2 November 7, 1996
Warm Springs, Oregon
Spilyay Tymoo
Deer addresses NCAI convention in Phoenix-
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As wc conic lo the end of President
Clinton's first term in office, it is
time to pause and reflect upon where
wc have been and where wc want to
go. This Administration is building a
bridge to the 21st century and I
welcome you lo join us as wc create
meaningful change for future
generations. History will reflect that
this Administration has done more lo
capture lhan any Administration
before it. Our job is far from done,
though working in consultation with
you wc can overcome existing
challenges.
I stand before you today with a
great sense of optimism and an even
stronger sense of direction. Time has
made mc wiser and ihc fights have
fortified my resolve! It is a credit to
everyone in this room and many
others who arc not here lhat not only
have wc survived the single most
brutal attack on Indian peoples since
the 83rd Congress instituted the
termination policy, but Indian tribes
arc stronger, better equipped, more
powerful, and have greater control
over what happens within tribal
communities lhan ever before in this
century.
At the same lime, Secretary Babbitt
and I have worked together to institute
new policies and procedures.
Consultation is mandatory when the
Deportment's actions affect tribal and
Indian interests. But, meaningful
policy implementation requires more
than words on paper; we've worked
hard to create a working environment
lhat embraces change, rather than
being skeptical of ii! For the first
them, Departmental employees have
been provided an array of materials to
aid their understanding of tribal
sovereignty, the govcrnmcnt-to-govemment
relationship and the trust
responsibility. Wc have established
formal, as well as informal, working
groups with other bureaus to ensure
better coordination in areas of
overlapping concern. With
understanding comes an opportunity
lo cultivate partnerships!
Self-determination and Self
government arc meaningful policies
today. The regulations were drafted
in a process of negotiation - not
dictation. Our experiments with the
negotiated rule-making process have
been extremely successful. They have
received broad tribal support and this
process has demonstrated lhat we can
reach consensus on some very difficult
issues.
Today, nearly 200 tribes arc
operating under sclf-govcrnancc
agreements, an increase of over 300
since I became Assistant Secretary of
Indian Affairs. Tribes now have an
unprecedented array of choices in how
services arc to be delivered within
tribal communities.
Never in history has there been
such a conscious, directed effort to
inform.cducatc.and involve the entire
Department on Indian issues. The
result is greatly enhanced
understanding throughour the Interior
Department about the federal Indian
issues. The result is greatly enhanced
understanding throughout the Interior
Department about the federal Indian
trust relationship and the duties it
creates. Educate today, rather than
litigale tomorrow, may be the lesson
learned!
Wc arc making progress on other
fronts as well. Over ihc past two
years, the BI A has led all deparuncnial
bureaus in closure of outstanding
audits. This is amaing progress
considering that when I started at
Interior wc had more than 100 audits
which had been waiting for a
management decision for six months
or more. It is even more remarkable if
one considers that BIA annual audit
workload exceeds the combined total
of thai of the National Park Service,
the Bureau of Land Management, the
Fish and Wildlife Service, and the
Bureau of Reclamation. And, we have
also made dramatic reductions in
reported material weaknesses. As a
result, for the first time ever the BIA
is able to provide a statement of
reasonable assurance to the Secretary
that their management processes meet
the requirements of the Federal
Managers Financial Integrity Act.
In spirit of consultation and
disclosure, wc have provided the most
complete comprehensive budget
information to tribes in the history of
Indian Affairs. As a result, tribal
leadership has more influence over
the Indian Affairs budget today than
ever before.
Wc have addressed and corrected
long-standing wrongs. Wc have
setded disputes in a manner fa vorablc
to tribal interests in cases which were
filed literally decadesago. The Crow
Boundary Dispute; the Colville
Bonneville Power settlement; the
Navajo-Hopi dispute; and many
others. Wc won on the question of the
status of Alaska Natives, alleviating
the uncertainty the Alaska Native
villages have been living with for
decades.
Wc got the ball rolling again on
confronting the water rights issues
after 20 years of stagnation and
endured that the Indian Affairs
assistant and field solicitors received
legal training on Indian water rights
to better prepare and equip them to
protect your interests.
In the budget wars of 1996, wc
made the Tribal Priority Allocation
and education, our top priority. Wc
fought against harmful amendments
and won on nearly all. When the
same attacks were launched against
the tribes in the '97 appropriations
process, wc once again mobilized,
with the help and the leadership of
President Clinton and Secretary
Babbitt, wc fought hard and defeated
al ill-conceived proposal lhat would
have forced tribes to adopt an all or
nothing approach to self
determination. Wc stopped harmful
amendments that would have halted
Interior approval of even voluntary
tribal-suttc compacts.
On a more pcrsonnal note, I would
like to share some of my thoughts
about the future of Indian Affairs and
the challenges wc all face as wc
proceed into the new millennium.
It is sometimes hard to think about
the big picture when the day is filled
with a thousand details and the
struggle is just about protecting what
wc have. Today, as in centuries past
Indian people have had to adopt a
defensive posture in order to survive.
This "under siege' mentality taxes
ourcrcativity and wcoftcn don't have
the ability to dream- to envision a
future with our encumbrances!
My life and my beliefs have been
most heavily shaped by my values as
a Menominee. To extinguish and
entire people is an unspeakable wrong
and I have spent my life working
against the possibility of a return to
such policies. This is why I first
decided to seek tribal office and this
is why I urge Indian people to
participate politically at all levels.
America's political leaders must
understand Indian right and they m ust
be held accountable. By the same
token, Indian people must be
encouraged to boldly step up and
assume leadership positions.
Throughout my life and especially
in the role of Assistant Secretary, I
have worked to shift control and
decision-making to tribal
governments because I believe tribal
governments should control (he
destinies of their own communities.
Some of the things wc have
accomplished during the past tour
years may not seem glamourous to
some, but they represent a
fundamental shift in the way the
Interior Department and the Bureau
do business with tribes.
Over the past ten years, a great
deal of lime, money, and energy has
been spent arranging and re-arranging
the boxes in the BIA's organization
plan. It is due three months from
now. If wc arc to avoid yet another
empty exercise, I believe wc need to
change the focus of the discussion.
Wc must radically alter the way wc
have been proceeding or I foresee yet
another in a long scries of
reorganization plans that tribes will
oppose and Congress will reject. I
call upon you today to work with us
to reverse the 30 years of failed reform
efforts and avoid the endless debates
as to how many boxes go where and
how many people go in each box.
My view is that wc need to re
direct our attention lo the results wc
want. What wc need to hear from
tribes is the level of performance you
expect from ihc BIA! If wc can agree
on performance goals - ihcn wc can
direct our managers to organize
themselves in a manner to deliver.
Then wc can hold managers directly
accountable for the results. I urge
you to consider working closely with
us on such an approach maybe not
for all programs at once, but in key
areas so that wc can build a strong
foundation. I submit thai this
approach has greater potential for
success and will alleviate the stress,
contention, and frustration that wcall
feel. In the past we've only treated
symptoms, now I challenge you to
look at the core problems and define
what is efficient and reasonable
fulfillment of your trust
responsibilities! That would be
meaningful dialogue that would
create systemic change!
You also need to spend some time
addressing the infrastructure needs
of tribal government. The
management and flow of information
between tribal and federal
governments is a key issue as wc
explore the shape of ihc federal Indian
relationship at the dawn of the 21st
century. Many tribes lack the
resources, tools, and manpower to
process and distribute information
effectively.
The governmental infrastructures
under which tribes operate, in many
cases needs to be rc-cxamincd. I have
been surprised by ihc number of tribal
requests for Secretarial approval of
codes, ordinances, and amendments.
Tribal governments arc sovereign
entities. Constitutions that require
Secretarial approval forevcry official
tribal governmental action harken
back to ihc daysof paternalism. There
is no federal legal basis to require
Secretarial approval for tribal for
tribal legislative action other than the
tribal constitutions themselves. The
approval process is slow, expensive ,
and often frustrating. It isn't
necessary. There is nothing sacred
about tribal constitutions which were
drafted by outsiders. Tribal
constitutions should truly reflect the
will of the people.
One of truly wonderful things
about serving as Assistant Secretary
for Indian Affairs is the opportunity
to meet, lalk and spend time with
Indian and Alaska Native peoples
from all the four directions. As
different as people may seem, the
words I have heard are remarkably
similar. The dreams arc about the
future. In closing, remember what
President Kennedy said, "some men
see things as they arc and say why? I
dream things that never were and say
why Not!" Our children deserve
largest share of our time, energy, and
resources - for they provide us security
in knowing that Indian and Alaska
Native peoples will be around to cross
that bridge not only into the 21st
century, but the centuries beyond.
Thank you and I challenge you all
to dream and ask "why not!"
Annual NCAI held in Phoenix, Arizona
The 53rd National Congress of
American Indians Annual conference
was held in Phoenix, Arizona,
Octobcr20-25, 1996. The conference
was filled with speakers, siminars,
beauty pageant.pow-wow, and a first
ever rodeo. The theme this year,
"Victory in Unity, the 96 Vote."
The convention brought together
tribal leaders from all parts of the
country and Alaska along with some
prominent high officials out of D.C.,
that addressed cultural issues of'
importance to tribal governments. All
issues pertaining to problems the
Indian people arc facing today.
Getting the Indian vote was a
major concern, as stated by NCAI
Chairman, Ron Allen. At this
gathering the focus will be on the
power of the Indian and Alaska nati ve
vole. The leaders feel that every vote
counts and during the election year
wc need all the votes weean get.. Wc
need people in office who will work
for and with the Native Americans.
The National Congress of
American Indians (NCAI) founded
in 1944, as consensus on national
priority issues and the need of unity
and cooperation among all Indian
governments. The Valley of the Sun
host tribes made preparations to
entertain more than 2,000 plus Indian
leaders who were to participate in the
Senior Party Parent
Meeting
Tuesday, Nov. 1 2
7:30 p.m. at MHS
Library
This is the last meeting
for the '96 calendar year.
All parents of Madras
High School seniors are
encouraged to attend.
week long gathering.
Youth and education is one of the
large issues facing the Indian
communities. It was announced on
Monday at the Phoenix Civic Plaza
during the opening of the week long
conference where Indian education
from across the nation, praised an
order signed by President Clinton,
that promises more federal tax dollars
for Indian colleges. The
announcement was made by Assistant
Secretary of the Interior, Ada Deer,
which is similar to recent order by
Pres. Clinton, boosting the ability of
pre dominantly African-American
and Hispanic colleges, to obtain
federal funds so they can compete
with other public and private
interscholastic of higher learning.
The nation's 29 Indian colleges
receive little funding from states and
private institutions. Past federal
actions have promised Indian
community colleges up to $6,000 per
's stutent a year, actual appropriations
last year were only $2,900, per
student, according to a report released
by the institute of higher Education
Policy in Washington D. C.
One of the highlights of the
conference was the Miss National
Congress of American Princess
pageant. There were a total of 14
contestants entered where the talent
was spread out so well that a flip of a
coin could have been the choice of
Miss NCAI. All the girls have
tremendous skill and ability. But this
years crown went to Miss Keducscha
Lara of the Hoopa tribe located in
Northern California. The new miss
NCAI, was crowned on Monday night
at the Hyatt Regency. Lara is 1 9 years
old and currently attending Humboldt
State University.
Miss Warm Springs, Sunmict D.
Minnick gave a great showing at the
pageant, but with all the talent so fine
where a toss of the coin could have
decided the winner. The young Indian
women were judged on their tribal
knowledge and presentation of
cultural background, presence,
appearance, personality,
communication skills and scholastic
achievement. The Fort McDowell
Indian Community, will award a
$10,000 scholarship to Miss'
Keducscha Lara , the new crowned
Princess. The new Miss NCAI, will
serve as the organization's official
ambassadress over the next year.
Local Council and Committee
members who were in attendance had
the opportunity to attend all the
workshops regarding, water rights,
housing, fish and wild life, health and
welfare the veterans affairs, education
and j ust about what ever a person was
interested in. Many resolutions were
drawn up for futhcr action in D.C.
The Secretary of the Interior was
one of the main speakers and the
following the presentation of Ada
Deer.
New manager
hired at Indian
Head
Indian Head Gaming's new man
ager Jeff Ford has his work cut out
for him. Not only must he make the
Tribe's gaming center more visible
throughout the state, he also is
charged with making a profit and
maintaining tribal member employ
ment. It's a big order.
Ford has vast knowledge in casino
management. He was most recently
employed by Harvey's Casino Re
sorts in Lake Tahoe. He worked as
the resort's vice-president of player
development and casinogamcs, vice
president of casino operations and
director of VIP casino services He
was with Harvey's from 1991 until
October 1996, when he was hired by
Indian Head Gaming. His first day at
Indian Head was October 26.
From 1988 to 1991, he worked
for Computer Aided Management, a
California-based company special
izing in assisting companies with
employee training.
From 1976 to 1986, Ford worked
in numerous positions with Harrah's
Hotel and Casino.
Coupled with improving Indian
Head's visibility is addressing the
casino's remoteness. Ford feels
management must take a very hard
look at this challenge. "It will be
difficult to overcome," he says. He
is concerned, too, with the lack of
"image" that has been created for the
ml T f,
Till ; I a f- . Jlm if
I J US' 'y''
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Tribe's newest economic endeavor.
There is a complicated formula that
determines the benefits of marketing
as opposed to the cost of marketing.
"We have to understand what mar
keting is getting us.. .No analysis has
been done," Ford asserts.
Many other challenges exist for
Ford. Indian Head has not made a
profit since it opened. Ford must
determine what the financial impli
cations will be for 1997 and identify
what the business will need in sala
ries, wages and costs to provide a
profit next year. He is also deter
mined tocrcalcapositiveand fruitful
dialog among supervisors, managers
and front-line employees. Ford is
"communication conscious" and
whole-heartedly believes in the
teamwork concept among the board
of directors, commissioners, casino
management team and employees.
He foresees no problems working
with the Board or the Commission
ers. He adds that the commissioners
serve as an "internal audit"
team.. .."they keep you sound. As
general manager, I welcome their
input. If we do something wrong, I
need to know about it so that we can
fix it."
Establishing Indian Head as THE
casino in Oregon will be a huge task,
but not one that Ford feels is im
possible to achieve. It will take hard
work and an innovate approach. "I
do not have a magic wand to make it
all work and be profitable," he says.
Ford and his wife Kellic have five
children, one of whom will be living
with them in Bend.
When should you report child abuse or neglect?
Spilyay Tymoo
Sid Miller
Donna Behrend
Selena T. Boise
Bob Medina
Dan Lawrence
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Founded in March 1976
Spilyay Tymoo is published bi-weekly by the Confederated
Tribes of Warm Springs. Our offices are located in the
basement of the Old Girl's Dorm at 1 1 15 Wasco Street Any
written materials to Spilyay Tymoo should be addressed to:
Spilyay Tymoo, P.O. Box 870, Warm Springs OR 97761
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Spilay Tymoo 19
Reporting Child Abuse and
Neglect
Child Abuse Reporting Law
The term child abuse and neglect
includes the physical or mental injury,
sexual abuse or exploitation,
negligent treatment or maltreatment
of a child. Juvenile court laws
authorize the court to provide
protection for children through
supervision in their own homes or in
substitute care. Harmful acts
perpetrated against children by
strangers or persons not in an ongoing
caretaker role are handled directly
by law enforcement, who will
determine whether a criminal act has
occurred. The tribe has the obligation
to intervene for the general welfare
of the child when there is a clear and
present danger to the child's health,
welfare, and safety. The tribe does
not intend to interfere with reasonable
parental discipline and child raising
practices that are not injurious to the
child.
Threat of Harm
Threat of harm includes all
activities, conditions, and persons
which place the child at substantial
risk of physical or sexual abuse,
neglect, or mental injury. Threat of
harm includes all actions, statements,
written or non-verbal messages
conveying threats of physical or
mental injury hich are serious
enough to unsettle the child's mind.
Who must report?
Any person who suspects that a
child is being abused or neglected or
is at risk of abuse or neglect.
According to Warm Springs Tribal
Code Section 305.140 "Any public
or private official having reasonable
cause to believe that any child with
whom the official comes in contact
has suffered abuse, or that any person
with whom the official comes in
contact has abused a child shall report
or cause a report to be made." Those
public or private officials include,
but are not limited to:
Doctor, nurse, dentist,
optometrist
School personnel
Any employee of child serving
agency
Police
Psychologist
Clergy
Social Worker
Any employee or provider of
day care, foster care
Attorney
Firefighters, EMT's, Therapist,
Counselor
Relatives
Neighbors
A referral should be considered a
request for an assessment of a
suspected incident or risk. It is a
beginning of a helping process for
children and their families.
Failure to report direct know ledge
of an act of child abuse or neglect is
itself an act of child abuse and neglect.
Who to contact to report
suspected abuse and
neglect?
A person making a report of child
abuse may make a report by telephone
orotherwise to Children's Protective
Services. If known, reports of
suspected child abuse shall contain
the following:
Name and address of person
reporting and the relationship to the
child
Name, address and DOB of the
child(ren)
Name and address of parents
The incident or circumstances
Location of incidents
Where parents can be contacted
Name and address of alleged
perpetrator
History of prior incidents
Present condition and location
of the child
Action taken to protect child, if
any
Will my report be
confidential?
The reporter's identity will remain
confidential to the full extent
allowable by law.
Can I be sued if I report?
Anyone participating in good faith
in the making of a report of child
abuse . Jid w ho has reasonable ground
for making the report, shall have
immunity from any liability, civil or
criminal, that might otherwise be
incurred or imposed with respect to
the making or content of such report.
Any such participant shall have the
same immunity with respect to
participating in any judicial
proceeding resulting from such
report.
What to say when reporting
suspected abuse and neglect.
1. Contact CPS at the number
listed below.
2. When CPS' receptionist or
secretary answers the line, inform
them that you are calling to report
suspected abuse or neglect. The
receptionist or secretary will route
your call to the appropriate person to
give the information of the suspected
abuse or neglect.
3. When your call is routed to the
appropriate person gi vc them as much
information that you can.
4. You can also make a report of
suspected abuse or neglect to your
local law enforcement agency.
Hours of operation
CPS Administration hours are
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to
5:00 p.m. If there is an emergency
after hours (5:00 p.m.) plcasecontact
the Warm Springs Police
Department.
Children's Protective Services,
P.O. Box C, 1109 Wasco Street,
Warm Sprines, OR 97761 . The CPS
phone number is (541) 553-3209
3216, FAX No. is (541) 553-1894.
I