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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1996)
2 JUNE 1996 Chairman's Report From Delores Pigsley, Siletz Tribal Chairman Governor Signs Proclamation and Executive Order In a ceremony on May 22, 1996, at which all Oregon Tribes (except Bums Paiute) were represented, Governor Kitzhaber signed two documents, one proclaiming May 19 thru May 25, 1996 to be American Indian W eek and the other, an Executive Order fo rm a liz in g the govemment-to-govemment relationship between the Oregon's Tribes and the State of Oregon. In view of the difficulties that the Siletz Tribe and other tribes, have had in our relationships with the State, specifically over gaming issues, the question on the minds of all tribal officials was whether the Tribe should participate in the ceremony at all. The question weighed heavily on the minds of the tribal leaders who met in Umatilla last week prior to the date of the ceremony. I attended the ceremony, and used the opportunity to express the Siletz Tribe's view that this ceremony marks only a beginning 4 that the State's improved relationship with the tribes has yet to be seen. The Executive Order signed by the Governor, said, in part: " As sovereigns the Tribes and the State o f Oregon must work together to develop mutual respect f o r the sovereign interests o f both parties. The relationships between our governmental structures can only be built through trust and mutual respect. The purpose o f formalizing the Government to Government Relationship that exists between Oregon Indian tribes and the State is to establish a process which can assist in resolving potential conflicts., maximize key inter-governmental relations and enhance an exchange o f ideas and resources fo r the greater good o f all o f Oregon's citizens, whether tribal members o f not. " Tribal Council Hosts Lincoln City Council to Informal Meeting On Saturday, May 11, our Tribal Council hosted the Mayor of Lincoln City, several of his council members and the City Manager to an informal meeting in Lincoln City. The meeting was held in our new nearly completed Chinook Winds Gaming and Convention Center. Members of both Councils were given a tour of the facility with Dietmar Goebel, our Owner's Representative, as our guide. I believe the city officials were duly impressed with the fact that Chinook Winds will be a facility that Lincoln City could be justly proud - beautiful, high tech and first class! In view of the extremely strained relationship we have had with thé City during the past year, this informal get together between the Tribe and the City was a major step forward in establishing cooperative relationships. Despite our difficulties, the Tribe and the City have successfully negotiated an agreement with the City for water, sewer and other essential municipal services. This recent informal joint meeting helped to further cement our relationships. I'm sure there will be issues over which we will disagree, even very strongly, but it's important that we keep our communications open and negotiate issues in good faith. It's to the benefit of both Lincoln City and the Tribei Personnel Developments During the past two months, a number of important personnel actions have taken place including the reappointment of Nelsen Witt as our CEO. Hie applications of over 60 candidates who applied for this position were reviewed and 10 candidates were selected for interview by the Tribal Council. Nelsen was determined to be the best qualified from the standpoint of his experience and expertise as a manager and of his knowledge of federal and tribal laws, regulations and programs. The Council voted to reappoint him for a two year term by a vote of 7 to 2. Also taking place at this time is the screening and interviewing of candidates for the vacant Gaming Commission position. After the ; interviewing and testing of all 35 candidates have been completed on June 8th, the Tribal Council wjll make it's final decision on June 9th to fill this critical position. And recently, I have appointed Tribal Councilman Clifford Case to the Ad Hoc Gaming Committee to join Jessie Davis, Bensell Breon, Craig Dorsay and myself to address many gaming issues still remaining. Chinook Winds' Grand Opening! And, of course, I can't conclude my June report without recognizing the Grand Opening of our permanent: facility on June 28th for the General Public and a sneak preview for our Tribal Members on June 27th. We are expecting a great crowd, including guests who were in one way or another involved from the b e g in n in g in our struggle to develop our gaming enterprise. In less than a month, our dream will become a reality! Gaming Report From Jessie Davis, Ad Hoc Gaming Chair FIRST OFF, CHINOOK WINDS!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY We gave birth to Chinook Winds on May 27th one year ago. It's been a successful year. The temporary gaming center employed over 200 people, helped with financing of the permanent facility, and was a fertile training ground for staff to move smoothly into our permanent center. Chinook Winds enjoyed a beautiful spring and summer and survived a blustery winter. It's been a great year. A gala birthday party, open to the public, was held complete with birthday cake, balloons, door prizes and all! Now our attention will turn to THE GRAND OPENING OF THE CHINOOK WINDS GAMING AND CONVENTION CENTER - JUNE 28TH - LESS THAT ONE MONTH AWAY! Festivities start at noon on the 28th with dedication and blessing, ribbon cutting, sky-divers, and a fireworks salute. A ceremony dedicating Chinook Winds will be held in the Bingo Hall/Showroom at 12:30 P.M. where Tribal officials and honored guests will be recognized and presentations will be made. There will be personal tours of the new facility and entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening and continuous, scrumptious hors d' oeuvres. That evening, entertainment in the Showroom will feature Tami Wynette and Williams and Ree - r~
