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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 1, 2002)
25™ ANNUAL RESTORATION CELEBRATION Above: Jennifer Easter and Judy McKnight pin the sash on Carlene Easter. Top right: Caroline Easter, Delbert Bell, Jennifer Easter, and Carlene Easter await congratulations from Bobby Butler and Lee Butler. Below: Keyonna Williams and Kyle Wallace enjoy an owl dance. Above: Carlene Easter awaits an honor dance as a member of Siletz Royalty. Right: Connie Hartt and Kay Steele draw winners for the elders ’ raffle. Restoration, con’t from page 1 “It is a remembrance of the tragic loneliness of termination - the hard work of tribal members and their legal assistance - the trips to Washington, D.C., to convince Congress that a terrible mistake was made in 1954,” he said. “But even more, the leadership of the darkest of days, the zeal to keep your identity, the struggle to hold things together, the vision to once again become a tribe.” Achievement also could have been a theme for the day. Rudy Clements is tribal relations manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which has been a long time supporter of the Siletz Tribe and its efforts to improve the lives of tribal members. He spoke of “the light of the Siletz Indian Nation” that shines brightly once again. “I doubt that many of us can fully appreciate what the Siletz Tribe has accomplished, the endless work, and the tireless dedication that brought the Siletz Tribe to this point,” he said. “But the evidence of what the tribe has achieved is all around us. That evidence is in the faces of the Siletz people. It is also in the lands of the Siletz reservation, its water and trees, its salmon and deer. The significance of today’s celebration is not only that the Siletz have regained and re established a land for their people, but they have recaptured a strong spirit for their future.” A special moment at the pow-wow came right after the grand entry when Carlene Easter was honored as a member of the Siletz Royalty for life. She received a crown beaded by Bonnie Petersen, a sash, and moving tribute by Ed Ben. The Dancing Again Singers performed an honor song for Carlene and the number of people who joined in the honor dance nearly completed a full circle around the dance arena. December 2002 □ Siletz News □ 13*
