Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 2003)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: May I suggest to those Tribal Council members who feel they are being slighted by not having a salary, plus benefits: If you are overwhelmed by your duties to serve the tribe as a whole, I suggest you step down and give yourself a chance to breathe. There are those in this constituency who would be honored to serve, to better the lives of those who truly need it. There are many who serve in your capacity who give their time and talents, whose compensation lies in the satisfaction that they have made a difference in the lives of humankind. The next time you are in Hawaii or Washington, D.C., take a moment to reflect on those people whom you represent who are simply trying to live from day to day. Sincerely, Sylvia E. Walker To the editor: Defragmented isolation is not an option, not in the world of economy today. Time is money and as they say, money is time. A wiser person looks, listens, and reacts to the world around him or her. We must be careful not to lose ourselves in the mockery of indecision. Where’s the beef! Our Economic Development Department (that’s a mouthful) is vital, staffed with well- qualified individuals. If micromanaging is required of this office, a second look needs to be taken at who sits these hallowed halls. Replace with qualified representation or butt out! Be wise and informed concerning placement, hiring, and termination (it’s risky and usually not cost-effective). Building a stair-step ladder of stability enables us to cross competitive trenches. The right pilot needs to sit our Economic Development Department with staff (or copilots) to back up that person. This department needs the room and tools to take us into the 21st century of economic development. Economic stability is a major concern. It’s not wise to jump from a plane and then ask for a parachute. The costs are high and there are a lot of fat cats out there ready to pounce on our turkey bird. It’s a very user-friendly world, but we must remain on the cutting edge, constantly fine tuning our resources. A stagnant pond becomes contaminated. Our tribe (we know this) must work in this direction, has the responsibility of many people, both tribal and non-tribal members. We must radiate security and keep this commitment a high priority. I feel we need to monitor closely our tribal rain barrel. We have been (along with the nation) going through a drought period. If we are not careful, our resources could easily be depleted to the level of slow recovery. We must be ever vigilant and act appropriately by not putting ourselves out on a limb at the mercy of others. A good plan of action, I feel, is phasing. Success is one block at a time, working from strength, not overextended weakness. Respectfully submitted, Eva E. Clayton To the editor: To the Red Nation, Native Amer icans, First People, to the 500 Tribes, all your descendants, and all your ancestors. Let it be known and understood by all who hear or read these words, translated into (all) your languages, that on this day, Dec. 19, 2002, a written apology is offered with sincerity from one white man named Allen William Bymes, on behalf of the white race. I am not the only white man who believes this apology is long overdue, and I know that there are people of both races who will not accept these words and the feelings that go along with them. It is my hope that this formal apology can begin a healing process for you. I would like this apology to offer some peace to your elders before they pass on. I would like this apology to be understood by your children so they will choose life over suicide. I would like to offer this apology to (all) the unborn and to (all) your relations still suffering. I say a prayer of thanksgiving and offer it to all the tribes, to all your descendants, and to all your ancestors to acknowledge you, the Native Ones who offered kindness, knowledge, and great wisdom. I close my eyes and I see an un broken circle. Within the circle is an elder from each tribe praying together. It is a powerful sight and the circle is whole 4 Siletz New? □Fetyqary To the editor: I’d like to thank all the people who donated food and their time to the success of the Siletz Community Christmas Program and the Grange Christmas Day Dinner. Both had a fantastic turnout. Special thanks to volunteers Julie Frogge; Debbie Fawver; Liz, Delina, and Anna John and kids; Nicole Mundt; Arnold, Kris, and Cory Schaffer; Jim and Lucy Ferguson; and Lynn Whitlow. Thank you Kari Murk and Sue Eatherly for painting and decorating, serving dinner, doing dishes, taking pictures, and hand coloring each individually stamped Christmas photo card (about 300). Good job, you two. Hope you don’t have too many finger cramps! Kathy Stewart, thank you for your awesome hand-painted chimney backdrop - it really put the final touches on the pictures - decorating, and playing the piano - at least you knew all the keys this time, hehe. Maintenance crew: Rick, Sammy, Bristo, and Bobby Bayya, Lenny Simmons, and Arlen Kentta for helping put up the tree - hopefully you color-coordinated the branches this time and remember, they go from the top not the bottom. You guys did a great job - the tree looked great! I’d also like to extend special thank yous to the volunteers who organized these annual community events: Darlene Carkhuff and Sharon Edenfield, who coordinated and ensured the programs’ success; Jess Kennison and Larry Arnold, who cooked the grange dinner; without them, this wouldn’t have been possible - good job, guys!; Michelle Schaffer for her hard work getting donations, helping with the ornament crafting, and decorating (Michelle continually helps out the community in any way she can and we appreciate all her efforts). Marci Taylor for the wonderful food at the Christmas program and picking up the poinsettias (see, we made it through the day without a wreck!); Vella Sorenson and the Siletz Valley Fire Department for use of the fire truck to bring Santa up on the hill - without you, Vella, we couldn’t have made the grand entrance, you’re all truly #1!; Trish Carey - successful cookie bake, lots left over, thanks for your time. Natasha Kavanaugh for all your help with the thank yous and Christmas programs; Accounting skit - wonderful, only caught that part of the program, but wouldn’t have missed it! Maybe a mic next year!; Head Start crew - goody bags and singing, even though we had to beg - it wouldn’t have been the same without you, that’s what the program is all about; and thanks, Santa, for being there for our kids, hope you’ll be there next year. Also, anyone forgotten in the list above - you did a wonderful job! Thinx (thanks) for all that everyone has done for these programs’ success. Tami Goodell To the editor: I have read with great interest the two articles written by Jessie Davis regarding the proposal to increase our Tribal Council’s compensation. I find it hard to believe that council members, in good conscience, would consider taking a raise in their hourly compensation when the basic needs of tribal members are not being met. I am appalled that this should even be on the ballot given the economic problems we are facing as a tribe and as a nation. and connected. I know my apology can not erase the atrocities suffered by your people for all the generations, but I still wish to make this offering as a first step. Allen William Bymes I am also concerned that two members of the Tribal Council were on the ad-hoc committee studying council compensation, which is clearly a conflict of interest. Nobody, under those circumstances, can be impartial; in the worst case, they might even appear to be self-serving. This is a critical time for our tribe, and we shouldn’t be asked to make compensation decisions based on what other tribes are doing, especially when our economic situation isn’t equal. Why not take the high road and choose to make our first priority our tribal members, especially elders and those on assistance. Until those problems are under control, I will vote “NO” on the issue of increasing compensation for Tribal Council members. Sincerely, Julie E. Chavez
