Image provided by: University of California, Berkeley, Ethnic Studies Library; Berkeley, CA
About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 1998)
S ile tz New s Editorial Pase Passio Letters to the Editor Open letter to Ed Ben Constitution our law I saw your remarks in the newsletter of February 7, 1998, General Council meeting regarding our problem with the S ta te . of Oregon demanding money from pur tribal gaming revenue. At the time of restoration the tribe had nothing - not even fishing and hunting rights, but we had to forfeit those rights to become a recognized tribe and to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars in benefits. Just look around the City of Siletz to see those benefits. The construction industry has been busy and some tribal members are holding jobs. Hunting and fishing at this point is very nostalgic and romantic, but our people need education and training to survive in the millennium. Life, as the old people lived it, just isn't enough now. Sure, we are a sovereign nation, but Congress can wipe that status out with legislation - they did it in 1954. We are a sovereign nation at the pleasure of Congress. If we don't concede the necessary dollars to the State of Oregon, we will have less casino money. We don't have an option. We are just a small group of about 3,000 people who have to face the reality of our relative Finally, it seems as though a great many tribal members are "Fed up with the Fab Five (oops, now Four)." Who signed the recall petition? That seems to worry Pat Duncan, Lillie Butler, Geneva Johnson, Clifford Case and Denise Petersen a whole lot more than the future of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon. What. I do not understand is: Everyone of these individuals knew a petition was in circulation, yet, not one o f : them did one thing to stop it'. Instead, tribal members (and our Elders) were disrespected, intimi dated and ignored by these individuals. Tribal members áre fighting back and will nót allow their constitutional rights to be violated. Pat Duncan stated in her March chairman's report that, "the tribal council felt that it was extremely important that these recall elections be held in strict adherence to the Siletz Tribe's Constitution." Extremely impor strength. I agree with you that we must accept the community fund in order to get the most income for the tribe. Joan Fisher Siletz Tribal Roll #315 constitutional right as Siletz tribal members. Also, Ms. Duncan made the statement, "...during the hearing, it was also determined that the Election Board did not verify the minimum number of signatures required..." The court decision questioned the validation process of the signatures; no where does it state the Election Board did not verify the minimum number of signatures. How, in all fairness, can Pat Duncan claim unbiased when she clearly supports four individuals versus an estimated 700 tribal members asking for an opportunity to exercise a right to vote • and to have that vote counted. The Siletz Constitution outlines what our rights are as a Siletz tribal member of the General Council and as a Tribal Council member. It's pur law! Unfortu nately, out of desperation, it looks like certain members of our Tribal Council want to make their own law. Whatever happed to working toward a common goal to benefit the lives and welfare of our own Siletz Tribal members? What happened to working toward the tan t to w ho? C ertainly n o t the g reater good for the future of o ur general membership, or she would not knowingly and willfully violate that same constitution that she, by oath of office, has sworn to protect. And if Ms. Duncan truly believed she was a neutral party protecting all rights of tribal members, she would have respected the Election Board's decisions, on behalf of the general membership, instead of attacking their constitutional mandate. Why is it so difficult to understand that tribal members are fed up with these four individuals ranting and raving about their reputations and rights, when they, in turn, have absolutely no respect for our children? Is this the legacy we leave our future generations, one of anarchy instead of harmony? We have constitutional rights. Know them. Fight for them. R ead your constitution. Thank you. Jan ice D. Lane Roll No. 532 A harsh reality pf things going wrong is when strength and balance fall by the wayside, letting radical unrest become a dominating factor over harmony. If radicalism is not put under control^ the whole spectrum of what is attainable becomes not! I n , our Indian society, as throughout our long trek through history, there have been oppressors and rescuers, , many within our own families. The ultimate challenge of our vfery existence is to cast off this shroud of doubt. Mix and match our strengths thereby empowering our sense of respect for; one another. The balance of harmony and prosperity will again dance to the beat of our sacred drums. A Prayer There is a sparkle in all Different times different calls, If hidden away and riot let to shine Smoldering this little light of mine, Let an awakening spark this light of day T h at oth ers m a y follow the g lo w alon g their Way. Respectfully, Eva E. C layton Harmony This new year begins a new awakening, winter shrouds are cast off and fresh new growth tenderly begins its cycled journey. We, as caretakers of our environment, travel in harmony through this cycle as well. S ile t z N e w s Deadline L etters to the Editor: All letters received will be printed except those which are known to be slanderous or racist Please type or write legibly, no profane language will be printed. The Siletz News and Tribal Government accept no responsibility .for statements made in the Letters to the Editor. The opinions expressed are those of foe, individual writing in. Letters that exceed 450 wofds will be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142.; All letters m ust include your name, address, and signature. . HH I 1 Send your letters to: PLEASE Siletz News Phone: 1-800-922-1399 PO Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380 Attn: Letters to the Editor email: newspaper@ctsi.nsn.us N ote : The General Manager of the Siletz Tribe is the Chief Editor of the Siletz News. FAX: 1-541-444-8391 If you wish to submit articles or photos/to be printed in the Siletz News, please submit them on pr before the 15th of each month. Articles or photos received after the 15th of any month will be printed in the next month's issue. Mail to: Siletz News, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380. Teh 1- 800-922-1399, ext. 291. FAX directly to: 1-541-444-8391. Email: newspaper@ctsi.nsn.us.
