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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2006)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the editor: Dear tribal members, I would like to thank each and every one who took the time to vote this year. We had the largest turnout over 900 votes’ It is a real honor and a privilege to be voted onto the Tribal Council. I will do my best to meet your expectations. I shall be working hard for all tribal members' best interest. This year I have been appointed to the following sub committees: Health, Housing, and Eco nomic Development. However, I shall be just as concerned for the rest of the areas as well. If anyone has a question or con cern, or just wants to chat, feel free to call me at 503-390-5009 or you may e-mail me atjl_davis41@msn.com. Thanks again for your support. Sincerely, Jessie Davis To the editor: I would like to take this opportu nity to thank the Siletz Tribal Business Corporation Board for its support of the Siletz Tribal Action Network (S.T.A.N.). The program, which provides ba sic skills development workshops for Siletz Tribal members and Confeder ated Tribes of Siletz Indians and Chi nook Winds Casino Resort employees, has been very well received and con tinues to grow. It is very rewarding to see workshop participants learn new things and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Without the ongoing support of the STBC Board, the development of the S.T.A.N. program would not have been possible. I would also like to thank Rene’ Deras, STBC CPA, who currently teaches several of the S.T.A.N. work shops. Without his enthusiasm and expertise, the programs we could offer would be very limited. I hope Siletz Tribal members, CTSI, and Chinook Winds Casino Resort employees will continue to participate in the S.T.A.N. program and gain new skills that will help them to reach their fullest potential and become success ful leaders. Sincerely, Rosie Sufficool Business Information Counselor S.T.A.N. Coordinator To the editor: Fellow tribal members: I find myself searching for words to express my gratitude to you. Your support and encouragement have strengthened me. You’ve helped me through my healing process and I’ve tried to find opportunities to give back to my tribe. Many have worked selflessly for our rights and our future. I’ve watched the story from the Bible unfold before my eyes, how the widow had just enough meal left to eat, and die. But what she had she offered up for others to survive. Our ancestors did that for us. They didn’t have per capita, programs, or benefits to rely on. They wanted to make sure their children and grandchil dren would someday see the fruits of their self-sacrifice. Was it for us to be ruled by the al mighty dollar? Was it for the big “I?” To criticize and tear each other apart? Or for those in power to turn a deaf ear, sit back, and say, “We can't do anything about that, we can’t get in volved?” Yes, there probably are laws we have sold our rights out for. Our Restoration has proven there are ways to work around laws, with laws, and we can change laws for the To the editor: JALLA CIC DENE Hello my people, good to see Reggie re-elected and congrats to Frank and Jess. I know their hearts will be for our people I would like to request, of the council and membership, my desire to teach a 419-word list in Tututni that Miller Collins, Ada Collins, and Daisy Fuller recorded in 1953 at the home of Grandma Ada, lower farm area. 1 originally heard this recording at my uncle Eddie Collins’ apartment in Portland some 10-15 years ago. To hear Grandma speak and Auntie Daisy laugh made us cry and laugh at the same time. I decided I would try to translate Miller’s words as closely as I could and perhaps teach from it. 1 know I have been criticized for teaching non-lndians this language. But I remember Bill Kentta could speak as a Native and he was a non-Native - and there were many others who could speak and understand just as well. If a person is willing to learn - who am I to say yes or no? The classes would have to be held on Government Hill during the sum mer months. Other details could be worked out. The Simmons family, starting with Hoxie, were excellent speakers of Chi nook Jargon. I give much credit to Bud Lane for his efforts in teaching Tolowa. The lower farm people were known for speaking Tututni, as well as towns people and other locations. Our Tututni language is from the lower Rogue River and is from the Athabaskan language stock. My requirements for a week’s work - $500 and $300 for travel. HI AUW WISHA - Gilbert Towner, Jr. To the editor: To tribal members. Thank you to all the members who supported my campaign for re-election to the Tribal Council and thank you to the 400 tribal members who voted for me. 1 will work as diligently as 1 can for the tribe and for all tribal members. Again, thank you. Reggie Butler, Sr. Siletz News Letters Policy Send letters to: Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, 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 number 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 employees, 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 Please note: The general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief of Siletz News. 2 • Siletz News • April 2006 Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez Assistant: Natasha Kavanaugh 541-444-8291 or 1-800-922-1399, ext. 1291 Fax: 541-444-2307 E-mail: pias@ctsi.nsn.us Deadline for the May issue is April 10. Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Please read the Passages Policy on page 20 when submitting items for Passages. Member of the Native American Journalists Association betterment of our people. Are we go ing to watch the slaying of our people again or even assist in the destruction of our own? Let’s rise up and support each other. How about some tribal loy alty, not just Royalty. In my run for Tribal Council, some families stated, “Oh we never vote, we don’t matter, our votes don't count. They just get the same people in there again and again.” To think you would finally take the time to vote for me is humbling. I feel honored. 1 have gained be cause of you. You're feeling like you do matter. Voting is one right you can exercise without anyone stopping you. With people utilizing their rights, they can someday see change. Your children can talk about your courage to secure their future. Your opinion needs to be voiced and heard. We need to take pride and respect what our forefathers did for “all” of us. We can ask, “What can I do for My People?” How can I help and encour age them? In returning to the casino for em ployment, it wasn’t just a job for me. I’m working for you. Seeing your faces and the words we share in passing en courage me to try to represent our tribe and work for our future. The most humbling and honored moments have been the elders, their words, showing confidence in me by voting for me, thank you. Your ap proval means more that I can say. You’re my teachers, my mentors. The training and education I’ve re ceived have come about from tribal funding. I’ve always determined to re pay the tribe by working for them, giv ing back to our people. Keep in your heart that someone fought for your rights. It’s not about me, it’s about you! I’ve not lost any thing, I’ve gained! My sincerest and deepest appreciation, All my relation, Nvm’ Chi, Cheryl Staggs-Ben r-------------------------------------------------- Siletz News is free to enrolled | Siletz Tribal members. For all others, | a $12 annual subscription fee applies. I Please make checks payable to CTSI I and mail to Siletz News. | | | | । Name: । | Address: | | Phone: | Change of address: Tribal mem- I | bers-call the Enrollment Department | । at 541-444-8258 or 1-800-922-1399, | | ext. 1258; all others - call the news- | | paper office. | v_________________________________)
