Our temporary gam ing facility is another case in
point. As strange as it looks, it too, represents
the hard work of a lot of people working against
formidable odds to accomplish what many
people thought couldn’t be done.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
By Delores Pigsley, Tribal Chairman
Another eventful year has come to an end and
another has begun.
The temporary facility represents a long, bitter
legislative struggle to have a parcel of off-
reservation land put in trust for gaming. It was a
remarkable achievement that had never happened
before and probably never will. And for that, we
should be proud.
Despite our problems I look back on the past year
with pride at our accomplishments - and there
were many.
Issues such as those involving our court system
and social services are complex, emotional and
too often entangled in personalities. But difficult
as they are, with your help we can resolve these
issues if we set our minds to cooperatively tackle
them on an objective, impersonal basis.
This doesn’t mean we need to agree on every
issue. Honest, rational, differences of opinion is
vital in arriving at creative solutions to our
problems.
The construction of our new administrative
building is an example of what can be achieved
when staff, tribal government and community
work together.
The building is in itself a
CEO REPORT
Nelsen Witt, Tribal CEO
The Siletz Tribe continued to build on
foundations established since restoration. “Self-
Governance” continued to be refined as the
process was expanded beyond 1HS and the BIA.
Preliminary discussions were initiated as
procedural agreements developed with other
agencies. The Tribe encouraged and supported
federal legislation to expand the self-governance
process and m in im ize federal control in the
service delivery process and to reinforce the
federal trust and funding responsibility.
The administrative building construction was
completed, Tribal health services were enhanced
by additional staff and clinic space and the
gaming center became a reality. These were
cherished goals of die Tribe and their
accomplishment reflects the Siletz Tribal
trademark to get the job done.
The tribal gaming center became a -reality
because of years of hard work and dedication by
the Tribal Council and the Gaming Committee.
Words cannot express the respect I have for their
marvelous accomplishment but more important is
the process that led to its construction.
It
represents the creative thinking, resourcefulness
and hard work of our staff and tribal government
working in coordination with each other.
hard work-long hours and their unwillingness to
give up
when the obstacles
seemed
insurmountable. The land use issues of the
potential site at Donald, the opposition of the
governor, the last hour retraction of the
commitment of the Secretary of Interior, the
conflicting decision by the federal court,
persuasive negotiations with the governor
regarding the Lincoln City site, difficulties in
lobbying legislation through congress to facilitate
trust status for the Lincoln City site, intense
negotiations of a state compact and finally the
construction and operation of the “Chinook
Winds Gaming Center.”
All of these issues had to be dealt with as part of
the process and without their resolution there
would not be a facility at Lincoln City. If not for
the perseverance and tenacity of those involved
the Tribe would not have a gaming center
anywhere.
As with restoration, reservation establishment,
638 Contracting and self-governance the Tribe
has paved the way for other tribes to follow. The
permanent facility is yet to be completed. There
is still much to be done. I am confident the
As we look forward to the new year we are faced
with another election within the next two months.
As Tribal Chairman, it is my hope that the
candidates facing this election will conduct not
only a spirited, campaign, - but one based on the
issues and the truth. Unfounded allegations are
destructive whether involving our tribal elections,
the operations of our gaming center or any other
issue.
But I trust that you believe as I do, that
ultimately, fair play and integrity will prevail
On behalf of the Tribal Council, my very best
wishes to you, our tribal members and friends, in
the coming year and wherever you may be!
Tribal Membership, Tribal Council and staff
working together as usual will put together a
gaming center worthy of die Confederated Tribes
of Siletz.
I would like to express my gratitude for the
opportunity to work for the Confederated Tribes
of Siletz and being a part of your success and
accomplishments. I want to wish everyone the
best for 1996 as we look forward to an even
bigger and better year. I want to pay special
tribute to the employees of the Tribe. Too often
we neglect to recognize those who are on the
delivery end of tribal programs. The Siletz Tribe
can be proud of the quality staff they have put
together and the dedication and hard work they
have exhibited.
Communication is our greatest asset. Teamwork
and the ability to work issues out internally is
what sets the Siletz apart from others. We can ill
afford to have rumors and unfounded allegations
disrupt our functioning. If we have questions or
concerns or even complaints there are formal
procedures within the Tribal structure.
Remember the Siletz Tribe has proven over and
over again - “ Together we can do it!”