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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (May 1, 2001)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: To the editor: Thank you! Last Saturday night (March 31), as I was on my way home, my Modern Day Oppression Against Our People: Can we constructively be car just died. All of the electrical power went out in my vehicle. Well, of course it was pitch black outside and I was stuck in the middle of the road on a comer. My sister went up the hill to the TLC to make a call for help while I stayed with the car. As I stood beside my car in the darkness, I kept praying that whoever came around the comer wouldn’t be going too fast and would be able to see my car in time to avoid hitting it. Fortunately, the first car around the comer was that of our I ribal Police Department and Officer Ken Real came to my rescue. Officer Ken was very nice. He turned on his flashers, got out some flares, and called a tow truck for me. As we waited for the tow truck, two other cars came by and both stopped to offer their assistance. My thanks to Ray Blacketer and Danelle Zosel-Sanderson for offering to help. And finally, thanks to my sister, Bonnie Petersen, for calling Evaristo Bayya, who came down and got my car running just enough so I could drive it home. I am grateful for all of the people who helped me and feel fortunate that I live in a community where others are willing to lend a hand. Thanks again, ‘d’ conscious and thoughtful to our Indian brothers and sisters who are currently held as prisoners of this state? When do we step up and play a role to foresee their well-being spiritually, physically, and mentally? I feel it’s important to put forth some positive effort in regards to their return to our communities. As Indian people, we shouldn’t forget the importance of our people regardless of their situation. For many years, our own tribal members have been excluded from the support and benefits that could be available to them. As an Indian Nation, we should put the people before anything else. Our brothers and sisters are in a constant struggle to maintain their identities and uphold their beliefs. In several different prisons, they aren’t allowed to pray with their medicines. They will not allow them to have an eagle feather or a bundle of sage or cedar to pray with. Yet at the same time, they turn around and put Bibles in each cell. I’m not here to judge or criticize any religion, but I’m here to make it clear that there are Native American people who still believe in Native American ways. I am a volunteer for the Oregon State Penitentiary and have also been into a few other facilities within the past year. Without a volunteer from the outside, these brothers aren’t allowed to go to church (sweat lodge). The reality of that is there are prison systems that are currently denying our people the right to get better in the oldest way of this land. I foresee the power of the people in collaboration with the prison system to make th£ environment behind the walls more dignified for our people of the Red Nation. In spirit, In struggle, To the editor: I would like to extend a warm thank you to Chinook Winds Casino & Convention Center, an enterprise of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, for your generous donations and community support. On March 26, 2001, during spring break week, the Siletz Tribal Education, Culture, and Pow-Wow programs hosted a grand re-opening of the Siletz Tribal Youth Center. Many youth and families participated in the week’s event. Chinook Winds Casino & Convention Center donated hats, T-shirts, fanny packs, and several other items to the TPEP for the youth. It was very exciting and fun for the kids to receive the prizes and it really helped to make the event a huge success. . Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Shannon Chrisman, Coordinator, Tobacco Prevention & Education Program New Letters Policy for Siletz News Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, 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 2 □ Siletz News □ LETTERS, DEADLINES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 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 Cou Plc ) } vrite legibly. Letters Ion I words may be edited f _ Z ipproved by TribaLCouncil Resolution #96-142. °f I! wte skwa) May 2001 Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez Send letters to: Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380 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. 541-444-8291 1-800-922-1399, ext. 291 Fax: 541-444-2307 Name:_______ Address: ___________________ e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Phone: () Deadline for the June issue is May 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. __________________ Change of address: 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.
