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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2014)
To the editor: Over the years I have written a few of these letters. Before, it was always because something I read really got under my skin and I felt I just had to say my piece. A few years ago, I was greatly impressed by a letter from my uncle, Gary Butler Sr., that was printed in the paper. He just stated how thankful he was for the help he had received from the Tribe and how it has helped him turn his life around. This is a man I greatly respect, who I know has experienced the same trials I have and then some. So it really stuck with me that maybe a big part of turning it all around is to be grateful for what I do have – regardless of the situation. I know that in my family and in this Tribe, there are many people I have hurt, frightened or embarrassed with my actions. At the top of that list is the incident at the health clinic back in 2005. I’ve been told that there are several people who suffer from post-traumatic stress and now need to take medication because of what I did. To all of you, I just want to say I’m sorry. I would like to apologize to anyone whose life I have had a negative impact on. For most of my life, I have been so full of hate there was no room for anything else. To change all of this, I have worked very hard to humble myself and learn to accept the world around me. And every day, I remember to be thankful. In that light, I would like to say thank you to my family for loving me even when I didn’t love myself. Thank you to everyone at the Portland Area Office who tried to help me even when I was a complete mess. And lastly, I would like to thank the people at Contract Health who helped my son get his braces and explained to his mom how to best access services. Hvm’-chi’ Randall Hartwell To the editor: Same-sex marriage ordinance is in the power of our Tribal Council to pass – to legalize on our Siletz Reservation. Same-sex marriage ordinance has been published in the last two monthly Siletz newspapers. The first article contained three paragraphs with no mention of same-sex ordinance. A few Tribal members attended the Tribal Council meeting where we spoke to Tribal Council. At that meeting, we requested that Tribal Council submit an additional article including proper wording stating it to be a “same-sex marriage ordinance.” The second Siletz newspaper included a very lengthy (2½-page) “Marriage and Reso- lution Marriage Ordinance.” Speaking for myself, had I not known the ordinance included the same-sex definition, I probably would have skipped through it, not catching its purpose. However, I read the article in full. Again, very little was written about the ordinance. I attended the General Council meeting on May 3. Several non-Tribal members were present, rather, a coalition of people who advocated for same-sex marriage. Enrolled Tribal members also were in attendance who spoke on behalf of passing the ordinance. Enrolled Tribal members were few in attendance. My observation, both personally and professionally, concluded this meeting as a demonstration of a very organized political demonstration of gay rights. I believe I am a liberal Elder and I do not discriminate against one’s personal beliefs. My concern is for our children who have no voice. I took time on the podium speaking on behalf of our children. One of the questions I asked was a show of hands of those Tribal members who live on the Siletz Reservation. Nine people raised their hands. The culture center was full. Again, a lack of accountability of the General Council and repercussions for our reservation families – most importantly our youth. In conclusion, I ask these questions: To the editor: This letter is in regards to the ordinance being passed in accordance with same-sex marriage. By no means is this letter meant to discriminate or degrade anyone, people have different views and what we define as marriage. I have read what this ordinance reads in regards to what the Tribal Council defines as marriage. In what this ordinance views as a human right and is expressed as essential to the Tribe’s political integrity is highly controversial right now and yes, economic security, health and welfare are important. In all respect to those who oppose this ordinance and to those who believe it is their legal right, I believe this needs to be addressed and voted on by the people. No matter how you see it, this is the responsibility of all of us. This ordinance needs to be addressed and looked into more closely. And it needs to be put to a vote to be settled by the people. It is in the best interest of the people, by the people to address this matter. I will and have recommended that the people, the General Council, vote on this. Tribal Council has the power to do this. I encourage you to contact your Tribal Council and request this ordinance to be voted on by us, the people, the General Council. It is only fair that all the people should have a say in this matter. Thank you, Arthur Butler 1. The Siletz newspaper, had the articles printed included in large bold print accurately titled “Same-Sex Marriage Ordinance” – what would be General Council’s response? 2. Is Tribal Council representing our best interest? 3. Should this same-sex ordinance be decided by enrolled Siletz Tribal members? I propose that the Tribal Council step back and give the power to our people. For those of us who live here on the reservation, we are dealing with racists and discrimi- native “Indian” haters. To have an additional derogatory oppressive nametag on our children is our responsibility to prevent. We are their shield. We are the Siletz grassroots members who hold the knowledge of our traditions and culture. A-ho “All My Relations,” Ilene Depoe Somes Tribal Elder; workshop facilitator: The Effects of International Oppression; pre- vious board of director of the Seattle Indian Health Board and Highline Indian Education Board; studies in Indian history, criminology; counselor of middle school Indian youth; owner of Pacific Coast Environmental Calling all Tribal member business owners If you would like to be on the preferred Tribal members business list with Chinook Winds, please fax, mail, email or drop off your business card, brochures, or business information to: Chinook Winds Casino Resort Attn: Purchasing Dept. 1777 NW 44 th St. Lincoln City, OR 97367 Phone: 541-996-5853 Fax: 541-996-3847 erica@cwcresort.com Siletz News LettersPolicy Siletz News, a publication of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, is published once a month. Our editorial policy encourages input from readers about stories printed in Siletz News and other tribal issues. All letters must include the author’s signature, address, and phone number in order to be considered for publication. Siletz News reserves the right to edit any letter for clarity and length, and to refuse publication of any letter or any part of a letter that may contain profane language, libelous statements, personal attacks, or unsubstantiated statements. Not all letters are guaranteed publication upon submission. Published let- ters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Siletz News, Tribal employees, or Tribal Council. Please type or write legibly. Letters longer than 450 words may be edited for length as approved by Tribal Council Resolution #96-142. Please note: The general manager of the Siletz Tribe is the editor-in-chief of Siletz News. Courtesy photos by Val Hibdon Miss Siletz SuSun Fisher and Junior Miss Siletz Faith Kibby (below) ride a float in the Loyalty Days Parade in Newport, Ore., on May 3. Local veterans of the Vietnam War (above) also were in the parade. Editor-in-Chief: Brenda Bremner Editor: Diane Rodriquez June 2014 • SiletzNews • 19
