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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2010)
To the editor: On Dec. 22, 2009, we lost a very compassionate and caring family mem ber. You know him as William Mura, but we know him as Uncle Billy. He will be deeply missed. My letter is to thank the people responsible for helping my cousin, Lisa Beck, with his passing. Thank you, pastor Dan Lundy, for officiating over his eulogy. Thanks to Angela Ramirez for the preparations of the ceremony and all that you have done. Thanks to all the wonderful people who helped with the ceremony and food. A special thanks to the drummers for the drumming; it touched all our hearts. Thanks to everyone who attended and all who share in our loss. What a wonderful family we have in the Siletz Tribe. The Webb and Chandon families Dear Tribal members: Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the support you gave me in this election. It has been an extremely busy year for council and for me personally. This year had one of the biggest voter turnouts ever and that is great. On Sunday following the Oath of Office, 1 was elected Tribal chairman for another year. As such, I will carry out my duties in a fair, responsible, honest and professional manner. Congratulations to Bud Lane and Lillie Butler for also being re-elected. Sincerely, Delores Pigsley Dear Tribal members: I wrote this same letter to our Tribal Council asking for help and I’m asking you for the same. I m incarcerated here at WCCF in Lakeview, Ore. Us Natives here were not being allowed our Native medicine tobacco for our prayer ties or our pipe ceremony, or to bless the fire, rocks, etc. There is a 1983 class action civil lawsuit where us Natives won our rights for our ceremonies and our medicines inside these iron houses. Me being a Siletz warrior and the grandson of our Chief Archie Ben and Victoria Ben, I would not sit idle and let this happen. So I spoke up and stated the 1983 case laws to Chaplain Larry Bowen. Well, this made him very upset. He had me put in seg 14 days, 14 days L.O.P. When I get out of the hole, Mr. Bowen had me taken off of all Native callouts. This all started on Nov. 5, 2009. So I wrote Mr. Bowen a kight on Dec. 4, 2009, asking to be put back on all Native American Indian callouts, “sweat lodge,” etc. Bowen answered me back on Dec. 7, 2009, denying me my Native ceremonies/religion. I filed a tort claim for $100,000 on Bowen and D.O.C. for denying me my religion (1983 class action lawsuit). The government has tortured and killed our people for hundreds of years over us using our Native language, our ceremonies and beliefs, and D.O.C. and its employees are still treating us Natives like heathens and savages inside these cement walls and razor wire where the outside cannot see what’s going on. And as you can see, I’m being denied my religious ceremonies because they are being racial toward me. They are discriminating against me. I ve written grievances on Bowen and discrimination reports. All were sent back with them saying no proof or denied the ones that were approved were also sent back with excuses. But I m still denied my religious callouts, sweat lodge. I’ve missed three Native callouts since I’ve been out of the hole, 1) in December, 2) on Jan. 2, 2010, 7 p.m., 3) Jan. 15, 2010, 2 p.m. I need my Tribe’s support on this, a council member or Tribal members to call the Domb Building in Salem, a Tribal lawyer or a lawyer who wants to make some money off of the state and D.O.C. I will win this lawsuit for them denying me my ceremonies/religion. I have all the proof, I need some outside help. Archie Nelson S1D#6585887 Domb Building, WCCF, P.O. Box 1500 2575 Center St. NE Lakeview, OR 97630 Salem, OR 97301 To the editor: Hello, my name is Santos Curiel, a certified sales consultant at Power of Newport and a fellow Tribal member. In the January 2010 issue of Siletz News, I introduced myself to many of you I may not know or who may not know where I work and discussed an exclusive Preferred Pricing Program for Siletz Tribal members. The response was better than I could have imagined. That’s why I wanted to say 'thank you right from the beginning. Remember, this is something you must ask for as it is not advertised and please have your Tribal ID available. You'll save big $$$. This may not apply to advertised new or used units, Internet pricing or special factory pricing, but please ask for details. And right now you can save even more, up to $1,000 trade-in allowance rebate on most new Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles when you trade in your qualifying Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Honda or Acura, paid for or not. So if the recent recalls have you concerned, now is the time to act. Also, many Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles have a similar program when trading or turning in a leased qualifying Toyota. Confused? Don't be, call me, Santos Curiel, at 541- 265-4601 or 800-513-3673 ore-mail me at santos@powerford.com. I'm more than happy and willing to go over eveiything we have to offer you, our Siletz Tribal members. I look forward to meeting you and helping with your future automotive needs - it’s Power of Newport for the largest selection of new and quality pre-owned on the Oregon Coast, 1107 N. Coast Highway in Newport. Santos Curiel To Tribal Members: 1 want to express my appreciation for the votes 1 received to have a seat on the Tribal Council. I will once again work hard for the membership. I would like to share a scripture that 1 have used for myself and gave to my children for sports and education - “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:3. Again, 1 would like to say thank you. Lillie Butler To the editor: 1 want to thank the Tribal membership for my re-election to the Tribal Council. I will continue to do the very best I can in rep resenting you and our Tribal government. Best wishes and congratulations to Dee Pigsley and Lillie Butler on their re-election. Sincerely, Alfred “Bud” Lane III To the editor: Thank you, I would like to thank all those Tribal members and families who supported me throughout my campaign. Running for Tribal Council was a very positive learning experience and it gave me the op portunity to express changes that I would like to see within our Tribe. Thank you to those Tribal members who joined my fan page on Facebook and those who e-mailed me to voice their opinions and support. Although 1 didn’t win this year, I will still work to accomplish the goals I set out during my campaign. Creating a youth council and improving Tribal services will remain my top priorities. I was very pleased, at my age and as a first-time candidate, to receive the sup port 1 did. My team proved that you can receive support and get votes by running a strictly positive campaign. We are looking forward to another run in 2011. For questions and comments, you can always reach me at Kurtisbarker@ hotmail.com. Thanks again for all the support! Kurtis Barker General Council Meeting May 1,2010- 1 p.m. Siletz Tribal Community Center Siletz, Oregon Call to Order Invocation Flag Salute Roll Call Approval of Agenda Approval of Minutes Programs: * Traditional Foods Program * Health Clinic Report Tribal Members’ Concerns Chairman’s Report Announcements Adjourn To Dee and Bud: I was driving home when 1 was called and informed of the outcome of the elec tion. My prayers were answered. Both of you were re-elected. 1 couldn’t be more proud of the Tribe for making the wisest decision they could make. The class with which you both pres ent yourselves in your capable honor able service before the public at large, legislatures, Congress, other Tribes and dignitaries brings honor and respect to our Tribe locally and nationally. Our people need to know that - es pecially the naysayers. The only criticism I can make is that you don't adequately defend yourselves in public. It’s just my opinion - and in all other areas you make me proud to be a Siletz Tribal member. Thank you both for your years of service. Dee: Your outstanding record of achievement will doubtless never be outdone. 1 want to thank you especially for your leadership and your persever ance through times of personal loss and tragedy. All the best to you both and your families. John L. Roe Jr. Hello Tribal members: I would like to take a moment to extend a huge congratulations to the in cumbents and a sincere thank you to all of you who voted for me. 1 will be back next year. Take care. Sincerely, Frank DePoe Aspria Sr. Dear Siletz Tribal members: I would like to thank the people who voted and supported me in the 2010 Tribal Council elections. 1 am truly grateful and honored to have had people believe in me, especially since it was my first year running for Tribal Council. I am also going to continue the jour ney by running for Tribal Council in 2011. I truly feel that I can make a difference in our Tribe’s success and people's lives. Although there were 907 people who voted, 1 believe the total amount of votes should be much higher, especially if our total amount of Tribal members is in the 4,700 range. My goal is to get every eligible voter actively participating in the election pro cess because it is the Tribal member’s right to vote! 1 hear many Tribal members speak of change within our Tribe, but every Tribal member must believe that you have the power to make that change and it begins by voting. Remember to lead by example and teach your children and grandchildren how to build a stronger and healthier future by exercising your rights to vote. It is our birth right! Blessings to you and your family, Melinda Logan. March 2010 • Siletz News • 19
