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