Image provided by: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs; Warm Springs, OR
About Spilyay tymoo. (Warm Springs, Or.) 1976-current | View Entire Issue (May 4, 2000)
4 May 4, 2000 Warm Springs, Oregon SPILYAY TYMOO E Coosh EEWA: The way it is The Confederated Tribes are alwavs on llie look out for sonic king of project that could gener ate income for the tribes and at the present time wc are discuss ing to move our local gaming establishment from the Kah-Nee-Ta lodge, the Indian I lead Gam ing. It's very small compared to all other gaming centers across the country, as we voted to try it out for a five year period, in the be ginning, and that time period has elapsed and now we arc looking for a more convenient locution along highway 26, since our one location was disallowed by the Governor earlier. It isccrtain that studies arc still being made for a large gaming facility near the metropolitan area, but that's a way down the road at the present time. The location along the Columbia River, near I Iood River or possibly Cascade Locks, as time passes and u more suitublc time will come along. But at the present time we must do something to boost our revenue either by moving the Indian I lead Gaming, to a more suitable location. The wuy they are putting the issue to the tribal members that the Madras areu is the only hope for the tribes to be able to make ends meet. For this area in Central Oregon the population is in that area and it would really boost the economy there, making Madras aboom town, benefiting from ourcasino, and to make things work the Tribes would huve to contribute much to make this happen. There would be acertain percent that would have to go to the City of Madras, the police department would have to be increased which the tribes would have to foot. More police to arrest more Indians, like some people observe that all the police cars park along highway 26 between Madras and Warm Springs. There are some hidden expenses that would pop up in a move there, but to make things work we'd have to take care of those costs no matter what. What ever we do we must consider both sides of each chart that is shown to us, to clearly understand and get the true picture, are these charts accurate are just to make .a point look better. , Gaming is a big issue in Indian Country' and it's scary to some people, But like they say, "Life is a gamble," and almost everything a person does is a gamble. Gambling can effect a persons life style a great deal to where some become addicted to gambling, just like being addicted to alcohol and drugs. But on the other hand it can become beneficial in many ways, that's if one can control his actions. There are times when a person makes a big hit on the machines but in stead of setting some aside to where he would b ahead at the end, he goes and blows the whole thing back trying for that big one and ends up a loser. Employment?? Everyone always talks of providing employment for the local tribal members but in Madras??? Many people cannot drivetoMadras because they don'thave drivers license any more.There is atalkof shuttling employees to and from work... Have they done that atKah-Nee-Ta??No! Most people who are apposed to gambling have their reasons, some could be afraid that they may become addicted to gambling, as it goes some will stop a nothing even if it means blowing his whole pay check. Those are the king of people that don't belong in a gaming establish ment. And again there are some people who set limits on themselves, setting aside enough to gamble on and if that's gone he figures luck is not there so he quits. Sometimes a person can come out ahead with what he has allowed himself to spend at the casino and that's the best way to come out of the casino, that's ahead. Of course gambling shouldn't be our concern, the whole idea is for others to bring in the income for the tribes, and not for us to support our own gaming facility. Gaming in Indian country has done well for some tribes, where it has helped tribes for education, better homes, medical assistance and many other things. Today we have to sit down and produce a chart in our own minds on what route we should take. Consider the whole aspect of the whole operation and location. The fall of Siagon Just think it was 25 years ago April 30, that Saigon fell to the North . Vietnamese to mark the end of the war in that area. There was much confusion at the united States Embassy when they were evacuating their people as thousands of South Vietnamese wanted to leave the country also. Heilacopters were busy moving their own people out to the Aircraft that was awaiting off shore. After years of envolvement in that area the United States was finally pulling out, but there are so much that many veterans remember from their experiennce over there, their personal envolvement on those patrols in the jungles, the rainy days the hot sultcring days, all not very pleasent. There were many buddies that were lost over there and will never be forgotten. Toe TJiis guy said, "Vm growing old by myself. My wife hasn 7 had a birthday for several years. Y1KES ss ss Editor's Note Spilyay Tymoo welcomes articles and letters from its readers. All letters, preferably 300 words or less, must be signed by the author. Letters w ill not be printed unless signed. Thank you letters and poetry will be published at the editor's discretion. All letters are the opinion of the author and do not reflect in any w ay the opinion of Spilyay Tymoo. Spilyay Tymoo reserves the right to edit all copy OR refuse publication of any material that may contain libelous or malicious statements. IT 0 G Ness ss Where is justification for Tribal Council to travel to To my people, I huve a question? How many of you arc aware that in a few weeks wc are going to finance an eight day Hawaiian vacation? Not just for our Tribal leaders (Council. COO. ST, etc.). but also for members of their family ! It's true! How many of you are as appalled as I am? Somehow or another our leaders have been able to justify, to themselves at least, that spending somewhere in the neighborhood of $100,000 of our money to finance this wonderful "family getaway" is acceptable. (Most of them will tell you that the other party involved in the discussions is picking up "part" of the lab.) Where docs this figure come from? You have to remember that we're talking about probably 24-26 people. Some felt that only being allowed to bring their significant other was not enough. Remember, it's a "family getaway!" You have to account for airfare, room and board, a per diem of at least $250day (Hey Hawaii iscxpensive!), and of course each of our leaders needs their own rental car. You also have to take into account that although the actual time they will meet on the Pension Plan is three days, as I Tribal member To the editor, I read in the latest issue of the Spilyay Tymoo that a referendum vote is scheduled for May 23 to expand gaming on tribal trust lands located in Madras. I would like more information on this investment. There have been numerous activities taking place, but the tribal membership hasn't been informed on the finances, marketing position, and long term plans. It has been insulting to read off-reservation newspaper publications in Hood River and the associated press reports about these activities over the past year. ' ' NOTICE I have asked the gaming negotiat ing team to indicate in future corre spondence with the membership, that the Tribal Council vote was 5 to 4 supporting the Madras site. I read the April 20th edition of Spilyay Tymoo, and the negotiating team failed to mention that. Therefore, I want it to ' be known that I, Raymond Tsumpti, am one of the four that opposed the Tribal Council recommendation. How did control To the editor, How did the ST and his Cronies gain control of this Reservation? Why did this Tribal Council cut their own throats, and the voice of the people, they were elected to represent? They appointed this guy even after people warned them about why "He" and his "Cronies" were run out of Klamath Falls, even people from Klamath Falls told them. Even if they were only rumors, they should have been checked out. They and management, sure judge Tribal Members on rumors. Especially if someone doesn't share the same opinion. Or one they never thought of, they all act like they are "in awe" of these people. This bunch has made all "our" money making departments into "Separate Enterprises". But with the Boards made up of people from their own inner circle. They won't pick anybody who may have ideas that would benefit tribal members first. Like it should be. Now it appears this bunch is circling their wagons around Kah-Nee-Ta. Could it be that they finally figured out they couldn't sneak Happy Belated Easter to my sister Madeline Baker. I love you. From your sister Inez McKinley and crew in Warm Springs. I wish Joyce McKinley good luck and wonderful recovery for the future. We love you. Thank you to the people who had prayers for my sister. Inez & Frank and McKinley crew understand, they will still be on paid status the entire duration of their trip. What would your best estimate be to finance a trip like this? According to them, this trip is necessary for them to "get away" so that they may discuss the new Pension Plan. A local issue. It would be too disruptive for them to meet at our own beautiful vacation resort, Kah-Nee-Ta, located approximately 1 1 miles from here. How is it that they can justify a trip like this, especially when all I can recall hearing about the last few years is how we needed to find ways to cut our Tribal budget. Where is this money coming from is what I'd like to know. Most of you that work for our Tribal administration should understand what I'm talking about. How much time have you spent in the last few years trying to figure out where you were going lo make the mandatory cuts to your department budgets? Now think ubout all the stress you went through for months trying to figure this out. In a matter of a lew hours, our leaders have carelessly and unconscionably found a way to help nullify those efforts. I'm glad they feel we're financially stable enough to accommodate this trip. By feels basic communications severely lacking Besides the $1.9 million investment for economic development at Cascade Locks, how much did it cost for the Gaming Task Force and Gaming Board of Directors fees and expenses, the public relations consultant fees and expenses, additional consultants fees and expenses, and the attorney fees and expenses? It adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars when they are each receiving $150 an hour plus travel expenses. One of the new articles told of special luncheons that my tribe hosted at Hood River and Cascade Locks. I wondered why this For Sale Bead supply business. Can be home; mail order; andor shop based. Inventory includes bone, shells, brass, thread, needles, posters, fri nge, etc. Six large showcases, counter, display racks, etc. For further infor mation call Jo: (541) 689-5701 or write Jo Zollinger; 1181 River Loop I; Eugene, OR 97404. of reservation another fast one by Tribal Members? Finally realizing, that the real Indians don't share management's generosity, or share that "Warm Fuzzy Feeling" that management gets, when they make their White Brothers and Sisters happy. The "Indian Fighters" of Kah-Nee-Ta, don't even try and hide their contempt and bias against Indians anymore. The Head of Maintenance, who everyone knows, actually controls the hiring and firing at Kah-Nee-Ta, now believes he can openly call a Tribal member an Idiot in front of another member. We he just trying to get a rise out of that person to use against him later? Anyone, not management, who has had to deal with this guy can tell you some of the things he has pulled. The only ones who will believe Kah-Nee-Ta Management's denial, will be our Management. At the General Council meeting on Kah-Nee-Ta on April 25, 2000, we find out two of this bunch on Tribal Council, have put themselves on the Kah-Nee-Ta Board. They supposed to be picking "Honest" people, who have the Tribes best Honor dinner set Honor Dinner Date: Friday, May 12, 2000 Place: Agency Longhouse Time: 5:00 P.M. ii dinner Name giving Medicine singing Chieftain ship dinner to honor Nelson Wallulatum (41 years) Name giving for Nelson Wallulatum Medicine singing to follow All People Wel come Stone setting set for May 13 Stone settingdinner for Amelia Spino is set for Saturday, May 13, 2000. Servicesviewing at 9:00 A.M. at Dry Creek Cemetery, giveaway and dinner to follow at Rosaline Moran residence at 6333 Sunnyside Drive. If you have any questions, call Rosaline at 553-1857 (home) 553-2416 (work) or Winona Stwver at 553-1858 or Eddie Spino' at 553-1411. the way. when is the last time anyone received a "Cost of Living Adjustment?" It seems odd that the ST would be the person orchestrating this whole trip. Isn't this the same person who implemented a hiring freeze which is still in effect? Most of our leaders will argue until their blue in the face that this is an important issue that needs to be addressed. I certainly agree. There arc just a few things that I don't agree with that I would like to point out: I . I don't agree with paying out that much money to send everyone all the over to Hawaii to discuss a local issue. 2. Isn't there a Pension Committee? Who is on the committee and why arc they not all attending? Who are the ones that were given the responsibility to oversee this issue? I'm still a little confused about this. 3. For something that is so important, why is it that 4 council members have decided not to attend? I'm pietty sure that it had nothing to do with the conflict of schedules. Three of the four had previously been signed up to go. Now what could possibly be so important they would turn down an all expense paid trip to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands? I think that somewhere deep inside, these four was so secretive to the tribal membership. It has been mentioned that the temporary investment at Madras will cost $1 2 million. The investment for Indian Head Casino was approved at $6 million in 1993 and it has been a successful endeavor. Why should we invest additional millions of dollars for a temporary facility? A 1994 tribal member survey determined that Kah-Nee-Ta was the preferred site for a casino and we honored the wishes of the people. Why aren't we allowed input to the ' major plans for the next phase of gaming? We would like to be involved in the long-term goals and examine the alternative sites-rather than rely on expensive board membersconsultantsattorneys to make these decisions. A comprehensive plan was updated for our community, yet major decisions are being made without tribal member input. There is a pattern of reactionary management evident: in the gaming meetings at Hood River, the negotiations to give up millions of dollars to Hood River in order to fall into the hands of the ST? interest at heart. Not picking themselves. Now talk about "Conflict of Interest". By now everyone should know how "Honest," this bunch is. Or are they just very deeply concerned, about the welfare of themselves and their White Brothers and Sisters? Now, the "Apple" Dumpling Gang, along with both the Boards of Kah-Nee-Ta and Gaming, say they are "just" discussing combining Kah-Nee-Ta and Gaming? With the attitude of Kah-Nee-Ta in on it in the first place. Because of their mismanagement and attitude toward Indians. Did they forget all the complaints about members treatment at both establishments? They claim to be training tribal members. All I've seen is Youngsters with enough blood to be enrolled, being trained by a manager who was fired because of arrogant, bias attitude toward Indians. Listening to these youngsters talk, and watching their actions, they are being trained into this guys image. Then this guy gets rehired by "The Board". Was this done with the Councils blessing? So far, this bunch has signed away Apologies sent to brothers To the editor, Hi, my name is Taylor Arthur Sr. I know a lot of yall know me. I would like to thank all the people that work at Spilyay for sending me the Rez news. I would also like to send out an apology to Gilbert Kalama and his brother Simon for doing something that was very wrong of me in my actions. I'd also like to sent shut-outs to my TRU N8IVES Sncak-dog, Egg-Shen, Mook-dog and The Mobb for representin. I'd like to tell my snake brothers in the "pit" to keep ya head up and remember to keep it real. Later days Tavlor Arthur Sr. 64177065 Hawaii? must have concluded that may he. just maybe, they could not fully justify this act. It is actually quite commendable on their part. At least they took a step back and took a better look at what they were about to do and decided to go against the majority. I low long are we going to continue to sit back and allow issues like this to continue without question? What type of precedent does this set for future councils? I think it is time for u s to remind our leaders that they are expected to act in ways that arc most beneficial to the interest of the Members of our Tribe. They are not put there to be self-serving. I think this has temporarily been "forgotten" by many of our leaders. The burden is placed upon all of us to let them know exactly how we feci, not only about this particular situation, but other issues as well. We must decide as a community that the only way to get our point across is to SPEAK UP! Speak up for yourself, your family, and most importantly your community. We control our own destiny, if we so choose. Speak up and make sure that you arc heard. Jacob S. Coochise Concerned Tribal Member establish a casino, the denial from Governor Kilzhabcr for an off reservation casino, the $1.9 million purchase of Government Island, and now a temporary casino at Madras. All of these activities are time consuming and very expensive. The Warm Springs task force offered large dollar proceeds to the Hood River community during the negotiations. Why should we give away millions to Hood River or Cascade Locks when we have the sovereign right to do what we please with our land? I recommend that a five-year strategic plan (with input from the tribal membership) to put us in a more proactive position. What has happened to the proceeds of revenue from Indian Head Casino? Are we providing funds for education, health, and housing like we promised we would? Basic communications are severely lacking, and to finally receive a mail-out and newspaper updates at this point leads me to believe that the tribal membership are an afterthought! We'd like to make an informed vote on May 23. Respectfully, Nak'ishayat (Aurolyn Watlamet) treaty water rights, were ignorant of or just plain threw out the Tribal Constitution and By-Laws, formed more management positions, appointed themselves to boards, put people that they can control or that think just like them and spent millions of dollars of Tribal money without even letting Tribal members know, cut services to the Tribes, but making sure management (a lot of them) non Indians are taken care of first, and seem to have forgotten the people who entrusted these "Seats of Authority" to them. These fellas don't seem to care what the Indian people even think of them, or what Tribal members think at all. If they don't get what they want, I think we better watch out, they may have something else up their sleeve, just so they can continue to live in the style that they have grown accustomed to. Why do we keep putting up with an "Employee" spitting in the face of the "Employee?" Even High School students have been discussing corruption on this Reservation, during their class time. Victor Moses Tribal member Thanks uncle! To the editor, Thank you going out to my dear est uncle Albert Comedown and Laura Comedown for their support in my recovery for my graduation for my graduation over in Elma, Wash ington March 28, 00. I've graduated 45 day program in helping myself from a big time relapse search for help went to treatment searched myself and to know I found out who lam now. I'm very thankful for your support. And love you for going to Elma, Washington way up by Olympia, WA 300 miles from Cana dian border. Thanks Uncle Albert and Laura Comedown. Darlia Davis 45938 Minthorn Lane Pendleton, OR 97801
