LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
To the editor:
It’s me again, with another ache in
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the tribal members who supported
my heart. Most of you have read my last
me in the last election. I have thoroughly enjoyed representing the tribe in my many travels
article about Jim Thorpe by now (I hope),
and meetings over the last two years. I hope to continue to find ways to represent my tribe
but this time I am writing about something
in other ways.
closer to home.
The tasks in front of us are tremendous, but at the same time exciting. I am especially
We have a nice modern health clinic,
proud of the young people starting to step up to take on the challenges that face us in the
and I am veryproud of it. It took a lot of hard
21st century.
work by a lot of people (not just the
Mike Darcy
chairperson) to upgrade the clinic to where
LETTERS, DEADLINES
it is today.
But, if we continue to let unqualified
AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
To the editor:
people who are on power trips interfere in
I am writing to urge you to vote against
All letters received will be printed
the running of our clinic, I can only see
the proposed constitutional amendments by
except those that are slanderous or
disaster staring us in the face.
Tribal Council.
racist. Please type or write legibly. No
I recently learned the tribe is losing
As a past member of the now defunct
profane language will be printed. The
Dr. Steven Christinsen. I can only say shame
Ad-Hoc Constitution Committee, I was
Siletz News and tribal government accept
on us! I have been around for 66 years in
pleased to see one of the three
no responsibility for statements made in
this world and Dr. C is one of the finest men
recommendations
that
the
committee
made
these letters. The opinions expressed are
I have ever met. He is a caring, sympathetic,
to
Tribal
Council,
changing
the
Council
those of the individuals writing them.
professional doctor. We here in Siletz have
election
date
from
February
to
May.
This
Letters of excessive length may be edited
been subjected to many so-called
change
also
is
listed
as
one
of
the
for length as approved by Tribal Council
physicians in the tenure of our clinic. Most
“
Comments
from
Community
Meetings
on
Resolution #96-142. All letters must
of them considered our “Indian” clinic a step
Revising
the
Tribal
Constitution
”
that
Tina
include your name, address, phone
on to bigger and better positions.
Retasket
put
together
as
staff
representative
No matter where I went in this state,
number, and signature. Send letters to.
when I was asked who my primary doctor for the ad-hoc committee.
However, the rest of the proposed
was, I replied “Dr. Steven Christinsen.” I
Siletz News
changes that Tribal Council is asking for are
received only positive answers about what
P.O. Box 549
a fine, professional doctor he is.
not on that list. If you would like a copy of
Siletz, OR 97380
I recently had an appointment to see
the “Comments from Community Meetings
541-444-8291
Dr. C and brought up the fact that he was
on Revising the Tribal Constitution,” please
1-800-922-1399, ext. 291
leaving. He became very quiet and just
write me at 1541-1/2 Taft St., Eugene, OR
Fax: 541-444-2307
nodded his head. Now, me being me, I asked
97402, and I will send one.
e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us
why. He replied “It’s just time to move on.”
The proposed changes to Tribal Court
Knowing what a hotbed of politics the clinic
are more Tribal Council attempts to control
Please note:
The general
is, I asked if tribal politics had entered into
the court. If you believe that we need a
manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-
his decision. Being the professional he is, I
separation between Tribal Council and Tribal
in-chief of Siletz News.
really had to draw out his feelings. Without
Court, vote no on the proposed changes.
naming names, he admitted he “could not
Editor-In-Chief: Brenda Bremner
Our current Constitution allows five
do it anymore.” I finally got him to admit that
Editor: Diane Rodriquez
Tribal Council members to vote to dissolve
tribal politics had played a big part in his
our tribe. If you allow these changes to be
Deadline for the May newsletter
decision to leave.
made, only three Tribal Council members will
is April 10. Photos are encouraged.
Now, it is very well known
be needed to vote to disband our tribe. And,
Everyone loves to see photos of events,
throughout the tribe that we have some very
only
two
of
those
three
need
to
vote
in
favor
tribal members, and especially babies.
unqualified people leading our clinic staff,
of
the
breakup.
If
you
believe
you
know
three
Don’t forget those birthday or anniversary
people who allow family, politics, and
tribal
members
who
would
vote
to
terminate
wishes for loved ones.
personal feeling to sway their decisions.
us
for
personal
gain,
vote
no
on
the
The newsletter is free to enrolled
So now, how do you replace another
proposed
changes.
Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a
tine doctor who got tired of banging against
Please
study
these
proposed
changes
$12 annual subscription fee applies. Fill out
a stone wall? Well, you don’t replace a Dr.
very
carefully.
Once
more,
the
General
Steven Christinsen.
this form and mail it with $12 (make check
Council
has
made
its
wishes
known
to
Tribal
Dr. C was very adamant in saying
payable to Confederated Tribes of Siletz)
Council, only to be ignored. Power corrupts,
we have a lot of good, caring, well-qualified
to Siletz News.
and absolute power absolutely corrupts. Vote
hard-working people at the clinic. But as
usual, they are the first employees that have
no on the Tribal Council’s proposed
Name:____________ ____________
to go if they “go against” the upper echelon.
constitutional amendments.
Address:____________________ ________
With an ache in my heart, I am
Sincerely,
C.W. Case, Sr.
M. David Viles
Phone:(____ )________________ __
To the editor:
Our family would like to express our
appreciation to the HIP Program, especially
Tammy and Howard. The new bathroom and
furnace made for a most comfortable winter.
At times, there was uncertainty
2
about the work and production. Howard’s
professionalism straightened things out.
Great job, Howard! Thanks to all,
Denise Downey
Mill City, Ore.
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.