Siletz news /, September 01, 2002, Page 3, Image 3

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The 2002 Nesika Illahee Pow-Wow
was one of the biggest and best ever,
with thousands in attendance, more than
25 drum groups from throughout the
Northwest, dancers from all over the
country, and Indian artists displaying
fine Indian arts and crafts. People lined
the streets of Siletz on Saturday
morning to enjoy the longest and best
parade we’ve ever had. It seems that
each year we outdo ourselves.
I am proud and appreciative of the
many dedicated people who were
responsible for putting on this fantastic
pow-wow, with Craig Whitehead again
coordinating this event.
To the editor:
I would like to take this time to
convey my appreci-ation for all of the
folks who helped out with the tedious
task of helping build the float, towing
the float, and manning the booth for
the 2002 Siletz pow-wow. This year,
I had more people
helping than ever in the
past. However, I still
needed more help on
building the float. Here
are the people who
helped this year.
Float:
Ed
Shoemack built the
clam shell and the
scallop shell for our
float; Rose Moon and daughter built a
giant clam (unfortunately didn’t get
used), which they worked very hard
on; Kent Kaiser pulled the flatbed to
Siletz for decorating; Ray Goddell for
letting me construct the float in your
carport and helping attach the
clamshells after a hard days work at
the casino, thanks Ray; Dale
Robertson and Kent pulled the float
in the parade (they were such
characters! If you have ever worked
with these two, you will know what a
joy it’s to be around them); LOL; Dale
for busting down the float and letting
me park it at his house. By the way,
folks, his little boy Bradlee is very
cute. Bridget Robertson helped
decorate the float and worked the
booth. What a gal! (I’m forever in
your debt.)
Float Riders: Arlissa and Amial
Rhoan (mommie and baby) in their
regalia, they were awesome; Linzie
Mae UpChurch (my granddaughter,
Celebrate 25 Years of Restoration
Chairman Delores Pigsley
in regalia - thank you, baby, you’re
always beautiful, and Happy Birthday
on Sept. 4); Terry and Bruce (Williams
& Ree) - everyone loved you guys.
Booth Helpers: Teresa Simmons
(PR), Debbie Davis (Bus dept.), Al
Baca (Security), Steve Chrisman
(Mktg. Sales), Trisha Patterson (Bus
dept.), Nicky Peterson (CC, Arcade,
Gift Shop mgr.), Carole Clarke (CC,
Arcade, supervisor), Anita and Craig
Watson (Arcade), Dona Trickier (Gift
Shop), Don Kennedy (Marketing dir.),
Tara Binek (Data Base mgr.), Sar
Richards (dir. of Slots), Nolan Butler
(HR), Charlotte Brame (HR), Diane
Moore (Guest Svcs.), Dennis and
Alicia Brundell (Slot mgr.), and
Bobbie Salazar (HR). Oh yeah! Martin
Wheeler for packing a box for me!
(Marketing dept. - he caught me
typing this up), and Sharon Nelson
(HR). To you folks, a great big
“thank you.”
Once again, a very huge “thank
you” to all who helped and supported
us in our endeavors. (If I forgot anyone,
anyone at all, please let me know and
I’ll do an addendum to this letter.)
Sincerely,
• Shelley M. UpChurch, Siletz pow­
wow float and booth coordinator
This successful tribal pow-wow will be followed by another major event
just a few months away. We will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the restoration
of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon. It was in November 1977
that the Siletz Tribe was restored by the U.S. Congress. President Jimmy Carter
signed the Restoration Act on Nov. 18, 1977.
An ad hoc committee has been meeting regularly to plan the celebration of
this historic event, which is scheduled for Chinook Winds on Nov. 16, 2002.
The 25th anniversary not only will be a day of celebration; it also will be a day
of remembrance - remembrance of the hardships endured by our Siletz ancestors
historically, especially during the early treaty and reservation period that finally
led to termination in the 1950s. It also will be a day of remembrance of the tribe’s
difficult but successful struggle to become restored. We will honor those who
helped us in this struggle.
We also will celebrate and take pride in the many accomplishments of the
tribe since we were restored and it will be an occasion to rededicate ourselves to
work for an even better future.
Update on Bills in Congress
Regarding the bills that I reported on in the last issue of Siletz News that may
have a potential impact on Indian tribes - those bills are still pending. No final
action has been taken on HR 4887, the Tribal Government Fairness Act of 2002,
or HR 3215, Combating Illegal Gambling and Modernization Act. The notorious
HR 2244 introduced by Congressman Frank Wolf that would create a Commission
on Native American Policy to study issues relating to Indian gaming has been defeated.
On July 17, Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico reported that he and a
bipartisan group of senators have begun an effort to create a Senate Native
American Caucus, to give “a sharper focus to issues related to” problems facing
American Indians.
Domenici was joined by Senate Indian Affairs Committee Chairman Daniel
Inouye, Democrat, and Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell, ranking Republican
member. The Senate caucus would be similar to the Congressional Native American
caucus on the House side.
According to a House report dated Dec. 13,2001, the bipartisan Congressional
caucus is composed of 106 Democrats and Republicans. It has been extremely
helpful in increasing House members’ understanding of Indian issues and in
coordinating their efforts in addressing these issues.
We’re pleased that a similar bipartisan effort has been initiated on the Senate
side. As the Congressional caucus has demonstrated, the Senate caucus also will
help in dealing constructively with proposed legislation affecting Indians tribes.
It’s essential that Indian views are expressed in Congress and these caucuses serve
as an excellent way of ensuring that our views are represented.
Planning for Chemawa Property
And finally, I’d like to mention that joint planning for the Chemawa property
with the Grand Ronde Tribal Council is moving forward. This involves 16 acres
that the Bureau of Indian Affairs considered excess to its needs and transferred in
fee to the Siletz and Grand Ronde tribes. The land is located west of the old
campus and east of the Oregon Electric rail. It was given up for the parkway
development and later declared excess.
The Siletz Tribal Council has been meeting monthly with the Grand Ronde
Tribal Council to explore various development options and issues. Since the
property was given to the tribes in fee and lies within the city of Keizer, we also
have initiated discussions with Keizer city officials. Although it’s too early to tell
where they will lead, these preliminary discussions have generally been fruitful
and constructive.
September 2002
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Siletz News
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