SILETZ NEWS
Delores Pigsley,
Tribal Chairman
Mike Kennedy, Interim
General Manager
and Editor-in-Chief
Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians
Vol. 49, No. 10
Siletz News
Confederated Tribes of
Siletz Indians
P.O. Box 549
Siletz, OR 97380-0549
October 2021
Presorted
First-Class
Mail
U.S. Postage
Paid - Permit
No. 178
Salem, OR
Tribe requires staff to show proof of vaccine or face weekly testing requirement
By Diane Rodriquez
On Aug. 24, the Siletz Tribal Coun-
cil passed a resolution requiring staff at
Tribal entities to be vaccinated or submit
to weekly COVID testing. The Tribal enti-
ties include:
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•
•
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Siletz Tribal administration offices/
departments
Tribal area offices in Portland, Salem
and Eugene
Siletz Tribal Business Corporation
Tenas Illahee Child Care Center
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•
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Siletz Community Health Clinic
Siletz Tribal Gaming Commission
Internal Audit Department
This also includes Tribal Council
members, residents of Tribal congregate
care facilities (men’s and women’s Tran-
sitional Living Centers); and Tribal con-
tractors and their employees must follow
this policy.
Individuals who have been vaccinated
must send proof of vaccination to the
Tribe’s Human Resources Department
Please see page 10 for information about
the Tribe’s $200 vaccine promotion.
Newland ceremonially sworn in as
assistant secretary for Indian affairs
WASHINGTON – Bryan Newland was ceremonially sworn in Sept. 8 as Depart-
ment of the Interior assistant secretary for Indian affairs by Secretary Deb Haaland
(see photo right). Newland is a citizen of the Bay Mills Indian Community (Ojibwe),
where he recently completed his tenure as Tribal president.
“Bryan has worked on behalf of Indigenous peoples and Indian Country for decades.
His wealth of experience will advance the department’s commitment to ensuring Tribes
have a seat at the table for every decision that impacts them and their communities,”
said Haaland. “From clean energy projects and economic development to addressing
past injustices against Tribal communities, Bryan will lead with the knowledge that
we best serve Indigenous peoples when Tribal governments are empowered to lead
their communities.”
“I am honored to be back at the department of the Interior working on behalf of
Tribal communities and alongside a historic secretary,” said Newland. “The Biden-
See Newland on page 8
staff or designated Tribal employee. Those
who are not vaccinated are subject to
weekly testing at an entity of their choice.
Home test results will not be accepted.
The Tribe will pay for any out-of-
pocket expenses for the vaccination
required for employees of any Tribal entity,
Tribal Council members and Tribal con-
gregate care facility residents. Employees
of Tribal entities also will be paid for the
time taken to receive vaccinations and/or
for testing.
A medical exemption from this policy
is available with a signed exemption form
from a medical provider. This does not,
however, exempt a person from the weekly
testing requirement as they are still able to
spread the virus. Those individuals who
have recovered from COVID-19 or have
received a previous positive antibody test
also are not exempt from testing.
Tribal entities, with the exception of
the clinic, remain closed to the public at
this time.