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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 1, 2026)
Tribal Council elections are upon us again, please vote for leadership that will understand their Tribal Council oaths, Ordinances, and governance. In 2022, a lawsuit was filed because five sitting Tribal Council members overstepped their authority in an Administrative matter. The case was decided in March 2023 finding they were guilty. Why I filed an Ethics Complaint and appeared in TC chambers at their hearing and asked that the five resign was; a sitting TC member publicly named an employee in their motion while moving to intervene in an Administrative issue, putting CTSI in financial and legal risk. “Over the past months, we watched these five council members assert broad authority over an Administrative decision while claiming immunity, causing legal costs for CTSI to defend their actions. When Tribal Council members involve themselves directly in personnel matters, it creates a chilling effect for employees, who may fear becoming targets of unpopular decisions. Such actions undermine tribal administration and raise doubts about whether the roles and responsibilities of council members are fully understood. This dynamic has contributed to a combative atmosphere between leadership and staff. Tribal Council’s role is to create policy—not enforce it. The actions taken bypassed ordinances, undermined the General Manager’s authority, and led employees to question whether policies still protect them. Even after the court determined the resolution was unlawful, those involved have not acknowledged wrongdoing and have stated they would act the same way again. Without the lawsuit overturning the resolution, a harm- ful precedent could have been set, allowing employment decisions based on council preference rather than policy. Leadership requires fairness, humility, and respect for separation of powers. For these reasons, I believe resignation or removal is the appropri- ate remedy.” Please don’t vote for any of those five from the court case. Kathy Kentta Tribal Member Dear Editor, My hope is that all you and your Siletz readers over 18 will vote in the Tribal Council election. The candidates who are getting my vote are the ones who’ve best exhibited values that are central to our collective Siletz identity: 1) telling the truth; 2) being open and transparent; 3) treating everyone with kindness and respect; 4) having courage. Truth—Political leaders, I am sure, have an extra difficult time resisting the urge to talk out of both sides of their mouths. They almost always seek to maintain good relations with everyone and sometimes must vigorously advo- cate for our collective interests. But our leaders must remember that nothing’s more important than the truth. Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield have demonstrated the habit of telling the truth. Transparency—Who needs to know? For our Tribe to thrive, the GENERAL COUNCIL needs to be informed. The candidates who have best promoted transparency and openness (and who favor limiting use of EXECUTIVE SES- SIONS) are Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield. Respect—Especially in the midst of debate and controversy, respect and kindness may get forgotten. The candidates who have best embodied respect- fulness even in moments of conflict and heated debate are Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield. Bravery—Who will remain able to say “yes” when everyone else in the room urges them to say “no?” It’s important for our leaders to be able to take an independent stand. We deserve leaders who don’t just take the path of “going along to be getting along.” I urge you to vote for the candidates who have dem- onstrated a willingness to go down a different path—the path of independent thought and courage. Those candidates are Loraine Butler, Bonnie Petersen, and Sharon Edenfield. Yours Truly. Drew Viles Winter All-Staff meeting builds connection and clebrates excellence The Winter All-Staff meeting, similar to any other company staff meetings, is a vital event because it brings the entire team together to align on goals, celebrate achieve- ments, and strengthen and promote a positive workplace culture. This dedicated time ensures that employees receive essential training, keeping everyone informed and com- pliant with company standards and industry requirements. Years of service awards 5 years: Weston Stickler Jessie Ramsey Mariah Runkle Serria Warren Kaitlyn Gravelle Cathy Ray Tiana Trevillian Katrina Hudson Sky Larson By consolidating these trainings into one comprehensive session, the organization promotes consistency and efficiency while reinforcing its commitment to the staff and profes- sional development. Beyond training, All-Staff meet- ings serve as an opportunity for team building, which is vital for fostering collaboration and trust among staff members. Engaging activities encour- age communication, break down silos, Tracey Viar Marcos Muniz-Strong Rachelle Endres 25 years Rebekah Goulet Cecilia Tolentino Marci Simmons Anna Renville 30 years: Kelly Lane Dianne McLeod 35 years: 10 years: Peter Hatch James Williams Kimberly Lane Natasha Smith Anna Aviles Nicholas Vandersloot Kevin Barker Sonya Moody-Jurado Joella Strong Katy Holland and create a sense of unity that carries over into daily operations. These experiences help employees feel connected, not only to each other but also to the tribes mission to serve the mebership, and their values Equally important is the recog- nition component of the meeting. Honoring staff for their years of service and dedication demonstrates appreciation and reinforces loyalty. In addition, presenting quarterly awards 3 rd quarter awards Special Acts of Service: Rose Stone Michael Flaningam Andrea Rethorford Jessica Hibler Kelly Lane Extra Efforts: Laura Bremner Christina Bishop Cassandra Godwin Sierra Moon Bo Johnson Performance: Nicholas Belleque for going above and beyond highlights exceptional contributions both for the tribe and the Siletz Tribal Members. These moments of acknowledg- ment create a positive work environ- ment where employees feel valued and inspired to continue delivering their best. The tribe hosts All-Staff meetings twice yearly. Tribal Members are encouraged to nominate staff who went above and beyond for them. Dylan Gorman Chelsea Wawrak Laura Bremner Michael Flaningam Jennifer Rackley Jessie Ramsey Extra Efforts: Kyanna Fisher Lori Christy Christine Marceau Time-Off: Jamie Bokuro Employee of the Quarter: Valentina Knott 4 th quarter awards Special Acts of Service: Employee Suggestion: Daniel Alvarez Kyle Wolcott Jazmyn Reid Bo Johnson Kevin Goodell Jessica Kehret Time-Off: Teresa Carpenter Rhonda Attridge Employee of the Quarter: 15 years: Dylan Gorman Sami Jo Difuntorum Marci Taylor Casey Godwin Chasta Marceau Danise Barker 20 years: Celesta Lee Performance: Zeph Mullins Syd Somes Daniel Alvarez Judy Imbler Norma Hernandez-Arenas Employee of the Year: Jessica Hibler Photo by Andy Taylor Left to right: Staff members Zeph Mullins, Jennifer Rackley and David Rodriguez dur- ing the team building activity January 2026 • Siletz News • 13
