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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 1, 2020)
Chairman’s Report Wildfires COVID-19 Services Just when we thought nothing could be worse for us this year than the pan- demic, the fires took precedence. There are many Tribal members who suffered, either losing their homes, damage to their property, evacuations from their property and other damages that include health issues such as breathing hazardous air along many other health concerns related to the fire. While there are many organizations that offer assistance, it takes time to pro- cess requests for assistance. Our heart goes out to all those affected families. As of this date, fires are still burning across Oregon and the fire season remains in effect. A big thank you goes out to all the people who assisted in the evacuations and providing services to the people who lost their homes and all those who were evacuated. A big thank you also goes to our staff who assisted evacuees at the Recreation Center in Siletz. Many folks worked long days to help others in activities associated with the windstorm and wildfires – thank you so much! The Tribe continues to provide ser- vices with CARES Act funding. The services have assisted many members. We were fortunate to provide a cash payment to every adult member earlier this year. The Tribal Council intends to make another payment before the end of the year to adult members. The difference this time is that Tribal members must apply for the payment and give the reason it is needed. The member survey that many of you com- pleted gave very compelling information and needs that must be addressed. The CARES Act funds are guided by regulations that have changed over time. The Tribe must comply with those regula- tions as all expenditures will be audited and all funds must be spent appropriately, related to the pandemic. Any funds not expended by Dec. 31, 2020, must be returned to the U.S. Treasury. An application will be mailed to all adult Tribal members. It must be com- pleted in its entirety; an instruction sheet will be provided. Tribal members must complete the application to receive any CARES Act fund payments. Services for Tribal members have changed somewhat. Our Tribal clinic has imposed several restrictions for members needing health care. Appointments are necessary, but no one should be turned away from receiving care. The staff is there to assure that everyone receives the care they need. All other Tribal offices provide ser- vices by appointment only. Upgrades are still being made to keep walk-in folks safe. The Tribal Council intends to keep offices in the same mode until January 2021. This date could change depending on circum- stances and the outcome of the virus or if a vaccine is in place before that date. Our staff is either working from home or in the office on different shifts in some cases. No one should be without necessary services during this time. 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 Execu- tive Secretary, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, OR 97380-0549. Vacancies are open until filled. Tribal Council meetings All of our Tribal Council meetings are held by phone as the Tribal Council chambers is currently undergoing safety precautions and upgrades. The General Council meeting in November will be Delores Pigsley held in the same way as the May and August meetings. They can be viewed on the website. Hopefully, the fires are behind us. The pandemic will be with us for the immedi- ate future, but I look forward to being able to see and visit with everyone as soon as it is possible. Stay safe and stay healthy. Smith, continued from page 1 I will catch up to them in a short period of time and emphasize a teamwork endeavor,” said Smith. “From the department personnel I have worked with and observed, we have some quality personnel and operating systems. I love a good challenge, especially when the positive results are for the Tribal government and Tribal members.” 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: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________________ Change of address: Tribal members – contact the Enrollment Department at 541-444-8258; 800-922-1399, ext. 1258; or enrollment@ctsi.nsn.us. All oth- ers – call the newspaper office. Courtesy photos Siletz Tribal General Manager Gerald Smith with the U.S. Olympic Boxing Team (both photos) in 1996 Deadline for the November issue is Oct. 9. 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 submit- ting 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 2020
