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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2004)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: My name is Christopher Ben. I am writing because I’ve been thinking hard about one thing that really bothers me, even makes me disgusted and sad. A while ago, there was an elders woodcut. It really made me mad when I got there with my family and a friend and found out there were more elders there than young people. My friend was trying to learn more about his heritage as an Indian and I am serving as a mentor. When we got out of our vehicle, me at age 24 and him at age 20, we were the youngest people there. I did not mind working and in fact, 1 enjoyed it. It made me feel good. But there should be no reason for elders to be out there cutting, splitting, hauling, and stacking wood for other elders. We as younger people are supposed to take care of our elders. They need wood for winter. They put in their time taking care of their families and 1 would have thought there would have been more young people out there helping. We all have grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles who need wood. It is our job as young people to take care of them because they were the ones to take care of us when we needed taking care of and are here to help us keep our heri tage and culture alive. I just hope that on the next elders woodcut day, there will be more young people out there helping our elders. Christopher Ben To the editor: I have received a couple of letters (as I’m sure most have) asking me to vote yes on a special election to change the Constitution so you can’t work for the tribe and be on the council and I was surprised to see some who had signed this. I really don’t understand why we are having this election. Who is paying the postage and etc.? (I hope not me.) Do you think because someone who works for the tribe could not make a rational decision? Also, I think it is an insult to the judge suggesting he doesn’t know enough about the law that he couldn’t make a fair decision. At the next council election, I know why I’m not voting the same! If they don’t like the laws, then we will just change them (no matter what the cost). We need someone who can work to gether in a peaceful manner. Sincerely, Wanda Melton Siletz News Letters Policy Send letters to: Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, is published once a month. Our editorial policy encourages input from readers about stories printed in Siletz News and other tribal issues. All letters must include the author’s signature, address, and phone num ber in order to be considered for publication. Siletz News reserves the right to edit any letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of a letter that may contain profane language, libelous statements, personal attacks, or unsubstantiated statements. Not all letters are^guaranteed publication upon submission. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Siletz News, tribal employ ees, or Tribal Council. Please type or write legibly. Letters longer than 450 words may be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142. Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Siletz News is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all oth- ers, a $12 annual subscription fee applies. Please make checks payable to CTSI and mail to Siletz News. To the editor: I am very proud of receiving my 35-year pin from The Westin Hotel Seattle. I am still working and loving my job. Every day I appreciate my life and thank God for everyone. I am truly blessed! Yours truly, Diana V. Jacobs PS - I wonder if 1 am the only Native American to accomplish this in The Westin chain (Starwood Ho tels). I know I am at The Westin I work at. Diana Jacobs (right) at the awards ceremony To the editor: On Sept. 21, Doni and I had the privilege of being with the Siletz del egation in the procession marking the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. Doni wore a shawl made especially for her that honored her as Rosebud Sioux. Thanks to my good friend, Bud Lane, I was in traditional regalia that marked the importance of the occasion. No matter what our associations with the Siletz have been, or may be in the future, those hours spent in celebra tion on the National Mall with our Siletz friends were special and Doni and I al ways will feel honored and grateful for having been included. I hope no one thinks it inappropri ate for non-Siletz members to march with the Siletz delegation, especially in regalia made by a Siletz. Karuk tradi tional dress, in many respects, is virtu ally identical to the Siletz and Bud was careful to ensure that both tribes’ tradi tions were respected. Moreover, as we made our way along with thousands of tribal people sharing, in pride and friendship, a high light of modem American Indian his tory, none of us could forget that we all shared, in some way, the entire history of American Indians. On Tuesday, Sept. 21,2004, at least for that day, in that setting, we were all proud brothers and sisters. Respectfully and with thanks, LeRoy Wilder 541-444-8291 or 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1291 Eax: 541-444-2307 E-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Deadline for the December issue is Nov. 10. Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Please read the Passages Policy on page 24 when submitting items for Passages. J. ................ Please note: The general man- ager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor- in-chief of Siletz News. 2 • Siletz News • • Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez Assistant: Natasha Kavanaugh November 2004 . . . Member of the Native American Journalists Association Don't forget the 27th Anniversary Restoration Celebration Nov. 20, 2004 Chinook Winds Casino Resort See agenda on page 5. | | I I | Name:______________________ I Address: ____________________ I Phone:______________________ Change of address: Tribal | members - call the Enrollment De- I partment at 541-444-8258 or I 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1258; all oth- J^ers - call the newsletter office.
