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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2001)
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT It was sad to learn of the passing of Pai ute Chief Vernon Henry from Warm Springs. Vernon was an old friend, a tribal leader, and a very nice person. I often ran into him at national meetings, in airports, at pow-wows, and many other places. He was an active representative of his tribe. His family can be proud of the work he did to represent their tribe. His life was taken in an unfortunate traffic accident. My husband, granddaughters, and I attended an honoring ceremony at He He Longhouse, in Warm Springs, naming Joe Moses as the new Paiute chief. Joe and his wife, Doris, have been longtime friends of our tribe. Joe has served on the Warm Springs Tribal Council for several years. He is an inspirational leader, not only for his tribe, but for all tribes. We congratulate Chief Joe Moses in his new leadership role and look forward to seeing him at the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians conference. Our tribe is sponsoring the annual meeting at Chinook Winds this month. The Tribal Council and the Siletz Tribal Gaming Commission are working together with a consultant, - Vicki Downey, con’t from page 2 Now I find I am dying of cancer. The details aren’t important, but what is, is that I have almost spent through my entire IRA savings to pay for my COBRA insurance. I have no means of support after that, unless welfare, and how well will another Native American be treated on welfare? The idea frightens me. Last issue there was an article on charitable contributions. Why in God’s name can’t those charitable contributions be given to those of us who need them so dearly? I rage against this injustice ... is everyone afraid we will drink the money away, gamble it away? I don’t do either, I just want to live as long as I can with dignity. I don’t understand why the tribe does not take care of its own. I read “On Broken Knee’’ and when I pass away, I wish to go there and bless all those who suffered in our place so that we may seemingly have a better life. Vicki Downey Chairman Delores Pigsley Sharon House, attorney for the Oneida Tribe, in reviewing and reorganizing our tribal gaming commission. Our commission was first organized when we opened the casino, in the tent, when we started with 250 machines. We made changes from time to time, but we have gone from 250 slot machines to 1,200 machines and many other new games. Some changes that will enhance their operational ability will take place soon and others may have to wait for the new budget year. We will keep you informed. We recently had a visit by the staff of Congress woman Darlene Hooley’s office. They toured the clinic, our housing areas, and culture center. It was the first visit for the two who came. We had lunch at Chinook Winds and they were given a tour of the casino by an executive host. They were very impressed with our tribe, our casino, and our location. We will host a dinner for Congresswoman Hooley this month. We will discuss the state of the tribe and any issues that she may have. We are very fortunate to have Darlene as one of our representatives in Congress. Meeting with the Coos Tribe - our councils met to discuss the Coos Tribal land acquisition plan. The Coos Tribe will have legislation formally introduced in Congress to grant them reservation land, much like the other restored Oregon tribes. We met with them to get a better understanding of their areas of interest, as well as to give them our views on our areas of interest. We are supportive of them obtaining a land base. Our Education Department is currently making plans for this year’s Run to the Rogue. It’s always a rewarding and fun trip to our ancient lands along the Rogue and Illinois rivers. It’s our hope that we get more runners interested in participating this year. Last year, we had a wonderful dinner and feather dance. We thank all of those who participated to make it the success that it was. I am very appreciative of and want to thank Kitti Hostler for her hard work and the dedication that she has given our tribe and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food program. Under Kitti’s direction, she has cleaned up the warehouse, cleaned up the books, and operates a truly immaculate program. She recently received a national award from the USDA regional director (see page 5). The award has never before gone to an Indian Tribe. In addition, Kitti is always a volunteer for different activities, always does an excellent job at whatever she undertakes, and I just want to let her know how much we appreciate her. You also should congratulate her. She makes our tribal food program look very good. To the editor: I’d like to make a few comparisons in the figures published in Nesika Ulahee: FY2000 In wages and travel alone, nine Tribal Council members received Approximately 3,000 tribal members received $100 each, totaling Approximately 300 elders received $100 each, totaling $246,305 $300,000 $30,000 FY2001 (budgeted) In wages and travel alone, nine Tribal Council members are budgeted 3,549 tribal members will receive $516 each Approximately 300 elders will receive $100 each, totaling $345,914 $1,833,660 $30,000 Increase $99,609 $1,533,660 $0 Several months ago, Reggie and Lillie Butler were outvoted when they wanted to give the membership $500 each. I was glad to see that the majority of Tribal Council members changed their vote. If the Tribal Council curtails their spending, the membership would, and should, be receiving much more. Why are our elders being ignored? Every other tribe puts their elders first, and I know there are many elders who have limited incomes. Travel for just three Tribal Council members (Rosemary Landis, $22,497; Delores Pigsley, $22,164; and Jessie Davis, $20,247) is more than double what our elders received! An elders program should be funded first before the Tribal Council is funded, especially for junkets (such as all Tribal Council members going to Hawaii in October) and other unnecessary spending. I propose that the Tribal Council establish an elders program so that our elders get, at the very least, $200 a month to begin with and more if revenues increase. Let’s show our respect and pride in what our elders have taught us by putting them first before all else. It is my belief that our membership, especially our elders and others in need, should benefit from our tribe’s resources. It’s not happening, and it won’t until there is a majority on the Tribal Council that will reverse this situation. In this year’s election, vote for those who will make those changes and put the membership’s needs before their personal wants. My record shows that I have always supported the membership as a whole, and, with your support, changes can be made. Sincerely, Pat Duncan P.O. Box 16238, Portland, OR 97292-0238; Pat_Duncan@att.net September 2001 □ Siletz News □ 3
