Image provided by: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Warm Springs, OR
About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (March 25, 1983)
Page 2 March 25,1983 Today, in Indian country, we have fear of the abolition of all Indian reservations. We have fear of losing all rights granted us by Treaties. We have fear of losing our water rights, our ✓ hunting and fishing rights, the use of natural resources in or at accustomed grounds. Here, in Warm Springs, the forest products are our leading assets. This past year we ventured into and dedicated our Hydro Project, the first ever on an Indian reservation, this is another source of income for the Tribes. Today we have several other projects locally, on a smaller scale, to induce employment for our local Tribal members. Everything we have today was provided by good management, wise leadership and careful planning. Everything we have now didn’t happen overnight. This all came about from planning and wise decision making of past council members from years back. They all contributed their share of knowledge and wisdom for the fruits we share today. Now it is time for us to make, a decision, a decision on who we want to represent us on the Tribal Council, who we want to administer our Tribal affairs, who will be responsible for our Tribal Government and the welfare of all the Tribal members. We have a total of 31 nominees running for eight Tribal C ouncil seats. Eleven o f these nominees are running for three seats representing the Simnasho District. Fifteen are running to fill three seats for the Agency District, of which one will be appointed to represent the S idw alter area. There are five nominees running to fill two seats for the Seekseequa District. I feel all nominees must demonstrate competence in areas of political, economic and social trends. Be prepared to work for an improved educational standard for the younger generations and work for an improved em ploym ent situ a tio n o f T ribal members. I also feel these positions require complete devotion, sincerity p r o m p tn e s s , a n d a b o v e a ll, attendance, attendance at all district and general council meetings giving oral reports to the tribalmembers. These are very important positions we are filling and we need the most responsible people to fill them. We need people who will make Tribal Council business their top priority and be willing to g ive ,u p their job if necessary. Our representatives should attend all council meetings, this includes regular sessions, district and general council;meetings. . I would hate to see someone take office because of a personal grudge one might hav.e; with the present council, or because of personahriurt one miaht have experienced in trie past, or because sdmepne is seeking popularity or to better ones self-image. We have a great organization going for us, so let’s not blow it. It would be disastrous to put the wrong people in office. Use good, clear judgment on who you select to represent the Tribes. Ask yourself of each candidate, “Will he do the job? Is he sincere with his intentions?” These are just some thoughts I had that people might consider before making their decision on who to vote for. This is not a toy we are handing to the next set of council members. I would like to congratulate you all who have been nominated and I wish you well on election day. I remain respectfully yours, Sid Miller Managing Editor Spilyay Tymoo Voting Requirements Voting requirements for the upcoming Tribal Council elections are as follows: * You must be a tribal member * You must be at feast 21 years of age or married * You do not have to be a resident qfJ/Varm Springs to vote. One-third of Registered tribal voters must east their ballots to make the Council elections valid. There are 771 registered voters in the Agency District, 422 in the Sim nasho D is tric t and TOO in the Seekseequa District. A total of 430 voters must vote on election day. This year, voters must go to the Adult Learning Center at the Community Center to vote. The polls will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Members of Warm Springs’ first Tribal Council met for the first time In 1938. After accepting conditions of the Wheeler-Howard Act the Tribes chose self-government, electing members of the Tribes to act as representatives of the people. Prior to 1938 when tribal members began electing council members, decisions were made at meetings where all the people attended. The meetings drew many people during discussions of the Wheeler-Howard Act. The act was aimed at staballzlng tribal organizations and equipping tribes with the “devices of modern business,” as the act reads. Pictured above are members of the first Tribal Council with the Warm Springs superintendent: (Left to right) Front row—Sam Wewa, Supt. Mr. Elliott Fred Wagoner, O.B. Kalama; Center row-Frank Queahpama, James Johnson, George Meachem, Moses Hellon, William McCorkle; Back row- Frank Wlnlshut, Isaac McKinley and Joe McCorkle. Photo courtesy of Reggie and Beatrice Wlnlshut
