-4894 (toll free)

or visit dfr.oregon.gov for more information or to file a complaint.

For insurance and financial services

information related to COVID-19, visit the

department’s website at https://dfr.oregon.

gov/insure/health/understand/Pages/coronavirus.aspx.

General Health Information

How to protect yourself –

•

https://www.cdc.gov/

coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

•

https://www.who.int/emergencies/

diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/

advice-for-public

Food Assistance

•

•

•

•

•

•

211 is a statewide resource – Call

211 or 866-698-6155; text your Zip

Code to 898211 (TXT211); email

help@211info.org

Partners for a Hunger Free Oregon –

https://oregonhunger.org

https://oregonhunger.org/covid-19/

https://www.mowp.org/

https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/

Marion Polk Food Share – Covid-19

info at https://www.marionpolkfoodshare.org

What to do if you’re sick –

•

https://www.cdc.gov/

coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-aresick/steps-when-sick.html

Mental Health Resources

•

Lines for Life https://www.linesforlife.org

•

Adult Behavioral Health program

-503-588-5351

•

Crisis Services -503-585-4949

Additional federal resources listed on page 14

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

13

American Indian College Fund, Tribal College Journal launch special edition

journal for 400th anniversary of Mayflower arrival with call for student entries

DENVER — The year 2020 marks

the 400th anniversary of the arrival of

the Mayflower to North America, forever

changing life for Native people.

In some ways, the struggle for Native

people continues — in March the federal

government announced it is removing

the reservation status and 300 acres of

ancestral land from the Mashpee Wampanoag Massachusetts-based Tribe, which

traces its ancestry to contact with the

Mayflower pilgrims.

Today’s Native people are responding to challenges with the resilience of

their ancestors, a Tribal college education

and continued strength, weaving their

values and traditions into modern life.

To celebrate Native peoples’ endurance

and resurgence for more than 400 years,

the American Indian College Fund and

Tribal College Journal are hosting a call

for entries for A Journal of Native Reflections on the Mayflower, a special edition

journal to feature a juried selection of

student essays, art, photography and film.

The contest is open to all Tribal

college and university students, faculty

members and staff at American Indian

Higher Education Consortium-member

institutions submitting original work

reflective of the theme of Resilience.

Education. Strength.

Deadline for entry is June 30, 2020,

11:59 MST. A Journal of Native Reflections

on the Mayflower will be published Nov. 1,

to mark Native American Heritage Month.

Selections will be made in July by

a jury of three industry professionals.

Each entrant whose work is selected for

publication will receive $200, a certificate

of selection and a copy of the Journal of

Native Reflections on the Mayflower. All

officially selected entrants will also be

listed in the journal.

For complete contest terms and

conditions and instructions for submission, please visit collegefund.org/

mayflower. Selections for submissions will

be announced on the College Fund’s home

page at collegefund.org and at tribalcollegejournal.org.

About the Tribal College Journal (TCJ)

— This is a national, nonprofit media

organization operated by the American

Indian Higher Education Consortium.

TCJ has covered the news, newsmakers

and issues of the Tribal college movement

for 30 years, earning multiple awards from

organizations such as the Native American Journalists Association, Association

Estimated

Number

Available

Season

Dates

Deer

Early Archery

50

8/29-9/27

8/3 at 8:00 AM at Natural

Resources Office

General Rifle

375

10/3-11/6**

8/17

Lottery applications available

8/3; due 8/28; drawing 9/8; tags

issued 9/9

Lottery applications available

8/3; due 8/28; drawing 9/8; tags

issued 9/9

First Distribution:

10/19 at 8:00 AM at NR Office

Second Distribution:

11/2 at 8:00 AM at NR Office

(see Note 2 below)

Lottery applications available

6/1; due 7/2; drawing 7/6; tags

issued 7/7

8/3 at 8:00 AM at Natural

Resources Office

Lottery applications available

8/31; due 9/25; drawing 10/5;

tags issued 10/6

Method of

Issuance

First Come First

Served*

First Come First

Served

Lottery – Open to

Elders Only

Antlerless – Adult

8

10/3-11/6

Antlerless –Youth

8

10/3-11/8

50***

11/21-12/13

Antlerless - Youth

2

8/1-12/31

Early Archery

25

8/29-9/27

1st Season Rifle

25

11/14-11/17

2nd Season Rifle

25

11/21-11/27

11

Various

seasons

beginning

1/1/21

Lottery applications available

8/31; due 9/25; drawing 10/5;

tags issued 11/30

Lottery

56

11/28-12/13

First Distribution:

10/19 at 8:00 AM at NR Office

Second Distribution:

11/2 at 8:00 AM at NR Office

(see Note 2 below)

First Come First

Served*

200

11/1-12/30

(estimate)

8/17

First Come First

Served

Late Archery

Elk

Date to Start Tag Issuance

Antlerless

Late Archery

Antlerless

Salmon Salmon

Lottery – Open to

Youth Ages 12-17

Only

First Come First

Served*

Lottery – Open to

Youth Ages 12-17

Only

First Come First

Served*

Lottery

* No early calls to “save” an early archery tag for someone. Must physically show up to obtain tag on first day

of distribution. May call to have a tag mailed beginning on the second day of distribution.

** Season for Youth ages 12-17 is 10/3 - 11/8 (2 additional days at end of general season)

*** Minus number of tags filled in Deer Early Bow Season. Unfilled Deer Early Bow tags must be returned to

Natural Resources by 10/9.

NOTE 1:

NOTE 2:

14 •

A Tribal member may obtain only ONE elk tag in their name during the 2020-2021 hunting

season (bow, bull and cow tags all count towards the one tag), except as noted below.

First Distribution: For hunters who have not been issued an early season deer archery tag (for

deer tags) or any elk tag (for elk tags).

Second Distribution: For any eligible hunter, regardless of what other tags they have received.

Siletz News

•

May 2020

About the American Indian College

Fund — Founded in 1989, the American

Indian College Fund has been the nation’s

largest charity supporting Native higher

education for 30 years. The College Fund

believes “Education is the answer” and

provided $7.72 million in scholarships to

3,900 American Indian students in 201819, with nearly 137,000 scholarships and

community support totaling more than

$221.8 million since its inception.

The College Fund also supports a

variety of academic and support programs

at the nation’s 35 accredited Tribal colleges and universities, which are located

near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers.

Important Federal Links

2020-2021 Hunting and Fishing Tags

Distribution Schedule

Type of Tag

Media and Publishing, and Western Publishing Association.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 - https://www.cdc.gov/

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services: Coronavirus - https://www.cms.gov/

Federal Emergency Management

Admin.: Coronavirus Response - https://

www.fema.gov/coronavirus

Federal Reser ve: Coronavir us

Resources - https://www.federalreserve.

gov/default.htm

Federal Trade Commission: Coronavirus Scams Guidance - https://www.

consumer.ftc.gov/

Food & Drug Administration: Coronavirus Resources - https://www.fda.gov/

Dept. of Agriculture: Coronavirus

Resources - https://www.usda.gov/

Dept. of Education: COVID-19 Information/Resources for Schools - https://

www.ed.gov/coronavirus

Dept. of Health and Human Services:

Coronavirus Resources - https://www.

cdc.gov/

Dept. of Homeland Security: Notices

of Arrival Restrictions Due to Coronavirus - https://www.dhs.gov/

Dept. of Housing and Urban Development: COVID-19 Information & Resources

- https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus

Dept. of Justice: COVID-19 Fraud https://www.justice.gov/

Dept. of Labor: Coronavirus Resources

- https://www.dol.gov/coronavirus

Dept. of State: Travel Advisories https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Dept. of Veterans Affairs: Positive

COVID-19 Cases - https://www.va.gov/

Environmental Protection Agency:

Disinfectants for Use Against SARSCOV-2 - https://www.epa.gov/

Elections Assistance Commission:

Coronavirus Resources - https://www.

eac.gov/

Occupational Safety & Health Admin.:

Workplace Guidance - https://www.osha.gov/

Small Business Administration:

Disaster Assistance in Response To

COVID-19 - https://www.sba.gov/

Substance Abuse & Mental Health

Services Administration: Coronavirus

Resources - https://www.samhsa.gov/

coronavirus

Transportation Safety Administration:

COVID-19 Resources - https://www.tsa.

gov/coronavirus

Chemeketa honors Native American Tribes

By Gustavo Ramirez of the Chemeketa Courier; first published March 17, 2020

Chemeketa held a flag-raising ceremony for Oregon’s recognized Tribes on March 6.

Eight of nine recognized Tribes in Oregon (Warm Springs, Umatilla, Burns, Siletz,

Cow Creek, Grand Ronde, Coos, Klamath and Coquille) had their flags raised. Due

to growing concerns of COVID-19, the Umatilla Tribe is under quarantine and could

not participate in the flag raising.

“The ceremony is about honoring the nine recognized Tribes of Oregon,” said Linda

M. Ringo-Reyna, a Multicultural Student Services coordinator. ”Our college is acknowledging the land that we sit on belongs to indigenous people before it was colonized.”

Madison Burnette, a student employee for Student Retention and College Life,

opened the ceremony by reading a land acknowledgment, by which Chemeketa gives

thanks to the Kalapuya nation. This was followed by a song and prayer by Plummie Wright.

After the flag raising, Purcell Sisto, a student of Chemeketa and member of the

Northern Ute Tribe, presented his Tribe’s flag and played an honor song.

“I was invited and, not only that, it was an honor to be asked to present my flag

among the nine Tribes of Oregon because I’m not even a Tribal member from Oregon,”

said Sisto.

Sisto’s Tribe is from Utah. He came to Oregon to attend the Chemawa Indian School.

“It’s a boarding school for Native Americans up here in Salem and after graduation, I

decided to stay here and kinda just build a life up here.”

Sisto said the flag-raising has helped him feel more connected to Chemeketa. “I

love it because I feel comfortable. I feel comfortable being able to express my identity

and who I am … It’s a big deal because it’s leaving a legacy at this college.”

For Chemeketa, raising the flags “shows that we embrace our Native American

brothers and sisters from this region, from this land,” said Ringo-Reyna.

To see the flags, visit the Multicultural Center in Bldg. 2, Rm. 177.

Courtesy photo by Sonya Moody-Jurado

Tribal member Marbella Herrera Logan brought in the Siletz flag. She is a first-year

student at Chemeketa pursuing her Associate of Arts of Oregon Transfer Degree.

Coronavirus chokes Census activities

Be safe. Stay home. Stay well.

Join us to split, load & deliver

firewood to Tribal Elders

Rain o

r Shine

Near USDA Building on

Logsden Road in Siletz

The response to the coronavirus has

had a devastating impact on 2020 Census

activities. The planned kickoff event on

April 1 with prizes and games had to be

cancelled.

Our service center teams

were trained to provide

help to those who need

assistance completing their 2020 Census questionnaire. Now

our Census Assistance Centers and

area offices have been

closed. Meetings to

explain the workings of

the Census Bureau have

been cancelled.

The Census Bureau is

not allowing its counters into our

neighborhoods to provide paper questionnaires until at least June. The final

date for responses has been pushed back

from July 31 to August 24. Even public

libraries, with their computer access, have

been closed.

Despite these and other complications, the count goes on. The need to get

everyone counted has not gone away. We

still need our share of federal funding for

schools, school lunches, roads and transit,

treatment programs, food assistance pro-

grams and health programs, not to mention political representation. Our response

to the Census is how to get our fair share

of those funds and representation.

The best way to respond to the

2020 Census is to go online

at my2020census.gov and

complete the questionnaire. It takes less than

10 minutes for most

people. It’s secure.

Your personal results

won’t be shared with

any other agencies.

For those without

access to computers, a

good way of responding

is to phone 844-330-2020.

A Census Bureau employee

will take your information. You may

experience a delay in getting to someone,

though the bureau is attempting to reduce

waiting times.

Finally, you can wait for an enumerator to come to your door with a paper

questionnaire. Census takers are shortstaffed and will be under pressure to do

their work. They may only have a few

weeks to do two months of work. Because

we don’t know when stay-at-home orders

will be lifted, please consider it an option

of last resort.

Donate to STAHS through Amazon Smile

Here’s how you can donate to the Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society

(STAHS) painlessly and effortlessly. It’s as easy as 1,2,3,4.

Tribal Elders who need firewood delivered must

call the Elders Program to be added to the list.

Raina 541-444-8261 or AJ 541-444-8212

Thank you for supporting STAHS!

1. Go to Amazon.com.

2. In the Department drop down box, type Amazon Smile.

3. See Amazon Smile – You shop. Amazon Gives.

4. Follow the easy directions.

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

15

NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE

Mental Health Services & Life Alert

Mental Health Services



What services are available?

•

Counseling Services – individual or

family

•

Psychiatry Services

•

Psychology Services



Up to 8-visits annually (more if medically necessary)



•

•

•



•

Who’s eligible?

Siletz Tribal members eligible for

Purchased/Referred Care (PRC),

formerly Contract Health Services

(CHS)

 How do I get benefits?

• Call PRC at 800-628-5720 or 541444-9648 to speak with Rhonda

Attridge, PRC Tech I.

•

Prior to making an appointment with

a provider – confirm the provider will

accept PRC as payment.

Benefits are limited, first-come, firstserved.

What you need to know:

After calling PRC for benefits, the

patient will receive a letter with program details. The letter also provides

information that the patient can give

to their provider for payment processing information.

You will not be required to use other

resources first. This will allow you to

go to a provider who does not accept

Oregon Health Plan/Medicaid or your

private insurance.

Life Alert

 Please contact your local community

After-hours crisis line now available at

541-444-8286 or 800-600-5599

Because mental health and relapse

crises do not always happen during business hours, Siletz Behavioral Health has

arranged a collaboration with an afterhours crisis line called Lines for Life.

On weekends and during the weekday

hours of 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., the number to the

Behavioral Health front desk is forwarded

to Lines for Life, where you will be connected with a live mental health counselor.

The counselor will do everything he/she

can to help de-escalate, advise and support.

Afterwards, this information can be

shared with our mental health counselor

so follow-up care can be provided.

Of course, if there is an emergency

and you fear that you or someone else is

in imminent danger, please call 911. That’s

always the fastest way to get help.

Savvy Caregiver in Indian Country

Are you an unpaid caregiver for an elder with

memory loss and thinking problems? If so,

please join us for this free, six-week program

that provides strategies, skills and group support

for family members who care for loved ones

living with Alzheimer’s disease or another

dementia.

Where:

Training will be done via

Zoom

When:

Tuesdays, May 5 – June 9

from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Who:

This program is for Native

and non-Native family

caregivers of persons living

with a type of dementia or

memory loss

For more information or to register, contact Suzy Deeds, family caregiver

support specialist, at 503-304-3429 or suzy.deeds@nwsds.org. Once you

are registered, you will be given a password to use with this Zoom link –

https://nwsds.zoom.us/j/97491883438. To join by phone, please call tollfree 877-369-0926 and follow the prompts to enter the meeting ID –

974 9188 3438.

16 •

Siletz News

•

May 2020

health advocate (CHA) if you think

you or another Tribal elder could

benefit from Life Alert.

• Eligibility Criteria:

• Enrolled Tribal member eligible

for PRC

• Work with CHA to determine need

and apply for local services



Steps to get Life Alert:

•

•

Contact your local CHA –

The CHA will determine if you meet

the criteria for Life Alert (examples:

live alone, health condition, etc.)

The CHA will assist you in applying

for Life Alert at no cost through com-

•

munity options. If you do not qualify

for Life Alert at no cost, the Siletz

Community Health Clinic will cover

the cost.



You can reach the community health

advocates at:

•

Siletz – Amy Garrett or Hannah

Glaser at 541-444-1030

•

Salem – Cecilia Tolentino at 503390-9494

•

Eugene – Adrienne Crooks at 541484-4234

•

Portland – Verdene McGuire at 503238-1512

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

Poster contest

entries due by

June 30, 2020

Narcotics Anonymous Toll-Free

Help Line – 877-233-4287

For information on Alcoholics

Anonymous: aa-oregon.org

3 age groups:

5-10, 11-13,

14-18

Fellowships

Scholarships

•

Fastweb (scholarship search engine)

•

Big Future (scholarship search engine)

•

Pacific Northwest Scholarship

Guide (scholarship search engine)

•

OregonStudentAid.gov.

•

NAJA-Facebook Journalism Project

Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

•

Clare Boothe Luce Women’s STEM

Tribal Scholarship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

•

American Indian College Fund Full

Circle Scholarships

Deadline: May 31, 2020

•

George R.R. Martin Literary Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: June 1, 2020

•

Women in Water Scholarship

Deadline: July 1, 2020

Internships

Important information

for college-bound

Tribal seniors

•

NAJA Pathways Fellowship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

•

Code Switch Internship

Deadline: Various

•

Native American Journalism Fellowship

Deadline: May 31, 2020

•

HP 3D Printing Engineering Intern

Deadline: Open until filled

•

Washington Sea Grant Hershman

Fellowship

Deadline: Spring 2020

•

Pearson Packaging Systems Engineering Internship

Deadline: Open until filled

•

NBC News Summer Fellows Program

Deadline: Ongoing

•

•

Master of Forest Resources Fellowships

Deadline: Open until filled

Wisdom of the Elders Agricultural

Incubator Internship

Deadline: Various

•

NW Native American Research Centers

for Health Research Support Fellowship

Deadline: Rolling

•

Saturday Academy Internships

Deadline: Multiple

•

•

•

Northwestern University’s Center

for Native American and Indigenous

Research Undergraduate Fellowships

Deadline: Rolling

EPA Environmental Research and

Business Support Program

Deadline: Multiple

•

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research

Center Post-Doctoral Research Fellow

Deadline: Multiple

National Science Foundation Research

Experiences for Undergraduates

Deadline: Multiple

•

Claremont Native American Fellowship

Deadlines: Multiple

•

•

•

•

Other

Opportunities

•

Native Youth Wellness Warrior Camp

June 29-July 2, 2020 • Grand Ronde, Ore.

•

U. of Oregon Future Stewards Program

Deadline: July 1, 2020

•

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

•

The Student Conservation Association

•

Northwest Youth Corps

•

Saturday Academy - FREE Classes

for Native American Students

•

ON TRACK OHSU!

•

Caldera Youth Program

Indian Land Tenure Foundation

Deadline: Multiple

May

•

•

•

•

•

June

•

•

•

Environmental Protection Agency

Deadline: Multiple

This is the deadline for final decisions

for universities.

Send letter of intent to registrar.

Line up a summer job.

Attend your Senior Awards Night.

Review any award letters and be sure

you understand the terms and conditions that accompany each type of aid.

If necessary, arrange for housing and

a meal plan (at school).

Send thank you notes to any person/

committee from which you received

a scholarship.

•

Tribal higher education and adult

vocational training applications are

due June 30!

Attend graduation – congratulations!

Make arrangements for your final grades

to be sent to colleges and universities.

Good luck!

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:

Master’s Degree

$300

Doctorate Degree

Pendleton

blanket plus $300

Tribal Education Specialists

Portland Area Office: Katy Holland,

503-238-1512, 12790 SE Stark St.,

Suite 102, Portland, OR 97233

Head Start/Preschool

$10

Kindergarten

$10

Elementary School

$20

Middle School

$50

High School or GED

$100

Salem Area Office: Sonya MoodyJurado, 503-390-9494, 3160 Blossom Drive NE, Suite 105, Salem,

OR 97305

$100

$200

Eugene Area Office: Nicholas Viles,

541-484-4234, 2468 W 11th Ave.,

Eugene, OR 97402

Higher Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Pendleton

blanket plus $75

Siletz Area Office: Alissa Lane, 541444-8373, P.O. Box 549, Siletz,

OR 97380

Adult Vocational Training

One-year program

Two-year program

Tribal Scholarships Available

Applications are under Education on the Tribal website – ctsi.nsn.us

Arthur S. Bensell Memorial

Scholarship – Application due June 30

mittee and always strove for better educational opportunities for Tribal members.

Arthur S. Bensell was an educator,

civic leader, Tribal Council member and

Tribal chairman. He spent many years

in service to his community and Tribe

as mayor of the City of Siletz and Tribal

Council member and chairman.

A memorial scholarship fund was

established through the Confederated

Tribes of Siletz Indians to honor and award

Tribal members in education. The $1,000

scholarship is administered by the Tribal

Education Committee and strengthened

by various fundraising activities throughout the year.

Art attended Ohio State University

and graduated from Heidelberg College in

1934. During his career with the Bureau

of Indian Affairs, he served as a teacher,

principal and reservation principal in Minnesota, Alaska and North Dakota.

Upon returning to Siletz, Art became

involved in Tribal business affairs, served

many years on the Tribe’s Education Com-

scholarship be known as the Pepsi-Craig

Whitehead Scholarship in honor of Craig

Whitehead.

Craig was a Tribal member who was

employed by the Tribe as the pow-wow

coordinator at the time of his death in

2004. He was also the pow-wow whip

man, coordinated a dance troupe that

visited schools and the peace keeper for

the Citizens Advisory Board.

This scholarship is open to Tribal

members in an education field of study.

This scholarship is open to any field

of study.

Pepsi-Craig Whitehead Scholarship

Application due June 30

Siletz Scholarship

Application due June 30

Pepsi, Inc. donates scholarship funds

to the Siletz Tribe and has asked that this

This scholarship is open to any field

of study.

Cathern Tufts Memorial Scholarship

Application due June 30

Cathern Tufts, affectionately known

as “Cat” in the offices and hallways of the

Tribal administrative offices and at Tribal

elder woodcuts, was the Tribal attorney for

14½ years until she passed about two years

ago following a short illness.

Cat graduated from the Arizona State

University School of Law and served an

internship in Washington, D.C., prior to

going to work as an attorney. Her parents

and friends wish to honor her life and

achievements through this memorial

scholarship.

The scholarship is open to students

in a natural resources field, pre-law or

law school.

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

17

Tribal Council Timesheets for March 2020

Lillie Butler – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

2

3.75

.75

2.5

2

2

2

3

9.5

1.75

Ind

2

3.75

.75

2.5

2

2

2

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

4

4

6

2

3

9.5

1.75

2

2

2

Alfred Lane III – 3/1/20-3/31/20

2

2

3/2

3/3-4

3/5

3/6

3/9

3/10

3/11-12

3/13

3/16

3/17-24

3/25

3/26

3/27

3/30

Packets

Education, packets

Tribal Gov’t Day at state capitol

Packets

Pow-wow

Siletz school, sign checks, packets

Packets

Special TC – gaming

Special TC, packets

Packets

Regular TC

Council – gaming

Council, packets

Packets

Loraine Y. Butler – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

1

Ind

1

1

2.5

1.25

1

2.5

1.25

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

4

2

6.5

1

3

1.75

2

2

1

3

1.75

2

.5

.75

.5

.75

1

3/5

3/7

3/9

3/10

3/12

3/13

3/16

3/17-24

3/25

3/26

3/27

3/30-31

Tribal Gov’t Day at state capitol

Concert

Packets

SVS board, packets

CPT

Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg

Special TC

Packets

Regular TC

Council – gaming

Special TC

Packets

Reggie Butler Sr. – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

5.25

.75

1.75

2.25

2.25

.75

1.75

Ind

5.25

.75

1.75

2.25

2.25

.75

1.75

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

4

3

6

3.25

8.5

1.75

.75

1.75

4.5

3.25

8.5

1.75

.75

1.75

4.5

2

2

3/2-4

3/5

3/6

3/9

3/10

3/11

3/12

3/13

3/16

3/17-24

3/25

3/26

3/27

3/30-31

Packets

Tribal Gov’t Day at state capitol

Packets

Housing, packets

Siletz school, packets

CEDARR, packets

Packets

Special TC – gaming

Special TC, packets

Packets

Regular TC

Council – gaming, packets

Council, packets

Interviews, packets

Sharon Edenfield – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

.75

1

.75

Ind

.75

1

.75

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

4

6

1

1

1.75

1

1

1.75

.5

.5

2

2

18 •

Siletz News

•

May 2020

3/5

3/9

3/10

3/13

3/16

3/18

3/25

3/26

3/27

Tribal Gov’t Day at state capitol

Packets

SVS board

Special TC – gaming

Special TC

Packets

Regular TC

Special TC – gaming

Special TC

TC

1

Ind

1

1

1

.5

1.75

.5

1

1

.5

1.75

.5

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

2

6

2

2

3/12

3/13

3/15

3/16

3/18

3/25

3/26-27

Meet w/ GR on consent decree

Special TC –gaming

Packets

Special TC

Packets

Regular TC

Special TC – gaming, Special TC

Delores Pigsley – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

1.5

4.5

1.5

Ind

1.5

4.5

1.5

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

1.5

2.25

1.5

2.25

2.5

3/1-3

3/4

3/5

.5

6

1.75

2.5

3/6

3/7-12

3/13

2.25

2.75

.5

2.25

2.75

.5

2

2.25

1.75

1

2

2.25

1.75

1

1

2.5

3/18-19

3/20

3/21-25

3/26

1.5

2.25

1.5

2.25

1

.25

3/27

3/28-31

4

4

3/14-15

3/16

3/17

Mail, agenda items, prep for mtg

Comm on Indian Services, mail

Tribal Gov’t Day at state capitol,

mail

Audit/Investment Comm, mail

Mail, agenda items, prep for cncl

Special TC – gaming, STBC

mtg, mail

Mail, agenda items

Special TC, mail

OR Tribes conf call, mail,

agenda items

Mail, agenda items, prep for cncl

Governor’s conf call on virus, mail

Mail, agenda items, news article

Special TC, OR Tribes conf call,

mail, agenda items, prep for cncl

Special TC, conf call, mail, agenda

Mail, agenda items, prep for cncl

Angela Ramirez – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

1

1.25

2

Ind

1

1.25

2

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

2.5

5.5

.75

4.25

.5

.5

1

3

1.75

5.5

.75

4.25

.5

2

2

1

6

2.5

.5

1

3

1.75

3

2.5

2.5

3/1

3/2-3

3/4-5

3/6

3/7-8

3/9

3/10

3/11-12

3/13

3/14

3/16

3/17-23

3/25

3/26-27

3/28-31

Email, packets

Health Comm, sign checks

STAHS

Casino event

STAHS

Housing Comm, travel to Salem

WOSU mtg, SVS board

Email, packets

Special TC – gaming

Email, packets

Special TC

Email, packets, COVID calls

Special TC

Special TC – gaming, gaming mtg

Email, packets

Selene Rilatos – 3/1/20-3/31/20

TC

1

1.5

5

3

Ind

1

1.5

5

3

1.5

4.25

.5

.5

1.75

.5

1.75

1.5

4.5

.5

.5

1.75

.5

1.75

Gmg STBC ED Tvl

1

2

3

1

6

1.75

2

1

1

1.25

2.25

3/4

3/9

3/10

3/11-12

3/13

3/16

3/17-20

3/23

3/24

3/25

3/26-27

3/30-31

Dr. Seuss

Chemawa, WOSU, packets

Chemawa, WOSU, school board

Interviews, packets

Special TC – gaming, STBC mtg

Special TC, sign checks

Email, packets

COVID conf call

Email, packets, sign checks

Regular TC

Special TC - gaming, Special TC

Email, mail, conf call

Stay home.

Be safe.

The beach will be waiting.

For up to date information visit chinookwinds.com

chinookwinds.com • 1-888-CHINOOK • Lincoln City

May 2020

•

Siletz News

•

19

To the editor:

Walk the Walk

There was a little Siletz girl who lived, played, danced, loved to sing. Anxious to

learn Tribal ways. Always encouraged to walk softly upon the land. Be respectful. Proud

of her ancestors who walked the walk to lands unknown, enduring great sacrifices along

this dreadful trek. Their fevered prayers, survival. That their children and children’s

children forever would live on. Carry Tribal stories, history around warm family fires.

Strength came from camaraderie. Both mental, physical in the darkness of the

perilous night. Where a child’s cry was comforted from hunger, fright. “Hush my

child.” Ancestors endured this treachery, cruelty where the blackness of despair was

unbreathable pain, sickness. Strong cared for the weaker, vulnerable.

The Great Spirit became lost in a gray wet dawn. Shallow, silent whispers in

darkened corners arose, to be herded along the rugged trail. A spark, strength riveted

through this ragged little group. It was an echo passed along. As a whole, forget not

one family, one child, whose footprints will be etched forever into enlightenment and

an awakening of the people.

These are our stories, our dances, down through the ages of time. This is what this

little girl believed upon. It is our way, a community raises a child. Unfortunately, her

community left her behind, leaving a painful sob of rejection.

By putting this little Siletz girl out of sight, out of mind, by shoving her back into

a silent corner, I believe we are disrespecting what our ancestor fought so hard to stay

alive for, their precious child.

This I know, there are others who walk this jagged path. We as Tribal family need

to bring them into their right of Tribal recognition.

We are charitable in many ways, this is good. But I believe charity begins at home.

What is the price tag or value of integrity?

Our non-Tribal direct descendants should not become a throw-away piece of baggage or a commodity, or when we need a number count. Let’s bring these valuable

family members into our warm fires of hope and enlightenment and investment toward

our future.

One of this little Siletz girl’s grandmothers, Lucy Dick, an ancestor who truly walked

the walk, talked the talk. Suffering great loss of friends, family. Who persevered, with

undying commitment, that our children’s children forever would live on into our future.

Respectfully submitted,

Eva E. Clayton

Happy 20th Birthday to my baby boy,

Cameron!

Happy 19th Birthday, Andrew! We

hope that this year your birthday is just

the beginning of an unforgettable journey

that will lead you to an even more amazing future.

Love, Mama, Floyd and Tehya

Free child ID kits from

the Oregon State Police

503-934-0188 or

800-282-7155

child.idkits@state.or.us

OPEN HEARTS & OPEN HOMES

We are looking to certify Tribal homes as foster home resource

placements. Please consider opening up your home for our Tribal children

who are in need of foster care.

Families, couples & single adults can become certified

foster home resources.

OUR CHILDREN NEED:

**Permanent Care**

**Temporary Care**

**Short-term Care**

**Emergency Care**

I missed putting your 50th birthday

in April’s paper, so here it is now. Happy

50th to my amazing sister Shannon in

Pendleton. I miss and love you lots, sister.

Please contact our ICW Department for a foster

home application today.

ICW: 541-444-8338

Be safe. Stay home. Stay well.

Siletz News Letters Policy

Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is

published once a month. Our editorial policy encourages input from readers about

stories printed in Siletz News and other Tribal issues.

All letters must include the author’s signature, address, and phone number in

order to be considered for publication. Siletz News reserves the right to edit any

letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of

a letter that may contain profane language, libelous statements, personal attacks

or unsubstantiated statements.

Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do

not necessarily reflect the opinions of Siletz News, Tribal employees, or Tribal Council.

Please type or write legibly. Letters longer than 450 words may be edited for

length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142.

Please note: The general manager

of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief

of Siletz News.

20 •

Siletz News

•

Happy 8th Birthday on May 17, my

Sweet Pea Boogie Buns! Momma loves

you to the moon and back.

Happy Birthday to Aunt Gloria and

Kent Rilatos, also on May 17. Hope you

both have an amazing day.

Selina and kids

Please take the time to consider opening up your

loving and safe home & sharing your lives with our

precious Tribal children.

May 2020

Editor-in-Chief: Tina Retasket

Editor: Diane Rodriquez

Assistant: Andy Taylor

Happy 10 th Birthday to Ella Cree

Patrick on April 16! We’re so proud of

you. We hope all your wishes come true.

Love you and like you always, Mom

and Dad

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.

2020 Out-of-Area Benefits

The Tribal Council has approved Out-of-Area Benefits for 2020. These benefits are for

Tribal members who live outside the 11-county service area. To qualify, Tribal members must be

registered for health care with the Siletz Community Health Clinic AND reside outside of the

Tribe’s 11-county service area. These funds are intended for Tribal members who are not eligible

for Purchased Referred Care.

All benefits are dependent on available funding.

Annually

$2,000 Total in Medical +

Mental Health + Dental + Hearing

Plus $500 Pharmacy Card Benefit

Biannually

$450 in total Vision Care for Adults*

*Available Annually for Elders,

Children, Students or Diabetics

Call PRC – 800-628-5720

Prior authorization by PRC is required and benefits must be used within 90 days. Any funds not

used within 90 days, or claims not received, will be returned to the pool for redistribution. An individual

can access benefits up to $2,000 annually by calling on the authorization date. For example, an individual

can call Jan. 2 for medical of $500 and then call again Oct. 7 for dental of $1,500 for a total of $2,000. All

benefits are subject to funding availability. When calling for pre-authorization, PRC will authorize for

household members only. Voice messages do not hold funds, the individual must speak to PRC staff and

obtain an out-of-area (OOA) number to secure funds.