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
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Siletz News
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LETTERS, DEADLINES AND SUBSCRIPTIONS
profane
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statements, personal attacks, or
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Not
all
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are
guaranteed publication upon
submission. Published letters do not
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Siletz News, tribal employees, or
Tribal Cou
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Letters Ion I
words may
be edited f
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ipproved by
TribaLCouncil Resolution #96-142.
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May 2001
Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner
Editor: Diane Rodriquez
Send letters to:
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380
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Change of address: Tribal
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