Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (Feb. 1, 1992)
2 February 1992 To the Editor: Recently a very interesting and important article by Tribal Member Mr. Blacketer appeared in our paper. It related to discrim ination within our own ethnic family as Indians. The discrimination he described he and his family encountered was one of a type many of us have long endured because of our p h ysica l characteristics—the way God made us, because we identify as Indians but are not "full bloods", having varying degrees of Indian blood in our bodies. But we do not possess as must full, or near full bloods do, the looks of the traditionally stereo-typical Native American. The few who do and might on occasion and through ignorance, have made uncomplimentary or derogatory remarks questioning another's ethnicity due to his/her "looks", or call them as I was once called—a "token Indian", should examine their consciences deeply. This brings to mind a story I have recently read by a Canadian m inister, Rev. A.L. Macky, describing the great difficulty H ebrews in b ib lic a l tim es experienced when passing through Samaria to get to Galilee. In the New Testament, John (4:3-4) tells that Jesus "left Judea, and departed again in Galilee. And he must go through Samaria." In those days that would be traveling from a southern section of Palestine (Judea), north through what is now west Jordan (Samaria), on to Galilee in northern Palestine. Samaria was a place the Jews hated to travel through not because it was not a beautiful place, but because the Samaritans did not welcome them and they were sure to get a bad time while going through. Why? Because the Samaritans were also Jews,, but were of mixed heathon blood. They had intermarried with non-Jews- a big "no-no" for that time! Hebrews outside of Samaria, the general Jewish communities, hated and disrespected the Samaritans for this, so when they traversed the roads of Samaria, Samaritans returned the hate and hostility in full measure in retaliation. There is a lesson in this. Just because you do not happen to be 100%. of one thing—or a full blood, does not diminish your worthiness as a human being. Since most civilized people do (and will continue to ) intermarry, their offspring will follow biological norms, and full-blooded or-lesser blooded degree parents will have lighter children. This should never rob the children of their cultural identities and values. We have suffered enough during the past 4 centuries. Let's not now allow tension and animosity or discrimination of any kind to penetrate our tribal trust and respect for each other. Joe Lane Sr. , THANK YOU: On November 16, 1991, a four hour long, buffet-style dinner was enjoyed by over 225 people at the Siletz Community Center. In recognition of the efforts of those many people involved, a special thank-you is hereby given. Thanks to the T rib a l C ouncil fo r contributing funds for the purchase of food. Thanks to the Hunting/Fishing Liaison and the Siletz Valley Lockers for providing salmon, venison roasts and elk burger. Thanks to the STEDCO Smokehouse for smoking up the salmon so deliciously and then arranging for its delivery to Siletz. Thanks to tribal maintenance for cleaning the kitchen grills and unlocking the center early on Saturday morning. Thanks to my fellow Culture and Sacred Lands Preservation Committee members and their families for all of their time and energy given for the preparation and service of the 11- course buffet. Thanks to the Committee staff-representative for setting up a photographic exhibit and thanks also along with the Central Office staff and Accounting staff for handling all of the necessary administrative details. Thanks to the Whipman for his invocation. Thanks to Little Miss Siletz Danielle and Princess Natasha for their help serving. Thanks to those e specially kind-hearted volunteers helping in the kitchen and also to those generous visitors who brought desserts. This year's celebration marked 14 years since the Congressional Act of 1977 which restored federal recognition for our Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. A special thanks to all of you who came to the center to help mark the occasion as one of importance. And for those of you who were not able to be there, you were missed. you My best regards to all of Chairman, Culture/Sacred Lands Preservation Committee EDITORS NOTE: Recently we received this letter from West Germany for Pen Pals. I have taken the liberty of editing it some. It is exciting to know that people in Europe know of us. HELLO! My name is Tina. I am 22 years old and I live in Germany. I have a daughter who is 1 1 /2 years old and a very nice dog (husky). I am interested to know more of the history of Indians in America, and I would like to know something about life on the reservations today. This way I hope to become acquainted with some new friends. Perhaps it will be possible sometime to meet someone personally. I would like a pen pal. If someone would like to write to me, my address is: Tina Erlmoser Wittelsbacheistr 14 8445 Schwarzach West Germany (Remember, oversees postage is higher, so it would be a good idea to have your letter weighed at the post office) THANK YOU: I was born in Newport and spent my early childhood at Seal Rock which was then a summer resort. My father built many of the cottages and acted as caretaker. We also sold milk, butter, eggs, garden produce, and wood to the cottagers. I remember the 4th of July Celebration at Newport. How I watched the Indians dances. My father's mother died when he was only about 3 and a half years old, so I never knew my own grandmother, but her close fr ie n d J u lia M a g g in s o n grandmothered my brother and I. To me she embodied what all Indians were like, and I was very proud of my Indian blood. I do not remember ever being made fun of because of my Indian nationality. I think this was largely because I was so proud of it. One time when a new boy came to school he made a discouraging remark, that I do not even remember, another boy spoke up quickly, "You can't tease her, she's proud of it." And now as I become acquainted with the people who are putting so much time and energy into the effort, to make life better for all of us, and to preserve our tribal identity, I am still proud of my Indian heritage, and I wish to thank those who work so faithfully to protect it. Thank you one and all, and have a good Christmas Season. Sincerely Maxine fell and hurt her bones, Now we find we're all alone, Work is lonely, Days go slow, We miss your friendly face aglow, Get well soon and come back to this place So we can see your smiling face! Letters to the Editor All letters received will be printed. Please type or w rite legible, no profane language w ill be printed. LETTERS THAT EXCEED 350 WORDS IN LENGTH WILL BE EDITED. All letters must Include your name and address. Send letters to : Siletz News, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, Oregon 97380. PLEASE NOTE: The General Manager of the Siletz Tribe is the Chief Editor of the Siletz Newsletter. SILETZ NEWS DEADLINE February 15, 1992 mall articles and B/W photos to: Siletz News, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, Oregon 97380 Tribal Members: Greetings again. Since I've started this information article, I've received a total of 193 letters from individuals. I use the word Individuals because one-third of the letters were received from non- Indians. It was very interesting to learn the many types of people that follow their tax monies and read our tribal paper. So far 72% say "Throw the bums out," 18% say "Let's keep what we have and be glad we did," 10% are undecided. Next I'd like to comment on a current Tribal Councilman's comments: I have never personally attacked any Tribal Council/Tribal Member. I have reflected only upon and from tribal records. If I have misrepresented those records, I w ill apologize in this Newsletter and at General Council. But first, you must prove to me that those records on hand during my Tribal C ouncil tenure were indeed inaccurate. The civil codes that were handed to me by Council do not reflect any truth on your part. Secondly - I did not personally (Continued on Page 3) Velma Redmer
