Tribe Showcases Culture, History at State Fair
By Brent Merrill
The Confederated Tribes of Siletz
Indians was represented at this year’s
Oregon State Fair in Salem on Sept. 4.
Membership and leadership participated
in a cultural event titled “Tribal Celebra
tion of History, Sovereignty and Culture,”
which was part of the larger “Standing
Strong - the Tribes of Western Oregon”
exhibit that showcased presentations from
the Siletz Tribe and the other Western
Oregon Tribes.
The entire display is part of the
year-long, statewide 150th anniversary
celebration of Tribal history in the state
of Oregon.
The exhibition started with a perfor
mance by the Siletz Feather Dancers on
the Bi-Mart Spirit of Oregon stage near
the Jackman Long building and Colum
bia Hall. The Siletz dancers were led
by Tribal Vice Chairman Bud Lane and
Tribal Council member Robert Kentta.
Tribal Chairman Delores Pigsley
served as emcee for the event. Members
of the Royalty from each Tribe read
American Indian facts aloud to help share
information about the Tribes and their
rich history with those gathered around
the exhibit stage.
The Tribes also had cultural informa
tion booths set up near the stage area and
participants were served boxed lunches
by Tribal youth.
The Confederated Tribes of Coos,
Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw, Cow Creek
Band of Umpqua Indians, the Coquille
Indian Tribe and the Confederated Tribes
of Grand Ronde also were represented at
the event.
DISPLAY - Siletz Tribal baskets on
display at this year's “Standing Strong —
The Tribes of Western Oregon" cultural
event in Salem at the Oregon State
Fairgrounds. The baskets were just part
of a larger Tribal historical and factual
information booth near the Bi-Mart
Spirit of Oregon stage. Leslie Lundy,
Jr. Miss Siletz Princess, took the stage
on Sept. 4 to share facts about the Siletz
Tribe with the audience.
COLOR - Siletz Tribal
Elder Ed Ben represented
the Veterans Color Guard
at the event and is pictured
here with Grand Ronde
Tribal Elder and Veterans
leader Gene LaBonte.
(D
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Most Often Requested Numbers
Siletz Veterans Office Open Daily for
VA Needs, Benefits
Tony Molina is available for all Siletz Tribal veterans. He is in the Tribal administra
tion building in Siletz from Monday through Friday to help you get all the information
you need for your VA benefits.
Additionally, he needs your help to update our veterans’ roster, especially for our vet
erans who are currently serving. Call Tony at 541-444-8330 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1330.
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
800-922-1399
Salem Area Office
503-390-9494
Salem Finance Office
888-870-9051
Portland Area Office
503-238-1512
Eugene Area Office
541-484-4234
Contract Health Services (CHS)
800-628-5720
Siletz Community Health Clinic
800-648-0449
Siletz Alcohol and Drug
800-600-5599
Chinook Winds Casino Resort
888-244-6665
Chemawa Health Clinic
800-452-7823
Bureau of Indian Affairs
800-323-8517
Website
www.ctsi.nsn.us
October 2009
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Siletz News
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