TRIBAL MEMBER NEWS
Helen “Nellie”
Orton-1913-2001
Helen “Nellie” Jane Orton of Siletz,
Ore., died at Newport Rehabilitation &
Specialty Care Center on Aug. 11,2001.
She was born in Siletz on
March 6, 1913, to William and Ellen
(Simpson) Metcalf.
She married Charles James Orton
in Vancouver, Wash., on July 29, 1935.
They lived in Siletz until 1951, when
they moved to Toledo, Ore. Charles
preceded her in death in April 1989.
Nellie was an honored elder and
full-blooded
member of the
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
She was involved in Siletz Indian
culture, assisted in the enrollment and
corrected blood quantum on tribal
members, taught the old Siletz
language, and identified vintage Indian
photos. She was instrumental in
bringing back the traditional feather
dance and regalia of the Siletz, and
taught many to bead aprons, buckskins,
and all regalia and basketry.
She enjoyed sewing, crocheting
and cooking.
Survivors include her children
Arneva Pyle of Ferndale, Wash.; Willa
Daugherty of Siletz; and Charles
“Sonny” Orton of Bellingham, Wash.;
eight grandchildren; 18 great
grandchildren; and two great-great
grandchildren.
Services were held on Aug. 17 at
Bateman Funeral Home in Newport, Ore.
Above: Brenda Bremner (I) presents a $45,000 check to Siletz Valley
Partnership/Youth Skatepark Committee members Andrew Whetstone, Matt
Williams, Robbie Engersol, and Wesly Tyler. Construction of the skatepark
began in August. Above left: Greg Depoe works at the Bureau of Indian Affairs
this summer (see letter to the editor on page 2).
Rose Starr dances at the
Lincoln County Fair.
Lisa Brown and Marlene Stuart took Siletz youth to the Ocean Spray Housing
Authority to teach Korean exchange students to make four directions bracelets
and share their culture. Ashley Taylor (I), Heidi Hibdon, Tasha Rilatos,
Lynette Hibdon, and Tiffany Stuart encourage the Korean students'
chaparone in the feather dance.
Cecillie Butler (I), Bobby Butler, Logan Butler, and Isaac Butler join Vicki
Butler (2nd from right) in a dance at the Lincoln County Fair.
Siletz Tribal Dancers draw a crowd at the Lincoln County Fair.
September 2001
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Siletz News
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