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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (March 1, 2025)
Elections, continued from page 1 USDA distribution dates for March Officers are elected on an annual basis and those selected for 2025 include: Delores Pigsley, chairman Bud Lane II, vice chairman Robert Kentta, treasurer Judy Muschamp, secretary Pigsley currently has served 39.5 years as Tribal chairman out of 46 years on the council, while Bud Lane has 27; Loraine Butler, 20; Robert Kentta, 19 years; Selene Rilatos, 5 years; Gerald Ben, 4 years; Buddy Lane, 2 years; and Judy Muschamp, 2 years; Reggie Butler was elected for his first term. The Siletz Tribe has spent the last 47 years rebuilding its government and economic structure. The signing of Public Law 95-195 in 1977, which restored government-to-government relations between the Siletz Tribe and the federal government, started this process. The Siletz Tribe was the second in the nation – and the first in Oregon – to achieve restoration. The Siletz Tribe was among the first to become a self-governance Tribe, giving Tribal government more control over services provided to Tribal mem- bers. Under self-governance, the U.S. government provides general funding to the Tribe (rather than to specific programs), then Tribal employees and the Tribal Council decide how funds will be spent. Significant Tribal accomplishments since Restoration include opening the original health clinic in 1991 and opening a new much larger clinic in 2010. The Siletz Dance House opened in 1996. Additionally, the Tribe opened the Tenas Illahee Childcare Center in 2003, the Tillicum Fitness Center and a new USDA food distribution warehouse in Siletz in 2008, and the Siletz Rec Center in 2009. Tribal offices in Portland, Salem and Eugene are housed in Tribally owned buildings. The Tribe has built more than 150 homes and multiple dwellings for Tribal members, including 28 units at Neachesna Village in Lincoln City that have opened since 2009, 19 apartments in Siletz that opened in 2010, 20 homes in the Tillamook subdivision in Siletz that have opened since 2013; and 10 Workforce Housing townhouses in Lincoln City that opened in 2021. The Siletz Tribe has helped fund two affordable housing projects in North- east Portland, each of which has 20 units designated Indian Preference, with Siletz households having first preference in admissions. It currently is in the process of building 39 units of affordable housing in Salem. The Housing Department also managed construction of a new Tribal pharmacy in Siletz and the construction of a new satellite health clinic in Lincoln City. It also is managing construction of a recreation center in Siletz that includes a sports court, two basketball courts, an indoor walking track, a weight room and a Pilates/yoga room. Through its economic development division, the Siletz Tribal Business Corporation, the Tribe purchased the Lincoln Shores office complex in Lin- coln City in 2001 and opened the Logan Road RV Park in Lincoln City in 2004 and the Hee Hee Illahee RV Resort in Salem in 2006. It opened Siletz Market & Gas in Siletz in 2023. The Tribe is also developing a property in Keizer, Ore., co-owned with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The property, called Chemawa Sta- tion, is right on I-5 and currently includes a 7-11 Fueling and Convenience Store plus a Chick-fil-A. More tenants are slated to be developed in the near future, including a hotel and a tire center. Development is progressing more now than it has in 10 years. The Tribe also played a lead role in opening Siletz Valley School in 2003 and Siletz Valley Early College Academy in 2006. The Siletz Tribal Arts & Heritage Society (STAHS) was formed in 2011 to enhance the Tribe’s ability to develop the Siletz Tribal Cultural Center. Following a successful $2.5 million capital campaign, construction of the center is set to begin in 2025. STAHS also helps the Tribe with acquiring object and archival collections. Chinook Winds Casino in Lincoln City opened in 1995. In 2004, the Siletz Tribe purchased the former Shilo Inn adjacent to the casino and opened Chinook Winds Casino Resort. Chinook Winds Golf Resort opened in 2005 when the Tribe purchased the former Lakeside Golf and Fitness Center in Lincoln City. The combination of Tribal employees and those at Chinook Winds Casino Resort has made the Siletz Tribe the largest employer in Lincoln County. The Siletz Tribe has honored its tradition of sharing within the community by distributing more than $22.6 million through the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and other Tribal resources. Chinook Winds has donated more than $6.5 million in cash and fund-raising items since 1995. It also provides in-kind donations of convention space for various fund-raisers as well as technical support, advertising and manpower for events. Siletz March 3 March 4 March 5 March 6 March 7 March 15 Salem 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. By appt only For those who work during these hours, we will open the warehouse on the first or second Saturday of each month for bet- ter efforts to meet your schedule at the Siletz warehouse. These appointments will need to be scheduled in advance. Thank you! March 19 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. March 20 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. March 21 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Our Salem location will start to open up for two Wednesdays after distribution, for those who miss their original appointment, with limited fresh produce. These appointments will need to be scheduled in advance as well. Thank you! LIKE us on Facebook at Siletz Tribal FDPIR. We would like to see more people sharing their recipes on our FB page. Sammy Hall, USDA Food Distribution Manager 541-444-8279 or 541-390-0763 sammyh@ctsi.nsn.us Fax: 541-444-8306 or 503-391-4296 Legal Aid Services of Oregon and the Oregon Law Center, civil legal service providers for low-income Oregonians, operate a public benefits hotline where low-income Oregonians can talk to lawyers and paralegals to get advice on public benefits, including unemployment benefits: Oregon public benefits hotline: 800-520-5292 Oregonlawhelp.org Real ID deadline is fast approaching, do you have travel plans? The deadline to be TSA com- pliant with a Real ID, is May 7, 2025. Here is what you need to know about this new form of identification in the U.S. What is a Real ID? Real ID is a state-issued driv- er’s license, instruction permit, or identification card that meets the new federal security standards set by the Real ID Act of 2005. The Real ID is distinguishable by the star in the upper right corner of the card. Do you need a Real ID? If you are 18 or older and plan to travel by plane, or visit military bases, federally secure buildings, or nuclear power plants, you will need a Real ID. You do not need a Real ID to drive, vote, apply or receive federal benefits, access hospitals or life-saving services, or participate in law enforcement proceedings. How do I get a Real ID? You must apply for your Real ID at the DMV office by scheduling an appointment or doing a “walk-in” appointment. You will need to bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, residence address, and lawful status in the U.S. (For a full list of accept- able forms of proof visit the DMV website) After DMV scans and accepts your documents you can expect your new Real ID to arrive in about 20 days. How much does a Real ID cost? The Real ID costs an additional $30 above the standard license, permit, or identification card fees. Real IDs are valid for a maximum of eight years. DMV offices anticipate being overwhelmed with Real ID applicants in the coming months. To avoid the rush, consider getting your Real ID sooner rather than later. For more information, FAQ’s and chosing the documents you need beforehand, visit the Oregon DMV website at https://www. oregon.gov/odot/DMV/Pages/realidtraveler.aspx. March 2025 • Siletz News • 9
