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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2002)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: I urge each of you who haven’t par ticipated in the Run to the Rogue to do so next year. I have managed to make it to six runs and they just keep getting better. Each year brings a new set of memories. Each year, I get to spend time with fellow tribal members that I would not normally get the opportunity to get to know as well as I can on the run. Many of you know that I do a lot of public speaking, and in that I like to think that I have pretty good control of my speaking manner. It seems to work and I keep getting asked to do it more for various groups. Usually on the run, at the end of our trail, tribal members are allowed to speak their thoughts. I have not stepped forward into the circle to do this in the past. But this year’s participation was so wonderful for me that I thought I would like to say something. So I stepped up, all full of confidence and self-pride - and hahaha, I was instantly taken away, gifted with a flood of emotion. I almost couldn’t speak, tears welled up in my eyes. I don’t even know what I said, other than hopefully expressed what a wonderful sense of group caring, love, and respect. It seems on this celebration of our ancestors’ trials and tribulations that all problems outside of the run and the gathering are put aside. Politics, angers, pains, conflicts - they all seem to melt with the power of the gathering. I feel blessed each time with the totality of the beauty of the people - our people - and how we can share with each other so unselfishly. 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 number in order to be considered for 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. 2 Ö Siletz News □ I want to thank those people who work so hard to put on the run every year. To those who participate in whatever manner, I thank you because you make me feel so very proud to be a Siletz Tribal member. One complaint, though, to the powers that be for safety of the runners. We need a second following vehicle with signs and a flasher. I am willing to use my personal vehicle for that purpose and would sign whatever release of liability that’s necessary if we can’t have a vehicle provided. We are blessed in our sharing. John Roe, Jr. To the editor: My name is Natasha Kavanaugh. My mother is Kitti Hostler and my father is Donald “Ducky” Simmons. I would like to thank all of the Siletz Tribal Council for their efforts, dedication, and commitment to the betterment of our tribe and tribal members. I have had many opportunities thanks to our tribe, staff, and Tribal Councils. I have been able to utilize the Tribal Youth Employment Program - dental, patient accounts, and supplemental education (JOM); WEX - higher education; temporary employment-higher education and planning/facilities and fleet; and regular CTSI employment - transportation planning, fleet, and public information. To date, I have gained more than five years of indispensable work experience through these departments, thanks to the Siletz Tribe. I have been a regular employee since March 1999. Adult Education funds made it possible for me to complete a course of studies in child psychology, receiving my diploma with highest honors. In my current job position I have been given several opportunities to further my job skills to benefit our department, tribe, and members. Never in my wildest dreams did I think someday our casino would bring a per capita payment or even a personal home computer. Charitable contributions help support organizations and activities for tribal members. The child care center is almost complete. Siletz has a skate park and a youth center, among other available facilities. I have been given the opportunity to become more involved in tribal activities through my second year on the Pow-Wow Committee. Craig Whitehead and the To the editor: I just want to take a minute to thank Lisa Norton for all she did in helping me get my grant paperwork in order. I really didn’t know what I was doing and she took the time to meet with me and she was so patient. I got a little frazzled and discouraged along the way and she would encourage me to stick it out. She is certainly a credit to this tribe. I hope her supervisor realizes what an asset she is to the staff and the tribal office. Thanks, Lisa. You’re the best! Cindy and Carl Jackson 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 November 2002 past and present Pow-Wow Committee members dedicate themselves to our successful pow-wows, which I am proud to say I am a part of. I am fortunate to have dental, optical, and medical care provided to me. Non tribal members have said to me, “You are so lucky.” I’m grateful to be so fortunate. There are so many wonderful benefits available to Siletz Tribal members besides those mentioned above. To this day, wherever I go, I represent myself, my family, and my tribe with great pride, for this is part of what has made me who I am today. I am almost 23 years old and amazed with what I have today. I believe Tribal Council has done many great things over the years with only more to come in time. To our present council - Dee, Jessie, JoAnn, Dolly, Rosemary, Lillie, Reggie Sr., Jane, and Dave - as well as the past councils - thank you. I am so very grateful for all the wonderful things you have made possible in my life. Natasha L. Kavanaugh Send letters to: Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Siletz News is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a $12 annual subscription fee applies. Fill out this form and mail it with $12 (make check payable to Confederated Tribes of Siletz) to Siletz News. 541-444-8291 1-800-922-1399, ext. 291 Fax: 541-444-2307 Name: Address: e-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Phone:( Deadline for the December issue is Nov. 8. Photos are encouraged. Everyone loves to see photos of events, tribal members, and especially babies. Don’t forget those birthday or anniversary wishes for loved ones. Change of address: Tribal members should call the Enrollment Department at 541-444-8258; all others should call the newsletter office at 541-444-8291 and leave your new address with the editor.
