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About Siletz news letter. (Siletz, Oregon) 1989-1997 | View Entire Issue (June 1, 1996)
IlinffljnjMnj^pnyMnpnBnpflflROMBBiiflnMPBroBipnMcnonwwMMnonBWMi^ worthy to pray, it is Open le tte r to th e apparent the want of the people: control over the Native We as Native people American ceremonies within the boundaries of and their practice. the United States of Heed to the calling America hold hypothe within the wind. Accept tical rights as a people where we have come (referring to Indian from, see where we are people). at, prepare now to give We find ourselves chance to those that willing to acknowledge shall face what is to the claim of being come. We shall need the Indian, thus allowing our unity of the people to true recognition to fade make clear voice of away. We are th e concern. Let u s be just people. in dealing with the It was not long ago peoples future. that "Indian offenses" were prosecuted. The term ca m e from society's rationalization towards the native peoples. As history portrays, "Indian offense" was to sing traditional songs, to perform any traditional dances, or speak the traditional language. Forbidden were these Indian offenses, as it was forbidden to have three or more Indian males together at one time. This was reality for the ancestors, the mighty hosts of these lands. No longer shall there be ridicule or slander, with out opposition, as time has allowed history to prove the malice of manifest destiny. Indian offenses were punishable crimes by state and country, forbidden were the teachings of sooth to life and liberty, the foundation of identity, only to be considered acts of aggression and systematic genocide, by civilization. Irreparable damage was done. It is only a natural impulsion to desire and quest the becking of ones' ancestors, and in all morals the Native American has the calling of spiritual awareness. We find ourselves now faced with many immoral pretense collated around the ceremonies of the Native Americans. The ploy of the U.S. Forest Service merging on the ceremonial grounds at MT. HOOD, the development of ancestral fishing grounds, the privatization of root & berry harvesting areas, we find the department of corrections telling our people they are not Robert Van Pelt Lakota Oyate Ki is calling consciousness to the spiritual well-being of Native American Pri soners. Information on this subject, will raise questions on the true intent of the Oregon Department of Correc tions in regards to practice Native American Spirit-ual Ceremonies within it's facilities. O.D.O.C. policy is the denial of all religious activities with-out an outside volunteer present. Muslim, Jewish, and Native American people are considered unworthy to conduct our own spiritual religious belief and practice prayer ceremonies. The O.D.O.C. administration and religious services policy of requiring volunteers has led to many incidents of disrespect to the volunteers and to the ceremonies to the extent many refuse to return. Michael Sprauer is currently the O.D.O.C. "administrator of religi ous services" department wide. He was appointed in 1994. Since this position was created there's been an all out assault on the spiritual practices of Native People, main focus being Native rights to conduct our own ceremonies. O.D.O.C. religious services first move was to amend rules on religious activities, this requires a process that calls for public hearings allowing review and comment. Public hearings were held. Testimony in opposition to the proposed rule amendments by Native prisoners and Native people from different Tribes and organizations was submitted. Of course it fell on deaf ears. O.D.O.C. went on to rewrite the proposed rule, making many significant changes without following policy and procedure. The changes negatively affect the spiritual well-being of Native American prisoners. Evidently the administrator of religious services newly granted authority, that placed into action the requirement of outside volunteers to be present or ceremonies will be denied is above and beyond O.D.O.C. already established policies and procedure requirements for the amendment of existing rules. Lakota Oyate-Ki along with other Brotherhoods oppose rule OAR 291- 143-0070 (4) in it’s entirety. For copies of this rule write, Lakota Club, 2605 State St. Salem, OR 97310. Letters of concern to Federal Justice, Owen Panner, United States Courthouse Portland, OR 97205, Robert Miller, Native Rights Attorney, 1001 S.W. Fifth Ave, 13th Floor, Portland, OR 97204. IN SPIRIT JULIAN REED (edited for length) ********************** Fish Hatchery Project Manager Darrell Palaniuk extends his heartfelt thanks to those dedicated people who volunteered to watch the pumps at OreAqua during the fish release period. In addition to their regular jobs or instead of a quiet weekend at home, these men (including Darrell) volunteered for the night watch alternating the duty for six weeks. Thanks to Oscar "Max" Hoover , Patrick Downey, and Tom Downey. v huvonne, First I would like to congratulate you on all you have accomplished so far in life. You have made u s all so proud of you, especially grand father He was always with you and always will be, as well as grandmother and the whole Williams tribe. Whatever you choose to do in life we will always be proud and stand beside you. Remember, the magic is in you. It lives in your heart. I wish you rainbows and magical days. Congratulations on graduating, it is just the beginning. Love always, Mom, Dad 8s Brothers 7 W K199S ^huvonne, I want to start by saying Congratulations ! All the dedication and hard work is about to pay oft! I am so proud of you! I still can't believe how much you have grown up! Just think June 8th is the b eg in n in g of the rest of your life! You are going to go through life achieving every goal and dream that you ever had. You will be successful in life! I love you Shu Shu! Remember as long as grandpa is in your heart, he will always be with you. You have made him and all of the Williams tribe proud! Loving you always, Aunt Wendy Lisa, After 12 long and tiring gears of hard work and struggles, we finally can say that we did it and all that I can say is "YEE HA!" And to you a BIG conyratulations! Oh yeah, next time don't forget to Happy Graduation, Randy Kessinger Jr. We wish you all the luck and happiness in the future. We love you grandson. Grandpa 8 b Grandma Kessinger Dear family and friends, PPe are coming home! Ray & Darlene Taylor Happy Birthday to our daughter-in-law, Patsy Kessinger! God Bless You, Dad A mom "K" turn off your headlights! From Your Fellow Graduate, Heidi June 26, 1996 Happy Birthday Mother! (Donna Kessinger) Love you, Terri 8 b family Happy Birthday to our granddaughter, Korisa Kessinger, we love you! Grandma & Grandpa Kessinger (Continued on Page 9)
