LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
I write this letter with great appreciation for the wonderful people of the
Siletz Tribe whom I’ve worked with and for during the last 3 0 years. It has been
a privilege and pleasure to serve as the Alcohol & Drug counselor and I’ve had
the opportunity to work in Portland, Salem, and Siletz.
I’ll always look back with fond memories on my days working for the Siletz
Tribe. What makes the memories fond are the great people I’ve had the opportunity
to get to know. Highlights for me have been participating in Run to the Rogue,
the A&D float in the Nesika Illahee parade, white-water rafting on the
McKenzie River, Restoration Pow-Wow, and the wonderful staff retreat at the
Inn at Seventh Mountain.
There really have been too many wonderful times and great people to mention
in this letter. I will always have a special place in my heart for the people of the
Siletz Tribe. For those I’ ve had the privilege to know, I hope our paths cross
again in the future. Until we meet again, peace and happiness be with you.
Terry McDowell
To the editor:
It’s important to teach your family members and friends about respecting
those who are deceased. When loved ones pass on, many people place items
and/or trinkets at gravesites. These tokens, often handmade, are used to help
remember the deceased or are things you know would have been enjoyed. The
intent of leaving items is for the items to remain at the grave. You don’t expect
them to be removed.
Some items have been removed from Everett V. Butler Jr.’s grave. They include
a Harley Davidson medallion/necklace with black and orange beads, a cross that
includes text of 1 Corinthians 13, and a deer horn with a fish engraved carving.
The numerous pennies, nickels, and dimes placed on Everett’s headstone have
been taken too.
It’s very sad that people take things from graves; it’s very disrespectful to the
deceased and their family. If you, your family, and friends visit your loved ones
or walk through the cemetery as a short cut to your home, please don’t take
anything from the graves.
If you or someone you know has taken any of the items above, please return
them to Everett’s grave. These items are for a very special person whom we love
and will cherish forever.
Respectfully,
The family of Everett V. Butler Jr.
Siletz News Letters Policy
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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 io edit any letter for clarity and
length, and to refuse publication of any
letter or any part of a letter that may
contain profane language, libelous
statements, personal attacks, or
unsubstantiated statements.
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Not all letters are guaranteed
publication
upon
submission.
Published letters do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of Siletz News,
tribal employees, or Tribal Council.
Please type or write legibly. Letters
longer than 450 words may be edited
for length as approved by Tribal
Council Resolution #96-142.
Please note: The general manager
of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief
of Siletz News.
Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner
Editor: Diane Rodriquez
Assistant: Natasha Kavanaugh
June 2002
To the editor:
Our eldest son, Welo, is graduating from PSU this spring with a bachelor
of arts degree in political science. This is a pivotal event. It marks a whole new
road never before traveled by either side of our family. Our children are dreaming
new dreams.
Upon reflection, I realized that this is an accomplishment that all my fellow
tribal members share. Our dedication to education has put each individual’s future
in a whole new light. This is how we impact our communities, our nations, and
our world. This is power!
This family’s gratitude goes out to each and every tribal member and to those
dedicated individuals who work for our tribe every day. Thank you.
Sincerely,
David and Barbara Watson, Welo, Jaden, lisa, and Malik
To the editor:
I would like to thank the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon and
the Education Department for the assistance that made it possible for me to reach
my educational goal.
On Mother’s Day — May 12, 2002 - I was able to honor my mother, father,
and family by participating in the 130*h commencement ceremony at Lewis &
Clark College in Portland, Ore. As one of the 380 graduates in the Class of 2002,
I obtained my bachelor’s degree with a major in business-economics and a minor
in communications.
Attending Lewis & Clark College has enabled me to meet professors like
Stephen Dow Beckham, Native American historian and author of The Indians of
Western Oregon and Requiem for a People. The entire college experience broadened
my life and has focused me on my future endeavors.
I am also thankful to my mother, Shirley B. Walker, and father, Russ Walker,
for their encouragement and moral support. Without that, there are times I could
not have made it.
It has been a long journey to reach this point in my life. From here, there are
many roads to travel. It is my hope that my next path will lead me to use the
knowledge I have gained to benefit the tribe so future generations can obtain the
same assistance I have.
I want to impart to all tribal members the importance of education. It is the
key to self-improvement and your posterity, whether it is high school, college, or
graduate school.
Brent T. Walker
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Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380
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