LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
Native Warriors Guardians of
Tomorrow’s Youth is a program geared
to bring our youth a better
understanding of who they are as
individuals, as well as making a better
world for all to live in.
Real life stories are told from men
who have been down that road of self
destruction, gangs, alcohol abuse, drug
abuse, sexual abuse, peer pressure,
culture clash, and the realities that come
with them. We give the youth a different
outlook on family values, traditions,
and spiritual awareness.
It is an honor for Native Warriors
Guardians of Tomorrow’s Youth to
recognize those who have gone
beyond expectations in this world of
self-healing.
The following young people are
2002 graduates from our program:
Katie Bowers, Sage Hatch, Heather
Melson, Shirley Melson, Charlie
Jones, and Kayla McCord.
Native Warriors Guardians of
Tomorrow’s Youth wishes to thank
Lynn Whitlow and Sylvia Butler for
their continuation in making for a better
day, and whether you realize it or not,
you have touched many lives.
In Spirit,
Francisco Padilla
Director, N.W.G.T.Y.
Siletz News Letters Policy
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
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publication. Siletz News reserves the
right to 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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Siletz News
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To the editor:
I just wanted to take a moment
to share my experience of being a
parent and living with the results of
addictions being a part of my family,
and how it has affected the past, present,
and future.
I struggle to be a good person,
admit my mistakes, and show that I’m
trying to be a better person, and hope
people will see the good I do rather than
judging me by past mistakes. I care
about the youth in the community
because I see their pain and the loss they
experience due to abuse, neglect, or just
the lack of opportunities or role models.
I hope that others will step forward
and share their personal experiences so
we might be able to support one
another, talk about the pain, and heal
together. I truly believe in prayer and
the ability to look at ourselves to see
what is “not” working so we can ask
for help to be well spiritually, mentally/
emotionally, and physically.
I struggle with the lack of
communication with the juvenile
justice and criminal justice systems, and
I fear for our young people as well
as the adults who will end up in
these institutions. Not only will they
be subject to abuse and neglect, but
they also often are not given the
tools they need when they return to
their communities.
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
October
2002
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One gap I see for these relatives is
that the community and family also
need “tools,” or teachings about how
to help our relatives when they come
“home.” If you want to help with this
process, please call the tribal office, or
better yet put in writing what you want
to see happen.
I am only one person, but I believe,
“If the people lead, the leaders will
follow” (eventually). I believe in
sharing from the heart about personal
experiences, and therefore I want to
share a letter that my son wrote about
learning. He gave me permission to
share his letters, as a way for him to
help other young people and families
in our community.
Respectfully yours,
Lisa Brown
P.S. If Chris’ letter touches your
heart, spirit, or mind, please reach out
and touch someone else. Talk to a
spiritual elder, teacher, or friend, and
ask for the healing to begin.
Mitakuaye Oyasin (We Are
All Related)
Thank you for listening or reading,
also please thank yourself for taking
the time. Time is the most precious gift
we can give to ourselves, our families,
and our community.
Send letters to:
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
To the editor:
I know you are really disappointed
in me and the system. I’m sorry for
what happened.
I’ve learned a lot from this
experience and boot camp. I’ve found
spirituality, humbleness, my true inner
person, respect, and a lot of other things.
I’m truly sorry for all the times I got
mad at you and yelled at you. I was a
lost soul in a materialistic world.
J had an addiction to marijuana,
alcohol - and wasn’t ready to admit it
to myself or others. “We admitted that
we were powerless over our addiction
and our lives were unmanageable ...”
“We came to believe a power greater
than ourselves could restore us to
sanity.” I really do believe that and can
make the changes when I get home.
I no longer blame others; instead, I
take responsibility for my actions
instead of justifying. To first write this
letter, I had to admit to myself of these
addictions and forgive myself. Then and
only then could I ask for forgiveness for
my sins. I can ask only for forgiveness,
not to change the past, but I can build a
brighter future for me and you.
I love you too much to let the
mistakes we both committed get
between us. I really do. I know you will
always forgive me, but it will not be
complete until I ask for forgiveness
first. You are the first on my list, but
not the last.
I j ust wanted to tel 1 you I’m so sorry
and would pour my heart out to make
all the illness, pain, and bad memories
go away forever. I love you, Mom.
One Love,
Chris
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