Chairman’s Report
Indian Citizenship Act
One hundred years ago on June 2, the
U.S. Congress passed the Snyder Act that
conferred citizenship on all American
Indians. Prior to this act, Indian people
were denied this right even though many
Indians served in World War I.
The act was passed but still denied
Indian people the right to vote in many
states. It wasn’t until years later that Con-
gress passed the 15 th Amendment stating
the right to vote could not be denied on
the basis of race.
We have come a long way in the politi-
cal world where many Tribes all over the
United States work very hard to get the
Indian vote out. We enjoy good representa-
tion by individuals in local governments
and in Congress.
I’ve included a picture here of our
last congressional visit. These visits have
proven to be invaluable to the Tribe. We’ve
been successful at getting important leg-
islation passed, such as our hunting and
fishing legislation as well other significant
pieces of legislation.
Run to the Rogue
Spirits were high on this year’s Run
to the Rogue. Our last run was five years
ago. We didn’t have to deal with the heat
as it was cool with a little rain.
We are grateful to our friends in Port
Orford for the wonderful dinner they pre-
pared and our big welcome. Thank you to
the staff for all the work taking care of the
runners and all the participants.
Willamette Falls
I was pleased that the Umatilla Tribe
invited me to attend a ceremony at Wil-
lamette Falls in remembrance of the five
individuals who were killed by hanging
at this site.
The hangings were a result of the
Whitman Massacre that occurred at the
Whitman Mission in Eastern Oregon.
After a measles epidemic wiped out half
of the Native population, the Cayuse came
to distrust Marcus Whitman because more
sick Natives died from the measles than
white settlers. This led to an attack on the
mission on Nov. 29, 1847. The punishment
of the five Cayuse members who attacked
was to be hanged.
Many descendants of the victims
attended as prayers and songs were sung
in remembrance and to bring their spirits
home. This has been a long ongoing effort
by the Umatilla Tribe working with local
groups, including the city of Oregon City. A
nice reception followed for all in attendance.
Delores Pigsley
Memorial Day
The weather was perfect at the Tribe’s
Memorial Day Ceremony in Siletz. Our
World War II veteran, Ed Ben, delivered
the day’s address.
We missed Tony Molina, Tribal veter-
ans representative, who is recovering from
surgery. Our veteran honor guard was still
present, however, and led the procession.
Elders Council Meeting
The Elders Council will host an in-person/Zoom hybrid meeting
on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 1 p.m. in the Shasta Room at Chinook
Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, Ore.
If you have any questions, please contact the Elders Program at
541-444-8212.
Courtesy photo by Lea Ann Easton
Robert Kentta, Buddy Lane, Delores Pigsley and Bud Lane in Washington, D.C.
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Siletz News
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July 2024