SILETZ NEWS
Delores Pigsley,
Tribal Chairman
Brenda Bremner,
General Manager
and Editor-in-Chief
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Vol. 39, No. 6
Siletz News
Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
June 2011
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KNIGHT LIBRARY
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Tribes answer
4 Who We Are’ at
Capitol on Tribal
Government Day
By Natasha Kavanaugh
On May 13, the nine federally rec
ognized Oregon Tribes met with Gov.
John Kitzhaber and other state and fed
eral delegates to honor the proclamation
signing ceremony that commemorated
the 15th anniversary of Executive Order
96-30 and the 10th anniversary of passage
of Senate Bill 770 (Oregon’s state-Tribal
govemment-to-govemment law).
The theme this year was “Who We
Are” for the event at the state Capitol
in Salem, Ore. It’s sponsored by the
state Legislative Commission on Indian
Services and endeavors to teach state
employees about Oregon’s nine federally
recognized Tribes.
“Who you are is of great significance
to the state. Each of your histories and
cultures are unique and precious - and
an important part of Oregon’s past, pres
ent and future,” said Kitzhaber. “As you
share information about your foods,
your history and your sovereignty today,
it’s an opportunity for all of us to reflect
on the history of struggle and sacrifice
you’ve endured - and to celebrate your
Photo by Natasha Kavanaugh
Siletz Tribal Head Start students and staff participate in the Spring Performance: Language and Cultural Sharing at Siletz
Valley School on May 19 by singing the counting song “Xaa-wan’-t’i, Laa-sri!” (Welcome Friends) with Bud Lane
(kneeling), Tribal language and traditional arts instructor, and Cova St. Onge (standing left), Tribal language project
coordinator. See more photos on pages 12-13.
sovereignty and survival, as well as the
numerous political, economic and social
contributions you have made to the state.”
The annual event included a “First
Foods” presentation, a Tribal leader panel
presentation and discussion on “Sover
eignty and Resources.” Tribal information
tables were set up in the galleria of the
state Capitol.
Tribal Council members present at
the event were Lillie Butler, Reggie But
ler Sr., Sharon Edenfield, Robert Kentta,
Bud Lane and Tina Restasket, who were
involved in several panel discussions.
Edenfield and Darlene Carkhuff
handled the information booth this year.
See Government on page 13.
Royalty float wins Judges Trophy
and Little Miss Siletz Healyah Butler - had
By Nick Sixkiller
their parade wave working perfectly.
April 30 turned out to be a beauti
Along with their beautiful smiles
ful day for a parade in Newport, Ore.
and proud-to-be-Native demeanor, these
As usual, the Loyalty Days parade was
young ladies made the float an awesome
loaded with interesting sights and sounds,
and welcoming sight for all the spectators
from equestrian teams to fire engines and
lining the parade route. They were greeted
the Siletz Color Guard proudly led by
with a constant round of applause and lots
Tony Molina.
of cheers throughout the parade.
While patiently waiting in the staging
A lot of hard work, dedication and
area for the parade to begin, we were treated
pride went into decorating the float
to a battle of the marching bands between
by Pow-Wow Committee members,
two high school groups that were desper
including Chairman Elaine Greene, Vice
ately trying to outdo one another. It was an
Chairman Felicia Carmona and Royalty
even match until the drummers took center
Coordinator Sara Bell-Telez.
stage and a talented drummer from The
A replica of the plank house, cedar
Dalles High School stole the show by put
boughs, blankets, regalia, bead work and
ting on an amazing drumming exhibition.
the Royalty Court were the main ingre
While the drummer may have stolen
dients of the float. Kelley Ellis designed
the show in the staging area, the Siletz
Royalty float stole the show for the Loy ’ and produced beautiful banners for the
float. The only thing missing was a fry
alty Days parade. The judges awarded the
bread booth.
prestigious “Judges Trophy” to the Siletz
It was a lot of hard work decorat
Royalty float. Congratulations!
ing the float and Angela Ramirez saved
The beauty and congeniality of our
the day by purchasing a couple dozen
Royalty Court on the float made it a work of
Krispy Kremes that were enjoyed by all
art and something of which to be very proud.
and enhanced our motivation to continue
Our Royalty Court - Miss Siletz Leslie
decorating.
Lundy, Junior Miss Siletz Ashliegh Ramirez
Courtesy photo by Felicia Carmona
Jr. Miss Siletz Ashliegh Ramirez, Miss Siletz Leslie Lundy and Little Miss Siletz
Healyah Butler get ready to ride the Siletz Royalty float in the Loyalty Days parade
in Newport, Ore.