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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1999)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: No new election process - why? As some of you will recall, back at the February General Council meeting, I asked for a resolution to be passed. It stated that it was time all questions and accusations be cleared up about our Tribal election process. It asked that our Tribal Council expedite the process used by Grand Ronde and other larger tribes. We asked that this process be accepted and utilized by the Siletz Tribe. The cost for this “outside the tribe” process is basically the same as we are now paying for our present and outdated process. It would allow an electronic voting system to be carried out by a completely neutral entity. I think this is an essential upgrading election process that would answer any and all questions about fraud in our Tribal elections. This resolution was passed by a General Council vote from the floor! Yes, people, I know our (also outdated) Tribal Constitution considers a General Council vote to be non-binding on the Tribal Council. But our esteemed chairperson also voted for and advocated for this resolution! Although I must admit, she also said, “This process is not entirely inviolate; it can be beat.” Now we know that if this new system “can be beat,” what does that say for our old system? Come on, Tribal Council, most of you voted for the resolution on the floor. It’s time to listen, at least once, to General Council. What are you afraid of? It’s time any questions about the integrity of our elections are answered. I mean, who knows? Maybe it can “be beat.” C.W. Case, Sr. To the editor: As a concerned tribal descendant, I raise concern to Siletz tribal code §4.100. There could be trickery taking place here, and it must be questioned. People be aware to what’s being done in your name. In section §4.103 it states “this list may be added to or names removed therefrom by Tribal Council resolution...” People be alert to the tyranny that is being imposed. There is double talk that can haunt our future as no council should hold executive power over decisions that affect our nations and ancestral lands. The law should state “three-quarters of all members that are recognized among the tribes should be the deciding factor.” Not Tribal Council resolution. People we must ask ourselves are we setting the stage to the final legacy of our existence? Our first quest should be the comprehension of English rhetoric and the mighty craft it’s capable of casting. The formulation to S.T.C. §4.100 is worthy of recognition, but clarity must be restored to the people, not the Tribal Council. There is too much at stake to allow any council total control. Tribal members can’t even have a meeting without consent of council that fears the wishes of the very people. They proclaim to represent, with earnest. Tribal people you should take initiative and claim the future of our coming generations. Tribal people still feel the effects from Tribal Council resolution of 1954 called “The Termination Policy.” Those of our tribal people born during the termination policy are well- adversed to the cultural genocide it has generated to our existence. Tribal people can’t afford traipsing another generation or two through political tribulation. Tribal accord must take precedence. The people need to regulate, restrict any Tribal Council the power to make resolution that shall affect the coming generations or deplete their birthrights. History need not repeat itself, where a few sell, barter or trade or give away the rights of the confederated tribes that co-exist from the Siletz Agency. Brian Moody To the editor: I’m an American Indian who found the address for this publication in a Native American business directory. I’m hoping this letter can be printed in Native periodicals to assist me with an ongoing project about Native people during WWII. A similar letter of mine was printed in the mid-August 1997 issue of News From Indian Country. I received some responses. -2- However, the Indian community is losing the WWII-era generation at an alarming rate. I’m hoping this publication can help me reach people with memories to share. I would like to correspond with any Native-descent person who was active in any continued on page 3 LETTERS, DEADLINES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS All letters received will be printed except those that are 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 these letters. The opinions expressed are those of the individuals writing them. Letters that are excessive in length may be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142. All letters must include your name, address, phone number, and signature. Send letters to: Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380 541-444-8291 1-800-922-1399, ext. 291 Fax: 541-444-2307 e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Please note: The general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief of the Siletz News. Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez Deadline for the July newsletter is July 10. Photos are encouraged. Everyone loves to see photos of events, tribal members, and especially babies. Don’t forget those birthday or anniversary wishes for loved ones. The newsletter is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a $ 12 annual subscription fee applies. Fill out this form and mail it with $12 (make check payable to Confederated Tribes of Siletz) to Siletz News. Name:_________________________________ Address:______________________________ Phone: (____ )_________________________ For a change of address on your newsletter: Tribal members call Lisa Norton, enrollment clerk, at 541-444-8258; all others, call the newsletter office at 541-444-8291 and leave your new address with the editor or on the voice mail.
