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
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Siletz News
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