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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (July 1, 2007)
NOTICES Denver Plays Host to 23rd Annual NAJA Conference by Brent Merrill The publicized theme of this year's 23rd Annual Native American Journalists Conference in Denver. Colo., on June 7-9 was a tribute to Native America’s foremost writing icon. Vine DeLoria Jr. The real theme as it played out for the Native journalists themselves was “We Write Because We Care” and “Never. Never, Never Give Up.” The Siletz Tribe was represented at this year's conference as part of the yearlong effort to educate people about the long, rich history of the Siletz people in honor of the 30th Anniver sary of Restoration. Copies of Siletz News that included Parts I and 2 of the yearlong series of articles about the tribe's Restoration efforts were a hot ticket, but not as hot as the packages of Siletz Tribal smoked salmon that were passed out to the most influential Native journalists in the country. DeLoria’s passing in 2005 seems to have unified Native media through out the country to reach higher in their pursuit of excellence. Truly, every writer, broadcaster, producer, editor, or student that you talked to from areas as remote as Oklahoma and South Da kota or as metropolitan as Los Ange les, Seattle, or Toronto - all felt the same way. Everyone seemed stronger, wiser, and more prepared to achieve their best for their people. And although the passing of an icon like DeLoria seemed to inspire ev eryone to be the best they could be, the younger journalists -students from all over Indian Country - seemed in spired by the professionals with whom they were conferencing. This included legendary journalists like Minnie Two Shoes, Paul DeMain. Jodie Rave, Ronnie Washines, and Tommy Arviso Jr. All would agree that the most in spiring journalist at this year's confer ence was Tim Giago. During “The Native Voice” session that featured Giago as moderator for presenters Rave of Lee Enterprises and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Mark Trahant, Giago gave an emotional and inspiring account of the tragic, short life of his younger sister. He shared his agony in his words and his emotions, but he shared his strength in his actions and his message. He shared stories about his begin nings as a writer when serving his country during the Korean conflict. He seemed to speak for us all when he said, “We write because we care.” Every NAJA Conference is high lighted by its student outreach projects. Every professional Native journalist agrees that they have a role as tutors and mentors to the younger generation of writers to follow. This shared phi- I o s o p h y plays out in person at ev ery NAJA Conference and this year one voice of inspiration directed to the youth present stood out above all others. It was the message given to stu dent journal ists by Rich ard Williams, president of the American Indian Col lege Fund. Williams directed his keynote message to the educational opportunities currently available to young American Indians all over the country who want to chase a dream. His message may have been di rected to youth, but he inspired all in attendance when he finished his talk by placing two fingers over his right cheek just under his eye. He explained that for generations, Natives had a uni versal language they shared with each other secretly in the presence of whites. He drew his fingers down across his cheek and whispered the words, “Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.” By the time he finished with his full voice, he was leading the en tire room in the words, “Never give up. Never give up. Never give up.” Lincoln City to Hold Celebration of Honor for Veterans A Celebration of Honor to recog nize the contributions of all veterans will be held in Lincoln City on Sept. 28-30. Lincoln City’s Community Market ing Group is planning the event. The group is composed of representatives of several businesses, organizations, non-profits, and individuals, including Chinook Winds, the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln City VCB, the Kiwanis Club of Lincoln City, the North Lincoln County Histori cal Museum, Lincoln City Parks and Recreation Department, Oceanlake Merchants, The News Guard, Oregon Coast Today, All ways Traveling, the Pendleton Store, the Nordic motel, and C&J Boutique. During the next few months, it’s the hope of the committee that many other entities and individuals will choose to participate. The Celebration of Honor is de signed to cater to veterans and their families with activities for both children and adults. Many activities are still in the planning stages and will be announced in upcoming months. The Lincoln City Kiwanis Club will hold a pulled-pork barbeque at Kenny’s IGA North store parking lot from 1 I a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 29. The founders of James Gang Bar-B-Cwe Sauce, Jesse and Pam James, will prepare the meal. Proceeds from the event will be used to further the welfare of children. The Lincoln City Parks and Recre ation Department will sponsor two events: Adventures in Geocaching and the Celebration of Honor Carnival. People interested in participating in geocaching need to arrive at the Lin coln City Community Center, 2150 NE Oar Place, and register by 2 p.m. on Sept. 29. At 2:15, participants will be released to complete the adventure. All participants need a GPS and a mode of transportation. They will need to find and receive marks on their pass ports from 10 different places. Prizes will be awarded to the winners. For the youngsters, also at the Community Center, the Celebration of Honor Carnival begins at noon on Sept. 29. Clowns, a juggler, face painting, and games all will be part of the fun - and it’s free. Free admission will be offered to veterans and their families Sept. 29-30 at the North Lincoln County Historical Museum. Located in the historic Taft District at 4907 SW Highway 101, museum hours are noon to 5 p.m. Regular admission price is $2 per per son and $5 for a family. The recently refurbished museum has amazing exhibits that are of inter est for all ages, including a military exhibit and areas for children that re ally bring history to life. At 2 p.m. on Sept. 30, the rededi cation of the Veterans Memorial located at Chinook Winds will take place. In conjunction with this, the Veterans of Oregon Field of Honor will be on dis play from Sept. 28-30 just north of the casino in a grass-covered area over looking the Pacific Ocean. The Veterans of Oregon Field of Honor consists of 1,000 American flags that have previously flown over the nation’s Capital. Each pole is num bered and displays a brass nameplate dedicated to an Oregon veteran. The field will be set up in the form of a maze designed to take visitors by every flag and provide time for remem brance, tranquility and in many cases, healing. Volunteers are needed to help set up the memorial, to stand vigil, and assist with the disassembly. As part of the rededication of the Veterans Memorial, a presentation of medals will be made to Oregon veter ans. A custom-designed, engraved medal in appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans from the state of Oregon will be presented to Oregon veterans in attendance. To qualify for the medal, a form must be filled out in advance of the cer emony with proof of military service attached. Forms will be on hand at Chinook Winds beginning Sept. 28 in a tent near the flag display. To access the forms in advance, go to www. veteransoforegon.com. These are just a few of the events that will be offered during the weekend. Tanger Outlet Center offers free coupon books to anyone with a mili tary ID year-round and many local motels offer discounts to veterans. Individuals, businesses, merchants associations, non-profits, and charitable organizations are encouraged to take part by planning their event and con tacting Community Marketing repre sentatives with the information or by attending the Community Marketing meetings. If you would like to become part of the planning process or for more information, contact any of the follow ing individuals for further information and dates of the upcoming meetings: Teresa Simmons (541-996-5815), Roger Robertson (541-996-7474), Sandy Pfaff (541 -996-1271), Robert Morrison (541-994-2426), or Allyson Longueira (541-994-3070). Fresh ideas are welcome! July 2007 • Siletz News • 17
