PAGE 2 SPILYAY TYMOO
A PROUD HERITAGE
FEBRUARY 12, 1988
Society established to preserve tribal resources
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The MOIHS has a wide variety of photos and documents
Vn their collection of artifacts. Some Items have been
donated to the museum while others have been purchased.
Some people may feel that if our heritage and
culture are not observed or are abused, they will be
lost forever. It is that theory that has inspired a handful
of people to strive toward a common goal that of a
museumcultural center on the reservation.
It all began nearly 14 years ago when the Middle
Oregon Indian Historical Society was formed as a non
profit corporation by the Confederated Tribes. Since
that day in April, 1974, many events have occurred that
have brought the idea of a museum out of the
conceptual stage to one of reality.
Tribal Council, in December, 1974, appointed the
first board of directors. The first board consisted of
Nelson Wallulatum, chairman; Harold Culpus, vice
chairman; Juanita Bourland, secretarytreasurer;
Nathan Jim, Sr., Lillie Heath and Sam Johnson.
Present board members are Rudy Clements, chairman,
Delbert Frank, Sr., first vice-chairman, Bernice
Mitchell, second vice-chairmantreasurer; Jim
Noteboom, executive secretary.Janice Clements,
James Southern and Don Kerr., ,r, ,,. ,. ... 4m
The Society immediately began business with the
purchase of artifacts in 1974. Accessions resumed
again in 1976 and have continued throughout the
years. In 1982, Tribal Council directed that $50,000 be
included in the annual operating budgets for the
purchase of artifacts. Each year, the accessions
committee carefully selects artifacts that will be
appropriate for display in the proposed museum.
Museum intern Liz Tewee was hired in September,
1982, under the CETA program to care for and store
artifacts. Later that same year, nearly $10,000 in
capitalized funds were appropriated to renovate a room '
in the boys dorm. The room, complete with a special
fire retardant system and burglar alarm, is the home to
about 2,100 artifacts valued at over $500,000. All items
have been identified and tagged by Tewee, who is now
museum curator.
In December, 1983, the Society adopted the
MOIHS Collection and Acquisition Policy which
establish procedures for the purchase, care and
safekeeping of tribal artifacts.
The early part of 1984 was a busy time for Society
members. In March, Bernice Mitchell was appointed as
an alternate to the Board and liaison for Tribal Council.
Also, the accession committee, consisting of Lillie
Heath, Emily Waheneka and Betty Lou Lucio, was
appointed. The Board also appointed Rudy Clements
as acting executive secretary and acting executive
director until those two positions were filled. Architect
Dave Waldron was authorized to construct a scale
model of the museumcultural center.
In early 1985, the board appointed an ad hoc
committee that was directed to draft a job description
of the director's position. In September, Janice
Clements was appointeed to the board.
With executive director applications arriving,
interviews were scheduled in early, 1986. However, the
interviews did not prove to be successful, as the
position was readvertised for an additional three
months. The job description was rewritten in May. An
employment firm was hired to assist with the
advertising and hiring of the director. In July, the
museum staff moved into their own office buidling just
west of the justice services facility. In August, Jim
Noteboom was appointed as secretarytreasurer of the
board.
It was in March, 1987, that Duane King formally
accepted the executive director's position following an
interview with Rudy Clements and Jim Noteboom.
After months of consideration, the board approved the
Antiquities Ordinance that helps protect all resources
related to the Tribes' heritage.
In September, U.S. Bancorp presented MOIHS
with a $5,000 check ai.d a promise of technical
assistance for a video project. The board made final
acceptance of a site on Highway 26 for the proposed
museum. Work continued with the design of the
museum as Garfield-Hacker had been selected as
architect for the program phase of the museum design.
Also in October, Lillie Heath resigned from the
accessions commmittee. That vacancy has not yet
been filled.
While the museum may still be a way off, the work
done so far has not been without its rewards. To finally
have a home in which to place pieces of Warm Springs'
past will be a dream come true for many.
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If our heritage and culture are not observed, or if they are abused,
they will be lost forever....
Video portrays Warm Springs' past, current events
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"Warm Springs Today" is complete and will make its video are, left to rlgh Charlotte Herkshan, Harry Miller,
debut during the 50th anniversary celebration of tribal Liz Tewee, Larry Dick Wallulatum and Wasco Chief
self-government. Appearing in the beginning of the Nelson Wallulatum.
"A long time ago, our people lived on this land in
isolation. There were no roads here. We gathered
berries and roots. We taught these things and
knowledge of the Sacred One to our children. "
Wasco Chief Nelson Wallulatum
In "Warm Springs Today".
Efforts to restore and preserve Warm Springs' past
for future generations has taken another step forward
with the production of "Warm Springs Today". The
video, in its final form, was released to the Middle
Oregon Indian Historical Society last week.
The video, which is just under nine minutes in
length, was sponsored in part by a grant from U.S.
Bancorp and the Confederated Tribes. The film will be
used to inform and educate those who are interested in
learning tribal history and culture as well as tribal
business and economic activities. It will also be used
as a promotional tool when fund raising activities begin
for the proposed museum.
Footage, shot by Ralph Cunningham of Video
Locations in Portland, includes current settings such
as a Tribal Council session, aerial photos of the Warm
Springs Fish Hatchery, WSFPI and Kah-Nee-Ta,
powwow participants as well as shots of old photos
depicting tribal life 100 years or more ago.
Senator Mark Hatfield and Oregon Governor Neil
Goldschmidt are also featured speakers in the film.
Says Governor Neil Goldschmidt, "The traditions of the
people of Warm Springs are a proud part of the history
of Oregon and the Northwest. From their economic
strength to their social responsibility to their cultural
integrity, they contribute significantly to Oregon's
promise of continued prosperity."
The video will make its debut at the 50th anniversary
celebration. All are encouraged to see the film. It is a
vehicle through which viewers can gain accurate and
insightful knowledge of the Confederated Tribes of
Warm Springs.
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