Tribes show they are ‘Standing Strong’ during event at Oregon State Fair
Five Western Oregon
Tribes use venue to
share culture, heritage
By Natasha Kavanaugh
Siletz Tribal members and staff were
again present at the opening day of the
Oregon State Fair on Aug. 25 for a pre
sentation entitled “Standing Strong.”
They joined representatives from the
five Western Oregon Tribes - Confeder
ated Tribes of Siletz Indians; Confeder
ated Tribes of Grand Ronde Indians;
Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower
Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians; Coquille
Indian Tribe; and the Cow Creek Band of
Umpqua Tribe of Indians - in a celebra
tion of Tribal culture and heritage that
featured Tribal royalty, music, drumming,
dancing and art demonstrations.
Siletz Tribal Council member Sharon
Edenfield welcomed the visitors.
“I appreciate the opportunity to be
here and to be able to share our rich cul
ture and history,” she said. Edenfield also
explained that this is a valuable venue for
the Tribe to share its information.
Nick Sixkiller, education specialist
in the Eugene Area Office, and Angela
Photo by Natasha Kavanaugh
Tribal Elder Ed Ben, Nick Sixkiller, Miss Siletz Jennifer Easter, Gabriel Jurado, Angela Ramirez, Ashliegh Ramirez, Cristian
Ramirez, Jr. Miss Siletz Clarinda Black, Teila Salas and Evan Jurado participate in “Standing Strong“ activities at the Oregon
State Fair in Salem, Ore.
Ramirez, cultural education director,
explained the significance of pieces of
regalia worn by the feather dancers.
“It was wonderful to have our youth
standing proud in their Nee-Dash regalia
while the regalia and ceremony of today
was explained,” said Ramirez.
Miss Siletz Jennifer Easter explained
the significance of the women’s chin
tattoos as she understands them.
“Having one of the women that has
chosen to be marked with the 111 tattoo
to be present to explain the meaning was
outstanding,” said Ramirez.
Visitors listened to Ed Ben as he
shared the significance of the Feather
Dance before Restoration and that the
ceremonies ended for a time because
they were not allowed to continue by the
government.
“Overall the participation from Siletz
was an opportunity to educate the general
public on our culture and that we still hold
strong to our traditions,” said Ramirez.
Voc Rehab
Program needs
volunteers for
advisory group
The Siletz Tribal Vocational
Rehabilitation Program (STVRP) is
looking for Tribal members to serve
on its Advisory Committee.
STVRP helps Tribal mem
bers with disabilities in the
11-county service area to
achieve and maintain employ
Photo by Natasha Kavanaugh
Members of the Siletz community attend the Walk It Off Barbeque Garden Party on Aug. 31, which was sponsored by the
Healthy Traditions Project. A feast of healthy foods, such as salmon burgers and grilled vegetables, accompanied a trek on the
walking trail near the Tillicum Fitness Center.
Oct. 20 is World Osteoporosis Day: Check your risk
DEXA scan can see
density of your bones
Osteoporosis - or fragile bones -
affects an estimated 75 million people.
About 9 million new fractures in the world
per year are attributed to osteoporosis.
One in three women over age 50 will
experience osteoporotic fracture, as will
one in five men. Several risk factors can
help predict increased odds of developing
osteoporosis:
1.
Age: The older you get, the higher
your risk.
2.
Sex: Women are more likely than men
to develop osteoporosis.
3.
Family history: Osteoporosis runs in
families.
4.
Low body weight: This is a risk for
osteoporosis.
otrexate, Prilosec and similar medica
tions have been linked to osteoporosis.
5.
Race/Ethnicity: Lighter-skinned
people are more at risk.
6.
Hormones: Menopausal women stop
making estrogen, which puts them
at risk. Also, men with decreased
testosterone are at risk.
10. Medical conditions: People who
suffer from hyperthyroid, celiac,
anorexia, inflammatory bowel disease
and rheumatoid arthritis are at risk.
7.
Smoking: This has been linked to
osteoporosis.
8.
Diet: Those lacking calcium and vita
min D are at risk. People who live in
upper latitudes (that includes Oregon)
have less vitamin D as it relates to sun
exposure. Caffeine and high-salt diets
also prohibit calcium absorption.
Medications: Steroids, some seizure
medications, some antacids, Lupron,
lithium, heparin, Depo-Provera, meth-
9.
The test for osteoporosis is called
bone density testing or a DEXA scan.
Menopausal women and men over age
65 or at risk because of the criteria above
need DEXA scan testing. A DEXA scan
lasts about 10 minutes.
If you are at risk, get tested. Make
necessary diet changes to make sure
you get the right amount of calcium and
vitamin D. It’s never too late to address
muscle stretching, strengthening and
balance, all important tools in the fight
against osteoporosis.
ment and independence within the
Tribal community.
If you are interested in serving
on the STVRP Advisory Com
mittee, please contact Sharmon
Cook-Wright at 800-922-1399,
ext. 1213, or 541-444-8213; or
e-mail sharmonc@ctsi.nsn.us.
Emergency dental
visits available
Please contact the Siletz Com
munity Dental Clinic if you expe
rience dental pain or a dental
emergency. The staff will do every
thing possible to see you as soon as
reasonably possible.
Because of high volume, check
in time is Monday-Thursday from
8:30-9 a.m. and Friday from 10-10:30
a.m. Afternoon check-in time is
Monday-Friday from 1-1:30 p.m.
October 2011
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Siletz News
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