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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2018)
Chairman’s Report Legislation Legislation had been introduced pre- viously that failed in the prior Congress. funding for operations at BIA schools and for additional health care funds. Normally there is a short-term fund- ing bill that is followed by full funding for the year. This year the November election could have some impact depending on the outcome. Everyone needs to vote in the Novem- ber election, choosing candidates wisely. Every vote counts. Lobby updates Tribal election The Tribal Council receives monthly updates on the events occurring in Wash- ington, D.C., that affect us and all Tribes (see page 6). We are currently awaiting news on BIA and IHS funding for the coming fiscal year. If the House and the Senate agree, we should see some new It is not too soon to be sure you are registered to vote in our Tribal election. I often get calls from folks who don’t receive a ballot. You must have a good current address and check with the Enrollment Department to be sure they have your signature on file. Sen. Jeff Merkley has introduced a bill for Tribes to work with the state on addressing the sea lion issue on the Columbia River and its tributaries. We have been following the issue closely to protect our interests through this process. Loss of Sen. McCain The nation suffered a profound loss when Sen. John McCain passed in late August. As we watched the tributes paid by many, I remember meeting him several times over the years. He assisted Tribes with legislation that we currently live with today. He will always be fondly remembered by Tribes and the nation. Health workshop The Tribal Council and staff met to discuss initiatives regarding Tribal mem- ber health care. The goal was to review the organizational structure and provide input on providing expanded services to Tribal members. Information for Veterans •• A veteran or a family member whose veteran is enrolled in the VA only has 72 hours to report a non-emergency room hospital visit so as not to get billed. •• There is a new program for vet- erans called Veterans Appeal Improve- ment Modernization Act – for those veterans who have been waiting too long for their appeal to be addressed. Again, this is a new program. •• For veterans who are enrolled into the VA system – you can also apply to join My Healthy Vet to have access to your local VA doctor, prescriptions, etc. This is a very useful tool. •• Also, some veterans have joined the EBenfits logon application to try and do their VA needs online, but first you must be eligible to apply for VA benefits. I’m here to help you in that VA enrollment process. It’s your choice to try EBenefits or let me assist you. •• The VA can be a very complex program and very trying to one’s patience – and I have experienced certain road blocks. So please give me a call and I will do everything within my means to make sure you can enroll in the VA system. •• Our VA presumes that spinal bifida in biological children of certain Vietnam- Siletz News is free to enrolled Siletz Tribal members. For all others, a $12 annual subscription fee applies. Please make checks payable to CTSI and mail to Siletz News. Name: _______________________________________________________ era veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange was caused by the veteran’s military service. Eligible children may receive VA benefits. Call me if you have questions on any of these items. Tony Molina Siletz Tribe Veteran Representative Low Voltage Certified Honor Guard Director 541-444-8330 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1330 (office) 541-270-0569 (cell) Delores Pigsley Tenas Illahee Childcare Center Board of Directors Vacancies Résumés are being accepted for the Tenas Illahee Childcare Center Board of Directors. Currently, there are two vacant board positions. If interested, please submit your résumé to Siletz Tribal Council, c/o Executive Secretary, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549. Vacancies are open until filled. Elders Council Meeting Oct. 13 • 1-4 p.m. Chinook Winds Golf Resort For more information, contact the Elders Program at 800-922-1399, ext. 1261, or 541-444-8261. Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ Change of address: Tribal members – contact the Enrollment Depart- ment at 541-444-8258; 800-922-1399, ext. 1258; or enrollment@ctsi.nsn.us. All others – call the newspaper office. Deadline for the October issue is Sept. 11. Send information to: Submission of articles and photos is encouraged. Siletz News P.O. Box 549 Siletz, OR 97380-0549 Please see the Passages Policy on page 20 when sub- mitting items for Passages. 541-444-8291 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1291 Fax: 541-444-2307 Email: pias@ctsi.nsn.us 2 • Siletz News • Member of the Native American Journalists Association October 2018 Nuu-wee-ya’ (our words) Introduction to the Athabaskan language Open to Tribal members of all ages Siletz Siletz Tribal Community Center Oct. 8 – 6-8 p.m. Nov. 5 – 6-8 p.m. Portland Portland Area Office Oct. 15 – 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13 – 6-8 p.m. Eugene Eugene Area Office Oct. 9 – 6-8 p.m. Nov. 6 – 6-8 p.m. Salem Salem Area Office Oct. 16 – 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14 – 6-8 p.m. Classes begin with basic instruction and progress over the year. They also are a refresher course for more-advanced students. Come and join other members of your community and Tribe in learning to speak one of our ancient languages. We also have equipment in the Cultural Department available for use in grinding and drilling shell or pine nuts or other applications. If you need to use the equipment, call the number below to set up an appointment. For more information, contact Bud Lane at the Siletz Cultural Department at 541-444-8320 or 800-922-1399, ext. 1320; or e-mail budl@ctsi.nsn.us.