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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2004)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: With so much important business before us, we should all be concerned that some elected officials are diverting so much of their (and our) time to efforts to change our Constitution to impose limits on members’ rights. The membership’s right to participate in elected government is fundamental to our strength as a tribe. Tribal Court recently affirmed that barring tribal member employees (of any tribal entity) “is tantamount to hunting mice with an elephant gun.” However, there are concerns about tribal employees who are directly supervised by Tribal Council also serving on council. But barring all, to address concerns about a few, isn’t the answer. Jessie Davis’ recent article (I call it that, even though it was in the “letters to the editor” section, because of length and being bold-titled “In My Opinion” instead of the customary “To the editor”) alleges conflicts that will come from employees serving on council. Her arguments don’t hold water. I also think it wasn’t proper for her to address us in that forum, especially opening with “As vice chairman.” It might be better if some of those involved in creating policy are also involved in implementing policies. To the editor: I’m writing to convey my extreme appreciation for the photo collection of regalia, baskets, and artifacts at the Culture Department office in Siletz. Special thanks to Mary Dedrick, who transcribes historical documents from microfilm to document the real story of our ancestors and their journey. Also thanks to Rose Bremner, who used such painstaking attention for detail to cata log the photos of these museum pieces. It’s such a gift to see items from my tribal lineage that were of my grand father’s (Henry Picard, Shasta/Modoc/ Pit River) and grandmother’s (Marge Martin-Lane, Macanotin/Tutuni) heritage. I’m excited about having black-and-white copies of these items so I can create regalia for my boys and myself. It’s with much sadness that I offer my most immense sympathy to the family of Craig Whitehead. He was such an asset to our community. He played an important part in so many meetings, committees, and community events. 1 recently attended an interview with Tribal Council to be approved as a Gwe-Shut-Naga (mediator) for our tribe. It was a most difficult interview because almost every question was related to the work that Craig had been doing to help our community become well. I also was present at a Commitment Ceremony for his son, San Poil, and to this day I try to carry the intent with me that I made on that day - “to help San Poil, by doing the work to make sure this community is safe for him.” This job of healing and making our community safe isn’t an easy one. Hopi elders have a message for us: It is time to speak your truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader. The people will feel they are being tom apart and they will suffer greatly. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. Banish the word struggle from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. I’d like to think that I “walk this talk.” I’d appreciate it if people who have concerns about our community, or me personally, would let me know when we can talk. I’m not home a lot because I travel to other tribal locations, sharing about work needing to be done, alcohol/ drug/violence prevention, and teaching ways our culture can help us find our path. But I’ll be glad to call or e-mail you if you contact me. We need more Gwe-Shut-Nagas! If you can recommend someone, please call Siletz Tribal Court at 541-444-2532 or 1 -800-922-1399 and they’ll mail an application. “They-You are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” Respectfully, Lisa Brown 6 □ Siletz News □ June 2004 Employees have valuable insight into ideas of change that occasionally role down from the top. Too often, some council members place themselves above the people, instead of seeing themselves as servants of the people. Tribal member employees would help maintain that balance. Concerns about conflict of interest are already moot, if people believe in fol lowing the chain of command and adhering to the ethics ordinance. Jessie’s fringe benefits arguments don’t hold up either. She and other past and current council members received fringe benefits with their employment, whether it’s with the tribe or another employer. Those elected will be employ ees while at work and elected officials while at meetings. Many of our people serve successfully in multiple roles in the community; this is no different. Some say that council duties are a full-time job. Efficiency, such as scheduling short meetings on the same day instead of spreading them out over several days (racking up mileage, travel time, and per diem with each short meet ing), would help. Also, some Tribal Council members travel to totally unnec essary meetings, conferences, and events. Good leadership encourages service to community and doesn’t put up barriers. I also feel it’s improper for our vice chairman to berate the Tribal Court decision in our tribal newspaper. Conflicts, abuse of power, checks and balances? I have strong concerns about them too, but not from our employees. I’m also concerned that we’ll legislate away our ability to elect the best-suited tribal members to lead us. Constitutional rights aren’t to be taken lightly. I hope everyone sends Tribal Council a strong message with their vote on this basic constitutional issue. Please consider voting no on the proposed amendment. Very sincerely, Robert Kentta TLC Attitudes of Gratitude Spring is finally here, with a venge ance. With all the intermittent sun and rain, all growing things have leaped into lush pale green, including the grass and weeds (especially the weeds!). We’re so grateful to Jackie Ashley and her girls for taking Saturday time to pull flowerbed weeds. Now if we can just keep ahead of the growth spurts. Thanks to you are also in order to Sam English of Albuquerque, N.M., for the donation of two signed art posters. Sam is an artist of some renown, espe cially in Indian country. The posters will be matted and framed to beautify our living area. Carol Lowe at the Logsden Store and the Logsden community came through again with donations of food [ CTSI Jobs CTSI Employment Job Line | I I I I I I and cleaning supplies. Marian Stoker tucked in a couple more bath towels. We’re well supplied with towels now, thanks to the generosity of many of you. And thanks again to all our over night volunteers, whose dedication ensures that the TLC is safe and secure. We couldn’t do it without them! We’re filled with gratefulness to Selene Rilatos for her continued support to residents during the week. We’ve cleaned up the greenhouse and have seeds ready to plant. If you have extra bedding plants or other starts you want to share, or some extra gardening tools, give Lynn a call at 541-444-8238 or 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1238. Tip of the month: Use sunscreen! 541-444-8296 or 1 -800-922-1399, ext. 1296 Visit our Web site at http://ctsi.nsn.us Note: “Open Until Filled” vacancies may close at any time. The tribe’s Indian Preference policy will apply. Tribal government will not discriminate in selection because of race, creed, age, sex, color, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, membership or non-membership in an employee organization. I I I I I I I |
