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
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