LEITERS TO THE EDITOR
To the editor:
I would like to congratulate the
elected 2004 Tribal Council members
Lillie Butler, Delores Pigsley, and Bud
Lane. I also want to thank those tribal
members who supported my candidacy
for this year’s election and the tribal
members who took the time to discuss
their tribal government concerns with
me. This process was one of the most
rewarding experiences for me this year.
I realize that in our society we tend to
disconnect on a daily basis and how
important it is that we stay in touch.
It is my hope that our Tribal
Council will strive to serve the general
membership in a holistic manner, rather
than continue to micro-manage the
tribe’s programs and services,
especially the casino.
I am also concerned that our current
administration and Tribal Council fail
to acknowledge the need and
importance of keeping an objective
process for tribal members to voice
their concerns. During the candidates
fair, I suggested that the tribe initiate
a forum to seek input from tribal
members in order to evaluate program
services. This information would assist
the tribe to better serve the tribal member
ship and address continuing problems,
establishing more objective procedures
to evaluate the tribe’s programs.
I sincerely hope that 2004 will
bring a fair and consistent government
to our tribal members. I also encourage
tribal members to not become
complacent with tribal programs or
their government when they encounter
unprofessional and unjust policies. These
issues need to be heard and addressed.
It is also my hope that the Tribal
Council will consider scheduling the
Tribal Council meetings back to
Saturday and Sunday, posting the
council meeting agenda on the tribe’s
Web site, and look at rotating the
meetings throughout the four tribal
service area offices. These practices
would provide an excellent method of
communicating with the tribal
membership and encourage participa
tion in the meetings.
Laurie Brown-Godfrey
To the editor:
At the January 2004 meeting, I was
re-elected to the position of chairman
of the Elders Committee. I would like
to thank all of the elders for their
support. It is an honor to serve and a
responsibility I enjoy. We have a great
budget for 2004 and I look forward to a
successful year for our elders.
Sincerely,
Shirley Ben Walker
Elders Chairman
To the editor:
To my dearest family -n- supporters -
I would like to send my thanks and
gratitude to my mom Lavonne and
Leon, Aunty Loraine and Lavem, my
cousins Misty, Angie, Bird, Lil’ Lil’,
and Paul for all your support in the
struggle -n- fight for our peoples and
me against the system. Also for all your
prayers for me in my struggle on the
red road. It felt good and made me
proud to see all the support. Forever
movement of the resistance!
I want to make an apology to my
family and loved ones for the pain I’ve
caused. I also want to apologize for any
shame and disgrace I’ve brought to our
family name. I haven’t given up nor do
I plan to in my struggle. I love all of
you so much for not turning your backs.
We have a bit of a road ahead of us. I
can just only use this time to make me
stronger for tomorrow.
Big thanks and love to all of you for
the prayers and support and also to the
brothers and sisters behind the walls.
Last but not least, a big Happy 1st
Birthday to my dearest son, Jaden Sage
Butler, AKA Sage Jr.! I love you, son.
Many prayers to all of you!
Shu Ashi Nuu La. Hum Chi’!
One Love,
Sage Prarie Dancer
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Send letters to:
Siletz News
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
541-444-8291 or
1-800-922-1399, ext. 1291
Fax: 541-444-2307
E-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us
Deadline for the April issue is
March 10. Submission of articles and
photos is encouraged. Please read the
Passages Policy on page 24 when
submitting items for Passages.
Member of the Native American
Journalists Association
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Siletz News
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March 2004
To the editor:
This letter is in regard to what I
think should be a cultural right for Siletz
Tribal members.
Although many people might be
aware that Siletz Tribal members are
“permitted to gather saltwater mussels,
rock oysters (paddocks), clams, and sea
anemones in excess of the daily and
possession bag limits within the
geographical limits of the marine water
areas of Lincoln County,” gathering has
been a custom of my family for years
and we wish to continue with these
rights in the future. My family (and a
lot of others) would get these permits
to be allowed to get as many needed
for other tribal members, friends, and
elders of the Siletz area.
My main concern is that we are
required to obtain a permit for crab as
of this year. Never before did our family
have to worry about crabbing permits.
Although it’s not an expensive permit
to obtain, I think that crab should be
added to our tribal permit because it’s
a tradition for many tribal families to
gather crabs in the bay area and
distribute them among the community
and, most importantly, elders who
aren’t capable of gathering.
It would be greatly appreciated by
many people if crabs would be added
to our tribal permit. Thank you for your
time and consideration in this matter.
Respectfully,
Aldona “Rosie” Hall
Siletz News is free to enrolled
Siletz Tribal members. For all others,
a $ 12 annual subscription fee applies.
Please make checks payable to CTSI
and mail to Siletz News.
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