LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
Our Native American ancestors had
three major methods of handling and
preventing sickness. They stressed
being in tune with nature, one another,
and the Great Spirit.
From the earth, either directly or
indirectly, they received the food that
sustained life. They could not go to the
downtown drug store for medication,
but they were well acquainted with the
plants, herbs, and trees; and knew the
medicinal value of each one.
They also knew right where to find
the one they needed. Picked fresh and
used immediately, they were probably
more potent than what we now buy in
a health food store, but most of us
cannot get out and gather our own. To
gather the wrong herb might be bad
medicine, indeed. Just getting out
there and learning to identify these
plants, herbs, and trees would give us
some healing contact with nature,
however. Even raising an herb garden
could be fun.
I wish I could say that the tribes all
lived in peace with each other, but
unfortunately this was not always the
case. They did believe in peace and
honesty, and were very appreciative and
loyal to their friends.
To the editor:
Once again, tribal officials have ignored the membership.
First, the Tribal Court chief judge, who was appointed by the Tribal Council,
disregarded compelling evidence of wrongdoing and allowed the results of the
February election to stand.
The current chief judge participated in the appellate panel (non-tribal members)
that overturned the recall decision, even though the trial judge (tribal member)
ruled that there was substantial evidence to declare the recall invalid. So, do we
really have a fair court system? Should we elect the chief judge? This would
certainly eliminate the obvious allegiance to the Tribal Council.
Secondly, as before, the Tribal Council appointed a tribal member who had
previously showed no interest in serving on the Tribal Council over a candidate
who supposedly lost by one vote. At a General Council meeting, the membership
had overwhelmingly voted for the Tribal Council to appoint the next highest
ranked candidate when considering appointments. In fact, this is one of the
recommended constitutional changes proposed by the General Council (which
the Tribal Council ignored).
1 had fully supported this premise, recommending the next highest ranked
candidates to fill the positions left vacant by the controversial recall. Yet, when
asked publicly if they would support my recommendations, all other Tribal Council
members individually said, “no.”
With the mindset of the majority, then and now, it is conceivable that they
can just go on appointing their supporters, who are obligated only to them, not
the voting membership. So do we actually have a democratic government? Does
your vote really count?
A number of tribal members want to see the General Council empowered, as
it should be. In discussions on the process, it was suggested that the first step
would be to have fair elections. The General Council had voted to have the elections
conducted by an independent professional firm that would, in no way, be influenced
by the Tribal Council. Yet, for the last four years, we’ve had the same Election
Board chairman and the same election director, and now we all know, from the
recent court case, how he conducts elections and the results.
Since there are only two members (Reggie and Lillie Butler) who listen to
the people, our only recourse is constitutional amendments and election ordinance
changes to assure that our tribal officials are truly supported by, and are supportive
of, the membership. We are reviewing the General Council’s original proposed
constitutional changes and hope to begin a petition drive soon. If we are to be
successful, we need your help. Please contact me if you want to participate in this
grassroots effort.
Sincerely,
Pat (Morrell) Duncan
P.O. Box 16238
503-257-6232
Portland, OR 97292-0238
Pat_Duncan@worldnet.att.net
4
□
Siletz News
□
June 2002
They knew how to avoid or handle
stress. When they were faced with a
major situation, they sought the
blessing and guidance of the Grand
Father Spirit. When they were troubled
or stressed out, they would go to a quiet
place among the beauties of nature to
worship and to relax. Their everyday
life also included a great deal of
walking, which made for good health.
They were strong believers in water
therapy. A good sweat in the
sweathouse followed by a cold plunge
really got the blood circulating. For a
healthy person or for some illnesses,
this is good, but when an epidemic of
smallpox occurred, it was the wrong
thing to do and many of the Coast
Indians died as a result.
Science proved that many of our
ailments are caused by germs and
viruses, thus putting the theory that
healing can be found in oneness with
nature, each other, and the Grand Father
Spirit in the category of myth and
folklore. Then it was discovered that a
negative attitude toward our
surroundings, other people, and toward
God makes the body more susceptible
to sickness while a positive, cheerful
attitude goes a long way toward a strong,
healthy body. This in turn can better fight
off diseases or hasten recovery.
Some doctors now admit that faith
in a higher power and support from
family or friends can in some cases
make the difference between recovery
or not recovering. More and more, we
find that the simple lifestyle and natural
remedies of our ancestors were good.
They were right after all. The trouble
is that we have lost the “know how” of
caring for ourselves.
I want to thank those who have
made our clinics and medical services
possible and those who are working to
keep us healthy.
Velma Redmer •
i ON AB EN Business Series toStart ]
।
Oregon Native American Business and Entrepreneurial Network will hold ■
। a “Starting a Successful Business” series that begins on June 10. Classes will .
। be held in Salem and will run for 11 weeks.
।
This class is one of the requirements for a Siletz Tribal Business Grant, J
I so if you are in business or are considering going into business, you should [
i plan to attend this class.
•
For more information or to sign up, please contact Lisa Norton at J
• 1-800-922-1399, ext. 255, or 541-444-8255.
J
ICW, Children Need Your Help
by Aline James
The month of May was National Foster Care Month. More than 580,000
children are in foster care nationwide. Here at Siletz ICW, we monitor
the placement of 50+ children who cannot live with their parents for a variety
of reasons.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the care providers for
opening their homes and their hearts to help our children. Every child deserves
to have a loving, stable home. Our foster homes are doing their best to provide
'^nurturing environment.
The need is,critical for temporary foster homes, permanent care homes,
and adoptive placements. We need to keep our children connected to their
tribal heritage. This can be accomplished only if Siletz Tribal members step
forward to help their children. Please consider being a care provider; we and
the children need your help.
Currently, we are trying to place two sibling groups. These children need
permanent placement.
To become a care provider, you need to first of all express interest, then
fill out forms, give permission for a criminal background check, and let ICW
conduct a home study.
If you would like more information on these or any other children,
please contact Wendi Schamp at 1-800-922-1399 or 541-444-2532, ext. 278,
or me at ext. 272.