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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 2014)
Siletz Marriage Ordinance and Dissolution of Marriage Ordinance The Siletz Marriage Ordinance establishes a Tribal law that allows for all consent- ing adult Tribal members to have a recognized marriage created under Tribal law. The ordinance outlines how the Tribe will recognize the formation of Tribal families. The institution of marriage strengthens family relationships and will preserve the integrity, cohesiveness and continuity of the Siletz Tribe. The Dissolution of Marriage Ordinance allows Tribal Court to dissolve marriages that are uncontested and that are created under Tribal law or other jurisdictions (refer to Dissolution Ordinance for guidance). Statement of Pros/Cons Pros • • • The Siletz Marriage Ordinance establishes Tribal law that allows for all consenting adult Tribal members to have a recognized marriage under Tribal law. Marriage is a fundamental human right; all should benefit from the protections of marriage and the Tribal laws that govern it. The formation and recognition of marriage is essential to the Tribe’s political integrity, economic security, health and welfare of its members. o o Courtesy photos o Congratulations! Tribal members Bobby Butler (photo below, far right) and Daniel Regan (photo above, second from right) represent their schools, community and Tribe at the OSAA state wrestling tournament on Feb. 28-March 1 in Portland, Ore. Both finished in third place. Bobby is a freshman at Siletz Valley School and finished the season with a 40-4 record. Daniel is a junior at Newport High School and finished the season with a 26-2 record. o • • • • • • • Political integrity: As a sovereign nation, it is our right to define our families. Every state and many Tribal communities have laws to define family. Economic security: Two-adult married households traditionally possess more resources. That could result in lower demand for program services. Better economic security for families will create better economic security for the Tribe. Health: Studies show that the health and happiness of married couples is greater than couples who just cohabitate or are in domestic partnerships. This could lead to healthier, happier households and a reduction in overall health spending. Welfare: Marriage has many benefits that increase the likelihood of better welfare/social economic status. The Marriage Ordinance provides an additional option for families who may not want to go through the County/State for a traditional marriage license. Currently, the State of Oregon does not allow same-sex marriage; the Siletz Marriage Ordinance would. The Tribe will have the ability to provide more comprehensive services than the State of Oregon. The Marriage Ordinance is not mandatory, simply optional. Tribal members retain the ability to go through the Tribe, State of Oregon or state of residency. The Siletz Marriage Ordinance would be recognized by the State of Oregon and the federal government. In October 2013, the State of Oregon started recognizing marriages from other states and territories. The State of Oregon also is no longer defending the law that bans same-sex marriage within the state. The Marriage Ordinance formalizes the definition of family in regard to Tribal programs and policies. Marriage ensures protection for families who face medical emergencies when dealing with hospitals, death benefits and protections for spouses who need to make life-changing decisions for the betterment of their family. The Dissolution Ordinance allows for divorces if created under Tribal law or other jurisdictions (see ordinance for limitations). The ordinance establishes the process for a “simple divorce” while protecting Tribal assets and interests, including program funding. There could be significant cost savings for families as fees (set by the court) are expected to be lower than the county and there are options for fee waiver under the Dissolution Ordinance. Marriages can be solemnized according to Tribal customs and traditions. This will create more cultural participation from the membership. Cons • • Creates additional, but minimal, duties for the Tribal Court. The tracking and issuance of licenses will be a new duty. The Tribal Court will not hear disputed divorces. This could include the separation of assets, child custody, alimony, etc. These divorce cases will be referred to the County/State. (This is no different than current practice.) Indian Fair set for May 10; families invited to take part Siletz Tribal members are invited to participate in the Indian Fair set for May 10, 2014, sponsored by Siletz Tribal Arts and Heritage Society. The theme of the fair is “Sharing our culture, educating our community.” The admission-free event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at the National Guard Armory in Newport, Ore., located at 541 SW Coast Highway. The purpose of the Indian Fair is twofold – to proudly share Siletz Tribal culture and history with members of the Siletz Tribe and also with the surrounding communities. This is reminiscent of Indian fairs held in the early 1900s but different in that there will be no competition among the creations that are displayed. This will be strictly a time of sharing who we are as a people, our traditions, history and culture. Families are invited to bring regalia, baskets and other art forms, both historic and contemporary, to display. Tables will be available at no cost for this purpose and the area set aside for display will be cordoned off and secure. Tables also will be available for ven- dors for a $50 fee. Follow us on Facebook at Huu-Cha~ for developing details. Contact the Siletz Community Dental Clinic if you experience dental pain or a dental emergency. The staff will do everything it can to see you as soon as reasonably possible. Morning heck-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. April 2014 • SiletzNews • 5
