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.