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paying for our present and outdated process.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Yes, people, I know our (also outdated)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.