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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (July 1, 1995)
C#i **l *»| **| *’!>►»» m ri99 s TO THE EDITOR: In every organization there exists a time and place for legitimate dissent, and all of us have been in this situation during our lifetimes. But today, Tribal members should take time to re assess and appreciate just how far the Siletz have come since the days prior to restoration - when Siletz had nothing going for it - no services, tribal identity, high unemployment, and excessive alcohol and drug activity. Restoration brought changes to these problems. In post - restoration, we have witnessed gigantic growth in education, employ ment, health and cultural programs. The landscape now features a state-of-the-art health clinic, beautiful community center, and an in progress construction of an office building that will take our departments out of the old, inadequate, fragile structures they presently occupy. But, the one greatest economic opportunity that we have ever had - our gaming facility and its vast potential - did not come by accident. No one can make a ligitimate, or valid argument against success, and credit must go to the people who wrought it. Jessie Davis, the Ad Hoc Committee on Gaming, Dee Pigsley, Phil Rilatos and the Council - through what had to be one of the most arduous, time-consuming, gut- wrenching experiences involv ing distant travel, criticism, and soul-searching - these people never gave up! . The proof is in the pudding. They delivered for the Siletz people. Gaming is now a reality. If one Elder will be heard - let me advise all that now is the time to come together, and rally behind those who have been elected to lead. To our fellow (and respected) members circulating recall petitions - I would urge that you put them in the nearest shredder and offer your leadership talents in support of our leaders. There is a time and place for everything - this is the time and place for us to remember who we are, respect and love each other, and show the world that we are the greatest Indian tribe on Earth. Joe Lane, Sr. TO THE EDITOR: We Wish to express our sincere gratitude fo r the assistance of the HIP Committee and Indian Health Service for the installation of our septic system. We may not have gotten it accomplished without your assistance. A special "Thank You" is extended to Howard Roy for his expertise, committment and patience in working with us on this project and to the Siletz Tribe fo r institution of this program for the assistance of Tribal members. Again, your assistance is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Raymond & Pamela Ben DEAR FOLKS: It was a, happy day when I was notified that the Council will allow those of us with I/16th blood to now join the rolls along with our mothers, fathers and ancestors; it was a sad day to have to tell my two daughters that they will have to continue waiting to be "formally” recognized, as then- heritage dictates. As I make application for enrollment, it occurs to me that I have always considered myself "Native American" or "American Indian" and have listed myself as such over the years. As a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force, I have had the opportunity of travelling (and living) all over the world. I may have drifted far from my Oregon roots in body, but never in spirit. I have trained my daughters as my father and mother trained me; to respect the land and all that it holds. Those of us that know our heritage will understand, just as my daughters will understand (and the years have taught us), to be patient; you see, we are a patient people! I do thank you for sending me the Siletz Newsletter over the years. It is always heartwarming to read about things of real life and home; I have property in Tre'-geem-on (Port Orford), Oregon and have not drifted far from my ancestors, even after all these years and generations. Regardless, this writer, Mickey Jay Melton, Lt. Colonel proudly serving in the United States Air Force; ancestor of the Tototin (Tututunne band) of the Tututni Tribe is proud and happy to be finally allowed to formally enroll as a member of this hearty and resilient family of Confederated Tribes of Siletz. Thanks to each and everyone of you who proudly and faithfully watch after and care for one another (and I can tell you from experience, there is no place greater than our homeland of the United States of America). Until we meet.....writing to you from Guam; Mickey J. Melton, Lt. Col, USAF (edited for length) Dear Editor: The Tribal Maintenance staff have consistently supported and contri buted to the yard and facility maintenance at the Salem Head Start Center. I believe their united efforts exceed the ordinary expectations of the job because o f the need for . travel, scheduling, and the wide array of duties asked of them. The tasks completed at Salem contribute to the overall beauty, health, and safety o f the center. When I was concerned that heavy bushes at the entry way could easily conceal intruders, Sam trimmed the limbs from ground level up to a person's average height. My concern wasn't minimized or ignored, action was quickly taken to correct a potentially unsafe situation. The Salem Head Start parents obtained a donation o f lumber from Siletz Tribal Forest Products for a play ground structure. The / Maintenance Staff trans ported the lumber from Toledo to Hillsboro for treatment at PefmaPost and from Hillsboro to the Salem center. This was an unusual request but Dan's support was unwavering & appre ciated by staff and parents. The Maintenance staff have supported the Head Start program when it would have been easy to say other jobs were more important and less time consuming. With their support and consistency, they've made my job easier and supported the use of Head Start funds for direct program services. It would be cost prohibitive to purchase the many services that the Maintenance staff have willingly provided. Thank you Dan, Sam, Lenny and Bristo for superior service to Head Start. Sincerely yours, Denise A. Wilson Head Start Director SILETZ NEWS DEADLINE July W 1995 mail articles and photos to: Siletz News, P.O. Box 549, Siletz, Oregon 97380 -
