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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2003)
VICE CHAIRMAN’S REPORT On June 17, the mid-year assembly of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) convened in Phoenix to discuss the need for a comprehensive study of the economic impact of Indian gaming. I, along with Chairman Delores Pigsley and council members Jane John and Rosemary Landis, attended the meeting. We were among other tribal leaders who voiced strong support for such a study, which will tell the true story of Indian gaming. The anti-Indian gaming articles pub lished by Time magazine in December 2002 have had serious negative conse quences. They spawned anti-Indian articles in other national publications. They’re not only misinforming the gen eral public, they’ve given fodder to anti- Indian elements in the U.S. Congress dedicated to destroying Indian gaming, tribal rights, and sovereignty. To the editor: There is a place where good things happen, a warm, friendly, safe home away from home (Tenas Illahee Child Care Center). With assistance from friendly staff (thank you), I toured through the kitchen right down to the laundry room. But I must say the pleasure and joy of the day care rooms was wonderful! As with any program or project, there are always areas for improvement or helping hand hospitality. Points to ponder: 1. 2. A refrigerator donation. The one is packed to the gunnels! A group donation or a donation jar at the admin office? A cookie baker, bread maker, or extra pair of volunteer hands in the kitchen. NCAI and National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) members agree that a major effort is needed to counteract the emerging anti-Indian gaming and anti-Indian forces, especially in Congress. It was decided that a major study of the economic impact of Indian gaming is needed and should be con ducted by a national research firm of impeccable credibility and reputation. The John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University has been contracted to conduct this national impact study, which should take two years to complete at a cost of more than $1.5 million. The study is expected to show how, and to what extent, Indian gaming impacts not only tribal governments and tribal people, but also the surrounding non-tribal communities. The study should help focus policy debate away from myths, stereotypes, 3. 4. 5. 6. Elders, rock-a-bye that special little person in the nursery. What comes back to you will be ten-fold. Play area (waiting to dry out). Call it a labor of love and schedule a work party. Drop off a flower, a tree to plant in the yard. The outer reflects the inner. Library nook, donate a book. Win dows to our world of enlightenment. Utilizing resources within our community is cost effective. Our child care center serves as a testimonial. An example for duplication in our outer areas of service where there is need for just such a center. The center - clean, bright, nurtur ing, and secure - is definitely an accom plishment the tribe can take pride in. Respectfully submitted, Eva E. Clayton Join us at the Siletz Tribal Office Complex Open House July 29,2003,4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Lincoln Shore Office Complex, 2120 NW 44th St. Lincoln City Hosted by: Siletz Tribal Business Corporation (STBC) Siletz Tribal Gaming Regulatory Agency (STGRA) Siletz Gaming Commission Chinook Winds Casino - Human Resources Dept. 4 v □ j Siletz News □ July 2093 Jessie Davis and anecdotes and provide concrete regionally specific data. Professor Joseph Kalt of Harvard’s School of Government said that in addition to documenting the real impacts of Indian gaming, “one of the primary outcomes of this work will be to drive home the point that Indian gaming is not an industry, but a group of sovereign self-governing societies rebuilding their communities." The impact study will consist of on site data collection surveys of 100 reservations, detailed analysis and economic modeling, and eight in-depth case studies. Harvard University also will host symposia covering such diverse policy issues as regulatory oversight, economic development and diversification from gaming, and intergovernmental relationships. Because of the negative impacts surrounding Indian gaming, there’s an urgency about launching this project that will generate concrete data and accurate information from a respected, credible source. The Siletz Tribe will be involved in helping to fund this major project. To the editor: I am writing today in order to extend some “thanks” to some certain people and tribal organizations. Some of these “thanks” are long overdue and I feel a need to correct this at this time. First of all, I would like to thank the tribe and all the people who were responsible for the beautiful Gateway computer I received some time ago. I recently opened a video rental store in Lincoln City called Golden Bear Video and I must say that my new computer is a lifesaver. Secondly, I would like to thank Kathryn and the elders committee for my beautiful elders jacket that I received shortly after I turned 55 last December. I really do appreciate it. Recently, I attended an 11-week class in Siletz, which was for the purpose of planning and starting a small business. The class was conducted by ONABEN and was coordinated by Lisa Norton. Lisa does a very fine job and sometimes I think we overlook or take for granted the efforts and extra energy that she puts forth toward our education and welfare. Thank you, Lisa, for a job well done. Many thanks also to the ONABEN program, which I think is very important to us. I also want to thank Frank and Tommy for all the time, effort, and energy they put forth with the salmon distribution up on Government Hill in June. They both did an excellent job and I know they worked very hard to get the salmon to us and to make the distribution run as smoothly as possible. Thanks, guys! I’m sure I have forgotten someone, but I assure you it was not intentional. If I did, I apologize for the oversight and my many thanks go out to you. We are very fortunate to have the programs and the benefits that we do, and we are also very fortunate to have the very competent people who are running those programs and taking very good care of us. Sometimes we all forget about these things and the people, or we just take them for granted. Sometimes maybe we just expect these things. Anyway, take a little time once in a while and let these people know that you really do appreciate their efforts and the things they do. Thank you all! Speaking Out Loud George Siniscal
